Ocean Lecture

Greetings scholars!

My name is Heather Kokorowski, and I am excited to serve as your online instructor for Oceanography. Please take 1 minute to view my video, then explore the rest of this public Welcome Syllabus to learn more about our course before it starts! Tabs are found at the top of the page, or by selecting the menu icon (three lines) in the upper-left of the screen on mobile devices.

If you need a physical science lab credit, you might consider Ocean Lab! 

Prof. Kokorowski

What you can expect from me:

1. I will provide a clear, well-organized course designed to help you meet the learning outcomes in meaningful ways.

2. I will use a variety of multimedia tools and assignment types to support different learning styles and accessibility needs.

3. I will enforce due dates to help you stay on track, while offering a 48-hour grace period with a small late penalty (1% per hour) to support your progress.

4. I will provide timely grades and constructive feedback so you know where you stand and how to improve.

5. I will be actively engaged and foster a respectful, supportive learning environment where you feel safe to share ideas.

6. I will check in if I notice you may need support, and I’ll do my best to connect you with resources.

7. I will treat you with dignity and respect, and I’ll work with you to balance course expectations with real-life challenges.

8. I will make mistakes sometimes, and when I do, I’ll reflect, take responsibility, and keep growing, just as I ask of you.

What I will expect from you:

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

2. You will keep an open line of communication so I can better understand how to support you.

3. You will regularly contribute to discussions and collaborative work, giving others time to reflect and respond to your ideas.

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

5. You will approach technology with patience. There will be hiccups, but we’ll work through them together.

6. You will do your own work. Your ideas matter, even if they’re imperfect. Avoid shortcuts like AI tools that interfere with your learning.

7. You will give yourself grace. Mistakes are part of the process; use them as a chance to learn and grow.

8. You will bring curiosity and a willingness to engage, even when the material feels unfamiliar or challenging.

How to Contact Me

My preferred contact method is through the Canvas Inbox. If you contact me Monday through Friday, I will respond within 24 hours. 

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 in Canvas.