Students in this course are expected to follow some policies for behavior, due dates, assignments, and integrity. These apply to you and your class in all instances unless your instructor provides explicit (e.g., posted or written) instructions otherwise.
Note there is also information in this policy on where to go for help if you need it, and how to respond to various campus emergencies.
You are expected to be familiar with all the items referenced in this policy page!
Honesty, Integrity, & Conduct
Academic Integrity
This link is to a comprehensive document on academic honesty, cheating, and plagiarism: document. You are expected to read that page and adhere to what is stated there.
Courtesy in Class and Elsewhere
Being polite never went out of style. If you act with consideration it will enhance your image and help you get along with others. This is a professional environment, and we request that you act accordingly. This includes:
- If you are waiting to talk to a TA or faculty member, or waiting to get into a class, wait quietly along the wall and do not block the hallway.
- If you are seriously ill, overly tired, hungover, or otherwise impaired, do not come to class as you may be a distraction for others. If you absolutely must attend, sit where you will not disrupt others.
- Respect the right of others to ask questions or make statements in class and labs — do not interrupt.
- Do not insult or deride others for any reason — even if you intend it to be funny, because not everyone who hears it may understand it is in jest.
- Be on time for classes and labs. Showing up late is disruptive and discourteous to your instructors and classmates.
- Some of your instructors may not care if you address them in a casual manner, but don't assume that all do. Email addressed as "Hey" or "Yo" is never appropriate. (Here's one professor's take on this.)
- Don't leave your trash for others to collect — in the classrooms, halls, commons, or walks.
The basic idea behind all of these and more is simple: treat others with courtesy and respect, similar to how you want others to treat you. If you make an extra effort to be polite the effect cascades and we all have a more pleasant environment in which to work.
Attendance
You are expected to attend all scheduled classes and labs unless told otherwise by your instructor. Your instructor is the only person who can excuse an absence, and he/she may require documentation of your reason for absence. When possible, notify your instructor in advance if you know you need to be absent. It is solely your responsibility to obtain notes and make up work from any class/lab you missed! It is not the instructor's responsibility to provide notes, handouts, or makeup exams that you may have missed, although she/he may do so.
Absences for mandatory military service, significant medical issues, and death of a family member are allowed, within defined limits. Contact your instructor as soon as possible if such a situation arises. In some rare cases, the Dean of Students office will provide documentation about these absences for students so the student does not need to provide details to each instructor. Consult the Purdue policy on attendance for specific details.
Due Dates for Class Work
Part of the specifications for any piece of class work is a due date . This due date is absolute — late submission of class work is not allowed unless explicitly stated, and late work will be penalized or may not be graded. It is the student's responsibility to complete the work with enough time to submit the materials before the deadline.
Written (on paper) homework assignments are due at the start of class on the due date unless otherwise explicitly stated in the assignment. Projects due on a day of class or lab are due at the beginning of that class or lab.
Exceptions because of illness or emergency will certainly be considered, but the student may be required to document them in some way. (See Attendance, above.)
Handwritten Work and Legibility
All written work submitted, including in-class exams, must carry the student's name and must be reasonably neat and well organized. Every student is issued a computer account and has access to a printer: thus, class assignments should be typed and either submitted via Blackboard or other assigned mechanism, or printed out for final submission on paper to ensure that it is legible.
Any non-electronic work that cannot easily be read may receive zero points. This requirement definitely applies to any assignment requiring numerical or algebraic solutions — we must be able to differentiate among exponents, factors, and variables! It is especially important for exams. A reasonable standard of English expression and grammar usage is also required; there are many online tools for spell-checking and grammar-checking — use them.
Extra care should be taken with handwritten, in-class exams and assignments. If they cannot be read, they cannot be graded.
Taking Notes
Paragraph J at this location is the official Purdue policy on selling or publishing your notes taken in class. I particular, note that
No individual is permitted to sell or otherwise barter notes, either to other students or to any commercial concern, for a course without the express written permission of the course instructor.
