Class Policies:

Technical Writing Essentials is not a lecture class.  The class size is deliberately kept small to create a writing workshop.  To develop and maintain this environment, there are some policies that are especially critical to follow.

Attendance: The Department of English has a strict policy for all writing classes:  After three (3) absences, a student is in danger of failing the course.  It is a policy I endorse and which all must follow. Attendance will be taken at the start of each class. If you arrive late, sign in on the late form with the time of your arrival. Advise me in advance if you are not going to be in class if you are scheduled for an individual or group activity. Otherwise, advise me as a courtesy if you consider it necessary.

Preparation:  You will complete a variety of assignments during class time, but to do so you must have assigned chapters read before the start of class. Otherwise, you'll not have time to complete these tasks and will have to submit them late. There are other tasks that, once introduced, have to be done almost entirely outside of class. There is, of course, extra help available if you need it. The class schedule shows what will be done as well as when assignments are due. Refer to the schedule as often as necessary to keep yourself organized. Doing so will help you earn the highest possible grades for all of the work you do.

Participation:  Remember that the class is a workshop. There are individual and group tasks that must be done. There are no "spectator" roles.  It is assumed you will be an active participant in all of the work. I will sometimes want to share examples of students' writings in class which effectively do what an assignment asked. Names will be deleted. If you object to my using your work, let me know (verbally or by note). 

Timely Completion: Part of being successful in a work environment involves being responsible for timely completion of assigned tasks. Knowing that students' class, study, work, and social schedules are quite busy, I have attempted to spread the work for this course evenly throughout the semester. This strategy, and the opportunity to complete many small assignments during class, and providing notice well in advance of due dates for all assignments virtually eliminates lateness. If, however, an unusual situation arises that might keep you from submitting something on time, you should speak with me.

Office Hours: You should always feel free to stop by during my scheduled office hours. You can call me there as well, but if I'm with another student, I'll ask that you call back. If you need help with any work or want to talk with me about completed work, be sure to bring the writings with you.

Nourishment: As a general rule, I don't mind if you have a snack or beverage with you in the classroom. There is, however, a strict "NO FOOD OR DRINKS" rule in the computer lab which everyone must follow.