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The purposes of this "policy statement" on grading are to avoid confusion at the end of term by clearly defining standards and expectations and to clarify the goals of student evaluation. The purpose of student evaluation is neither punitive castigation nor pro forma ritual. Rather, the reason for grading students' work is to provide a fair assessment of performance that can be useful in furthering an individual's scholarly and professional development. For grades to be useful to the student, it is therefore important that evaluation be neither inflated nor deflated. Students' work is graded on a scale from A to D. A and A- reflect superb, well-thought out and presented work; B+ through B- indicates solid work that could use some improvement; C+ through C- reflects work that needs substantially greater attention to both style and content; D+ and D indicate unacceptably sloppy work. Failure to complete coursework will result in a failing grade. Students are welcome to take any course pass/fail; however, you must make your choice of grade option according to the timetable set by the University. Students will not be allowed to change grade options once those deadlines have passed and grade reports submitted. Students seeking to audit any course may do so only with the permission of the instructor. Incompletes will be given in consultation with the instructor. Students will be expected to provide and adhere to a reasonable timetable for resolving the incomplete. Extensions on specific assignments will be given at the discretion of the instructor only prior to the date that the work is due. Requests for extensions should be submitted in writing (email preferred). No extensions will be given after the due date. Late work without an extension will be automatically penalized one grade point per day. Any student not satisfied with their performance is strongly encouraged to rewrite and resubmit their work. Any student intending to do so should contact the instructor before the fifth week of the following quarter in order to devise a schedule for resubmission and to confer on exactly how the work might be improved. After the fifth week, requests for resubmission will not be allowed. Please feel free to bring any questions or concerns to my attention. Adam T. Smith 3 January 2001 |