The policies below are applicable to all courses that I teach. They may or may not be the same as the policies of other instructors. Please read the following carefully.

General: It is expected that students will come to lecture and lab prepared. Along with bringing the appropriate materials (text, calculator, etc.), the student should have covered the assignment for that particular day as found on the course web pages.

Academic Integrity and Civility:  Mohawk Valley Community College is committed to civility in and out of the classroom. MVCC believes everyone has the right to an environment that creates the safe opportunity for educational, professional, and social development. MVCC recognizes its responsibility to model and encourage a culture of civil behavior. As stated in the college catalog, "The College is committed to a spirit of intellectual inquiry rooted in the ethical behavior of its participants. This means that certain acts which affect the integrity of learning are not permissible." This includes but is not limited to plagiarism, cheating, and disruptive behavior. Unethical or dishonest behavior may result in failure of the course or other disciplinary actions. Further, professional and civil conduct is expected in both lecture and lab.

Technology Usage: In general, student use of technologies not relevant to the classroom setting is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, MP3 players, and video/photo capture devices. Out of consideration for your classmates, it is expected that these devices will be turned off during lecture and lab. Instructor discretion may be exercised if the technology is a component of the learning environment or by prior student notification.

Homework: Homework exercises are found on the individual course web pages. Assignments have been carefully planned to reinforce specific concepts and subject matter. Although homework is not normally collected and graded, it is expected that students will make an honest effort at these assignments. Failure to do so will only cause mental pain and suffering in the long run. These are key to mastering the material and for success in future course work. If difficulties with the assignments arise, please visit during an office hour or other free time so that they can be taken care of. Waiting will only compound a problem.

Tests: Tests generally are announced one week in advance. Students not taking tests without a valid excuse will receive a grade of 0 on said tests. Make-ups are given at the discretion of the instructor. Tests may be curved up or down when appropriate (usually when the mean/median is below 70 or above 80). It is the student's responsibility to notify the instructor of absence. Email is generally the most efficient means to contact me if you are off campus.

Grading: This varies from course to course, and for specifics please refer to the policy letter handed out on the first day of class. In general, however, the final grade is based upon an accumulation of points. Typically, there will be 3 one-hour, in-class tests worth 100 points each in 4 credit hour courses (Circuits 1 and 2, Op Amps, Science of Sound, Microprocessors). The shorter 2 or 3 credit hour courses (Computer Programming) will usually have 2 tests. The final exam will be worth 200 to 300 points, and lab write-ups and work are usually 200 points total. There may be approximately 100 points for homework, computer and other projects. Quizzes may be added in as well. The instructor reserves the right to add or subtract up to 20 points to (from) the total for class and lab participation, readiness, etc. This policy will be strictly adhered to in all but the most special cases. One such case involves lab work. Lab work is an integral part of these courses and thus students not attending lab and failing to hand in lab reports or assignments will automatically fail the course.

 Students with Disabilities: I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has any type of disability (e.g., physicial, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) that may require some special accomodation. Please see me during my office hours so that we can discuss you needs. Before services can begin, you must also contact the Office of Accessibility Resources. Staff members will review your documentation, determine your eligibility for accomdations and decide what those accomodations will be.

DGV: A few years ago, MVCC initiated a program titled “Diversity-Global View” (DGV), which gave each of our graduates a chance to participate in educational experiences designed to increase awareness of intercultural perspectives.  Our goal in doing so was to enhance our students’ understanding of the realities faced by individuals as a result of their race, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, academic abilities and interests, age, religious beliefs, and physical ability. To that end, all graduates who matriculated into programs in the fall 2008 or more recently, or who have changed their major since 2008, are now required to complete the DGV components associated with the degree or certificate program in which they are enrolled. For more information please visit http://www.mvcc.edu/dgv.

 Sustainability: Mohawk Valley Community College is committed to development and implementation of a comprehensive sustainability plan. To that end, we are beginning by asking students, faculty, and staff to actively participate in energy conservation measures and proper recycling on campus. The green bins located in classrooms are for recycling only, not for trash. These are single source recycling containers and no sorting is required. Any materials that cannot be recycled should be placed in garbage cans. It is also important to turn off lights and computers when leaving a room. Together we can make an impact on conserving our resources. Remember to reduce, reuse and recycle!

 Title IX: Title IX states that no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.  Protections also extend to sexual harassment and sexual assault or violence that impairs or interferes with access to equitable educational and employment opportunities.  For more information, please visit the Title IX web page at www.mvcc.edu/title-ix

 
Disclaimer: The above policies and procedures are subject to change, in the event of extenuating circumstances, or at the discretion of the instructor.

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