DTC 477: Spring 2021: Syllabus

SMILE, YOU'RE ON THE INTERNET

Work you create in this class may be available on the internet through this web site, and through your work in this course. As a result, your work and your name may be publicly linked to our class without any further discussion beyond this note in the syllabus.

If you have concerns about the public display of your work, or about your name being publicly attached to this class during your enrollment, please let the instructor know.

INTEGRITY, DECORUM, & RESPECT

Academic integrity
Washington State University, a community dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, expects all students to behave in a manner consistent with its high standards of scholarship and conduct. Students are expected to uphold these standards both on and off campus and acknowledge the university's authority to take disciplinary action. The purpose of these standards and processes is to educate students and protect the welfare of the community.

University instructors have the authority to intervene in all situations where students are suspected of academic dishonesty. In such instances, responsible instructors retain the authority to assign grades to students considering, from an academic standpoint, the nature of the student action. The consequences for such actions should be spelled out beforehand in the syllabus. More information regarding responding to academic integrity violations can be found at: https://communitystandards.wsu.edu/.

In this course, students who violate WSU’s Academic Integrity Policy will be disciplined as follows:

• For the first violation, the student will receive a failing grade of zero on that assignment. Depending on the scope and nature of the violation, the instructor may require additional work simply in order to pass the course, though the failing grade may remain in effect.
• For the second violation, the student will receive a failing grade for the entire course. Additionally, the student will not have the option to withdraw from the course pending an appeal, and will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct.

Academic integrity violations include, but are not limited to, plagiarism and unauthorized collaboration as defined in the Standards of Conduct for Students, WAC 504-26-010(3). You need to read and understand all of the definitions of cheating: app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=504-26-010.

This specific course involves the study of web programming languages. There are countless sources on the Internet that provide examples of web coding which can be easily copied. While these can be useful for study and learning, students are permitted to use copied code in their assignments only under the following conditions:

• The copied code cannot amount to more than 25% of the substantive portions of the code.  (Publicly-available code libraries and frameworks do not count toward this limit.)
• If the copied code is more than 3 statements long, the student must add code comments that clearly identify:
  • The beginning and end of the copied code, and
  • The complete source URL of the copied code.

Without this documentation, any copied code discovered by the instructor may be considered an instance of plagiarism. The simplest way to avoid this is to use online code sources as inspiration, and then adapt/rewrite the code for your own uses, rather than copying and pasting it.

If you have any questions about what is and is not allowed in this course, please ask the instructor for clarification before proceeding with your assignment.

Decorum & Respect
This class will maintain academic decorum, meaning that all respectfully expressed positions will be accepted into the discussion and responded to in kind. Agreement is by no means a goal of the course. However, civility is a skill that will be practiced at all levels of interaction (group discussion, written assignments, blog responses, etc.).

Preferred identities & pronouns
This course affirms people of all gender expressions and gender identities. If you prefer to be called a different name than what is on the class roster, please let me know. Feel free to correct me on your gender pronoun. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Personal technology etiquette
In order to ensure a productive learning environment, students are required to turn off or set your personal communication device to silent during class time. In general, disruptive use of technological devices will result in a significantly lowered grade. If disruption/disrespect of the classroom environment persists, absences will be marked.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Students should make every effort to attend live/synchronous lectures at their scheduled time. Although attendance to live/synchronous Zoom classes is not required, it is strongly encouraged. If a student is unable to attend at the scheduled time, they are expected to fully watch the recorded video as soon as they can. However, students will be graded on attendance/viewing of videos over the semester.

Administrative Drops for Non-Attendance
Students enrolled in online classes may be dropped if they have not logged into the class Blackboard and Zoom sessions during the first week, and have not contacted the instructor. Students should not assume that they have been dropped without checking their class schedules.

Absences
Students should make all reasonable efforts to attend all class meetings. However, in the event a student is unable to attend a class, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor as soon as possible and make arrangements for any missed work. Missing class meetings may result in reducing the overall grade in the class.