Computer Account Security and Use
To help others resist temptation, each student should maintain proper security on his or her computer accounts. Each student should especially keep his or her account password from others and not alter the protection on any files or directories so that they may be read by others. To give others access to an account, or to files or printouts of programs is the same as giving them the information directly and will be dealt with accordingly.
Any trouble with computer accounts should be referred to the instructor or a course TA as soon as is possible.
Students are expected to follow Purdue IT Acceptable Use Policy .
When a program or project has been submitted, the student should maintain an on-line, unedited version of what was submitted (with the correct date stamp) until after that program or project has been graded. It has also been found beneficial to make a copy of a file before editing it, in case a problem or mistake occurs during the edit session. When typing in a program for the first time, or when making major changes later, is a good idea to save all the working files regularly.
Grading Standards & Accomodations
Working Program
The algorithms used must be essentially correct. Obviously the program should run. However, if it does not and a great deal of work has been put into code that is on the right track, partial results may be acknowledged with partial credit, according to the grading standards of the individual class.
All projects will be assigned with sufficient lead time to assure completion by everyone in the class. Non-working, poorly thought out "rush jobs" will undoubtedly receive poor grades. Efforts should be scheduled accordingly.
Programming Style and Documentation (Up to 50% Deducted)
Faculty expect student work to exhibit high standards of programming style and layout, reflecting expertise as a Purdue-trained computer professional. This includes the use of functions and procedures where appropriate, declaring variables in the correct locations, and thoughtful use of defensive programming. Students should select algorithms appropriate to the task at hand, and code them in a structured, easy-to-read manner. Projects are to be coded in an appropriate language (if not explicitly stated as part of the course assignments), and reflect good usage in the language of choice.
Instructors also expect evidence of thoughtful testing of the code prior to submission, and inclusion of self-checking code, if appropriate.
Appropriate use and placement of comments is vital. Remember that more comment text does not necessarily mean better comments. Comments should be helpful and enlightening (especially in cases where the program did not run). Even programs that run perfectly will lose points for poor documentation.
Always include a cover section stating name, computer login-id, the program assignment number, and the date. Each project must also include a comment block or page at the beginning that states the aspects of the project that have been correctly implemented (and the aspects that have not been correctly implemented). The information placed in this block must be accurate and up to date.
Regrading
Sometimes, your instructor or TA will make an error while grading your work. This could be because what you submitted was ambiguous or illegible, or perhaps it was structured in a manner that made the answer difficult to find. (See Legibility, above.) Humans also make mistakes, and the majority of your instructors and TAs are probably homo sapiens.
In general, assignments and tests will be regraded if a clear and concises reason is presented to the instructor within the interval specified within the class (usual, within a week after receiving the grade). Note that it is the prerogative of the grader to reduce a given grade if something new is found that warrants it in addition to increasing any grade under appeal.
Accomodations
Individuals have a range of abilities and limitations. Some limitations are recognized as presenting barriers to effective learning or test-taking. Students who have officially recognized limitations, documented via the Dean of Students Office, may be entitled to special accomodations for tests and assignments. This may include being given additional time to complete those items.
Student who need accomodations on tests or assignments must first have it documented by the Dean of Students office. That office will issue a letter that the student should share with the instructor; the instructor will keep this information in confidence. Based on the determination of the Dean of Students office, the instructor will work wth the student to seek appropriate adjustments in class activities.
Campus Emergencies
In the event of a major campus emergency course requirements, deadlines, and grading percentages are subject to changes that may be necessitated by a revised semester calendar. If such unusual circumstances arise, students may determine any such changes by contacting their instructors via email, phone, and/or Blackboard.
Campus emergencies include weather extremes (e.g., tornado, blizzard), HAZMAT (hazardous material) spills or leaks (e.g., gas pipe break, chemical spill), infrastructure problems (e.g., electrical power failures, water quality problems), general safety issues (e.g., person on campus suspected of violent behavior), and pandemic illness.
