Policies

Attendance:

Students are expected to be present for every meeting of the classes in which they are enrolled. Only the instructor can excuse a student from a course requirement or responsibility. When conflicts or absences can be anticipated, such as for many University sponsored activities and religious observations, the student should inform the instructor of the situation as far in advance as possible…For unanticipated or emergency absences when advance notification to an instructor is not possible, the student should contact the instructor as soon as possible by email, or by contacting the main office that offers the course. When the student is unable to make direct contact with the instructor and is unable to leave word with the instructor’s department because of circumstances beyond the student’s control, and in cases of bereavement, the student or the student’s representative should contact the Office of the Dean of Students. The link to the complete policy and implications can be found at: http://www.purdue.edu/studentregulations/regulations_procedures/classes.html

Grief and Bereavement Policy:

Purdue University recognizes that a time of bereavement is very difficult for a student. The University therefore provides the following rights to students facing the loss of a family member through the Grief Absence Policy for Students (GAPS). GAPS Policy: Students will be excused for funeral leave and given the opportunity to earn equivalent credit and to demonstrate evidence of meeting the learning outcomes for missed assignments or assessments in the event of the death of a member of the student’s family. See the University’s website for additional information: http://www.purdue.edu/studentregulations/regulations_procedures/classes.html

Late Work:

I accept late work when delays are negotiated in advance. I reserve the right to mark down assignments submitted late without approval one grade level (i.e. A to A-) for each day the project is late without pre-arranged approval. 

Plagiarism:

All work submitted in this course must be your own and be written exclusively for this course. The use of sources (ideas, quotations, paraphrases) must be properly documented. Please see me if you have any questions about your use of sources. If you are at all unclear about what defines plagiarism, see the Code of Academic Honesty. Academic integrity is one of the highest values that Purdue University holds. Individuals are encouraged to alert university officials to potential breaches of this value by either emailing integrity@purdue.edu or by calling 765-494-8778.  While information may be submitted anonymously, the more information that is submitted provides the greatest opportunity for the university to investigate the concern. Any assignments discovered to violate this policy will automatically be graded “F.”

Writing Assistance:

Purdue provides writing assistance for students through its Writing Lab: https://owl.purdue.edu/writinglab/the_writing_lab_at_purdue.html

Student Success:

I am committed to your success in this class. Purdue University strives to make learning experiences accessible to all participants. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, you are welcome to let me know so that we can discuss options. You are also encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at: drc@purdue.edu or by phone: 765-494-1247.

Grading:

Unlike many if not most of your other classes, this course will be structured differently. This course will practice an “ungrading” philosophy, which will emphasize your process of learning rather than your product. Because the university requires grades, you will work with me over the course of the semester to assess your own work. After each major assignment, you will complete a reflection project in which you describe to me what work you did, how it has met or not met or exceeded expectations, and what your goals for improvement are. I will respond to each of these reflections with detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement, and I will either agree with your assessment or disagree with appropriate explanation and justification. Over the course of this course, you will gain a clear assessment of your overall work and will have complete agency over your scholarship. As the instructor of record, I reserve the right to disagree with your assessment and change grades accordingly, but I will only change grades when absolutely necessary, and I will explain why. Your honest personal assessment and willingness to grow will be important factors in the final evaluation.

CAPS Information:  

Purdue University is committed to advancing the mental health and well-being of its students.  If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of support, services are available. For help, such individuals should contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (765)494-6995 and http://www.purdue.edu/caps/ during and after hours, on weekends and holidays, or through its counselors physically located in the Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) during business hours.

Mandatory Reporter:

As a faculty member, I am a mandatory reporter for any instances of abuse, officially reported or otherwise, of which I become aware. As such, I am not allowed to provide any confidential considerations. Please keep this in mind in our conversations in class or in office hours.