Policies

Communication Policy

I love hearing from my students!  Please use Pronto to message me.  You will hear from me within 24 hours, usually much sooner.   There is nothing too trivial to email me about, and I will never feel "bugged" by too many message from you. 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 that I pride myself on prompt responses.

• It is critical that you check your email and course announcements at least every other day while taking this class, and it is your responsibility to make sure the email address on SURF and Canvas is correct.  All course announcements are sent through Canvas, so make sure that you have your notifications set up correctly.

• Make sure you have access to Pronto.  This is a communication tool that I will be using to easily communicate reminders and help.

• The semester goes quickly and life happens!  For that reason, it's really important to log in multiple times per week and keep up with the material.  It helps to do a little every day if possible.  Don't leave assignments until the last minute!  Please communicate with me if you know you will be absent from the online environment for more than 2-3 days, and let's work together to ensure that you can stay on track.  

Attendance Policy

Attendance is essential to your success in this course. Please log in to the class early and often so that you can stay on top of the assignments and readings for the week. This is particularly important during the first week of class. If you have not completed the first due date's assignments by the deadline, I am required to drop you from the course as a “No Show”; this also gives other students the ability to join the class from the waitlist. Please make sure you complete the assignment readings and assignments as early as your schedule allows that week. 

You may be dropped for excessive absences.  For online courses, not logging in for an entire week is considered excessive absences.  In the event that this does happen, make sure to keep an open line of communication.  Missing an exam may also result in being dropped from the course.  

By communicating with me early and often, I can make sure you have all the resources you need to complete this course.

Dropping the Course

If you choose to drop the course, you can do this through SURF.  If you do not complete this by the deadlines listed in the catalog, you will receive a failing grade. Before dropping the class, please see your counselor!

Academic Honesty

MiraCosta College requires reporting of ALL instances of academic dishonesty as Academic Integrity Violations. These include:

• • copying another student’s homework and submitting it as your own

  • bringing in and using notes or supplemental materials when none are allowed

  • submitting work or information from an internet source as your own material (without noting it as a reference/resource)

  • allowing another student to copy your work and submit it.  To avoid this, don’t give your work to someone else.  Working together means sharing ideas and discussing concepts, and is acceptable; each student must independently write their own solutions and responses.

  • discussing exam questions with another student who has not yet taken their exam.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Assignments and Assessments: 

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.

Guidelines for AI Use:

• Consultation: 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.  I recommend using the course ChatBot for help.

• Showing Your Work: In Mathematics, demonstrating your work step-by-step is crucial. This practice not only helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving strategies but also ensures academic integrity. Reliance on AI tools without understanding the underlying concepts can impede your growth in these essential skills.

• AI in Assessments: For assessments, such as 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 tools during assessments will be considered a violation of academic integrity policies 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.

Please remember that the goal of this course is to enhance your understanding and mastery of mathematical concepts. Using AI should support this goal rather than detract from it. Properly integrating AI tools into your learning process can be beneficial, but misuse can lead to significant academic and personal setbacks.

Exams

You are to work by yourself and may not seek help from another person or the internet in any way. If I doubt that the work submitted is yours, I will arrange for an oral exam where a new set of questions will be asked. The grade that you will receive from the oral exam will be recorded and will replaced your written exam grade.

Privacy, Intellectual Property and Course Materials 

As a faculty member, I own the copyright to my academic works (lecture notes, videos, quizzes, exams, and other course materials).  Please use the course materials in a manner that is fair and honest. Do not share course materials with anyone who is not enrolled in this class.  Do not post course materials to any website other than our Canvas course site.  

All students have privacy rights.  Please do not share classmates' contributions with anyone not enrolled in our course.

Online Etiquette

Often referred to as "netiquette," here is a gentle reminder of the interaction practices and rules we'll follow in all our interactions in this course.

If you ever feel that someone is not following these rules, please send an email to me using the Canvas Inbox and describe your concerns.

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