This is the part of the syllabus that is common to all IT courses.

TEACHING METHOD

The instructor’s teaching method involves a blend of different approaches including, but not limited to, lecturing, in-class demonstrations, assignments, quizzes, and projects. The underlying philosophy of this method is that students learn in different ways and therefore the subject matter should be presented in different ways.

POLICY ON ATTENDANCE AND LATENESS

Class attendance is required for several reasons. Surprise exams and quizzes may be given at any time in any class. Moreover, anything discussed in class could appear on an exam even if it is not in the book or other material. And if there are group projects then class time may be allocated to work on them.

If you cannot make it to class you have to notify the instructor in advance. Missing a class without notification is a reason to lower your grade. It is the student’s responsibility to catch up after any missed classes and the instructor will not repeat the content on an individual basis, so you will have to ask for help from your fellow students. Coming late to class could be counted as absence if a signification portion of the lecture is missed.

DATES OF ASSIGNMENTS, EXAMS, QUIZZES, OR OTHER MEANS OF ASSESSMENT

All homework is due at the start of next class. Note that quizzes are usually due before class as preparation of the upcoming lecture. Late submissions will receive zero points or, at the discretion of the instructor, a late submission may be allowed and points will be deducted as a penalty.

LABS, SAFETY, HEALTH ISSUES, CLEARANCES REQUIRED

None.

FIELD WORK /OBSERVATIONS REQUIRED

None.

EQUIVALENT INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES

None.

GRADING PROCEDURES

All points earned are totaled and the following scale is applied:

GUIDELINES FOR FORMAT OF ASSIGNMENTS

1. Assignments should always be typed and submitted through the Blackboard.
2. Papers should always have title pages listing assignment, date, course and instructor.
3. All pages should be numbered correctly.
4. Spell words correctly (use spell check, proofread papers!)
5. Assignments should be TURNED IN ON TIME. Papers may not be accepted late, and in the case they are accepted, points will be deducted at the discretion of the instructor.
6. Double space when appropriate
7. As necessary: Include Table of Contents
8. As necessary: Label different sections of the paper

These guidelines will help your work become more professional. These skills are expected in the work environment for reports, projects, etc. Unprofessional appearance of work will be graded accordingly.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

The grade of “W” (Withdrawal) is awarded in cases where unusual circumstances render the successful completion of course work an impossibility for an indefinite period. Students are permitted to request and receive a “W” up to and including the 49th day of each fifteen –week term, the 42nd day of each 12-week summer session, and the 21st day of each six-week summer session. After the period specified, the instructor has the option to give a grade of “W” or “F” up to and including the Monday of the last week of classes. After this Monday, a “W” grade is not possible. A “W” grade requires the completion of a Course Withdrawal Form, supplied by the student (available in the Student Services Center). In 7-week classes, a “W” may be given until the end of the fifth week of the quarter. However, in accelerated programs, “W” grades are usually not advisable.

After the period specified, the faculty member has the option to give a grade of “W” or “F,” up to and including the last day to withdraw. Schedule Change forms may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. Should a “W” or “F” be placed on a student’s record, it remains a permanent part of that record.

International students must contact the University’s International Student Office before initiating a course withdrawal.

Because current and future financial aid may be jeopardized by processing a “W” or “F,” students are advised to consult the Office of Financial Aid prior to completing the transaction.

“I” GRADE POLICY

A student who does not complete a course by the end of the term may request and may be granted, at the instructor’s discretion, an “I” (Incomplete). The “I” in a given course must be completed within a period of time set by the instructor. This time period should not exceed one year from the end of the semester in which the course was taken. Certain conditions may dictate exceptions to this policy.

An Incomplete Grade Request Form detailing the conditions under which the “I” is permitted must be signed by both the student and the instructor. If the agreed upon conditions are not fulfilled, the “I” grade will be changed to the grade stipulated in section V of the Incomplete Grade Request Form. The student is responsible for contacting the instructor and ensuring that all expectations in regard to removal of an “I” grade and the completion of a change of grade form are met. The instructor will complete the change of grade form when all expectations are met.

POINT PARK UNIVERSITY POLICY ON PLAGIARISM

Any student found guilty of a breach of ethics will be subject to dismissal from the University.
Breach of ethics includes, but is not limited to plagiarism (the copying of other’s ideas and passing them off as one’s own); copying or other forms of cheating on examinations, papers, and reports; the sale, purchase, or distribution of term papers. It is within an instructor’s discretion to impose a lesser penalty, e.g., “zero” grade on a given assignment. Instructors should take care to document incidents precisely and notify their department chairperson without delay.

POINT PARK UNIVERSITY LIBRARY RESOURCES AND COMPUTER LABS

The Library is located in the University Center at 414 Wood Street. Many resources are available 24/7 through the Library’s web page and if you’re off campus, you can access the databases and e-books by using your Point Park University e-mail password and log-in. Librarians are available to help you find the resources you need for your research. Contact the Library at 412-392-3171, in person, by e-mail at library@pointpark.edu, through IM or by texting to 66746 and starting question with pointlib.

SMOKING POLICY

According to the Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance passed by the Pittsburgh City Council in November 1987, no smoking is permitted in the classrooms, hallways, or lobbies, or any other public area at Point Park University.

FIRE DRILLS

Should a fire alarm occur during the class hours, please leave the classroom in an orderly manner and evacuate the building through the appropriate exit.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

It is the intention of Point Park University to provide appropriate, reasonable accommodations for students who are disabled in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. All campus accommodations are coordinated through the Program for Academic Success (PAS), located on the 7th floor of Lawrence Hall. Students are responsible for contacting PAS for specific information on the University’s ADA policy and the procedures for verifying disabilities and requesting reasonable accommodations.
For more detailed information on requesting reasonable accommodations, please consult the PAS
website at www.pointpark..edu/pas.

[This language should also be spoken to students on the first day of class during the review of the
syllabus.]

DISCLAIMER: The instructor reserves the right to modify or change any provision in this syllabus.