LEAD 101.24 - Slow Food: A Chef's Guide to Environmental Restoration  

Time: TTH 9:55 - 11:10AM Location: River Center 120

Required Books: 

**Note - All other required readings and materials will be made available on the course website or handed out in-person 

Classroom  Policies 

Decency Pledge: I ask that you be kind, honest, open, and decent to each other and to me in this class. I will do the same for you. While we can (and will) disagree at times, I ask that we do so in a respectful manner. While differences in opinions are encouraged, validated, and interrogated I draw the line at any language or actions that dehumanizes people.

Course Community. I would like to acknowledge that we are all individuals with multiple sociocultural identities that intersect and shape our worldview through the lens of privilege and oppression. My commitment to you as your instructor is to minimize systemic forces of oppression within the classroom such as ableism, classism, racism, sexism, transphobia, and heterosexism in efforts to create a safe learning environment for all of us. I ask that you also join me in this commitment to foster respect for one another, enhance solidarity, and build community.

Classroom Etiquette: This semester we will continue to work together to navigate the twists and turns of Covid learning. While we will be completely in-person, we have to recognize that the semester will not be without its challenges and approach each other with humility and patience. During the first weeks of class, we will develop expectations of ourselves and each other. Take some time to reflect on what worked for you in the past, what you need to continue, what you need to change, and what you would like from yourself, your peers, and your instructor to make this semester a success.

Digital Etiquette: We live in a world where staying connected is second nature, but during class, I encourage you to unplug. Laptops and tablets are incredible tools, but they can also pull our focus away from what’s happening in the room. Research shows that when we try to multitask—like checking notifications or browsing the web—we actually end up learning less, and so do the people around us. Think of it like secondhand smoke: even if you’re the one using the device, it affects others too.

Communication: You may address me as Dr. Wilfong, Dr. Matthew, Professor Wilfong, Professor Matthew, Matt, or Matthew.

I have allocated time during the week for meeting with students. I am there specifically for YOU. Please schedule a time to meet with me. If you are shy, reach out through email, in after class, or during office hours.

If you email me, put “LEAD 101” in the subject line. This helps me keep track of the communication for each class. Treat these communications as a formal interaction – think of it as practice for your future employment.  Include a salutation, use full sentences, and include a closing. I will answer emails within 48 hours. Please keep that in mind if you have a time sensitive question. Consult the syllabus, website or your classmates before emailing me, as they may be a quicker way to get information.

Office Hours: My office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 10:00-11:00AM. You can stop by my office or set up a formal meeting time with me prior. I can also be available for meetings by appointment on Tuesday and Thursday.

Absences: You are expected to attend all classes. I realize that life happens – and we all need to make tough decisions about our priorities. With that in mind, you will have two opportunities to miss class and make up any in-class work – regardless of the reason – but be mindful – if you choose to not come to class, and then are sick, even with proper documentation – you have already used up your absences. If you are absent for more than two classes, your grade will be adversely impacted. In extenuating circumstances, with proper documentation, we can discuss multiple, repeated absence.

Late work: All due dates are deliberately chosen to prepare you for class or to spread out workload over the course of the semester. It is my expectation that all work be turned in by the stated due date. Late work will be accepted with the following penalties: (1) Assignments designed to prepare you for class (i.e., weekly reflections, discussion group prep work) turned in after the due date will be accepted for 50% of the total grade. (2) All other assignments (i.e., synthesis projects) will receive a 10% deduction for each day they are late. Any work missed during absences can be made up for the first two absences, after the first two absences no make-up work will be accepted except in extenuating circumstances.

Generative AI Policy: I encourage students to take advantage of technology that supports their learning; however, it is important that this technology is used ethically and responsibly. There is no situation where it is appropriate to submit AI generated text as your own. Rather, generative AI tools are best used to spark creativity and as study tools to efficiently aggregate information. This technology is still very new and prone to making mistakes, so I urge you to verify any information derived from a generative AI with your own research. If you do use AI technology to assist you in completing your assignments, please cite the technology that you used.