ABSENCES:
We will work on reading, discussing, and/or writing in every class. If you miss class, you miss important work that cannot be made up.
Because of this your grade will be lowered after:
- Two X/week classes: four absences.
- One X/classes: two absences.
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Grade continues being lowered with each subsequent absence.
You will automatically risk failing after:
- Two X/week classes: six absences.
- One X/week classes: three absences.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING as an excused or unexcused absence; there are only explained and unexplained absences. For example, let's say you miss class because your car breaks down. Then you missed class for a good reason. But you still missed class and it counts as an absence. Students who miss class have said that they come back completely disoriented because so much has occurred while they were gone.
It is up to you to contact me before an absence or as soon as possible after an absence. Do not, however, ask me to "tell you what you've missed;" it is not my job to take time to update you for classes you have chosen, for whatever reason, to be absent from. It is up to you to get notes and copies of handouts from peers. I would suggest that you make friends with someone before you leave class today and trade phone numbers and email addresses so you can keep apprised of what's going on in your absence.
TARDIES
Be on time. DOOR WILL BE LOCKED the hour, minute, second that class begins. NO LATE ENTRY PERMITTED. It is disrespectful both to me and to your fellow students to interrupt the flow of the class by coming in late. Two tardies of more than ten (10) minutes late counts as an absence. Allow plenty of time for traffic jams and to find a parking space. Be on time!
Be In Class and On Time.
You will find that the collaborative model helps to create a friendly and encouraging classroom environment and we will benefit tremendously from each other's contributions. But as you can see from the above list of projects, attendance is essential. There is no way you can make up the in-class exercises, discussions, short-paper workshops, or missed presentations, and any absences may seriously harm your grade. One day, for example, we might be reworking a paper we wrote the previous class session; if you weren't at the previous class session you will have nothing to work with and, essentially, will be missing grades for two classes.
If something is due a particular class session and you haven't done it, don't compound the problem by skipping class.
Student Responsibilities
Professional behavior is expected and includes turning in all projects/assignments on time, coming to class fully prepared even if you were unable to attend a previous class, and initiating timely communication with me about any troubles you are having with any aspect of this course. In short, I expect you will actively participate in and take responsiblity for your own learning. Also, as in the professional world, attention to detail and knowing how to professionally communicate with your intructor and peers will facilitate your success in this class. These behaviors will be considered as part of the "professionalism" portion of your overall grade, together with the customary expectations about attendance and puncutality.
Class Accommodations
Written documentation of jury duty attendance, court appearances, hospitalization, and genuine medical emergencies will be handled with compassion and flexibility determined in large part by your demonstrated responsibility in the course to date (i.e., work is turned in on time, active participation, etc.).
If you need special course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you have special medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building has to be evacuated, please speak to me immediately after the first or second class session.
Students with disabilities must register with the Center on Disabilities and complete a services agreement each semester. Staff within the Center will verify the existence of a disability based on the documentation provided and approve accommodations. This includes use of any & all electronic devices. Students who are approved for test taking accommodations must provide a proctor form to their faculty member signed by a counselor in the Center on Disabilities prior to making testing arrangements.
Campus Repeat Policy
“No student may enroll in any course for the purpose of repeating until the first day of classes for the term or semester. SOLAR will block repeat enrollment in a course until the first day of classes. When instruction for a semester or term begins, a permission number is required to enroll in all courses, including repeated courses.”
Here is the web site that explains CSUN’s policy on repeating a course: http://www.csun.edu/anr/soc/academicpolicies.html#repeat
My Repeat Policy:
I do not give permission numbers out on the first day of class. Students must regularly attend the first couple weeks and prove themselves worthy of adding.
Announcements
Class Alerts
- In order to receive a passing grade for this course, you must pass BOTH the classroom portion of the course AND the portfolio evaluation.
- Please come to see me as often as you like, any time during my office hours, if you have general questions, if you need additional help with the class work or expectations (always bring copies of your work so that we can look at it together), or just to shoot the breeze. If my office hours don't work for you, please make an appointment and I will make every effort to accomodate you. Though I prefer speaking to people face to face, I am also available by online chat, email or phone.
The point is that this term you have a resource (me, your instructor) who has an intense interest in the improvement and refinement of your writing skills.
Research shows that students who spend time with their professors outside of class tend to get higher grades because they are working with the professor and the professor has the opportunity to get to know them as individuals.
- I reserve the right to amend the weekly schedule if the needs of the class require it, however all scheduled due dates are tentative. Any handouts or oral directions supercede the schedule.
- NO unauthorized use (or wearing) of ANY electronic devices, in addition, mobiles/pagers must be turned off or silenced during class otherwise your grade will be affected and you will be dismissed.