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FAQ #1. Why do you waste time
in taking attendance?
If
you are not in class, I am unable to do my job as a teacher. Most
students do make every effort to come to class on time. Those few
people who miss an excessive number of classes invariably do very
poorly. In an ideal world I would not take attendance, but I am not
yet convinced that Hofstra is an ideal world. Therefore, attendance
will be taken at the beginning of each class period.
FAQ #2. What happens if I miss class?
If you are unable to attend class due to any reason (e.g., medical, traffic accident, sports travel, job interview, alarm didn't go off) you must provide a written note informing me of the reason you were absent. You are allowed up to 4 excused absences for a course that meets two days a week and 5 excused absences for a course that meets three days a week. For each absence over the limit, you will lose 3 points from your final grade points. It is my decision, as professor, whether an absence is to be excused or not. Note that an excessive number of absences may cause you to fail this course.
FAQ #3. Do I have to get to class on time?
In a word, yes. Walking in late is disturbing to both my concentration and that of your fellow students. If you are late, do come in and salvage what you can of the lecture. If you are late to class and attendance has already been taken, it is your responsibility to notify the professor at the end of the class; otherwise I will consider you absent. If you are habitually late to class, we will need to talk about it.
FAQ #4. Can I leave a little early. My next class is across campus?
Walking out early is as disturbing as walking in late. On a particular day if you have a legitimate reason, let me know at the start of class. Please sit near the exit and leave as quietly as you can.
FAQ #5. Can we get out early today?
I almost always end at the appointed time. I do not like to see students packing their things and getting ready to bolt five minutes (or more) before the class is over. Often the last few minutes are when I am trying to pull together points, so this is a time you should pay close attention.
FAQ #6. I missed the exam. Can I have a make-up?
If you miss a scheduled exam, the only way in which I will grant you a make-up is if you have a doctor's note indicating you were ill or you have a legitimate (in my eyes) reason why you were unable to attend class. You must contact me by the next class. Quizzes cannot be made up, unless I know in advance for a legitimate reason.
FAQ # 7. Professor, I couldn't finish my paper on time. Can I have an extension?
If you usually hand in your paper on time and an emergency comes up, feel free to ask me this question -- once, maybe twice. I am interested in your best effort. The problem is that too many students take unfair advantage of this. Is it fair for one student to work hard to finish a paper while another student slacks off? I don't think so, and that is why I will assess a late penalty (as announced in each syllabus). A word of advice -- students who tend to hand in papers late tend to do poorly in my courses and many of them fail.
FAQ #8. I am taking a lot of classes and I work. I just don't have time to read all the assignments and hand in papers on time. What should I do?
Easy ... don't take my course. You can not get anything worthwhile out of the course, if you do not seriously approach the work. The syllabus shows all of your assignments and exams and sets a pace that should allow you to juggle your schedule with the other demands. If you fall behind, it can be disastrous.
FAQ #9. OK, I tried, but something came up and now I am really behind. What should I do?
Come and talk to me. Lots of students have crises. If anything happens that prevents you from performing to the best of your ability, let me know. Otherwise I will assume you simply don't care and that is not in your best interest.
FAQ #10. Professor, I can't afford to get lower than a C in this course, or I will lose my scholarship?
I hear this statement every term that I teach. You have every opportunity to earn a decent grade in this class, but you must do the work. I do not negotiate grades, period. The syllabus outlines how you earn points in the course. Those few students each term who fail in my courses usually do so because they are not serious, do not do the required work on time (or at all!) and do not take advantage of my help.
FAQ #11. Some times I just don't have time to study. What happens if I plagiarize or cheat on an exam?
FAQ #12. Can I bring food and drink to class?
Yes, but on two conditions. First, you must clean up your waste and not mess up your table top. Second, be discreet; don't make a scene.
FAQ #13. Do you care if I talk to my friends during class?
I do care. It disturbs me and your fellow students. I will not conduct class if conversations are going on. If you have a brilliant comment for your immediate neighbors, I will invite you to share it with the class and myself. I strongly encourage you to voice your opinions in class discussion and in response to questions.
FAQ #14. Do I need to ask permission to use the bathroom?
Yes! I urge you to use the bathroom before you come to class. If you have an emergency, raise your hand and ask for permission to leave. If there is a medical condition, please tell me before the start of class. You may not leave the room for any purpose during an exam.
FAQ #15. I can't sit through a whole class. Can I go out and have a smoke?
Sure, but don't come back.
This is a university class, not a jazz club.
FAQ #16 Do I really have to read the assignments? Why can't I just take notes in class?
Some professors regurgitate what you are supposed to read; I don't. You are responsible for reading the assignment and coming to class with questions about what you don't understand and what you want to know more about. Regurgitation of assigned readings in a class lecture is boring and an insult to you as a student. Most of the time I will highlight main points and build on the ideas in the readings. In order for this to work, I expect you as a student to be prepared. Always bring the text with the assigned reading to class!
FAQ #17. I'm too shy to speak up in class? What if I say something stupid?
There are few stupid questions, but plenty of stupid and incomplete answers. I would rather see evidence of your mind thinking of new ways to question and explore than merely parroting a convenient text-book answer. There is seldom a single "right" answer to anything in my classes.
FAQ #18. Do we have to be "politically correct" in the classroom?
Given the subject matter in some classes, we will not always be able to be "politically correct" on controversial issues, but we can make every attempt to be sensitive to individual feelings. Everyone in the classroom, students as well as professor, deserves the common courtesy of respect and dignity no matter what an individual's point of view or style is. I will not allow intimidation or ridicule of anyone and I encourage students to speak their minds. If something during the course makes you uncomfortable, let me know.