Faculty and Student Expectations

Along with what is contained in the syllabus, this is what I expect from you:

1. Contact me

There are multiple points of contact with me.  You can use email, Canvas Inbox, or the Ask Your Instructor forum to reach me.  You can also set up a virtual meeting through ConferNowZoom video chat.  If you need help with anything, please contact me.  I don't know what is going on unless you tell me. I am willing to work with you as I can to help you succeed, but I also need you to reach out or return contact for that help.  I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am not usually on campus, so the best contact is Inbox or email.  I will get back with you as soon as possible usually within 24-48 hours, except on weekends. Reminder the college closes at noon on Fridays.

If you need help with accessibility questions or have a contract with the college regarding accessibility, please let me know so that we can work together to ensure a smooth process through the class.   Or if you are just struggling with something and think you might need help, please contact me and I would be happy to work with you and get you to the right person for assessment.

2. Assignments

You are expected to submit all assignments, discussion boards, and exams/quizzes on time. This is important to your grade, but also fellow classmates. The court requires you to be on time and so do I, this is good practice for making deadlines.  As mentioned, in the syllabus I do not allow late work except for verified emergency or prearranged work/extracurricular travel. 

Here is a helpful Canvas Guide on how to submit your assignments. 

3. Discussion Boards:

You are expected to promptly post your initial discussion post by every Thursday and reply to two classmates by every Sunday.  This is not only important to your grade, but also courteous to fellow classmates. They need someone to "discuss" with and participate with. The boards will not always appear on the "to-do" or calendar because of the multiple dates. It is your responsibility to read everything in the module each week and remember you have a board each week (except for midterm and finals week).

Be respectful and courteous to your classmates within the boards.  We do not all have the same backgrounds or beliefs and neither will the clients or attorneys you work with, so use these boards as not just "work" but communication skill development.  Think about what you would say in person, or if you were texting, or instant messaging.  However, proper spelling and grammar is required. 

See the "A note about discussion boards" page within the course for more information. 

4. Check in every Monday to see what needs to be done.

The modules are open early. I expect you to check in on Monday and see what needs to be accomplished each week. Go through the entire module to see what is there and complete what is required; do not rely solely on the "to-do" list or calendar. Some weeks are heavier or lighter depending on the subject matter we are covering.  These assignments generally take more time because you are learning several things at once each week. Pace yourself and set a strict schedule to get everything done. "Everything" means everything posted within that week.  Acquiring these time management skills now will help you with class and in your work as a paralegal to meet court deadlines. 

This is a three credit/unit class, which means if were were meeting in person you would be in-class for ninety minutes two days a week. Plus you would have homework, reading, and other work outside of class. Try to create a schedule around that to help you.

5. Writing Expectations:

You are expected to submit college level written work. This means proper spelling and grammar applies to everything submitted in class.  Everything means all assignments, discussion board posts and replies, written communications, and exams/quizzes.  Part of your grade includes spelling/grammar. Use proper spellcheck tools and proof read your work before hitting "submit".  Sometimes writing your discussion boards in Word can help catch mistakes as well.

You are learning the material to work as a paralegal and this includes proper written communications.  A well written document is a reflection of you, your attention to detail, and your overall level of commitment and competence.  Myself and later the attorney, judge, and client will be looking at your work.  Start the trend for well written work now.