Policies

Mathematics is not a subject that is learned best by watching – it is learned best by doing! 

Make sure you are staying current each week.

Communication Policy

I love hearing from my students! Please use the Canvas inbox or 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: The semester moves quickly and life happens! 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!

  • Communicate Absences: Please contact me if you know you will be absent from the online environment for more than 2-3 days. Let's work together to ensure you can stay on track with the course material.

  • Flexible Meeting Times: If you need to meet outside of regular office hours, please message me to arrange an alternative time that works for both of us.

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 in discussion boards and timely completion of assignments. Success in mathematics requires consistent engagement with the material, so please log in to the class regularly to stay current with assignments and readings.

First Week Requirements: This is particularly critical during the first week of class. If you have not logged in by the first day or completed the first module's discussion board and assignments by the deadline, 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 multiple times per week to check announcements, complete assignments, and participate in discussions

• Complete assignments and readings as early as your schedule allows each week

• Stay engaged with course materials consistently throughout the semester

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: The semester moves quickly and life happens! If you anticipate being absent from the online environment for more than 2-3 days, please communicate with me in advance. By maintaining open communication early and often, I can ensure you have all the resources needed to complete this course successfully.

Remember: Proactive communication and consistent engagement are your best strategies for success in this online format.

Dropping the Course

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

Important Deadlines: If you do not complete the drop process by the deadlines listed in the academic catalog, you will receive a failing grade for the course. These deadlines are firm and cannot be extended.

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

Communication is Key: If you are considering dropping due to course challenges, please reach out to me first through Pronto or Canvas inbox. Often, we can work together to find solutions that help you succeed in the course rather than dropping.

Resources for Support:

• Academic Counseling Services

• Tutoring Center

• My office hours (M&W 11am-12pm via Zoom or in-person in OC3622)

• Student Success Center

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 in and using notes, calculators, or supplemental materials during exams when none are allowed

• 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. To avoid this, don't share your completed work with others. Remember: working together means sharing ideas and discussing concepts, which is acceptable and 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.

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 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.

• Learning Goals: 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

Exam Integrity: You must work independently on all exams and may not seek help from another person, the internet, or any unauthorized resources. All exams are closed-book unless otherwise specified.

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 written exam grade.

Exam Scheduling: All exams have designated testing windows. If you cannot take an exam 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 discussion forums

• 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.