Communication Policy

I love hearing from my students! Please use Pronto to contact me. You will hear from me within 24 hours during weekdays, usually much sooner. There is nothing too trivial to reach out about, and I will never feel "bugged" by your questions. No question or concern is too small, and there's no such thing as a "stupid question." Please be aware that I may not check email on weekends or evenings, but I pride myself on prompt responses during business hours.

Key Communication Guidelines:

• • Stay Connected: Check your email and course announcements at least every other day while taking this class. It is your responsibility to ensure the email address on SURF and Canvas is correct.

  • Canvas Notifications: All course announcements are sent through Canvas, so make sure your notification preferences are set up correctly to receive timely updates.

  • Use Pronto: Make sure you have access to Pronto. This communication tool allows for quick reminders, help, and general course discussions. Your classmates might even help answer your questions there!

  • Stay Engaged: Summer moves fast and life happens! Log in regularly and keep up with the material. Don't leave assignments until the last minute.

  • Communicate Absences: Please contact me if you know you will be away from the course for more than 2-3 days. Summer has very little buffer time, so the sooner we connect, the more options we have.

  • Flexible Meeting Times: Since office hours are by appointment this summer, just message me on Pronto or email me and we'll find a time that works.

Response Time Expectations:

• Monday-Friday: Within 24 hours (usually much sooner)

• Weekends/Evenings: I may not respond immediately, but will get back to you by the next business day

• Urgent matters: Use Pronto for the quickest response

Attendance Policy

Attendance is essential to your success in this course. In our online class, your attendance is demonstrated through active participation and timely completion of assignments. Success in calculus requires consistent engagement with the material, so please log in regularly and stay current with each week's work.

First Week Requirements: This is especially critical during the first week of class. If you have not logged in or completed the Getting Started module by the deadline on June 9, I am required to drop you from the course as a "No Show." This policy also allows other students to join the class from the waitlist.

Ongoing Participation Expectations:

• Log in regularly to check announcements and complete assignments.

• Start your work early in the week rather than waiting until the Tuesday deadline.

• Stay engaged with course materials consistently throughout the summer.

Excessive Absence Policy: If you are inactive from the online environment for an entire week and have not completed assignments ahead of time, this constitutes excessive absence and may result in being dropped from the course. Missing an exam may also result in being dropped from the course.

Communication is Key: Summer moves quickly and life happens! If you anticipate being away from the course for more than 2-3 days, please reach out to me in advance. The sooner we connect, the more options we have to keep you on track.

Dropping the Course

How to Drop: If you choose to drop the course, you can do this through SURF.

Important Deadlines: Please refer to the Important Dates section of this syllabus for drop deadlines. If you do not complete the drop process by the applicable deadline, you may receive a W (withdrawal) or a failing grade on your record. These deadlines are firm.

Before You Drop - Get Support: Before dropping the class, please see your counselor! Academic counselors can help you explore alternatives such as:

• Tutoring resources and study strategies

• Time management support

• Alternative course scheduling options

• Academic accommodations if applicable

• Financial aid implications of dropping

Please Reach Out to Me First: If you are struggling and considering dropping, please contact me through Pronto or the Canvas inbox before making that decision. Summer moves fast, but there is often more we can do than it might feel like in the moment.

Resources for Support:

• Academic Counseling Services

• The Learning Centers (TLC)

• My office hours (by appointment this summer)

Remember: Dropping a course can impact your academic progress, financial aid, and graduation timeline. Make sure you understand all the implications before making this decision.

Academic Honesty

MiraCosta College requires reporting of ALL instances of academic dishonesty as Academic Integrity Violations. Maintaining academic integrity is essential for your learning and for the value of your education.

Examples of Academic Dishonesty Include:

• Copying Work: Copying another student's homework, assignments, or exam responses and submitting them as your own

• Unauthorized Materials: Bringing unauthorized materials into your proctored exam, such as notes or unapproved calculators

• Plagiarism: Submitting work or information from internet sources as your own material without proper citation or acknowledgment as a reference/resource

• Facilitating Dishonesty: Allowing another student to copy your work and submit it as their own. Working together means sharing ideas and discussing concepts, which is encouraged. However, each student must independently write their own solutions and responses.

