Hi all,

As promised, below are some of the syllabus questions and answers that seem relevant to the entire class. In addition, I wanted to remind you all of two things:

• As per the syllabus, 2 latenesses count as 1 absence. You must be in class ON TIME, meaning at 9:55, not 10:05, and certainly not 10:25.
• Don’t forget to annotate your readings and bring copies to class. It’s also a good idea to have access to your homework responses, as we will regularly refer to them in class on the day they are due

Best,

Kristen

On Absences

Will excused absences such as emergencies count as 1 of the 2 absences that we are limited to before the grade depreciates? 

Generally yes, they will be counted toward your 2 allowed absences. I will, however, take into consideration the circumstances of the absence and adjust as necessary.

I understand from the syllabus that we can notify you before class if we have to miss class, but what’s not exactly clear is that if this absence would count as an excused absence. So if  we were to inform you of our absence with a good reason beforehand, would that absence still count towards the two absences rule?

The two absences that are allowed are, in essence, “excused” absences. You can be absent for any reason up to two times and they will count as “excused.” Absences beyond the initial two excused absences will have an effect your grade. [Note that there can be exceptions to this: if it’s a true emergency (read: family death, extended illness, etc) that requires 2 or more absences, or if the absences are for religious observance. Talk to me if you’re concerned!]

Late work/extensions due to illness

Is there an extension for a certain assignment when someone is sick on the day the assignment is due?

Typically I will grant an extension on an as-needed basis for illness, provided that the illness is documented with a doctor’s note.

Office Hours

I saw on the syllabus that you have office hours by appointment and my question was just to know what are the possible hours do you think you will be available to talk?

I’ll typically be available after class if you need to talk about assignments, drafts, any questions/concerns about class, etc. It’s best if you give me a heads up via email if you’d like to meet, so I can arrange to be available. If you have another class immediately following mine, I will also be available before class on occasion.