Course Philosophy

Our class is a safe learning environment. We are a community of readers and writers with one goal: to learn how to unpack and use language in an interesting, logical, and respective manner. Yes, I believe everyone can write well and read critically. I am your biggest cheerleader, and so are your classmates. 

In an online environment, I understand it may be difficult to reach our community, but you are not alone. By being open to receiving questions, comments, and critiques, not only will you grow as a writer, but you will also expand your network. 

Netiquette

We will be working directly with an array of people from different backgrounds, who have varying experiences and abilities. It is important to take these factors into consideration when engaging in discussion board posts, or any collaborative environment.

Please be critical of someone's work, but avoid attacking their person. I want our space to be a safe zone for everyone to enjoy.

Communication

I am mostly always available to help you. I do not respond to emails, messages, or grade Friday-Sunday. In general, you will receive a response M-TH, and usually between 24-48 hours after sending your message.

The best places to send a message is through Canvas Inbox. My email is also a good backup, but I more responsive to Canvas messages.

Office Hours

Meet with me virtually on Zoom every Monday (9am-12pm) and Wednesday (1pm-3pm). If these times do not work for you, you are welcome to send me an email and request a different time

Video Messages

Can't find time to meet with me on Zoom? No problem! You can also request that I respond to your Canvas Inbox message with a video.

If an emergency does arise, you are welcome to leave a message. Assume that if your situation reflects the Emergency Policy, then you will automatically be granted the extension. You don't need to wait for my response for approval! See the Emergency Policy (below) for more information.

Attendance & Active Participation

We do a lot of collaborative and collective learning even in a digital space which means that your active participation will determine, not just your success, but your peers as well.

In Person Students - First Day

Please arrive on time on February 5th, 2024 (Monday) at 9:35am-11am / 11:10am -12:35pm in Juniper 801. 

How do you take attendance in person?

I am committed to getting to know you by your whole name! To do this, I will place you in a homegroup with an assigned seating arrangement. This helps me know how is present and on time. 

No-Show

On the first day of class February 5th, 2024, you will need to be in class. If you do not show up on the first day of class, you will be considered a “no show,” and will be dropped from the course.

Punctuality and Tardiness 

Given that we collaborate and complete exercises in class, you are expected to arrive before or on time. Students who arrive 10 minutes late will be marked late

Online Students - First Day

No-Show

On the first day of class ______, you will need to complete the following activities for first-time attendance:

• Log into Canvas

• Complete the Orientation Module

• Participate in the First Day Module (Unit 0)

If you do not complete the activities within one (1) week from the beginning of the course, you will be dropped as a "no-show" student.

How do you take attendance online?

Completing assignments is considered attendance. You are attending class in that you're completing the work. Students who miss 3 consecutive assignments will be dropped from the course.

You will receive a helpful nudge from me, via Canvas inbox, after each time you miss an assignment. If you do not follow-up to those messages, I will assume you are not interested in pursuing the course any further. By the third nudge, I will wait for up to a week for a response. Once that week has passed, you will be dropped from the course.

All Students – Absences 

Planned Absence

If you have a planned absence, be sure to check the class schedule to see what assignments are due. Additionally, please contact me in advanced so that I can help you make proper accommodations.

Emergencies

It is not uncommon for emergency situations to arise. Emergency situations include:

• Your physical, emotional, and mental well-being and health

• Job Conflicts

• Care-giver situations

• Cultural Obligations

• Technological/Resource accessibility

Like a planned absence, if you have an emergency, be sure to contact me as soon as possible. If I see that you are inactive, I will ensure to check in and see how you’re doing, and how I can help before dropping you from the course. Your success is important to me

COVID & Illness Policy

We are still working through a pandemic, which means there is a likelihood that you may be ill at some point during the semester.

If you suspect that you are ill––with COVID or the flu, or any other contagious virus––stay home. In a small classroom space, and in a collaborative environment, it will be easy to spread illness to others, which can impact some individuals more than others. It is my duty to ensure all students are well and thriving. 

Upon returning to campus, please wear a mask until your symptoms clear up. In other words, if you are still coughing, sneezing, etc., please wear a mask.

Late Work

I understand that emergencies can occur at any time during the semester and that sometimes you will be unable to complete an assignment on time.

Check Availability Date (Available To)

Students can submit late work,  no questions asked, until the date Available To date. 

On Canvas, it will show the due date, as well as Available From and Available To.

What can we do if the emergency goes beyond the Available To date?

The first step is to notify me ASAP by email, granilaj@piercecollege.edu, or to send me a message through Canvas with the subject title: EMERGENCY.

Depending on the severity of your situation, technological or otherwise, we can negotiate a new deadline that will allow you to submit the work without penalty (incompletion) and still maintain the expectations and integrity of the classroom.

Once the submission portals close, however, they are closed permanently and will not be reopened.

Missing Work and Excused Credit

I do not offer extra credit. However, the following, smaller assignments can be excused if the student completes tutoring or a tutoring workshop (with proof).

• Missed In-class Writing Exercises 

• Peer Reviews

Excuses cannot be given to major assignments like the Persuasive Essay, Cause/Effect Essay, or Compare and Contrast Essay. 

• Additionally, students can only use up to three (3) tutoring sessions to excuse any 3 small assignments. 

• Moreover, all contracts are permitted to miss a certain number of small assignments––no questions asked. If you exceed the number of missed for that category, then you may use a tutoring session.

Revision Policy

I believe in second chances.

If you receive an incomplete on their first or second essay, you may resubmit your paper for completion. There are a few steps you will need to take should you choose to submit a revision:

Final Draft with Annotation Revision and Resubmission

There are a few steps you will need to take should you choose to submit a revision:

How to ensure your work is complete

• Reflect on your current score; what were my comments? How can I improve this paper on my own?

• Meet with me during office hours to discuss your revision plan.

• Meet with a CAS tutor for additional assistance.