Additional considerations about absences include:

• COVID-19-Related Absences
  Students are responsible for ensuring that they attend all class meetings and complete all in-class and out-of-class work as assigned by the instructor. Students are also responsible for communicating with the instructor should they need to be absent.During the fall semester it is likely that some students will be required to quarantine or will fall ill for an extended period. Many students will also have challenges related to access to technology and internet or quiet spaces to attend a remote class. Faculty should exercise understanding and generosity in responding to students’ requests to keep up with the coursework or make up missed work. It is the expectation of the Provost’s Office that instructors will reasonably accommodate students who are absent for an extended period. Regularly using Panopto or recording zoom sessions will assist students in keeping up with the course. "Reasonably accommodate" means coordinating with the student on scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for completing course requirements and includes offering different times for examinations or activities. Instructors may determine that the missed work and/or class time is so extensive that the student cannot make it up without taking an Incomplete grade. Students have one year to complete the work, unless a shorter interval is specified by the instructor. The Incomplete grade will administratively convert to an F grade after one year. There are no extensions beyond the one year.
• University Sponsored Absences
  Any student who is required to participate in university-sponsored activities such as field trips, musical performances, judging teams, intercollegiate athletic events, etc., should obtain an official Class Absence Request form from the faculty or staff member supervising the on- or off-campus activity. The form must contain specific information concerning the activity and date, be signed by the supervising faculty or staff member, and be submitted by the student at least one week in advance to the individual instructors of the student’s classes. It is recommended, but not required, that a student not be penalized for absence from class provided a properly signed Class Absence Request form has been filed with the instructor prior to the absence. These university-sponsored absences are subject to an instructor’s attendance policy and are not intended to imply additional acceptable absences. In all instances, it is the student’s responsibility to make up all work missed.
• Military Service Members
  Students who are members of the National Guard or a reserve branch of a military service are occasionally required to miss class for weekend drills, active duty, and related responsibilities. In such a case, instructors must not penalize students for the absences and should allow them to make-up the missed work. In each instance, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of the duty before the absence, provide appropriate documentation if requested and complete the missed work as soon as reasonably possible.
• Flexible Attendance as an Access Accommodation
  Some students have disabilities or chronic medical conditions of an episodic nature that may require flexibility regarding attendance. The Access Center recognizes that in some cases, allowing absences beyond those normally allowed in a course is a reasonable accommodation. However, there are courses in which a specified standard of attendance may be an essential part of the course. When the Access Center determines that flexible attendance may be a reasonable accommodation, instructors will receive notification of approved accommodations and procedures for their consideration. Final determinations regarding flexible attendance will be determined on a case-by-case basis. See the Flexible Attendance Guidelines at the Access Center website and Rule 83. NOTE: The Access Center does not provide accommodations for acute illnesses that cause extended absences (e.g., mono, strep throat, conjunctivitis). In these cases, students are to work with their instructors as indicated under Other Absences.
• Other Absences
  Students must sometimes miss class meetings, examinations, or other academic obligations affecting their grades due to extenuating circumstances. It is the responsibility of the student to provide a written explanation for the absence to the instructor as soon as it is reasonable to do so. When possible, students should provide appropriate documentation for their absence but instructors cannot require written excuses from health care professionals.As long as such absences are not excessive, it is recommended, but not required, that the instructor provide and document reasonable arrangements. Determinations regarding the acceptance of an absence are the discretion of the instructor based on the attendance policy as stated in the class syllabus.
• Accommodation for Absence Due to Religious Observances
  Washington State University reasonably accommodates absences allowing for students to take holidays for reasons of faith or conscience or organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization. Reasonable accommodation requires the student to coordinate with the instructor on scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for course completion. Students requesting accommodation must provide written notification within the first two weeks of the beginning of the course and include specific dates for absences. Approved accommodations for absences will not adversely impact student grades. Absence from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. Students who feel they have been treated unfairly in terms of this accommodation may refer to Academic Regulation 104 - Academic Complaint Procedures. See also Rule 82.Instructors must reasonably accommodate students who, due to the observance of religious holidays, expect to be absent or endure a significant hardship during certain days of the course. "Reasonably accommodate" means coordinating with the student on scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for completion of the course and includes offering different times for examinations or activities.
  • Any student seeking reasonable accommodations under this section must provide written notice to the instructor, within the first two weeks of the beginning of the course and include the specific dates for absences. Absence from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence.
  • The instructor shall inform the student of the decision in writing within seven calendar days of the receipt of the request.
  • Approved accommodations for absences will not adversely impact student grades.
  • The university provides notice to students of this policy on the university’s web site and in course or program syllabi, including grievance procedures.
• Any student who believes that she or he has not been appropriately accommodated under this policy may seek review of the decision by sending a written request to the chairperson of the department offering the course, as soon as possible and no later than seven days after learning of the instructor’s decision. After the chair’s decision, the student or the instructor may appeal to the dean’s office. Appeals to the dean’s office must be presented in writing within seven calendar days of the chair’s decision. The decision of the dean or associate dean shall be made within seven calendar days and is final. The University Ombudsman is available at any stage for advice or assistance in resolving requests for accommodation. Students should understand that fairness in the examination process is an important consideration in the educational process and that they do have a duty to cooperate in making alternate arrangements.
• Emergency Notifications
  While the Office of the Dean of Students does not excuse or verify student absences, in the event a student is going to be away from class for an extended period and is unable to contact the instructor in a timely manner, the Office of the Dean of Students may provide an emergency notification on the student’s behalf to the instructors, informing them of the student’s absence and the planned duration of the absence. An emergency notification should not be required or used to excuse a student’s absence.