Students are encouraged to think about personal safety in these circumstances — at home, traveling to and from campus, and while on campus. This includes where to go to seek shelter, if needed.
All campus and local emergencies can be reported by dialing 911 on any telephone, or by using one of the Purdue emergency telephones on and near campus (yellow call boxes with blue lights on top).
Emergencies and campus closings will be announced on local media and on the main Purdue University WWW site < http://www.purdue.edu >. Individuals may subscribe to an SMS text announcement service. Other details are on the Purdue emergency preparedness site .
Emergency Notification Procedures
Emergency notification procedures are based on a simple concept: if you hear a fire alarm inside, proceed outside. If you hear a siren outside, proceed inside.
Indoor Fire Alarms mean to stop class or research and immediately evacuate the building.
Proceed to your Emergency Assembly Area away from building doors. Remain outside until police, fire, or other emergency response personnel provide additional guidance or tell you it is safe to leave.
All Hazards Outdoor Emergency Warning Sirens mean to immediately seek shelter (Shelter in Place) in a safe location within the closest building. "Shelter in place" means seeking immediate shelter inside a building or University residence. This course of action may need to be taken during a tornado, a civil disturbance including a shooting or release of hazardous materials in the outside air. Once safely inside, find out more details about the emergency (as below). Remain in place until police, fire, or other emergency response personnel provide additional guidance or tell you it is safe to leave.
In both cases, you should seek additional clarifying information by all means possible such as the Purdue Home page, email alert, TV, radio, etc. Review the Purdue Emergency Warning Notification System multi-communication layers .
Emergency Response Procedures
- Review the Emergency Procedures Guidelines
- Learn building-specific issues:
- evacuation routes, exit points, and emergency assembly area
- when and how to evacuate the building
- shelter in place procedures and locations
- any additional building specific procedures and requirements
Emergency Preparedness Awareness Videos
"Shots Fired on Campus: When Lightning Strikes" is a 20-minute awareness video that illustrates what to look for and how to prepare and react to certain types of incident.
More Information
Reference the Emergency Preparedness web site for additional information.
Counseling and Assistance
Purdue University is committed to advancing the mental health and well-being of its students. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of support, services are available.
If you or someone else is in imminent danger of harm, call 911 from any phone or use one of the yellow call boxes anywhere on campus.
If you or someone around you seems to be in a crisis, at any hour you can call the Purdue counseling center (CAPS) at (765)-494-6995, or call the Purdue police at 911 and ask to speak with a CIT officer (someone who has special training in helping with these kinds of issue).
If you need support or information about all the options and resources available to you, see Office of the Dean of Students for drop-in hours (M-F, 8 am- 5 pm). They can provide all sorts of help and pointers for you.
If you find yourself beginning to feel some stress, anxiety and/or feeling slightly overwhelmed -- but not yet urgent -- try WellTrack. Sign in and find information and tools at your fingertips, available to you at any time.
If it is not a crisis situation and you find yourself struggling, contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (765) 494-6995 or Purdue CAPS center at any time, including on weekends and holidays, or by going to the CAPS office on the second floor of the Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) during business hours. Counseling here is completely confidential! It is a great place to get help if you feel really depressed, are having problems in a romantic or personal relationship, have feelings of hopelessness, have problems with drugs or alcohol, or any other problem where you feel you are not in control.
CAPS also provides simple counseling for anyone experiencing personal problems, relationship difficulties, feelings of stress, family problems, grief or loss issues, difficulties with studying, health problems, and a variety of other needs. The counseling service can also recommend professional testing for interests and abilities, and help arrange testing for a variety of recognized learning disabilities that may be interfering with a student's ability to achieve his or her academic potential (e.g., dyslexia or ADHD).
Students may also talk about problems with faculty members who they trust. Students experiencing problems that affect academic performance in a class should discuss them with their instructors and/or advisors before the problems grow to be overwhelming. In general, faculty and staff want to help students succeed, but they can't always tell if something is bothering a student. Help them help you, if that is what is needed.
