Academic integrity

The university’s official position: Eastern Oregon University places a high value upon the integrity of its student scholars. Any student found guilty of academic misconduct (including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, or theft of an examination or supplies) may be subject to having his or her grade reduced in the course in question, being placed on probation or suspended from the university, or being expelled from the university–or a combination of these. (see section II of the 2002-03 Student Handbook, p. 32ff, and p. 41 ff; also this page for resources, more guidance (from WSU Library).

My interpretation: Plagiarism is taking credit for work, ideas, papers, which are not yours. Universities make lots of literature available for a nominal fee, the bargain being that if you use the ideas of others, you’ll credit them. So, it isn’t just wholesale theft, but as the above says, deception, misrepresentation, etc. Be sure you’re familiar with what plagiarism is, and how to avoid it. I recommend you check out some library resources (they can be web-based) before you turn in papers in this class or others. If you’re caught plagiarizing, you’ll receive an ‘F’ on the assignment and possibly for the course. Doing your own work turns out to be more rewarding in the long term.

Attendance

There are points attached with attending class–1 per day (x 50), so 10% of the class total. Three excused absences, and after that on a case-by-case basis. 

Due dates and late assignments

Assignments are expected in class on the day they’re due. Late assignments will cost points (see me about small group discussion policy). You can turn in written assignments in Canvas—there should be links for online submissions. If you have extenuating circumstances for being late, I’m always willing to listen. But in fairness to others who’ve managed to get them in on time, the circumstances need to be legitimate.

Posted due dates are firm. They may change over the course of the term, but they’ll be the same for everyone. Late submissions will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Printer/server/computer problems are your responsibility—the university is full of computers and printers, you can carry around a file on a flash drive. Make back-ups and avoid painful memories of work lost.

Note: Class schedule and assignments may be revised during the course of the term as needed.

Expectations

I will justify my lecture and reading material, assignments, etc., by showing its relevance to the overall course objectives. I will provide a friendly environment for discussion of ideas, try to make you think, impart personal experiences relevant to course material, and be generally accessible, approachable, and clear and precise about course expectations. With respect to coverage of content, I tend to emphasize depth over breadth—I would rather cover less points thoroughly, at a reasonable and engaging pace, than pledge strict allegiance to a course schedule. This class in particular involves discussion and dialogue, and it’s my responsibility to keep that process moving.

In turn I expect students will do their own work, use or develop critical thinking skills and be able to express them on paper or in class discussion, speak up when unclear or in disagreement on a concept, either exhibit college-level writing skills or seek help to improve them, and refine note-taking skills. Everyone needs to participate in this class, it is a fundamental expectation. Think of this as much as a project as a class, with some expected outcomes we are trying to reach collectively. You’re expected to show respect to everyone in the class. If you have questions about what’s appropriate in class, follow the Golden Rule.

Disabilities and Accommodations

If you have any kind of disability, whether apparent or non-apparent, learning, emotional, physical, or cognitive, and you need some accommodations or alternatives to assignments, please contact me to discuss reasonable accommodations for your access needs. We work closely with the Disabilities Services Office. If you struggle with any learning process, or even test-taking, it’s worth visiting the DSO and having a chat.

Students requiring assistance or accommodation from me in doing course-related work should make their needs known to me in a timely manner. Obviously, any time during the term is better than not letting me know, though. If you have a documented disability or suspect that you have a learning problem, you are entitled to reasonable and appropriate accommodations. But you must work with the Disabilities Services Office (Taylor Smith, Director, tksmith@eou.edu, or contact disabsvc@eou.edu). The office is located in Loso Hall 234 (phone 541-962-3235).

Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing or other basic needs and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Office of Student Affairs for support. Or please notify me if you are uncomfortable in doing so. I will help any way I can. Our program also runs an emergency food bank, phone 541.786.3663 (FOOD).

Diversity and Inclusion

I would like to create a learning environment for students that supports a diversity of perspectives and experiences, and that honors your identities (including race, gender, class, sexuality, religion, ability, etc). As a person with privileges simply because of my race and gender (white male), I know I have blind spots. But am trying to learn and be more mindful in the classroom setting.

• If you have a name and/or set of pronouns you use that are different from your official records, let me/us know.
• If you feel like your performance in the class is being impacted by your experiences outside of class, I hope you’ll feel comfortable in contacting me if I can be a resource. Remember that you can also submit anonymous feedback.
• If something was expressed in our class (by anyone) that made you feel uncomfortable, please let me know. Back to the blind spots : ) We’re all here to learn and we all deserve the same access to resources to do so.

Drop Policy

A student may drop from a course for any reason with no record on the student’s transcript before the end of the 4th week of the term. Thereafter, a student must withdraw from the course (see withdrawal policy). A student may withdraw from the 5th week of the term through the 7th week with a grade of “W” indicated on the transcript.

No withdrawals will be issued after the 7th week of the term. Instructors will issue a letter grade (A-F, or I) for all students enrolled after 7th week. A student making adequate academic progress during the term and needing to withdraw after 7th week may request an incomplete from the instructor.

Smart phones

If we’re not using them explicitly for looking something up, please keep them stored. In this class, we may have regular use for phones to look up information. But that’s the only use we’ll make of them in class. I have nothing against the technology (and this isn’t about my personal choice to opt out). It is students’ use of their phones during class that creates distraction from my job and yours—teaching and learning. And since my job is not to enable habits that create distractions in the learning environment, I’m trying this approach.

Grades

Unless I’ve made a math error, all grades are final. If you need the grade, simply do the work. If you’re struggling and I can help, please let me know how.