Ocean Lab

Greetings scholars!

My name is Heather Kokorowski, and I am excited to serve as your instructor for Oceanography Lab. Please take 1 minute to view my video, then explore the rest of this Welcome Syllabus to learn more about our course! 

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Prof. Kokorowski

What you can expect from me:

1. I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.

2. I will offer a variety of multimedia resources and assignment formats to support different learning styles and needs.

3. I will provide timely grading and meaningful feedback so you always know where you stand and how you can continue to improve. I will also be actively present in your learning.

4. I will foster a supportive and respectful environment where you feel safe sharing your thoughts and ideas.

5. While due dates are important for keeping pace, I offer a built-in 48-hour grace period with a small late penalty (1% per hour) to help you stay on track without falling too far behind.

6. I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.

7. I will treat you with dignity and respect, and I’ll work with you to balance academic expectations with your individual circumstances.

8. I won’t be perfect. I’m human too, and I’ll make mistakes. But just like I ask of you, I’ll treat those moments as opportunities to reflect, learn, and grow..

What I will expect from you:

1. You strive to be an active participant in this course and strive to meet due dates.

2. You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.

3. You will contact me, ahead of the deadline if at all possible, if you have a concern with meeting a due date.

4. You strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.

5. You will treat your peers with dignity and respect. We are all here to learn.

6. You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups; expect them. We will get through them together.

7. You will do your own work. We want to hear your ideas, even if they’re imperfect. Relying on AI or other shortcuts might seem easier, but it takes away your chance to learn and grow. Trust yourself and your abilities. Using your own words shows that you are learning! 

8. You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes, and view them as an opportunity to learn and grow.

How to Contact Me

My preferred contact method is through the Canvas Inbox. If you contact me Monday-Friday, I will respond within 24 hours (usually much sooner!). 

How to Get your General Questions Answered

If you have a general question about the course, please use the "Ask Here for Help" discussion forum that is posted at the top of each module. Your question will be seen by your peers (and our tutor) and anyone is welcome to answer!