Moorpark: 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. Workshops are mandatory in all classes. Missed paper workshops will reduce the final paper grade by one point for each missed workshop.

Moorpark College policy states that students may be dropped from class when they have exceeded 9% absence rate. For our class, that is 5 hours. In most cases I adhere to this policy. Each week is counted as three hours. Students are not required to email notification of any absence. Please do not email images of accidents or medical issues.

Electronic Devices

All electronic devices must be turned off before class starts unless prior permission is granted. 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.

No recording or pictures of any kind are allowed in class. Individuals who need assistance with note taking should register with ACCESS then conference with the instructor so arrangements can be made.

Phones should not be used to access class web sites. I do not accept papers or answer questions through email. Please use the FAQ forum set up for the class for questions pertaining to assignments.

Students who do not have personal access to a computer will need to plan on using the computer lab on campus.

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. All work must be submitted on time for evaluation. Late work will be penalized and may be refused. All submitted work must be saved on reliable backup devices until the end of the semester. Do not email papers unless invited to do so.

Papers: Refer to class syllabus for specific paper requirements.
In class timed writings must be written in class on the date specified unless otherwise arranged in advance.
Journal: Summaries and Responses of all assigned readings. Refer to syllabus for more detail.
Participation/group presentations: may include leading class discussion and presentation of final project where applicable.
Mid-term and final will consist of timed, in-class writing.

Grades for Moorpark will be calculated as follows:

      100-90.....A          69 - 60.........D
      89-80......B          59 and below..Fail
      79-70......C

Please refer to your syllabus for the numerical value of assignments.

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. Students may be required to submit papers to TurnItIn for evaluation.

Journal (including summary and responses)

The journals serve a variety of purposes, both as a writing journal and a reading log. Paper journal and online journals will be your places to respond to reading, writing and discussions inside and outside of class. You will be required to write a summary and response for assigned readings.

MO2: The pulp journal (composition book) is also used for brainstorming, as a reading log for your novel, some homework assignments, and other class exercises. In addition to regular course work, a journal is a handy place to keep your thoughts and ideas: you can jot down ideas as they occur, so always bring it to class. I will collect journals periodically during the semester.

nota bene The "Journal grade" for English MO1A, MO1B and MO1C consists mainly of typed, formal summaries and responses of assigned readings. Although no composition book is required, personal journaling is a proven way to negotiate new ideas and, as such, is highly recommended. For 1A, 1B, and 1C, journal entries will be posted on mahara.

Library and LMC Computer Labs

In general, when we meet in the computer lab, we are expected to follow the lab policies and procedures. No food or drinks are allowed, with the exception of water. All work should be saved to an appropriate device or storage area for the duration of the semester.

ACCESS

Students with a disability, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe they will need accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact ACCESS as soon as possible so accommodations can be set up in a timely fashion. Accommodations are based on eligibility and can only be provided if you have submitted a verification from ACCESS in the form of a Confidential Memo.

Smoking

The Moorpark College Smoking Policy states: "In the interest of the health and welfare of students, employees and the public, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Moorpark College campus except in the designated smoking areas. Smoking is not allowed in college-owned vehicles."

Last Revised Jan 2016.