• Exam Integrity Violations: Discussing exam questions with another student who has not yet taken their exam, or sharing exam content outside of the designated testing period

• Unauthorized Use of Technology: Using online homework help sites, solution manuals, or AI tools inappropriately (see AI policy for specific guidelines)

Collaboration vs. Academic Dishonesty:

• Acceptable: Discussing concepts, sharing study strategies, explaining general approaches to problem types

• Not Acceptable: Sharing completed solutions, copying work, or allowing others to copy your work

Consequences: Academic integrity violations will be reported to the college and may result in:

• Failure on the assignment or exam

• Failure in the course

• Disciplinary action through the college's academic integrity process

When in Doubt: If you're unsure whether something constitutes academic dishonesty, please ask me before proceeding. I'm here to help you succeed with integrity.

Artificial Intelligence Policy: 

Students may consider using AI tools such as ChatGPT to assist with assignments. While AI can be a valuable resource, it is important to recognize its strengths, weaknesses, and ethical considerations. Depending on its application, AI can either aid or hinder your learning process.

Serena's ChatBot: This course has an AI tool built specifically for Math 150 and accessible directly through Canvas. Unlike general AI tools, Serena's ChatBot is designed to support your learning in this course without just giving you answers. I encourage you to use it when you are stuck — it is an approved resource for homework and studying.

Guidelines for AI Use:

• Consultation and Communication: If you plan to use AI tools for assignments, I encourage you to communicate with me first. I can provide guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your use of AI aligns with the course's learning objectives.

• Showing Your Work: In mathematics, demonstrating your work step-by-step is essential. This practice develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Relying on AI without understanding the underlying concepts will hurt you on exams, where you are on your own.

• AI in Assessments: For all quizzes and exams, the use of AI tools is strictly prohibited. Assessments are designed to evaluate your individual understanding and mastery of the material. Unauthorized use of AI during assessments is a violation of academic integrity policy and will result in disciplinary action.

• Ethical Considerations: The use of AI tools should be ethical and responsible. Misrepresentation of AI-generated work as your own violates academic honesty principles. Ensure that any assistance you receive from AI is properly acknowledged and that you maintain the integrity of your own work.

Learning Goals: The goal of this course is to deepen your understanding and mastery of calculus. AI should support that goal, not replace the thinking. Used well, it can be a powerful study tool. Used as a shortcut, it will leave you underprepared when it matters most.

Exams

Exam Format: All exams are taken in person at the Academic Proctoring Center (APC). Please refer to the Proctored Exams section of this syllabus for scheduling information and exam window dates.

Exam Integrity: You must work independently on all exams. No notes, outside resources, or assistance from another person are permitted. All exams are closed-book with no notes allowed.

Academic Integrity Verification: If I have concerns about the authenticity of your submitted work, I will arrange an oral exam where you will be asked a new set of questions covering the same material. The grade from the oral exam will replace your original exam grade.

Exam Scheduling: All exams have designated testing windows. If you cannot test during the scheduled window, contact me in advance to arrange early testing. Missing an exam without prior communication may result in being dropped from the course.

Privacy, Intellectual Property and Course Materials 

Copyright Protection: As the course instructor, I hold copyright to all academic materials including lecture notes, videos, quizzes, exams, and other course content. Please use these materials responsibly and ethically.

Acceptable Use Guidelines:

• Course materials are for your personal educational use only

• Do not share course materials with anyone not enrolled in this class

• Do not post course materials to websites other than our Canvas course site

• Unauthorized distribution of course materials violates copyright law

Student Privacy Rights: All students have privacy rights that must be respected. Please do not share classmates' contributions, discussions, or personal information with anyone outside our course.

Online Etiquette

Creating a Positive Learning Environment: Often referred to as "netiquette," these interaction practices help us maintain a respectful and productive online learning community.

Core Expectations:

• Communicate respectfully and professionally in all course interactions

• Use appropriate language in discussions and emails

• Be patient and supportive with classmates who may be struggling

• Stay on topic in course communications

• Respect diverse perspectives and experiences

Reporting Concerns: If you feel someone is not following these guidelines or if you experience any form of inappropriate behavior, please contact me immediately using the Canvas Inbox. Describe your concerns in detail so I can address the situation promptly.

Additional Resources: View a text-only version of The Core Rules of Netiquette in a new window.