Absenses and Attendance.

31 Dec 2020

tl;dr: It's a course that relies on peer-learning. That means you being in class is really important. Being absent will effect your grade.

The structure of this course makes it critical for you to be in attendance. The way we’ll learn is through sharing of perspectives in discussions, through case studies and (guest) lectures, through in class exercises, and through discussion/critique of the work we make. This means it’s beyond important for you to be in class and on time.

Attendance

Plain and simple, you should be in every class, regardless of the remote delivery format.

There is however difference between excused and unexcused absenses. In most cases where you give some prompt or early notice, it’s considered an excused absence. Equally, if there’s exceptional circumstances (illness, etc.) you won’t be penalized for this.

If you need to miss a class for any reason, inform the instructor before the class if possible, and/or after the missed class. Unexcused absences can adversely affect your grade. You shouldn’t expect to receive a passing grade without regular attendance and participation in class. More than two unexcused absences means you will fail the course unless appropriate documentation is provided.

During class times, students are expected to give their full attention to the class materials, discussions and seminars. Students found to be consulting non-class related material, using their mobile phone or engaged in social networking will be immediately deemed absent.

Absences

Students must notify faculty in advance of planned absence for religious holiday or school-related event (i.e. varsity sports trip). Contact the instructor and the TA ideally before class if it’s possible and if not within 24 hours.

If there’s an unplanned absence for medical or personal reasons, let us know. Accommodations can be made attendance and course deliverables. In case of an extended absence for medical or personal reasons, contact the Senior Academic Advisor by mail, e-mail or phone, who will notify the appropriate faculty. Faculty reserve the right to request a formal document verifying a medical excuse.

If you have a planned, professional absence or will be attending a or school-related event, let us know as early as possible. Generally speaking, we’ll be very understanding and accommodating when you let us know ahead of time.
In all cases where you’ve missed a class, you’re responsible for understanding the course content and future deliverables. Make sure you meet with a classmate to find out what material you missed, ask to meet with the instructor or TA before the next class, or ask for help on the course Slack.

Lateness

Lateness will also negatively affect your participation grade. But remember that any lateness affects the whole class. It is disruptive to those presenting during a crit or those watching a screening; and it is particularly disrespectful to show up late to a guest talk. Being on time allows class to start promptly and for us to focus on your work. Be a responsible and good member of the learning community.

Attention

When you’re in class, pay attention. Students are expected to give their full attention to the class materials, discussions and seminars. Don’t be on your phone, texting, tweeting, emailing, etc. If you’re using your laptop, it should be for taking notes or class related activities. For everything else, it can wait. If a student is found to be consulting non-class related material, using their mobile phone or engaged in social networking, it will reduce your participation grade. Repeat offenders in a single class will be marked absent.

And if you’re asleep, you might as well not be in class. This counts as an absence.

Participation

While participation is not a graded component, it is expected. As part of the our learning community you are asked to be engaged, ask questions, contribute your insights and support your peers. This includes:

a) Attendance - being present in classes and maintain a strong record of attendance over the duration of the course; b) In-Class Engagement - being engaged in the classroom activities, actively and productively contributing to in-class discussions and project critiques; and c) Out of Class Engagement - being an active and productive contributor to the classroom slack, supporting peers online, sharing knowledge with the class, etc.

The expectations for strong participation in the class can be found in the following characteristics:

• Always be respectful of yourself, others, and the instructor, and doesn’t unfairly or destructive criticize anyone else’s ideas or work.
• Initiate contributions more than once in each class session or provide supportive resources and feedback on the class’s digital channels;
• Give comments that are insightful & constructive.
• Listen attentively when others present materials and perspectives.
• Build on other remarks and contribute to the dialogue.
• Routinely share with, and support the efforts of others.
• Brings needed materials to class and be ready to work.
• Be awake and engaged in class, and avoid disruptive behavior.

Attendance, Absences, Lateness and Effects on Grades

• Students arriving more than 15 minutes late are marked absent for the day.

• Students leaving more than 10 minutes early from class for meetings or other projects will also be marked absent for the day.

• Except for the first day of class, students can miss class 2 times without penalty. These course absences will be considered as free pass options and will not reduce that student’s grade. Additional absences lower their course grade by a letter grade per class.

This does not apply to final presentations, and/or milestone critiques/reviews where external guests/clients are present

Remote Instruction, Recording and Attendance

In this remote classroom, meetings and class sessions will be audio/video recorded for educational use by other students in this course. While recordings will be made, this is not offered as an alternative to attendance. You are expected to be present during scheduled meeting times.