Instructor's policies on grading, late assignments and/or makeup work, and other related expectations:
Course Format
This course is different from courses outside the Honors Program in that you, the student, have the opportunity to help shape and direct the class. My job as an instructor is to take on the role of facilitator as you explore your Big Question and learn about the nuts and bolts of SUU and the Honors Program.
Grading
If you attend and actively participate in most class seminars, discussions, and activities; complete all assignments; and contribute to your class’s Big Question Project, you will pass this course and likely officially be invited to the SUU Honors Program. Students who do not come to class or show effort while they are in class and who do not complete at least 60% of the course activities will be in jeopardy of not passing this course. Please refer to the chart below.
HONR 1040 Minimum Requirements
| Class Participation | Assignments
To pass | Contribute thoughtfully in each class, take notes, interact fully with others at least 60% of the classes | Complete 60% (or higher) of assignments on time
To pass with Honors Expectations | Contribute thoughtfully in each class, take notes, interact fully with others in all classes | Complete all assignments on time, make appropriate revisions when necessary
Late Work: Deadlines are important and I adhere to the Honors Program policy of not accepting late work unless there are extraordinary and compelling circumstances (i.e. you're in an accident, you are very ill). Even in those cases, you should always communicate with the Instructor if you turn in an assignment late. If the assignment is late more than one week, it will not be accepted unless we have made arrangements to do so. If you do not turn in work on time and you do not communicate with me, your current standing in the Honors Program may be affected.
Readings, Lectures, and Canvas
Our class will utilize Canvas for readings, assignments, discussion board interactions and other relevant course resources. To facilitate a dynamic discussion-based class environment, you are expected to have completed assigned readings and associated assignment(s) prior to coming to class. Classes will be facilitated based on that expectation. On Canvas, posts will include assignment instructions and details, due date and time, grading rubric, and a place to submit your assignment online. If you have questions about an assignment, check Canvas first, ask me second, and your classmates third. If something does not look right, let me know ASAP so I can check and fix it if necessary.
It is expected that all student work submitted will be typed in a standard 12-point font, double spaced, and with one-inch margins. No exceptions. All resources used should be cited following either the APA/MLA formatting and style guides.
Please visit the
SUU Writing Center or the
Purdue Online Writing Lab website for more information.
Classroom Climate and Student Participation
This class is intended to introduce you to the Honors Program at SUU and explore a “Big Question” of the students’ choosing. You are expected to be active in your learning and thinking, question, problem-solve, and debate information presented in class. I will do my best to create an environment in which expressions of uncertainty, conjecture, and alternative and competing views can be freely shared. I expect the same of you. Remember, there is a big difference between debating an argument and attacking an individual. The latter will not be tolerated and I reserve the right to excuse from class any student who compromises this preferred climate.
Students are expected to model good Expedition Behavior (NOLS, 1996) in all class activities, regardless of setting:
- Serve the mission and goals of the group
- Be as concerned for others as you are for yourself
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect
- Support leadership and growth in everyone
- Respect the cultures you contact
- Be kind and open-hearted
- Do your share and stay organized
- Help others, but don’t routinely do their work
- Model integrity by being honest and accountable
- Admit and correct your mistakes
(Source: http://www.nols.edu/alumni/leader/06summer/expedition_behavior.shtml)
Technology in the Classroom
We meet each week to learn, discuss, and share ideas. Please turn cell phones to silent mode and put them away during class. If I see you texting during class, I will ask you to turn your phone off and put it away. If there is an emergency and you must answer your phone, please take the call outside the classroom. You are welcome to bring laptops/tablets to class for taking notes and assisting with in-class activities. In fact, for each class, all students should be taking notes. Even if you think you already know the information, you should actively take notes, write questions, make connections to other courses you’re enrolled in, and so on. As a courtesy to your classmates and to me, please refrain from checking email, Facebook, Twitter, celebrity gossip sites, playing games, or doing anything not related to our class discussion (including work for other classes) during class. Also note that studies have shown that taking handwritten notes results in better comprehension and performance than taking notes electronically (
http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/08/18/taking-notes-is-the-pen-still-mightier-than-the-keyboard/).
Writing and Grammar
Questions/Concerns
If you have questions, concerns, worries, or you just want to chat, please email me, phone me at my office, or come and visit me during office hours which I'll share with you on the first day of class. You can also me most Tuesdays from 3 to 4 pm in the SUU Library lobby where I'll be hanging out with Pippa, my certified therapy dog. She's a great listener. Don’t wait until the end of the semester to see me if you’re having difficulties early on, and please bring concerns to my attention in a timely manner so I may make a reasonable effort to address them. Additionally, you can always go to the Library Department Chair, Anne Diekema (annediekema@suu.edu) or the Library Director, Phil Roche (
roche@suu.edu), if you feel uncomfortable coming to me. We want to make sure you are getting the answers you need to any questions or concerns you are having within the Honors program.