Policies

Attendance

I want you to succeed in this course. To do so, you need to be in class, ready to work. If you need to miss a class for any of the reasons listed as an excused absence in the UD Faculty Handbook, please make sure you send me the proper documentation. If you need to miss class for a minor illness or unexpected problem, please email your me as soon as you can.

Disabilities

Same as above. I want you to succeed. If you feel you may need an accommodation to keep up with the work of this course, please have the DSS Office contact me right away. We will make sure you get the support you need.

Writing Center

The Writing Centers in 016 Memorial Hall and 017 Morris Library offer free one-on-one instruction to students who have writing assignments in this or any other course at UD. When you work with a Writing Center tutor, it tells me that you are taking the work of this course seriously. Make appointments online.

Sexual Misconduct and Title IX

If, at any time during this course, I am made aware that a student may have been the victim of sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic/dating violence, or stalking), I am obligated by federal law to inform the university’s Title IX Coordinator, who will decide if the incident should be examined further. If such a situation is disclosed to me in class, in a writing assignment, or in office hours, I promise to protect your privacy. I will not disclose the incident to anyone but the Title IX Coordinator.

More information is posted at the UD Sexual Misconduct Policy, Information, and Resources page. The University also provides 24-hour crisis assistance and counseling. You can contact its Helpline any time at (302) 831-1001.

Other Campus Resources

There are many other programs that can offer you support while you are a student at UD. Please let me know if I can help you contact any of them.

Punctuality and Deadlines

Let’s get started on time. If we complete our work early, we can leave early.

Similarly, if you turn in your writing on time, I will read and reply to it promptly. But if you hand your work in late, I can promise only to mark it as done.

Phones and Social Media

When we’re in class together, we need to focus on the work going on in the room. So please silence and put away your phone, and stay off social media. I reserve the right to raise or lower your final semester grade by one step (say, from a B to a B+ or a B–) to reflect the quality and consistency of your work in class. So give me a reason to raise your grade by being fully present for and engaged in the work we are doing together.

Food and Drink in Class

Drinks are fine. Food is not.

Editing

Be professional. Proofread and edit all of your writing carefully before posting it or turning it in. I will not give credit for work that strikes me as hurried or careless. We’ll talk much more during the semester about format and design, but the basic rule is: Take pride in the work you do for this course.