My Pledge to Students. I pledge to give feedback to students constructively and quickly, specifically within 7 days of an assignment. I pledge to treat each student with respect. I invite constructive feedback if a student feels that I could improve my instruction or conduct in the classroom.
Student Pledge to Each Other. This course engages deeply with our identities about and practices of scholarship. To not be occasionally anxious about the committments of scholarship is to not be realistic about what we need to practice and become, collectively and individually. Students (and the instructor!) need to be able to share, if they so choose, their self-perceived strengths and weaknesses, as well as their hopes and fears, with respect to scholarship. This course is a safe place to discuss all matters of scholarship, where confidences must be kept.
Expectations for Class Attendance. I expect students to attend all class meetings, as they are essential places for learning through peer exchange. Excuses from class will not be granted, unless the reasons are 1) offered ahead of time for research-based travel, or 2) because of emergency or compromised health.
Technology Recommendations. Students in this course will benefit from having a laptop or tablet available for notetaking, search, and presentation (if you do not have access to a laptop or tablet, please consult with me). However, students and the instructor alike are encouraged to quit mail and other applications that may be distracting; to turn off notifications and ringers; and to put nonessential equipment away. Still further, this class also appreciates that everyone is an adult, with adult responsibilities. If attending to text and email notifications is important for crucial contacts (such as childcare, for example), such needs are always allowable. The larger point of this policy is that everyone needs to have an opportunity to constructively participate in the learning community of the classroom with minimal distractions, because opportunities—in the arc of a day, week, semester, degree and a life—are fleeting.
Openness and Disagreement Policy. (adapted from Prof. Casey Fiesler’s statement, with permission and thanks). In the classroom, students and instructors need to feel comfortable sharing their opinions and questions openly, even when we disagree. Disagreement is expected, but must be respectful and civil at all times. Students should feel welcome to share thoughts during class discussion without fear of being disparaged for their opinions. Like yourselves, I also have opinions, and I will attempt to surface my own biases when appropriate. These disagreements or differences of opinion will not impact grades, as long as students are respectful. I invite students to meet with me to discuss concerns and ideas about how to make our learning community a positive experience for all.