PADM 7260 Class Policies

Class Policies

Fall 2007

Plagiarism: Please read the information on the MPA web site regarding plagiarism. Please let the instructor know if you have any questions and we will discuss the topic further in class. (Anyone who has not yet signed a form indicating your understanding and agreement should let the instructor know if you need the form.)

Evaluation: Participants will be evaluated based on their performance of the following requirements with values listed:

Unit/Chapter/Article Presentations	25%
Examinations	25%
Written Assignments (Individual)	40%
Participation	10%

Total	100%

See the "Assignments" page for details on the components above.

Group Projects: A group project is an option for this course. If students choose to work together in groups, we will set up those up in class and allot some class time to group meetings. If a presentation is done by a group, it is a requirement for all group members to take part in creating the written part of the project and also do part of the presentation to the class. Be prepared to identify segments of the written presentation contributed by each person and expect to have each person deliver part of the oral presentation in class.

Style Guidelines: See Resources for PA Classes and get the "Guide to Government Writing" and also refer to the Seven Deadly Sins of Student Papers. If other style questions arise, use the APSA Format Handout. You should send all of your written assignments as e-mail attachments, as MS Word© (drafts for consideration), PowerPoint©, or an Adobe© PDF or Flash files. You should label each attachment as “Name_Assignment,” where “Name” is your first and last name, and "Assignment" the description of the assignment. For example, I would submit my first assignment as “Gerald_Merwin_chapter5.” Do not turn in hard copies. A letter grade reduction will result for any submission of a hard copy of an assignment. All written work must conform to either APSA or APA style. Class participation will also count for part of the grade.

Communication:

	WebCT E-mail is our preferred method of communication between class meetings. If there is some emergency that means you cannot get into WebCT, then use the BlazeNet/VSU email account. Use the following email address: gamerwin@valdosta.edu.
	I will generally respond to any e-mail within one to two working days. Likewise, I ask that you check your email daily and respond in a timely manner if a response is requested or warranted.
	If the email communication fails or some emergency comes up it is OK to contact the teacher by telephone. The best number is my cell number: (229) 221-2891 and voice mail is available in case I cannot answer. I will return calls if there is a need to do so.

If you have problems with WebCT, VSU E-Mail, or web access: If you need assistance and/or support getting your WebCT, VSU E-mail set up, please contact the VSU Information Technology Help Desk: Phone: 229-245-4357or visit them in Odum Library (at the location of the Old Reference Desk).

Attendance: Participants are expected to attend all class sessions and to be on time. Participants are permitted one professional-related absence with prior approval and/or one health-related absence. Documentation may be required. Each additional absence will require a make-up assignment or result in the loss of 15% on the final grade. Please be clear that it is the participant's responsibility to keep up with the work required even if they are absent from class. Contact the instructor if you have any problems. It is acceptable to get help from the instructor, but you must ask!

Language Biases: All participants are expected to employ non biased speech and prose--gender, race, and other. At times we will make mistakes and say or write in a manner which may cause offense. We will help each other to remove biases and offensive aspects from our speech and prose.

Working Together: Participants are encouraged to cooperate--share ideas, resources, and insights. Make certain the final product reflects your efforts, but help each other out. Learning, like almost everything, is more fun when it is a shared experience.

Questions/Concerns: If in doubt--ask! Do not let a little problem grow. The only "stupid" or “silly” question is the one that goes unasked.

Reference http://www.valdosta.edu/~gamerwin/pa/classes/padm7260/policies.html

Updated 10/29/2007, contact Jerry Merwin