Course Policies & Grading

POLICIES & REQUIREMENTS
Policies relating to this course will be consistent with, and subject to, all policies established by the Rangos School of Health Sciences and Department of Speech-Language Pathology.

Attendance. Think of class as your job. If you are going to be absent, you need to call in; either leave me a message on my office phone or e-mail me to let me know the reason for your absence. You are expected to attend every class and participate to your fullest ability. Class participation is an important part of learning in any seminar, and this one in particular. Remember that you are responsible for the material that you've missed should you be absent.

Class Cancellation. If adverse weather or other conditions necessitate cancellation of class, I will leave a message on my office telephone after 8:00 a.m. to inform you of the cancellation. My office phone number is:

412-396-4204

Cell Phones. Please turn off your cell phones during class so as not disturb others. Texting in class is not as dangerous as while driving, but is still a "frowned upon practice". On the very rare occasion that you might be expecting an important call during class time, please let me know at the beginning of the class so we can seat you close to the door, so should you receive the call, you can quickly take it out in the hallway. Cell phones or other communication devices are strictly forbidden during exams. A cell phone found "in the view of a proctor" during an exam will be sufficient cause to receive a failing grade on the exam regardless of your score. Your best bet is not to bring your phone to class on exam days... please leave it in your locker.

GRADING
Exams. Each student will complete a mid-semester exam and final exam which will only be administered during the scheduled times; 'late comers' to class on exam days will not be given extra time. Students with an excused absence for the day of the exam may be given an examination orally covering the subject matter. The oral test will be videotaped and may be more difficult than the in-class test. Each exam will count as 100 points.

The mid-semester exam will cover the readings and activities from the first day of class. You may refer to the ASHA Code of Ethics (not the annotated version) during the examination. The final exam will deal with resolving ethical case studies.

Group Project. The group project is designed to present case studies via a different modality -- acting out (or playing a video of) the scenario of the case, discussing it, and resolving it with the class. Specific information about this aspect of the course is available under the "Group Project" menu item. The group project will count as 50 points toward your grade; all members of the group will receive the same grade.

Grades will be assigned based upon your total score on the exams and group project as follows:

	Total Score	Grade
	225-250	A
	200-224	B
	175-199	C
	150-174	D
	less than 150	F

Participation. Being a seminar, student participation is an integral part of the learning experience. The ability of form and express an opinion in class is a reflection of the degree of your understanding, commitment, and involvement. It is expected that students will learn from one another as a part of this pedagogical format.