Paul's rules of the game

I was somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of excuses, late assignments, and even collaborative work I encountered when I first began teaching. To avoid any misunderstandings and confusion, I wrote down some rules and policies I'll follow this semester. I hope that they make sense and you can abide by them.

attendance
Attendance is mandatory and expected. Much of the material is not in any one text. You are responsible for the topics covered in class. While I attempt to put most material on the web for your convenience, you are responsible for all material presented in class as well as announcements, assignments, and quizzes. In case you might miss a lecture, make a friend now! While I will endeavor to keep my web sites up to date, the lecture is your primary source of updates and information. Attendance may be taken and/or there may be a few quizzes given throughout the semester. Missing a class will have no detrimental effect on your grade; missing several may. Please see the Rutgers policy on Attendance and Cancellation of Classes.
exams
There will be four exams in this course: three in-semester exams and a cumulative final. All exams will be weighted equally and the lowest normalized grade will be dropped (see the grades page for a description of normalization). I will post grades before the final exam that factor in your grades from three exams. This will be your final grade if you choose not to take the final (the final is effectively a grade of 0 and is dropped). If you take the final exam, it will serve only to displace an existing exam grade that is lower than your score on the final. I will not reward you for the act of taking the final exam. I will not give make-up exams or make-up assignments. If you miss an exam then your grade for that exam is a 0. You will then have to take the final exam and the 0 grade will be dropped as the lowest of the four grades.
assignments

Assignments in this course will include both written as well as programming projects. Both of them count in your final grade (although programming projects will count more). All assignments are due on their due date (that's the definition of a due date) before the time specified. Late assignments will not be accepted (even if you are 30 seconds late because you could not log on). Try to hand in your work early to avoid unforseen disasters.

All written assignements as well as writeups for programming assignments should be submitted as plain text, pdf, or HTML text within the assignment submission section of sakai. I will not accept any assignments that are submitted in Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, or any format that requires me to open an application.

collaboration
Except for group projects, all homework is intended to be done without consulting others. Since discussion of work with fellow students can be a valuable learning experience (besides, the material is so fascinating that you won't be able to help it), you certainly may discuss the topics related to the problems with others. This brings us to the next bullet item...
cheating
Cheating will not be tolerated. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all homework assignments, programming projects, and exams are to be done individually. If you have problems in understanding the material or doing an assignment, please schedule an appointment to see me or one of the TAs. If you chance cheating and get caught, you will be reported to the dean and fail the course. It's not worth it. Be sure you read the Rutgers policy on academic integrity. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passwords are well-guarded, directories protected, and printouts do not fall into other hands.
office hours
I'm here to help you learn. If you have any questions or problems with the course material, assignments, or other matters in which I may be able to help you, feel free to contact me. You can send me mail (I'll usually respond within a day) or schedule an appointment during my office hours. Don't just show up since I may not be there.
phones and noise makers
Ringing, beeping, or buzzing phones, laptops, games, and watches are disruptive. Please turn these devices off upon the start of class. Violators will be charged a $20 penalty for the first offense, a $40 penalty for the second offense and confiscation of the device. Further offenses will be fined at $20·2(n-1).
document retention
I will have exams results available by the lecture following the exam (i.e., one week) and will return the papers to you then. If you were not in class and unable to pick up your exam, you have to ask me to bring it in via email at least a day before the next lecture. I will generally not carry old exams to each lecture waiting for you to show up. Final exams will not be returned. I will not keep any old exams beyond two weeks past the end of the semester. I will keep all your grades on record indefinitely so I can have them available in case you need letters of reference, job recommendations, or placement interviews.
grade adjustment
We will go over the exam when I return exams (the lecture following the exam). If you feel there has been a grading mistake, you can discuss it with me that week or the following week unless we both agree to other arrangements. After that, the grade is final and will not be changed.