Course "Rules"
The Most Common Questions You Ask
Accommodations: It is the policy of Indiana University to provide reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments as needed. These accommodations and adjustments will be made in a timely manner and on an individualized and flexible basis. Our campus policy is here: https://accessibility.iu.edu/ada/. Please come speak to me privately so we can make the necessary arrangements -- I'm not comfortable handling accommodations over email.
"How do I turn things in? When is everything due?" Due dates are always listed on Canvas. If it's due outside the classroom, you'll use Canvas to turn it in. Inside the classroom, it'll either be on paper or another e-tool that I'll choose.
- Done using Canvas:
- Warmup Questions
- Reflections
- Out-of-Class/Homework
- Completed in class, probably on actual paper
- Quizzes
- In-class Activities / "Labs"
- Exams
"I missed a quiz or a lab. When can I make it up?" You are guaranteed some drop grades in the quiz (and warmup question) category, to be used for any purpose at all. Sickness, travel, job interview, court date, whatever it might be. Use those as you need to. If you end up with more absences than we have drops, we will then want to meet in person and negotiate what to do.
“Can we work together on assignments? Can we use ChatGPT or one of its cousins?” This is a science class, so of course, collaboration and discussion are encouraged and expected -- with each other, and now, with computers. However, the work you submit must always represent your own understanding and your own effort.
- Individual work: Each student must submit their own work. You may not copy words, ideas, figures, or explanations from another student’s work.
- AI assistance: Using AI to generate the bulk of your answers is not acceptable. However, using it for tasks like grammar checks or proofreading is fine, as long as you disclose this assistance.
- Disclosure: Any time you receive outside help, you must disclose it. Honesty is key to avoiding academic misconduct issues.
- Questions: It’s an exciting time for AI; if you're unsure about the appropriate use of AI or other collaboration, ask! I'm happy to discuss this with you privately or as a whole class.
Technology in the Classroom: I have no problem with you bringing laptops, iPads, or whatever to class, as long as you are using them for a classroom purpose. Planning tomorrow’s darty or checking Instagram or ESPN usually won’t qualify. If I find students abusing this policy, I reserve the right to ban individuals from using these devices, to ban certain devices, or to ban them entirely. “Please use responsibly.”
“Will there be exam review sessions or a study guide?” The class meeting before each exam will be a review session; I hope you will prepare for that meeting by bringing questions that you want answered. I don’t do “sample tests” anymore – the last time I gave a class a set of example questions, multiple students later said “His exams don’t match his study guides!” Instead, we’ll write down a list of topics that will appear on each exam. Having that list of topics is my idea of a study guide.
Less Common to Ask About
“Do you give extra credit?” No. There will be nearly 40 different opportunities to earn part of your course grade: 20+ warm-up questions, about 10 frequent in-class activities, frequent out-of-class / homework assignments, and three exams. Please take maximum advantage of every single one of those to help you achieve your highest grade.
Academic Misconduct: As members of the University community, we are all obligated to the “Indiana University Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct”. The code is accessible on the internet at https://studentcode.iu.edu/. Please keep this in mind: if you are suspected of cheating, it is a herculean effort for you to prove otherwise. Not just in my class, but in any class -- our student Code is written heavily in favor of faculty and not in favor of the accused. Please don't put either of us in that position.
"I missed an exam. When can I make it up?" There is no simple answer to this one. You'll have to contact me directly to begin the negotiation.
Rare to Talk About, but Here Just In Case
Cancellations: If any class is canceled by the University (bad weather, etc.), all deadlines, due dates, and assignments for that day are moved to the next class period.
Complaints: If you have difficulties or complaints related to this course, your first action should usually be to discuss them with me. If such a discussion would be uncomfortable for you or fails to resolve your difficulties, you should contact Professor Johnson, Chair of the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Professor Johnson’s office is in the Geology Building, Room 3038. If you are still unsatisfied, you should discuss the matter with Professor Jarold, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Professor Jarold’s office is in Kirkwood Hall, Room 104.
Disclaimer: In cases of force majeure, I reserve the right to deviate from this syllabus. I will notify you as soon as I realize this is necessary, and I will document all changes with the department and if required the Dean’s office.
“Do you curve your grades?” In Fall 2023, the A- cutoff was 89%; in Spring 2023, it stayed at 90%. So historically, the amount of curve in our class has been small. But I *do* promise to always round your grades, though (so 86.50 = 87). Go check the IU Grade Distribution website for lots of historical info.