The class policies were created by members of their respective classes (Tue/Thu or Tuesdays) and accepted by unanimous vote on September 10.
Tue/Thu Class
Attendance
You are expected to attend everyday. If you cannot attend, do the following:
- Check the Agenda Slides to see what was missed
- Check Canvas for upcoming deadline(s)
- Reach out to peers in class to let them know that you will not be in attendance in order to be up to speed on what went on
- Make sure that ALL homework is completed
Attendance will be kept track of during semester and posted on Canvas but will not be graded.
Late Work
If an assignment is submitted before it is officially graded, even when late, there is no penalty.
Specific final due date (December 19th) at the end of the semester which when reached, no assignments may be submitted afterwards.
If an assignment is submitted after it is officially graded, the student must schedule a meeting with Professor Friend in order to discuss and possibly revise the assignment.
Grades
Assignments/papers are “graded” under two criteria: Did the writing do its job? Is it fluent and well-written? Thumbs up or down + feedback on major assignments.
Conference at the end of the semester to review student progress: How well do you think you did throughout the semester? What letter grade would you give yourself for the semester? If there is a disagreement, professor and student will discuss and ultimately come to an agreement.
Food
Overall, treat the classroom as if it were a movie theater. Specifically, that means:
- Not a whole meal (sub/steak/etc) nothing excessive
- Nothing with peanuts (due to an allergy in class)
- Chew respectfully
- Be respectful to others by avoiding smells
- If your food is noisy (due to packaging, for instance), make the noise before class begins to avoid disruption.
Technology
- When working by yourself technology is allowed, headphones must be used, and do not blast it. We don’t want to hear your music or show.
- Be an adult with your phone. If you need to step out for a phone call, go ahead. Respect your colleagues.
- Always make sure all technology is charged for class time, bring a charger!
Tuesday Afternoon Class
Scheduled Breaks
There will be no scheduled breaks in class. Instead, we’ll power through and end at 7p. If you need to step out, do so respectfully at a time that works for your group.
Attendance
We expect you to attend class each day, and the instructor will record attendance in Canvas. If you’re unable to make it to class, do the following:
- Reach out to classmates for missed discussions and/or peer review.
- Check Canvas for any missed assignments.
- Check the agenda slides for homework.
Communicate, preferably in advance, if there is anything that is extensively impacting your attendance.
If you arrive late, enter the room discretely and catch up with your colleagues once we’re in group discussions.
Grading
This class will use no letter grades until the end of the semester. Assignments and blog posts will be judged by “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory”. Eg. did you complete the assignments with understanding and the right processes, do your blog posts share your feelings/reflection on the readings, etc.? At the end of the course, you’ll discuss with Dr. Friend about what final grade you deserve. How well did you complete all the course objectives?
All major assignments can be revised at any time by making an appointment to discuss revisions during office hours.
Participation
- Group discussion is central to this class. The instructor will routinely have us break up in groups and work with one another.
- We are encouraged to relate the course material to our daily lifestyle or current events. We’re encouraged to bring in outside current events to find connections with the material.
- We should help one another through questions or answers if someone is feeling stuck.
- Communicate your mental needs. If days you feel burnt out, tired, or overstimulated communicate if your peers, creating a safe place with one another.