CSUN: Academic Classroom, Lab and Campus Policies

Attendance and Participation

Due to the workshop nature of the class, your presence at every class meeting is essential to the good health of your grade. Excessive lateness will also affect your final grade. Please note that attendance is not enough. You will also be evaluated on class performance in discussions and workshops. It naturally follows that your classroom participation hinges on the fact that you have all reading and writing assignments completed by the due date. The following illustrates what usually occurs with numerous absences:

1-3 hours:  no penalty		 7-9  hours:  don't expect a credit
4-6 hours:  dicey expectations	 10  or more:  fail

Electronic Devices

All electronic devices must be turned off before class starts. If your device interrupts the class, you will be asked to step outside to take care of your business and not invited to return for that class period.

Grading Policy

You cannot pass the course unless you complete all the course requirements: readings, in-class writing, the journal, and all papers and projects. In addition to class requirements, English 097 and 098 students must pass the portfolio evaluation. All work must be submitted on time for evaluation. Late work will be penalized and may be refused. Late portfolios will not be accepted for consideration.

Papers: Refer to class syllabus for specific paper requirements.
In class timed writings.
Journal: Summaries and Responses of all assigned readings.
Participation/group presentations: may include leading class discussion, whole class editing workshops, and presentation of final web project where applicable. Students are required to meet with instructor and dedicated class tutors as needed.
Mid-term and final will consist of timed, in class writing.

CSUN grades are based on a plus/minus scale. CSUN English 097 and 098 are CREDIT/ NO CREDIT courses. CSUN students, please note the following University remediation policy:

First time freshman are required to complete all developmental writing and math within the first year of enrollment. The University's "Basic Subjects" policy further requires that as soon as any needed developmental courses are completed, students must enroll in the General Education Basic Subjects (Section A) classes in writing, critical reasoning, oral communication and math. Enrollment must be continuous until Section A is completed.

Journal (including summary and responses)

The journal (AKA composition notebook) serves a variety of purposes, both as a writing journal and a reading log. This will be your place to respond to reading, writing and discussions both inside and outside of class. You will be required to write and submit a summary and response for each reading from your main text.

The journal is also used for brainstorming, as a reading log for your novel, some homework assignments, and other class excercises. Additionally, the journal is a good place where you can jot down ideas as they occur. I will collect journals periodically during the semester.

Moodle rooms have been set up for all classes. Students will post their journal homework (summary and response) on forums and reply to each other on the forum lists. Students may also be required to post a draft of a paper for workshop on a moodle forum.

Plagiarism

"Plagiarism is the act of using another person's ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source. The word comes from the Latin word plagiarius ("kidnapper")..." from the MLA Handbook, p.21. This is a serious academic offense. Do not kidnap or hold for ransom anyone else's words or ideas without giving credit where credit is due.

Learning Resource Center

Perhaps one of your most valuable resources, the staff of the LRC are available face-to-face and online. If students miss an in-class workshop, they must complete the task of the day with a tutor at the LRC. This requirement is not meant as a punishment, rather working with a tutor is one of the best academic experiences one can have. Don't wait until you are required to go, just go. The LRC's webpage states the following:

The mission of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) is to enable students to improve their academic performance through a variety of learning programs including workshops, one on one and group tutoring, supplemental instruction classes, and interactive subject area computer programs and videos.
CSUN students who use LRC learning programs will develop and strengthen their:

critical thinking skills
study strategies
writing skills
performance in subject matter courses

Please visit their website at: http://www.csun.edu/lrc/.

Disabilities

If you have a learning, attention, physical, or psychological disability that may require classroom or test accomodations, please let me know as soon as possible to ensure accomodations are implemented in a timely manner.

University Counseling Services and much, much more.

The first year at college is exciting and wonderful, but can also be very stressful. Here's what the University Counceling Services website has to say:

Did you know that as an enrolled student at CSUN you have access to free professional counseling services? The "college experience" can be great, but it can also be stressful, lonely and even overwhelming at times. UCS can help! We offer individual and group counseling and many other services for students, faculty and staff.

Students can find many more resources at: Resources for Students. As CSUN students, you have already paid for these services. Avail yourselves of these support services which have been carefully developed to meet your needs.