Instructors have provided the following information to generally describe what to expect in their classes.
Math
Class Format
Face-to-face sections: Most classes involve time for student questions, some lecture and/or discussion, and in-class practice. There is a focus on developing a strong conceptual understanding. It is expected that students attend nearly every class and actively participate in class activities.
Online sections: Materials are provided in Canvas and organized by week, with instructional content (including videos mostly created by the instructor), assignments, and reminders in each weekly module. Most online courses also require that students have access to an online homework system that is packaged with the course textbook. Communication with the instructor is usually via email in Canvas. Students will take written exams on campus.
Resource Use
Textbooks: Students are expected to have regular access to the course textbook, either in print or electronic format.
Calculators: Calculators are allowed in most classes, although some courses have some exams for which calculators are not allowed. Classes at the level of College Algebra and beyond will sometimes use graphing calculators (such as the various TI-84 calculator models) that do not include a computer algebra system. Calculators with computer algebra systems (such as the TI-89) are not allowed on any exams in any class.
Computer software: Most courses do not require specific software, but do use information and apps that are freely available online for some parts of the course. Statistics courses require the use of specific statistical software that is packaged with the course textbook.
Online homework: Most (but not all) courses have regular online homework, with many attempts to redo problems to get higher scores.
Assessment
Most courses have 3-8 exams, including the final exam. The percent of the overall course grade that is based on exams varies by course, but usually ranges from 50% to 75% of the course grade. The remainder of the course grade is made up of grades from homework, in-class practice and quizzes, projects, and weekly worksheets.
Homework Policy
Most courses require daily written or online homework. Where written homework is assigned from the textbook, it is usually not collected for credit, although homework assignments are given and students are expected to do the homework to prepare for quizzes and exams. Written worksheets are collected approximately weekly, including in online courses.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend nearly every class. No part of the grade is based solely on attendance, but students that do not attend do not usually develop the same level of understanding of the course material as students that attend every day, and they usually do not pass. Any missed quizzes and in-class work are counted as zeros and are not available for make-up (however, approximately one week’s worth of quizzes and in-class scores are dropped from the overall grade calculation). Missed unit exams are generally not available for makeup, except in emergency situations. The final exam percentage will replace one missed unit exam.
Availability
I have 5 scheduled office hours a week, but I am available to meet with students many other times of the week, either as students stop in or by appointment. Students can make in-person or Zoom appointments with me using an online scheduler. Anytime I am in my office I am glad to meet with students. I will respond to emails within business hours during the week.