It is the responsibility of the student to make contact with their instructors as soon as possible to make arrangements for missed work. It is up to the instructor to determine what if any arrangements will be made for the student based upon the attendance policy as stated in syllabus.

Students who attempt to gain advantage through abuse of this policy (e.g., by providing an instructor with false information) may be referred to the Office of Student Standards and Accountability for disciplinary action.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WSU Email Policy
Current university policy states that all email communication must be sent to student’s official WSU email address. The instructor will not reply to course-related student correspondence from a non-WSU.edu email address.

Student Records
Please review information about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) at the following website: http://www.ronet.wsu.edu/Main/Apps/FerpaInfo.ASP. Each department is responsible to maintain the confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA. Questions regarding the access to or release of student records may be referred to the Registrar’s Office at 509-335-5346 or [email protected].

Reasonable Accommodations
Students with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please either visit or call the Access Center (Washington Building 217; 509-335-3417, accesscenter.wsu.edu) to schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor. All accommodations must be approved through the Access Center.

WSU Safety Statement
Washington State University is committed to enhancing the safety of students, faculty, staff and Classroom and campus safety are of paramount importance at Washington State University, and are the shared responsibility of the entire campus population. WSU urges students to follow the “Alert, Assess, Act” protocol for all types of emergencies and the “Run, Hide, Fight” response for an active shooter incident. Remain ALERT (through direct observation or emergency notification), ASSESS your specific situation, and ACT in the most appropriate way to assure your own safety (and the safety of others if you are able).

Please sign up for emergency alerts on your account at MyWSU. For more information on this subject, campus safety, and related topics, please view the FBI’s Run, Hide, Fight video and visit the WSU safety portal.

Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment
Discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct (including stalking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence) is prohibited at WSU (See WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment (Executive Policy 15) and WSU Standards of Conduct for Students).

If you feel you have experienced or have witnessed discriminatory conduct, you can contact the WSU Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Investigation (CRCI) and/or the WSU Title IX Coordinator at 509-335-8288 to discuss resources, including confidential resources, and reporting options. (Visit crci.wsu.edu for more information).

Most WSU employees, including faculty, who have information regarding sexual harassment or sexual misconduct are required to report the information to CRCI or a designated Title IX Coordinator or Liaison. Visit https://crci.wsu.edu/reporting-requirements/ for more information.

Student Request for Consideration
The Office of the Dean of Students and/or the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Investigation may contact instructors on a student’s behalf when the student’s involvement in a matter implicating the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, and Harassment (Executive Policy #15) is having a significant impact on the student’s academic progress. In such cases, the instructor is strongly encouraged to work with the student to address the student’s needs without compromising learning objectives. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor to make these arrangements.

Students who are dissatisfied with the instructor’s arrangement regarding missed work may follow the Academic Complaint Procedures (Academic Regulation 104).

Academic Complaint Procedures
A student having complaints about instruction or grading should attempt to resolve those issues directly with the instructor. If that fails, the student should send an email to the instructor using his or her official WSU email account no later than 20 business days following the end of the semester. This email should briefly outline the complaint and be copied to the chairperson of the academic department.

If the complaint is not resolved with the instructor within 20 business days of sending the email, then the student may work directly with the chairperson of the academic department in which the course is offered. The chair’s decision shall be rendered within 20 additional business days.

After the chair’s decision, the student or the instructor may appeal to the academic college Dean’s Office. Complaints must be presented in writing to the college dean within 20 business days of the chair’s decision. The written statement should describe the complaint, indicate how it affects the individual or unit, and include the remedy sought from the college dean. The decision of the college dean is the final step and shall be made within 20 business days.

The University Ombudsman is available at any stage for advice or assistance in resolving academic complaints.

Note: Though chairs and deans (and academic area coordinators and campus chancellors) may resolve complaints about instruction and grading, they may not change a final grade without the consent of the instructor, except as provided by Rule 105.