Course Policies and Expectations

(Updated August 2025)

• Your Responsibilities
  • No technology use in class (phones, laptops, etc.) unless permitted.
  • Check email daily; “I didn’t read it” is not an excuse.
  • Check the Schedule before every class.
  • Complete assignments and readings before class; submit SRQs if required.
  • Take quizzes/tests when scheduled and meet all deadlines.
  • Arrive on time and pay attention in class.
• Getting Help
  • Best order: office hours → appointment (via Google Calendar) → drop by → email → phone.
  • Other resources: course webpage, textbook(s), links, Help Center/Math Lab, ASC tutors, reference books.
• Grading
  • See course webpage for breakdown chart.
  • All assignments in a category are equally weighted (percent-based, not points).
  • Final grades round down at .49, up at .50 (e.g. 82.49 = B-, 82.50 = B).
  • Grade scale: 93–100: A, 90–92: A-, 87–89: B+, 83–86: B, 80–82: B-, 77–79: C+, 73–76: C, 70–72: C-, 67–69: D+, 63–66: D, 60–62: D-, 0–59: F
• Attendance
  • Attendance required; inform me ahead of time if you must miss.
  • If absent, get notes/details from a classmate.
  • No makeups for in-class work except:
    • Worksheets submitted in advance.
    • Major exams missed due to serious illness (with prompt notice).
  • Assignments must be handed in on time; late work not accepted with the exception of the late assignment poligy (next item).
• "Free Late" Assignment Policy
  • One “Free Late” allowed: up to one class period late.
  • To use it, you must attend class, submit a slip (“I want to use my Free Late”) with a brief reason.
  • Applies only to homework/programming/lab reports, not exams/papers.
  • Cannot be used on the last day of class.
• Homework
  • Due at class start; must be clear, organized, stapled, and show all work.
  • Use full sentences, neat diagrams, labeled algorithms, proper proofs. Algebra ≠ Proof; context required.
  • Review returned work: read comments, fix mistakes, and ask questions within 2 weeks.
• Homework Assistance
  • Always indicate help: write “(with X)” for people or external sources.
  • General help (concepts, clarifications) is fine. Looking up/copying solutions is not.
  • When using outside sources:
    1. Put the solution in your own words.
    2. Explain enough to show understanding.
    3. Cite source (URL, book, collaborator, AI).
  • You must always demonstrate understanding of what you turn in.
• Academic Integrity
  • Follow the college’s Code for Academic Integrity.
  • Do your own work; name = your work.
  • Discuss concepts generally, not step-by-step solutions.
  • You may compare answers/results only after everyone is done, never methods/proofs/code.
  • Never copy or let others copy your work; you are responsible for protecting your files/papers.
  • Violations = 0 on assignment, possible F in course, reported to Provost.
• AI Policy
  • You may use AI tools to support your learning.
  • Keep AI use to a minimum on assignments—the goal is to build your own understanding. Relying too much on AI will limit what you learn.
  • Overusing AI will almost certainly lead to poorer performance on in-class assessments.
  • AI tools may be used with caution:
    • The purpose is learning, not shortcutting.
    • You must fully understand and be able to explain everything you turn in.
    • AI is not 100% reliable—always check and verify results.
    • Even if AI can produce work, you must master the concepts to succeed in this course.
    • Submitting work you do not understand may count as an integrity violation.