Syllabus - Other Important Policies and Practices
Other Important Policies and Practices
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity includes topic such as cheating, lying, collusion, and plagiarism. This is quite different from teamwork. Guidelines are in the student handbook – please review them. Plagiarism is of particular concern since this is an online class and AI has added another technological temptation. It is very easy to copy and paste content. But I strenuously suggest that you don’t. Remember: it is just as easy for me to search online as it is for you. If this happens, I will notify you in the assignment feedback.
Please, when I ask for examples, use your own experience or those of friends or family. When you are asked to define terms or concepts in responses, use your own words. I want to make sure you know the material. This applies to every assignment, particularly discussions and journals. I will check submissions that do not seem to be in your “voice”. I also use an AI checker for any use of AI apps.
This does not, however, preclude you from including research information you have found (including Wikipedia, which is a good start in some cases). Just cite the information and include the location of the information (reference) at the end of your work. This is required for all college work, not just this class.
Although most students have likely heard about plagiarism during their years of schooling, it still is prevalent-even in higher education. Recent public events have highlighted the fact that plagiarizing doesn't usually happen once. If I find more than one plagiarism violation, I will use the online reporting system.
The video below reviews what plagiarism is and how not to do it.
Plagiarism: How to avoid itLinks to an external site. 
Netiquette, or Why Is It Harder to Be Polite Online?
Netiquette refers to using common courtesy in online communication. All members of the class are expected to follow netiquette in all course communications. Use these guidelines:
- Use capital letters sparingly. THEY LOOK LIKE SHOUTING.
- Forward emails only with a writer's permission.
- Be considerate of others' feelings and use language carefully.
- Cite all quotations, references, and sources (otherwise, it is plagiarism).
- Use humor carefully. It is hard to "read" tone; sometimes humor can be misread as criticism or personal attack. Feel free to use emoticons like :) for a smiley face to let others know you are being humorous.
- Use complete sentences and standard English grammar to compose posts. Write in proper paragraphs. Review work before submitting it.
- Text speak, such as "ur" for "your" or "ru" for "are you" etc., is only acceptable when texting.
Special Needs
Students with disabilities who believe they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources (527-4278), as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
Please – communicate with me regarding any help you may need to continue your studies. I have references for aid, student mentors, online tutoring and help, and other resources. If you wait until the end of the class, I cannot help you.
Communication
You are encouraged to establish a rapport and contact with other students to support each other. While communication with the instructor is essential, some students prefer consulting other classmates. Using Pronto allows for questions to be addressed to individuals or the entire class; whichever works best for you.
Just as important is the establishment of rapport and contact with your instructor. Online classes offer flexibility, but they lack understanding and familiarity between students and instructors. If you have a question, please reach out through messaging, email, or phone calls. If you find an error in the class material, please contact me as soon as possible so it can be resolved.
Physical and Mental Health
Should you experience any physical or mental health issues, know that all of us at SRJC care about your well-being. SRJC’s Student Health Services (SHS) has nurse practitioners and mental health therapists available. Confidential sessions are provided via secure Zoom or in-person. Sessions are free for SRJC students taking credit or non-credit classes, and some providers can converse with you in Spanish if you prefer. To start the process for any type of physical or mental health appointment contact Student Health at 707 527-4445 or email studenthealthservices@santarosa.edu. More information about all that Student Health Services provides is available at shs.santarosa.edu.
Diversity and Inclusion
All of us are aware of the challenges we face. These are not just academic; every aspect of our lives is affected, including educational adjustments. Please let me know if you have challenges, in or out of this class, as the online environment doesn’t foster observational insight.
This class presents many opportunities to explore some formidable issues and increase our understandings of different perspectives. We sometimes will make mistakes in our speaking and our listening, and we will need patience or courage or any number of qualities in combination to engage our own ideas and experiences. Always, we will need respect for others.
It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be heard in this course, that students' learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit.
It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups.
If you have, or think you may have, a disability (including an “invisible disability” such as a learning disability, a chronic health problem, or a mental health condition) that interferes with your performance as a student in this class, you are encouraged to discuss your needs and arrange support services and/or accommodations through Disabilities Services.