Course Policies

This page documents the policies for this course. In case of any conflicts, the Official Syllabus on Canvas in combination with USU policies are the final word.

Communication Windows

Work days are defined as Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, excluding university holidays and extenuating circumstances. During these hours, I may be available for course-related inquiries and support. I check my email twice per day, at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, and I will respond to messages as promptly as possible according to this schedule. I make a genuine effort to respond to all student emails within one work day.

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected and contributes to participation grades. If a student must miss a lecture or lab, they are responsible for obtaining the relevant information. Because course materials are made available in advance, the instructor cannot dedicate additional time to helping students catch up due to absence (barring extenuating circumstances as defined below).

A Health & Safety Caveat

I am immunocompromised and I care for immunocompromised family members. Many of your classmates are also likely to be immunocompromised. Exposure to infectious diseases, particularly upper-respiratory infections such as measles, COVID-19, influenza, and even the common cold, poses a significant and potentially life-threatening risk to people well beyond our immediate relationships.

If you are feeling unwell or exhibiting any symptoms of illness, it is imperative that you do not attend lectures, labs, office hours, or in-person events under any circumstances. The health and safety of everyone in this course depend on your vigilance and cooperation. I will provide necessary accommodations, including access to course materials, virtual office hours, lecture recordings, or alternative participation methods, to ensure you can continue your learning without jeopardizing the well-being of others.

It is a critical responsibility we all share to maintain a safe and supportive environment. Please take this matter seriously. Failure to adhere to these health and safety guidelines may result in a loss of participation points, as it jeopardizes the safety and quality of the learning environment.

Grading

Grades are determined based on scores from homework, quizzes, labs, assessments, and participation in the following proportions:

• Low Stakes: 30%, comprised of:
  • Homework: 15%
  • Quizzes: 10%
  • Participation: 5%
• Medium Stakes: 30%, comprised of:
  • Labs: 30%
• High Stakes: 40%, comprised of:
  • Midterm Assessment: 15%
  • Final Assessment: 25%

The following diagram is a visual representation of the grade breakdown:

---
config:
    theme: 'base'
    treemap:
        valueFormat: '1.0%'
---
treemap-beta
"High Stakes"
        "Midterm": 0.15
        "Final": 0.25
"Medium Stakes"
        "Labs": 0.30001
"Low Stakes"
        "Quizzes": 0.10
        "Homework": 0.15
        "Participation 5%": 0.05

And for a more granular look, this is a visual breakdown by individual assignment:

Specific grading criteria and rubrics are provided for each assignment. Final grades are assigned based on the cumulative performance across all course components. The instructor reserves the right to adjust grades in cases of extenuating circumstances or to account for academic dishonesty or exceptional performance.

Extra Credit

At the close of the course, 1% of extra credit is offered to students who complete the IDEA survey and submit evidence thereof. This is designed to help bump grades up for students who are near the threshold of a higher grade. This is the only opportunity for extra credit in this course.

Labs and Assessments

A non-zero grade on every lab and both assessments is required to pass this course. For example, students who complete every assignment except one lab will fail the course despite their grade being otherwise passing.

Grading Scheme

Letter grades correspond to specific percentage ranges, which are outlined in the Official Syllabus on Canvas and match USU’s recommended letter grades, shown in the table below. The table shows the minimum grade required to earn each letter grade. For example, a score of 93% or higher is required for an A, while a score of 90% is the minimum for an A-. These ranges ensure consistency and fairness in grading. Students are assigned the maximal letter grade for which their percentage score exceeds this table’s minimum. Canvas is configured to report letter grades according to this policy to help students monitor their progress.

Students are encouraged to monitor their grades and reach out with any concerns or questions.

Grade Challenging

Students may challenge a grade within 3 work days of the grade being posted. To do so, they must submit a written request to the instructor detailing the specific concern and providing any supporting evidence. Grade challenges will not be considered after this period unless there are extenuating circumstances. The instructor’s decision on the challenge is final.

Resubmission

Students are allowed to resubmit up to two homework, quiz, or lab assignments in total during the semester to improve their scores. Resubmissions must be completed within 3 work days of the grade being posted and are subject to the following conditions:

• The original submission must have been made on time.
• The resubmission must include a written reflection about what was learned in the process.
• Students may reclaim up to 75% of the points lost on the original submission.

This policy is intended to encourage learning and improvement while maintaining fairness and rewarding students who produced excellent work at the first submission.

Late Work

Late work policies are defined for each assignment type:

• Homework: Late homework assignments incur a late penalty of 1 point per hour (homework assignments are worth 100 points). After 100 hours, late homework is not accepted.
• Quizzes: Late quizzes incur a late penalty of 0.5 points per hour (quizzes are worth 10 points). After 20 hours, late quizzes are not accepted.
• Labs: Late labs incur a late penalty of 10% per day. That is, $\text{late} = \text{original} * 0.9^n$ after $n$ days.
• Assessments: Late assessments are not accepted due to university grade posting deadlines.

Extensions, exceptions, and adjustments may be granted under extenuating circumstances.

