Policies

Due dates:
All due dates and times, as announced in class, are strict, to the second. If you believe your work was delayed by truly exceptional circumstances, let me know as soon as those circumstances are known to you and I will try to make a fair allowance. However, the default is that you get a zero if you don’t turn in the work on time, and fail the class if you don’t turn it in at all (cf. Grade Components above).
Submission procedure:
Material must be submitted only in the manner specified. In particular, electronic submissions must be submitted using the Web interface outlined below; all other forms of submission will be ignored. Hardcopy submissions must follow usual standards of organization and neatness. (Ask for clarification if needed.)
Attendance:
Although I expect students to attend all class meetings, I will not be taking attendance. If you miss a class meeting, you are responsible for catching up on the lost material, including any important announcements made in class, on your own. If you have a valid reason for missing a class, let me know early and I will try to help you make up the class. There will be no make-up exams or quizzes. A missed test earns zero credit. If you have a valid reason for missing a test, let me know as early as that reason is known to you and I will make a fair allowance but there will be no make-up tests in any case.
Classroom activities:
This course is based on an active learning format, so effective classroom activities are critical to its success. Students are expected to contribute to their own learning and that of their classmates, and to devote 100% of their attention to these activities while in class. On a similar note, all electronic and other distractions (computers, phones, assorted gizmos, etc.) must be completely silenced and put away for the entire duration of the class. (Students who need any such devices for disability accommodations should follow the guidelines outlined below. Others who need any accommodation in this regard due to special circumstances should make advance arrangements with the instructor.) No food or drink is allowed in class, other than water in a spill-proof container. Students who violate these rules or otherwise cause distractions in class will be asked to leave with no warning; habitual violators will face disciplinary action.
Office hours:
All students are encouraged to make use of both the instructor’s and TA’s office hours to further their learning, obtain assistance on homework assignments, obtain feedback on their class performance, etc. However, office hours are not to be used as a substitute for attending and participating in class meetings (see above). Similarly, assistance with homework assignments will be limited to what is appropriate based on fairness to all; students are expected to demonstrate substantial effort on the assignment before seeking assistance.
Make-up classes:
I may have to reschedule a few classes due to my other professional commitments. I will make every attempt to minimize the number of such occurrences and to reschedule for a time that works for most students. Further, I will make sure no student is penalized by such occurrences.
Academic honesty
(standard university wording): Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism and all forms of misrepresentation in academic work, and is unacceptable at The University of Maine. As stated in the University of Maine’s online undergraduate Student Handbook, plagiarism (the submission of another’s work without appropriate attribution) and cheating are violations of The University of Maine Student Conduct Code. An instructor who has probable cause or reason to believe a student has cheated may act upon such evidence, and should report the case to the supervising faculty member or the Department Chair for appropriate action.
Disabilities
(standard university wording): If you have a disability for which you may be requesting an accommodation, please contact Ann Smith, Director of Disabilities Services, 121 East Annex, 581-2319, as early as possible in the term.
Special circumstances
(standard university wording): In the event of an extended disruption of normal classroom activities, the format for this course may be modified to enable its completion within its programmed time frame. In that event, you will be provided an addendum to the syllabus that will supersede this version.