I am obligated by federal regulations & GCC to present a Participation/Attendance Policy. However, my teaching philosophy requires me to provide you support and options. I'm on your side.
Attendance or Participation is never measured by ‘logging-in’ or time spent in Canvas. Students must fully engage in the weekly activities. Participation in an online course is equivalent to completing class discussions and activities. A class discussion requires students to initially respond to the Discussion prompt. However, full participation requires students to reply to posts presented by their peers. A rubric will be available to inspire your work.
Announcements are part of instruction. The purpose of Announcements is to frame our course discussions, inform the class on any important issue with the class, and to remind the class on upcoming deadlines. Some Announcements will present required action to take place. Therefore, it is essential to read all the Announcements as they come through. Sometimes incentive points are granted to students if an action is completed. Failure to read Announcements may result in course confusion. I'll alert the class via Pronto when an Announcement is published.
Week 1: All students must be checked in by Thursday of week 1. "Check In Activities" will be placed in Week 1. Deadlines are posted. Unfortunately, GCC requires me to drop students who do not meet the Check-In Deadlines. This policy is in place to provide waitlisted students to be added into the class.
If you have not responded to my warning email which will come at the end of the week, GCC requires me to drop you from the course. This is why I am constantly communicating with students. However, it is your responsibility to drop a course if you no longer want to participate. It's totally fine. Sometimes we just have to choose our own capacity. These are crappy times. Choose YOU! I will be here when you're ready.
I understand some weeks will be better than others. However, all I'm asking is for you to communicate with me via Canvas Inbox or even Pronto. We will come up with a solution. But not hearing from you makes it very difficult for me to help you. I am required by federal regulation to maintain regular and authentic contact with all students. Students must be dropped if they are not active. In this class, inactivity for a week indicates enough "absences" to drop a student. Remember that one week of our accelerated course is equivalent to 2 weeks of a regularly scheduled class. Just communicate with me. I trust you. We can work something out.
But wait! There are options to save your GPA. Given the number of challenges you are facing, most colleges across the country are doing their best to accommodate students by adjusting grading rules and regulations. Consult your academic counselor. They will provide guidance to help you make an informed decision for your particular situation. Don't let a grade cause you stress. GCC is here for you.
"Universities look for perseverance, a unique contribution to their environment, and a good story from a student versus a high GPA. Struggle demonstrates resilience."
Fabiola Torres, Ethnic Studies Professor at Glendale Community College, California