AI Use

Unless otherwise indicated, students are permitted to use any of the secure AI tools listed at usu.edu/ai/tools for help completing assigned work under the following guidelines:

• AI may be used for:
  • Brainstorming ideas
  • Organizing thoughts into an outline
  • Formatting text into Markdown, LaTeX, etc.
  • Feedback and proofreading
  • Generating example problems
  • Summarizing topics
  • Clarifying instructions or requirements
  • Understanding and troubleshooting errors
• AI may not be used for:
  • Generating code, as we will be working with physical hardware, and AI-generated code can damage expensive equipment or cause errors that are nearly impossible to debug
  • Bypassing learning objectives or creating submissions without meaningful personal input
  • Any other actions that violate the spirit of academic integrity as outlined in this document

Students should be conscientious when it comes to AI use. AI should not replace genuine effort and critical thinking. Over-reliance on AI can hinder the development of essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The goal of this course is to help students grow intellectually and develop their own understanding of the material. While AI can be a helpful tool, it should complement, not replace, the learning process.

Students should also be mindful of the environmental and cultural impacts of their AI usage, as AI tools require significant computational resources and impact our world in ways we do not yet fully understand.

Students will be responsible for the content and quality of their assignment submissions, which are expected to meet the assignment criteria and demonstrate the student’s own ideas, interpretation, and effort. If there is strong suspicion or evidence of unauthorized AI use in a submission, it may be reported as an academic integrity violation in accordance with Article 6 of the USU Student Code, which outlines due process for instructors and students, including options for appeal. Possible sanctions may include a reduced grade and/or requirement to resubmit the assignment.

Students are expected to include a clearly-marked disclaimer in each submission stating 1) which AI tool(s) they used, 2) for what purposes, and 3) how they used and modified the AI’s output with their own contributions.

USU Policies

These policies are instituted at the university level and are required to apply to this course.

Appropriate Use of Canvas and Other IT Resources

Canvas and all other course technologies are information technology services provided as tools to further the mission of the university. By using these services, users agree to comply with USU Policy 5200: Information Security and Appropriate Use and the accompanying Terms of use for USU IT resources, as well as Article V-3.B.25.c of the USU Student Code. Using course technologies in ways that are inconsistent with the university’s mission or are disruptive will not be tolerated. Disruptive behavior includes any activity that interferes with either the faculty member’s ability to conduct the class or the ability of other students to profit from the instructional program.

Classroom Behavior

Utah State University supports the principle of freedom of expression for both faculty and students. The University respects the rights of faculty to teach and students to learn. Maintenance of these rights requires classroom conditions that do not impede the learning process. Disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated. An individual engaging in such behavior may be subject to disciplinary action. Read Student Code Article V Section V-3 for more information.

Academic Freedom and Professional Responsibilities

Academic freedom is the right to teach, study, discuss, investigate, discover, create, and publish freely. Academic freedom protects the rights of faculty members in teaching and of students in learning. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Faculty members are entitled to full freedom in teaching, research, and creative activities, subject to the limitations imposed by professional responsibility. USU Policy 4002 further defines academic freedom and professional responsibilities.

Academic Integrity – “The Honor System”

Each student has the right and duty to pursue their academic experience free of dishonesty. To enhance the learning environment at Utah State University and to develop student academic integrity, each student agrees to the following Honor Pledge:

“I pledge, on my honor, to conduct myself with the foremost level of academic integrity.”

A student who lives by the Honor Pledge is a student who does more than not cheat, falsify, or plagiarize. A student who lives by the Honor Pledge:

• Espouses academic integrity as an underlying and essential principle of the Utah State University community;
• Understands that each act of academic dishonesty devalues every degree that is awarded by this institution; and
• Is a welcomed and valued member of Utah State University.

Academic Dishonesty

The instructor of this course will take appropriate actions in response to Academic Dishonesty, as defined by the University’s Student Code. Acts of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:

• Cheating: using, attempting to use, or providing others with any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, examinations, or in any other academic exercise or activity. Unauthorized assistance includes:
  • Working in a group when the instructor has designated that the quiz, test, examination, or any other academic exercise or activity be done “individually;”
  • Depending on the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments;
  • Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself, in taking an examination or preparing academic work;
  • Acquiring tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty member, staff member, or another student without express permission;
  • Continuing to write after time has been called on a quiz, test, examination, or any other academic exercise or activity;
  • Submitting substantially the same work for credit in more than one class, except with prior approval of the instructor; or engaging in any form of research fraud.
• Falsification: altering or fabricating any information or citation in an academic exercise or activity.
• Plagiarism: representing, by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or unpublished work of another person as one’s own in any academic exercise or activity without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes using materials prepared by another person or by an agency engaged in the sale of term papers or other academic materials.

For additional information go to: ARTICLE VI. University Regulations Regarding Academic Integrity.

Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct

General Overview

USU strives to provide an environment for students and employees that is free from discrimination and sexual misconduct. If you experience sexual misconduct or discrimination at any point during the semester inside or outside of class, you are encouraged to contact the USU Title IX Coordinator via Distance Education room 400 in Logan, 435-797-1266, titleix@usu.edu, or at crtix.usu.edu/report. You can learn more about the USU resources available for individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct at sexualrespect.usu.edu. Resources for individuals who have experienced discrimination are listed at crtix.usu.edu/resources.