If it is 3am and you need to talk to someone now, or it is any time and you don't want to talk to someone on campus, call the Wabash Valley Region Crisis Center's 24/7 crisis line: 765-742-0244, or toll-free 877-419-1632. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24/7 at 800-273-8255. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 800-656-HOPE (4673); they also have a live chat at <https://rainn.org>. Information on other resources is available at the <https://victimconnect.org/resources/national-hotlines/> website.
If you notice behavior by another student that concerns you, you may report it. This will lead to someone reaching out to the student to offer help. If the concern is for the immediate health or safety of anyone, call 911; otherwise consult the "Student of Concern" webpage a Student Support Services.
If none of the above appear to address your needs, consult this page -- there are all sorts of services to assist students, both on campus and in the community.
Don't ever believe that your situation is hopeless or there aren't people who care!
Equal Opportunity, Harassment, Accessibility, and Reporting Improper Activity
Purdue University and your faculty -- especially me -- are committed to maintaining an inclusive community that recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential. We not condone and will not tolerate discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a veteran.
It is the policy of Purdue University to maintain the campus as a place of work and study for faculty, staff, and students, free from all forms of harassment. In providing an educational and work climate that is positive and harassment-free, faculty, staff, and students should be aware that harassment in the workplace or the educational environment is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated.
If you have concerns or issues you wish to discuss please feel welcome to send me email or talk to me. In particular:
- If you have a learning limitation documented via the Dean of Students DRC, please tell me about it (in confidence) so I can plan accordingly.
- I will be sharing my pronouns in class. Let me know if you have preferred pronouns you would like me to use for you. I apologize in advance if I use the wrong ones, although I will do my best to remember and respect your choices.
- Let me know if you have a preferred name other than what is shown in the registration role (the one the university uses).
- If you have concerns about another student, such as a classmate or roommate, you can talk to me in confidence about that except issues of felonies, sexual assault, or sexual violence -- I am required to report those, although I will seek to respect confidentiality to the extent allowed by policy and law, as noted below.
- Any other issue that you believe would help you to better succeed as a student in my classes or at Purdue.
Formal Purdue policies exist for reporting harassment and improper discrimination. Students are also encouraged to speak to any faculty members who they trust in addition to defined reporting mechanisms.
Accessibility
Purdue University strives to make learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, you are welcome to let your instructor know so that we can discuss options. You are also encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at: <drc@purdue.edu> or by phone: 765-494-1247.
Note on Reporting and Confidentiality
Students who observe criminal activity or an imminent threat to person or property are encouraged to report it by dialing 911 on any campus phone, calling 494-8221 from an off-campus phone, or using one of the yellow police call boxes on campus. If you wish to make an anonymous report of a past incident where no person or property are in imminent danger, you can leave a message at 765-496-3784 (the Purdue Tip Line ) — no attempt will be made to identify you. Remember that the campus is your home, and criminal (or suspect) behavior should not be ignored here!
Anyone in the campus community may also file a report with the Dean of Students office using an online form. Reports can be made on issues of criminal behavior, academic dishonesty, sexual assault, intimidation, or any other significant concern. Student reports about misbehavior (cheating, harassment, weapons, etc) can be made anonymously at this site .
Purdue faculty may submit an anonymous report of a crime or harassment on behalf of students except as noted in the next paragraph. Note that student anonymity is not enforced by any legal statute; it may be the case that the faculty member is legally compelled to reveal identity at some future time, such as during the investigation of a severe, violent felony, despite whatever is promised to the student.
Faculty who receive reports about sexual violence, sexual exploitation, stalking, or sexual harassment are required to report those complaints to higher authorities in the university. Victims may choose to not pursue charges or other remedies, but the report must still be made: offenders may be serial abusers and a report helps protect other victims (and prevent future abuse). More information may be found at the Sexual Violence Awareness page .