1. Attendance/Tardiness: Attendance and prompt arrival to class are mandatory. Beyond two absences, each absence will result in 5 points being subtracted from the final grade points. An individual exception will be made only in the event of properly documented extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control. Tardiness beyond a few SHORT minutes is not acceptable. Without a valid excuse, tardiness after attendance is taken will be considered an absence. Please be considerate of your classmates and the instructor by trying your best to be on time.
2. Late Assignments/Incompletes: Assignments are due on the date assigned. Three points per day (including weekends) will be deducted for late assignments. Incompletes for the course will only be given in the case of extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control.
3. Research paper format: Because this course is designed to emulate a graduate student seminar, any research papers for the course requires the APA editorial style as the standard format for all written assignments. Details of the APA style are included in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 4th Edition. Abbreviated versions may be found online via Google.
5. Participation: Student’s level of active participation will be assessed in three ways: through group work, community service, reflection activities and individual classroom discussion.
6. Group conflict: Groups are expected to resolve challenges within their group context. The instructor is willing to serve as consultant if groups are unable to resolve their differences. Groups are not penalized in their grade for consulting with the instructor.
7. Respect: The instructor and classmates have the ethical responsibility to see that the class environment is maintained as a respectful and confidential setting. In addition, a student’s class performance, grade, and any other personal information the student discusses with the instructor will be kept confidential.
8. Professional Conduct in Class The professor expects students to act like professionals in class. This means students should arrive on time for class, be prepared to participate in the class discussion, and show respect for one another’s opinions. We will not, nor should we, always agree with one another. In this environment we should be exposed to diverse ideas and opinions, and sometime we will not agree with the ideas expressed by others. However, the professor does require that students engage one another with respect and professionalism.
The University of Texas Honor Code
The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the university is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community.
Policy on Scholastic Dishonesty
Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University. Since such dishonesty harms the individual, all students, and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced. For further information, the student may refer to the Web Site of the Student Judicial Services, Office of the Dean of Students (http://www.utexas.edu/depts/dos/sjs/).
Documented Disability Statement
Any student who requires special accommodations must obtain a letter that documents the disability from the Services for Students with Disabilities area of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (471-6259 voice or 471-4641 TTY for users who are deaf or hard of hearing). Present the letter to the professor at the beginning of the semester so that needed accommodations can be discussed. The student should remind the professor of any testing accommodations no later than five business days before an exam. For more information, visit http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/.
Religious Holidays
By UT Austin policy, students must notify the professor of a pending absence at least fourteen days prior to the date of observance of a religious holy day. If the student must miss a class, an examination, a work assignment, or a project in order to observe a religious holy day, the professor will give the student an opportunity to complete the missed work within a reasonable time after the absence.
Use of E-Mail for Official Correspondence to Students
Email is recognized as an official mode of university correspondence; therefore, students are responsible for reading their email for university and course-related information and announcements. Students are responsible to keep the university informed about changes to their e-mail address. Students should check their e-mail regularly and frequently—daily, but at minimum twice a week—to stay current with university-related communications, some of which may be time-sensitive. Students can find UT Austin’s policies and instructions for updating their e-mail address at http://www.utexas.edu/its/policies/emailnotify.php.
Use of Blackboard in Class
Blackboard may be used in some instances as a means of communication. However, this course will not use Blackboard exclusively for class assignments, etc. Your flexibility is required.
Safety
As part of professional social work education, students may have assignments that involve working in agency settings and/or the community. As such, these assignments may present some risks. Sound choices and caution may lower risks inherent to the profession. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of and adhere to policies and practices related to agency and/or community safety. Students should notify the professor regarding any safety concerns.
Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL)
If students are worried about someone who is acting differently, they may use the Behavior Concerns Advice Line to discuss by phone their concerns about another individual’s behavior. This service is provided through a partnership among the Office of the Dean of Students, the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD). Call 512-232-5050 or visit http://www.utexas.edu/safety/bcal.
Emergency Evacuation Policy
Occupants of buildings on the UT Austin campus are required to evacuate and assemble outside when a fire alarm is activated or an announcement is made. Please be aware of the following policies regarding evacuation:
- Familiarize yourself with all exit doors of the classroom and the building. Remember that the nearest exit door may not be the one you used when you entered the building.
- If you require assistance to evacuate, inform the professor in writing during the first week of class.
- In the event of an evacuation, follow the professor’s instructions.
- Do not re-enter a building unless you’re given instructions by the Austin Fire Department, the UT Austin Police Department, or the Fire Prevention Services office.
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