Ignorance of the Law Excuses No One

Students should read the syllabus and be familiar with our policies and how they will be graded. No make-ups or extensions will be granted for students on the basis of not knowing.

Grade Change Policy

If you suspect a quiz or exam has been incorrectly graded please return it to your instructor before leaving the classroom with it. Any grade revisition should be done within a week from the time the exam was returned to students. After this, typically no grade changes can be made. In addition, it is the responsibility of the student to retain all handed back material in case of any questions or concerns including grade computations.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all class meetings and are responsible for all of the material covered in class. Instructors teaching the class may decide to take into account attendance and/or class participation as part of the student grade. Policies to be followed will be described by each instructor in advance of their implementation. Any changes to this syllabus or in the scheduling of exams, Webwork, etc. will be announced during class meetings.

Grief of Absence Policy

The Mathematics faculty and staff work hard to be sensitive and to accommodate the bereavement process of a student who has lost a family member or who is experiencing emotional distress from a similar tragedy so that the student is not academically disadvantaged in their class. The Mathematics Department relies on the University’s Grief Absence Policy to alert us of when it is appropriate to grant additional accommodations. According to the University’s Grief Absence Policy, it is the responsibility of the student to:

1. notify the Associate Dean or designee of their college of the need for a grief absence in a timely manner, but no later than one week from the student’s initial knowledge of the situation,
2. provide appropriate verification of the grief absence as specified by the Associate Dean, and
3. complete all missed work as determined in consultation with the instructor.

It is the responsibility of the Associate Dean or designee to:

1. determine with the student the expected period of absence – it is expected that some bereavement processes may be more extensive than others depending on individual circumstances,
2. notify the faculty that the student will be absent, and
3. receive verification of the authenticity of a grief absence request upon the student’s return.

Spartan Honor Code

“As a Spartan, I will strive to uphold values of the highest ethical standard. I will practice honesty in my work, foster honesty in my peers, and take pride in knowing that honor is worth more than grades. I will carry these values beyond my time as a student at Michigan State University, continuing the endeavor to build personal integrity in all that I do.” More information can be found at http://honorcode.msu.edu.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense at MSU, and it also violates the Spartan Honor Code. Students caught cheating on an exam or quiz may be penalized with a grade reduction. An Academic Dishonesty Report describing the type of infraction will be sent to the Dean of the College in which the violating student is enrolled. Additional penalties, in accordance with MSU policy, may include the failure in the course and an administrative sanction, which may include suspension or expulsion from the University. See the MSU Academic Integrity Policies.

Limits of Confidentiality

Essays, journals, and other materials submitted for this class are generally considered confidential pursuant to the University’s student record policies. However, students should be aware that University employees, including instructors, may not be able to maintain confidentiality when it conflicts with their responsibility to report certain issues to protect the health and safety of MSU community members and others. Instructors  must report the following information to the Department of Police and Public Safety if you share it:

• Suspected child abuse/neglect, even if this maltreatment happened when you were a child,
• Allegations of sexual assault or sexual harassment when they involve MSU students, faculty, or staff, and
• Credible threats of harm to oneself or to others.

These reports will trigger contact from the Department of Police and Public Safety who will want to talk with you about the incident that you have shared. In almost all cases, it will be your decision whether you wish to speak with that individual. If you would like to talk about these events in a more confidential setting you are encouraged to make an appointment with the MSU Counseling Center.

Disruptive Behavior

Article 2.III.B.4 of the Academic Freedom Report (AFR) for students at Michigan State University states: ”The student’s behavior in the classroom shall be conducive to the teaching and learning process for all concerned.” Article 2.III.B.10 of the AFR states that ”The student has a right to scholarly relationships with faculty based on mutual trust and civility.” General Student Regulation 5.02 states: ”No student shall . . . interfere with the functions and services of the University (for example, but not limited to, classes . . .) such that the function or service is obstructed or disrupted. Students whose conduct adversely affects the learning environment in this classroom may be subject to disciplinary action through the Student Judicial Affairs office.