Required Reporting of Sexual Misconduct and Threats of Harm

USU cares about our students and provides a number of resources and supportive measures to students who may be experiencing thoughts of self-harm or who have experienced sexual misconduct. To ensure students are informed about resources and services available to them, including available grievance or criminal processes for incidents of sexual misconduct, USU has implemented reporting policies and practices that require designated employees to report any information they receive about incidents of sexual misconduct. This reporting policy also assists USU with its efforts to prevent sexual misconduct and keep our campus community safe.

Under USU’s sexual misconduct reporting policy, I am designated as a “reporting employee.” This means that if you share information with me about incidents of sexual misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, or sex-based stalking), including within a course assignment, I will report that information to the USU Title IX Coordinator. I will also share with you information about designated confidential resources, supportive measures, and how you can file a report with the USU Title IX Coordinator.

Self-disclosures about sexual misconduct that you experienced are not required for your course work.

Similarly, if you disclose thoughts of harm to self or a threat to others to me, including within a course assignment, I will report the information to the appropriate campus administrators. I will also share with you information about the mental health and wellness resources available to you.

Withdrawal Policy and “I” Grade Policy

Students are required to complete all courses for which they are registered by the end of the semester. In some cases, a student may be unable to complete all of the coursework because of extenuating circumstances, but not due to poor performance or to retain financial aid. The term ‘extenuating’ circumstances includes:

1. Incapacitating illness which prevents a student from attending classes for a minimum period of two weeks,
2. A death in the immediate family,
3. Financial responsibilities requiring a student to alter a work schedule to secure employment,
4. Change in work schedule as required by an employer, or
5. Other emergencies deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Students with Disabilities

USU welcomes students with disabilities. If you have, or suspect you may have, a physical, mental health, or learning disability that may require accommodations in this course, please contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) as early in the semester as possible (University Inn # 101, (435) 797‐2444, drc@usu.edu). All disability-related accommodations must be approved by the DRC. Once approved, the DRC will coordinate with faculty to provide accommodations.

Students Who are Pregnant or Have a Pregnancy-Related Condition

If you need academic accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, recovery, or other pregnancy-related conditions, please contact the Civil Rights & Title IX Office as early as possible. All accommodations related to pregnancy must be approved by the Civil Rights & Title IX Office. The Civil Rights & Title IX Office will then coordinate with instructors to provide accommodations. The University will not exclude a student from participating in any part of an educational program based on the student’s pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions.

Civil Rights & Title IX Office: Distance Education, Room 400, Logan Campus, 435-797-1266, Civil Rights & Title IX Office: Pregnancy and Pregnancy Related Conditions.

Inclusive Excellence

USU provides resources to help all students feel included as part of the campus and broader USU community. To learn more about the resources available and how to access them, visit the Inclusive Excellence Office.

Grievance Process

Students who feel they have been unfairly treated may file a grievance through the channels and procedures described in the Academic Grievances section of the Course Catalog.

Full details for USU Academic Policies and Procedures

• USU Policy 5200: Information Security and Appropriate Use
• All Academic Policies and Practices (USU Catalog)
• Student Conduct
• Student Code
• Policy 4002: Academic Freedom and Professional Responsibility

Emergency Procedures

In the case of a drill or real emergency, classes will be notified to evacuate the building via USU official communication channels. Those channels will be: an audible alarm, such as a fire alarm; an Aggie Alert notification; or notification by a USU representative. In the event of a disaster that does not permit enough time for notifications, evacuate as the situation dictates (i.e., when shaking ceases in an earthquake; immediately when a fire is discovered or in the event of other immediate life safety concerns). If it does not inhibit safety, turn off computers and take any personal items with you. Elevators should not be used; instead, use the closest stairs. See USU Emergency Management for more information.

Food Security

The Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC) offers free food assistance to all students. Students are welcome to visit the pantry once per calendar week. There are no questions or qualifications required to access this service; you simply need to present your student ID card or A#.

The pantry is committed to supporting student well-being by ensuring access to nutritious food options. For more information, including pantry hours and location, please visit SNAC Food Pantry.

Utilizing the SNAC Food Pantry is a smart way to manage your food needs and stay focused on your academic success.

General Health Protocols

The cold, flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses can have an impact on the health of our university community. USU welcomes the wearing of masks in all university buildings and encourages taking measures to mitigate risk as recommended by federal and state public health officials: getting vaccinated, staying home if you are sick, and frequent hand washing.

Mental Health

Mental health is critically important for the success of USU students. As a student, you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. Utah State University provides free services for students to assist them with addressing these and other concerns. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Students are also encouraged to download the “SafeUT App” to their smartphones. The SafeUT application is a 24/7 statewide crisis text and tip service that provides real-time crisis intervention to students through texting and a confidential tip program that can help anyone with emotional crises, bullying, relationship problems, mental health, or suicide-related issues.