policies

GENERAL POLICIES

EMAIL.

I use text-based email. Please do not send me HTML email unless there is a compelling reason.

Use correct spelling and grammar. I do not respond to things like "hi!!! r u in yer ofc?"

Rather than waiting until class to ask mathematical questions, I encourage you to email me the questions beforehand. If you wish to request the solution to a particular exercise, just put the complete number of the exercise in the subject heading of the message, and leave the rest of the message empty. For example, if you wish to see Exercise 35.b of Chapter 5 worked out in class, just put ``5.35.b'' as the subject of the message, and send it on. Of course, if you have a mathematical question---as opposed to a request for a solution---then you would send an appropriately detailed message. Clearly, this idea will not work without some restraint and exercise of judgment; for example, it will do no good to flood me with requests for solutions to every problem. I make no guarantee that I will always be able to fulfill such requests, but this will be more efficient than taking questions only in class. Of course, there is no requirement that you participate in this system, and certainly you may still ask questions in class.

It is not feasible for me to tutor or counsel by email. These things are best done face to face, preferably during office hours.

I do not accept homework by email except under very special circumstances.

OFFICE HOURS are for your benefit. Please do not hesitate to use this resource. (However, my office is not a study lounge or a tutoring lab.) It helps me to help you if you come with specific questions or problems. It is quite difficult to respond to statements like ``I don't understand anything in Chapter...''. During my announced office hours, I am in my office except possibly for short errands, and students have priority over other business. You may drop by anytime and see if I am available, but outside of announced office hours, I might have other priorities. If you cannot see me during announced office hours, then ask to make an appointment with me. An appointment is a commitment made by all parties involved to meet at a specific time and place. If you make an appointment with me, I expect you to show up at the agreed-upon time and place. If, after making an appointment with me, you find that you cannot make it, I expect to be informed of this as far ahead of time as possible, preferably by email.

MISCELLANEOUS

Turn off and stow all cell phones, pagers and other personal communication devices before entering the classroom. Leave them that way until after class is dismissed.

Show up on time. Late arrivals disturb the class. Of course, almost everyone runs a little behind once in a while, but if you cannot arrive on time fairly consistently, then you should drop the course.

Get the phone number or email of someone in class so you can contact them for routine information (e.g., lecture notes and reading assignments) in case you miss class. This is a serious point. It is not your professors' responsibility to provide you personally with such information. Exceptions may be made in case of serious medical or other problems that might force you to miss a number of class sessions.