Policies

Communication:

Communication is essential to success in this course. We all must work a little harder to communicate our ideas clearly and understand the perspectives of others. I will post frequent announcements in Canvas to update you on course topics and assignments. We will also engage in weekly shared discussions. Whenever you communicate with others, you are encouraged to express your perspective genuinely and to demonstrate respect for others by editing for clarity and a respectful tone.

Attendance:

Your presence in the classroom matters. Sharing your ideas and your work, as well as reflecting on the ideas and the work of your peers, promotes learning and critical thinking. Your presence also enables you to follow the progression of the course and to stay current with our course activities and assignments. I invite you to prioritize regular attendance, and you are welcome to attend even if you are running late or need to leave early. Please speak with me in advance if you expect to be absent multiple days in a row. If you miss more than three classes without notifying me in advance, you may be dropped from the course.

Grading:

Grading is a necessary aspect of this course. I grade all informal assignments (freewrites and discussion posts) using a 5/3/0 scale based on word count, content, and clarity. I typically grade informal assignments within 24 hours of the due date. I grade our formal assignments (writing projects and the portfolio) using the rubrics provided on Canvas. I usually grade formal assignments within two weeks. In all cases, you may view your score and feedback using the Grades tab on Canvas. If you encounter challenges attempting to view your feedback, please message me on Canvas so I can provide you with another access method.

Late Work:

Late work is not a strategy for academic success. Each assignment in our class will advance your academic skills, and you will likely find it difficult to progress if you have not completed previous assignments. However, I understand that things come up throughout the semester. I value your engagement with our course assignments more than I value deadlines. You may submit assignments a week after the due date for full credit (freewrites, discussion posts, and writing projects are all included in this policy). Assignments submitted more than a week after the due date will receive a flat 20% penalty. Assignments submitted more than two weeks after the due date will receive a zero.

Academic Honesty:

The principles of truth and honesty are recognized as fundamental to a community of scholars and teachers. Plagiarism is “the use of distinctive ideas or works belonging to another person without providing adequate acknowledgment of that person’s contribution.” Plagiarism is a serious offense, as it hinders students from engaging in their own learning and growth. If you are ever unsure whether you are correctly citing your sources, or you are struggling to complete an assignment and feel tempted to plagiarize, please speak to me so that I can assist you.

Revisions To The Syllabus:

Revisions to the syllabus may occur throughout the semester to better reflect and accommodate the learning done within and outside the classroom. I will provide you with advance notice of any revisions.

Thanks For Being Here:

I believe learning is a lifelong process. In an educational setting, that process should be student-centered, equity-minded, culturally responsive, and inclusive from course design to curriculum to support services. It should also be a safe space for sharing your knowledge, experience, and voice. In my class, your culture, background, and voice matter, and I am committed to providing you with the support you need to reach your personal, educational, and professional goals.

I enjoy teaching, sharing information, and exchanging ideas. Each semester is different for me and equally exciting because I get to engage with and learn from my students. I am happy you are taking this course and I am looking forward to learning alongside you this semester!