COMM 1511: Grading

Since all of the assignments build upon one another, I know that it is important for you to have assignments graded quickly. I typically return your graded assignments within 72 hours of the due date. While I encourage you to submit early, I usually wait until after the assignment's due date to begin grading.

Late work is typically worth half credit. However, sometimes life attacks in ways none of us can predict. For these instances, I allow excused absences.  If you believe that your absence should be excused and your late work should receive full credit you will need to provide appropriate proof of necessity: Note from doctor, receipt from auto shop, hospital admittance form, conference name tag with date of conference, note from childcare provider or your child’s school or other verifiable proof of necessity. Examples of unacceptable proof: Note from your parent, your schedule for another class with a deadline highlighted, a sad story with no tangible proof of necessity,  or other empty-handed Zoom office visit with no proof provided. 

• Please review your grades regularly on Canvas. Make sure to uncheck the “Calculate based only on graded assignments” box. If you don’t your grade may not be accurate.

• Notify me immediately if you feel a grade does not reflect the quality of your work.  We'll meet to work out a solution.

• I've occasionally made mistakes when I've entered final grades. If your final grade differs from the grade we discuss on the last day of class, contact me immediately and we'll work out a solution.

• While an "Incomplete" grade is an option when life attacks, Taft college limits incompletes to situations in which you've already completed 60% of the course and you've had prolonged, continuous and excused absences in the 2nd half of the course.

• If you haven’t completed 60% of the course and you’ve been hospitalized during a significant portion of the semester you can seek a medical withdrawal from the course. Contact admissions to request a “medical withdrawal” before finals week begins.  Medical withdrawals don’t negatively affect your recorded course attempts for admissions purposes or financial aid. However, any financial aid you received to take courses that you dropped with a medical withdrawal may have to be repaid.