Low-Tech Policy

It is easy for technology to distract you and your peers! Therefore, our class will have a low-tech policy. This means that unless stated otherwise, you are expected to keep your laptop closed and your phone put away. When we have a form to fill out, you will be told that you can open your laptop or use your phone.

Much of the class will be discussion-based, so having a laptop open is not necessary and can even detract from the conversation because your peers are either distracted by your screen or the fact that they can’t tell what you are looking at. If you have a tablet or equivalent device that can be placed flat on the table, you may use it to take notes. If you need to reference something during a discussion, you may open your laptop/phone briefly, but then you must put it away.

Missing Class

Missing class happens and is often outside of your control. Our goal is to work with you so that missing class does not harm your learning nor your grade.

If you are missing a Learning Objective (LO) Checkpoint and want to make up this checkpoint, then you need to file an Incapacitation Form. Note, we have a Checkpoint every other week, so missing one is unlikely to harm your chances at demonstrating competence on all LOs.

If you are missing a regular class day, a simple email saying “I won’t be in class today” would be appreciated, but is not required. If this becomes a pattern, we will email you asking how things are going because missing a lot of class is unusual. Otherwise, you will not be able to make up the class engagement points associated with coming to class. However, keep in mind that the number of class engagement points needed for an A is based on the assumption that you will miss 2 weeks (which is a lot).

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather or other connectivity-related events that prohibit class attendance, I will notify you how we will make up missed course content and work. Asynchronous catch-up methods may apply, and we may rely on Duke’s designated make-up days.

Collaboration

You are welcome and encouraged to collaborate on preparing for class, class work/participation, and homeworks. You can find study partners by seeking them out in class or in the discussion forum. However, you should not “split up” the work and only look at a portion of the material, as this will deprive you and your partner(s) of valuable learning opportunities. Instead, we encourage you to work together actively or you each attempt things separately and then come together to discuss. Submitting an identical file/writing with your partner(s) is considered a violation of the Duke Community Standard and will be reported to the conduct office. You should also not share your answer with anyone you do not work with directly.

Academic Integrity

All students must adhere to the Duke Community Standard (DCS): Duke University has high expectations for students’ scholarship and conduct. In accepting admission, students indicate their willingness to subscribe to and be governed by the rules and regulations of the university, which flow from the Duke Community Standard.

Regardless of course delivery format, it is the responsibility of all students to understand and follow all Duke policies, including academic integrity (e.g., completing one’s own work, following proper citation of sources, adhering to guidance around group work projects, and more). Ignoring these requirements is a violation of the Duke Community Standard. Any questions and/or concerns regarding academic integrity can be directed to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards at conduct@duke.edu.

Academic Accommodation

If you are a student with a disability and need accommodations for this class, it is your responsibility to register with the Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) and provide them with documentation of your disability. SDAO will work with you to determine what accommodations are appropriate for your situation. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive and disability accommodations cannot be provided until a Faculty Accommodation Letter has been given to me. Please contact SDAO for more information: sdao@duke.edu or access.duke.edu.

Religious Accommodation

Students are permitted by university policy to be absent from class to observe a religious holiday. Accordingly, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and the Pratt School of Engineering have established procedures to be followed by students for notifying their instructors of an absence necessitated by the observance of a religious holiday. Please submit requests for religious accommodations at the beginning of the semester so that we can work to make suitable arrangements well ahead of time. You can find the policy and relevant notification form here: https://trinity.duke.edu/undergraduate/academic-policies/religious-holidays