General Grading Policy

The grading policy has evolved over the past few years to work with the problem-based learning nature of all my classes. The major elements of each class are as follows:

1. Participation. The heart of the problem-based learning approach is the participation in the problem solving and design process. This takes place in class and with formal and informal group projects. All students are expected to participate by completing homework and particpating in class exercises.
2. Milestones. Milestones are a planning mechanism to be sure that students are on the right track. Each milestone is a project or subproject that is accompanied by significant effort. Each milestone usually contains three components:

• 50% for development of working code.
• 25% for testing
• 25% for project reports

3. PSP refers to the Personal Software Process

General grading weights

Participation	30%
Milestones	30%
PSP exercises	30%
Final	10%

 

The 30% for "Milestones" is apportioned on the total number of milestones. A milestone is missed (no credit) if the due date for the succeeding milestone comes due.

1. For 400/600 level courses, the differentiated weighting of graduate level course work must be explained. There will be an assignment for the postgraduates.

2. Class Attendance Policy. 30% of the course points is in class attendence and participation. Unless otherwise stated, all homework, milestones, etc are due at the beginning of class. A student must be present in the class for such work to be accepted unless you have made prior arrangments.

   Unexcused absences. The conduct of my courses demand that you attend class and you participate in group meetings. The University guidance is that students be allowed one unexcused absence per credit hour. Hence, my policy is that you lose a letter grade per unexcused absence after the allowed absences. The fourth unexcused absence reesults in failing the course.

Graduating Seniors Please Note: If you are graduating and trying to interview, please keep on top of things. Interviewing takes about as much time as another course.

Failure to hand in a homework without prior permission will result in a one-half unexcused absence. Failure to come to class without prior permission will be one unexcused absence. Class roll will normally be taken by the current method of signing in, although I might occasionally call roll in class.

Permission can only be granted by the grader(s) or by me. The University policy is that official University functions should be recognized if you present a   duly signed roster of the activity before the missed class. Deaths in the family are excused absences if accompanied by an obituary notice upon your return. Other family emergencies will be handled on an individual basis; however, some form of documentation will be required.

5. Extra-credit policy (if any). There is no standing extra-credit exercises available. Extra credit is given for superior work when it is encountered.