Policies

University syllabus policy

UBC provides resources to support student learning and to maintain healthy lifestyles but recognizes that sometimes crises arise and so there are additional resources to access including those for survivors of sexual violence. UBC values respect for the person and ideas of all members of the academic community. Harassment and discrimination are not tolerated nor is suppression of academic freedom. UBC provides appropriate accommodation for students with disabilities and for religious and cultural observances. UBC values academic honesty and students are expected to acknowledge the ideas generated by others and to uphold the highest academic standards in all of their actions. Details of the policies and how to access support are available here.

Inside the classroom

Use of class time: I will be ready to go when class starts, and will make good use of the 80 minutes allotted for the class. In return, I ask that you be engaged and ready to learn when class starts, and wait until dismissal.

Do you have kids/children?: If childcare is a potential barrier for you attending class, please have a chat with me! You can livestream the course, or we can explore the option of you bringing your child(ren) to class!

Outside the classroom

Emailing: Please allow me a 24-hour window to respond to answer emails, and please make sure to check the syllabus first! (You can even use the search function at the bottom)

Academic Concessions and Other Grading Concerns

During the term, students may experience medical, psychological, or other forms of distress, which may affect performance. In such cases, students should do their best to speak with me before the assignment due date. Documentation is not necessary. Special accommodations generally cannot be made after an exam has been written, or assignments have been submitted, and the weighting of each learning assessment cannot be changed, with exigent circumstances as exceptions.

Academic and Non-Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct, such as cheating or plagiarism, is a serious offense, and may be subject to punishment by the university. UBC has clear policies about what academic misconduct means: https://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,1743. Evidence of academic misconduct may result in a “0” grade for the exam or assignment in question, and may prompt more severe punishment as the University deems appropriate

Non-academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, physically threatening an instructor. This is also a serious offense, and is also subject to punishment by the university. UBC has clear policies about what constitutes non-academic misconduct, found here: http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,54,750,0. Punishment for both academic and non-academic misconduct may include, but is not limited to, a non-removable notation on the transcript, or suspension from the University.

More information about these issues, including annual reports of student discipline cases at UBC, can be found here: http://universitycounsel.ubc.ca/discipline/

Use of ChatGPT and Generative AI Tools

The use of generative AI tools, including ChatGPT and other similar tools, to complete or support the completion of any form of assignment or assessment in this course is not allowed and would be considered academic misconduct, with the exception of the use of spell checkers and grammar checkers. It is important that students learn how to generate essays, reports, and writing pieces by formulating their own thoughts and arguments. Assignments should fully reflect students own thoughts and abilities. As such, the use of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools in any form is not allowed in this class.

Withdrawal dates

If you wish to drop this course without a “W” (or “Withdrawal”) on your transcript, the deadline to do so is Jan 19. If you wish to drop this course with a “W” on your transcript, the deadline to do so is Mar 1. Please note that you should always check with UBC’s Academic Calendar.