Daily Contact (i.e. checking your e-mail):

Scheduled Deadlines: 

This is not a self-paced class. That means that you must respect and meet deadlines. It is not self-paced for very specific reasons: so that you can approximate a classroom experience despite the sometimes disorienting environment of the web. Print out the class schedule, and follow it. Any changes to the schedule will be promptly supplied. See LATE POLICY below.

Information Pages and Relevant E-mail Messages: 

Read carefully before writing for repeated information. Question-asking can be productive and is often necessary. But be discriminate in what you ask and how you ask it. It means that you take the bulk of the responsibility on understanding what has already been explained. You need to check your e-mail frequently, so that you are abreast of what is taking place in our course. Don't misunderstand the purpose of this point: it is not to discourage question-asking, simply to encourage intelligent reading and interpretation of material.

Submitting Written Work: 

Internet/Web and other Assignments will be submitted through the "Digital Drop Box." . They need to be sent in MicroSoft WORD.  Sorry, but I cannot convert MS WORKS.

Grade Expectations:

 Please keep your scholarship and grant needs private, i.e. don't inform me of what you have to make. Work hard to achieve your goals -- whatever form they may take. In the same vein, please don't wait until the end of the semester to start handing in work and expecting full grades (see late work policy below).

Code of Ethics: 

the same rules apply here as in a normal course. Cheating and plagiarism will result in a failing grade. No amount of security in either environment can prevent such occurrences obviously, but I do expect honorable practices out of all of my students. As a result of recent problems, I will no longer be able to provide a look at previously taken quizzes.  Now only a numerical grade will be provided. I apologize for this necessary modification. Similarly, if patterns suggest cheating, individual students will be asked to report in person to their Testing Center for an assessment of their work.

Late work policy:

I will accept late written work, but so that those who submit late do not have an advantage over those who submit on time, late work will be penalized a one letter grade deduction. This policy will be strictly enforced. No work will be accepted more than three days after the due date--and with a full letter grade deduction.  Obviously it is in your interest to stay on top of your work and complete assignments -- early if necessary -- to avoid last minute disasters. Exams must be taken on time -- there is no makeup or late period.  If an exam is taken late, there is a one-letter grade deduction. 

Know Your Computer: 

In signing up for this course, you suggest a competency in computer skills. To succeed in any course, you've got to use your resources with knowledge and confidence -- whether it's reading a text, utilizing course tools, or navigating the web. You will add to your knowledge and computer skills in learning how to use BLACKBOARD as well.

Discussion Boards: 

Just as there is a certain code of conduct expected of students in a classroom, there is a corresponding code expected of students in the electronic classroom. Many individuals find discussion boards a liberating experience. Everyone has an equal voice in our conferences, because everyone posts their views alongside one another. But certain restraints are necessary for the good of the class; think about the way you interact with others, be compassionate. Avoid responses that "put down" another student. Naturally it is productive to disagree and even argue, but you must find a way to do so constructively, and sometimes it will be necessary to agree to disagree. Avoid "flaming" (angry outbursts), proselytizing (foisting personal, religious or political views on others), and anything in general that is likely to make members of the class uncomfortable. It boils down to good manners and common sense for the Web -- Netiquette. Similarly, I expect polite e-mails ~ which you can also expect from me.

The Final Examination: 

It will take place under controlled conditions on campus at the testing center. If you are a distance student or a VCT student from another campus, we can make arrangements with a testing center closer to you. I will ask you to provide the details well in advance of finals week. The exam period is fixed and non-negotiable. I will notify you in advance of the days when you are able to test -- it is your responsibility to arrange your schedule so that you can take the exam. 

Graded Work: 

It will be graded  within a week of the stated deadline. Any delay in its grading will be previously communicated.

Feedback: 

I will respond to your e-mails within 48 hours (excepting weekends). If you have not received a response within that time period, please assume that your message did not reach me and write again. . For conference postings, only a grade will be given. Samples of what is expected will be provided before the work is due.

I look forward to a successful semester and to getting to know each of you in this very unique way.