Class Policies
Fall 2010
Plagiarism/Academic Misconduct: Plagiarism is prohibited, and may result in a failing grade for the assignment or for the course, and in extreme cases suspension or dismissal from the program. All assignments must be the original work of the student. If any items are submitted that are not the original work of the student, a failing grade for the assignment and the course will be given. Please read the information on the PA web site regarding plagiarism. Please let the instructor know if you have any questions and we will discuss the topic further in class or an individual conference can be arranged.
Evaluation: Participants will be evaluated based on their performance of the following requirements with values listed:
Discussions
30%
Project Proposal
10%
Case Study Project
30%
Final Project Presentation
10%
Research Paper
20%
 
Total
100%
See the "Assignments" page for details on the nature of the components above.
Incomplete Policy: See the "Request for a Grade of Incomplete" page on the VSU Academic Affairs site for the policy and procedure to apply for the grade. It is the responsibility of the student to request the Incomplete. The professor is not able to assign the grade otherwise. An incomplete grade (grade I) will only be assigned in cases in which the student had a lengthy illness or an unexpected obligation such as extended military service or jury duty. The grade of I will not be assigned because the student is not satisfied with a low grade. It will only be assigned in cases where the student could not complete a substantial part of the course work due to factors beyond the student's control.
Style Guidelines: Participants should use either the ASPA style. For information on APSA style, see this handout from Dr. Argyle.

Communication:

  • Our preferred method of communication is through the BlazeVIEW email. This self-contained system solves lots of problems in that it does not rely on the vagaries of the Internet and general email. Use the following email address through BlazeNet if BlazeVIEW is down or some other emergency occurs: 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 regularly 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 me 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 needed.
Seeking Professional Assistance & Working with Others: If you seek information, assistance, and/or support from others, particularly professionals, always act as a professional would be expected to act. Please be kind. In addition to normal politeness, please send all helpful individuals a thank you letter.
Attendance: Although we will not have regular face-to-face class meetings, we will consider communication through email and the online discussions as attendance for this class. Participants are expected to stay in touch with the teacher and other students through email and to take part in the online discussions.
Reference http://www.valdosta.edu/~gamerwin/pa/classes/padm9050/policies.html
Updated 08/01/2010, contact Jerry Merwin