Policies and Rules
The following class policies and rules are printed on the syllabus of each of my
classes. Students should be aware that, by signing up and remaining in one of my courses,
they will have agreed to abide by these rules.
- Students should remember to behave so as to maximize the learning experience of the
whole group, keeping in mind that USD's tuition is expensive and that other students are
serious about getting the most out of the course.
- Disruptions of class by talking, etc., will absolutely not be tolerated. The instructor
expects everyone to behave as adults. Further, he reserves the right to take measures to
prevent disruptions, such as arbitrarily changing the seating patterns in class, at his
discretion.
- Students should be aware that the quality of the class depends just as much, if not
more, on the quality of student participation as on the skill and knowledge of the
professor. In particular, students should remember that questions are the lifeblood of
learning.
- You will not be allowed to leave the room during tests, so plan ahead!
If you must leave, you must turn in your exam, which will be considered completed.
- Arriving late for class is strongly discouraged.
- Do not start packing up your books, etc., until the class period is over. If you start
packing up early, it is disrespectful to both your fellow students and the instructor. The
instructor usually does not need to be reminded when class is over. If he goes beyond the
allotted hour, raise your hand and let him know politely.
- Deadlines for papers, etc., must be met. If the instructor makes exceptions for anything
other than SERIOUS REASONS BEYOND YOUR CONTROL, reasons that you can document, it is not
fair to other students who have worked hard to meet the deadline.
- The instructor typically gives detailed instructions for assignments (papers, workbooks,
etc.) that must be handed in. Please take these instructions as seriously as you would if
you had received them from a supervisor on a job in the workplace. DO NOT
expect decent grades if you do not bother to read and follow
instructions. Points will be taken off.
- Participation in this course involves a commitment to arrange your calendar so as to be
able to attend all class sessions. It is not the instructor's responsibility to arrange
the course around your schedule. In this connection, note that the instructor reserves the
right to modify the announced class schedule, including test dates (other than the final
exam), at his discretion.
- You and your family should be aware that participation in this course includes taking
the final exam at the day and time scheduled. Final exams will not be rescheduled for the
convenience of airline reservations, family or holiday plans, or any similar reason.
- Anyone found to be cheating on tests or assignments will receive the severest possible
penalty, following USD's Academic Integrity policy. Minimally, instances of intentional
academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade for the course.
- You are required to be aware of the grading scale in your course. I am more than willing
to discuss the grading scale and explain its rationale, but complaints that it unfair or
discriminatory are unlikely to lead anywhere, since its always announced in advance (on
the syllabus) and discussed in class.
- In recognition of the importance of academic integrity as a value at USD, students in
this course are required to be familiar with USD's Academic
Integrity Policy.
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