Class Policies
Attendance
Attendance — Students are expected to attend all class meetings and to be punctual. Any necessary absences need to be prearranged. More than two unexcused absences will affect your final grade. After 3 unexcused absences, your final grade will fall 5% (1/2 letter grade) per absence. For the definition of an “excused absence” see “Notification of Causes of Absence” at: https://www5.nau.edu/policies/Client/Details/499?whoIsLooking=Students&pertainsTo=All. Students are responsible for all material covered in class, even on days of absence. In the case of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to contact other class members for notes. Lectures and presentations in their entirety will not be repeated. Absence does not excuse project deadlines or exams.
Participation — For students to be successful they must have a thorough understanding of all the assigned reading materials as well as of the lecture material, exercises, and class discussion; therefore, class participation and timely completion of assignments is mandatory. Students are responsible for presenting concepts both visually and orally.
Late Work
Late work is not accepted unless prior arrangements have been made or in the event of a documented emergency. Some projects and exercises may be considered for resubmission.
Communication
Meeting with the Instructor – All students are strongly encouraged to meet and discuss with the instructor any concerns with the course. This includes but is not limited to policies outlined in this introduction, evaluations, or other matters concerning academic performance or classroom procedures. It is the desire of the instructor to enable excellence in learning for all students. Communication is essential to provide a positive learning environment. Please do not hesitate to communicate concerns, comments, or suggestions to the instructor in a professional and useful manner.
Communication/Email protocol
a. Communications outside of class will be accomplished primarily by e-mail. Expect the instructor to respond to emails and telephone messages within 24-48 hours (longer on weekends and holidays).
b. Students are expected to check their NAU email accounts and the course site on BB Learn daily for updates from the instructor.
c. Email professionalism and courtesies: When communicating by email, as a student enrolled in a professional program, develop a habit of beginning with a polite greeting, and always include your name, and the class to which your question or correspondence relates. Additionally, when receiving a response to your email, kindly follow up with a “thank you,” for your response, so that the professor is aware you have received the response. This helps to insure the response didn’t end up in a junk or spam filter.
Cell Phones
In order to facilitate a learning environment for listening, discussion and group engagement cell phones are to be turned off or placed on vibrate during class time. Cell phones should be put away and out of view. They are not to be used for receiving calls or for texting. If you are found texting during class you will be asked to leave and will be considered absent. Emergency situation are an exception. If you need to be on call for a family or related emergency, please notify me at the beginning of the period, leave your phone on vibrate, and step out of the room to take the emergency call or update.