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I'm usually in the lab on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings. If you can catch me, day or night, I'll be more than happy to chat (I actually get paid to do what I'd do for free--talk). On Fridays I am unavailable until 1:30 p.m.

OBJECTIVES:  This course is intended to facilitate the student's entry into the University community and the life of a college student.  It is expected that participating students’ academic performance will be enhanced and the probability of graduating from the institution in a timely fashion also will be increased. All of the class activities are designed to achieve these objectives.  For the most part, activities and assignments have been selected in terms of what research in higher education has shown will help to accomplish the above stated objectives.

None of the course assignments are intended to be busy work; we all have better things to do.  You will have an opportunity to provide both formal and informal feedback regarding the course and, believe me, your input is important to me.  This is my first time teaching this seminar and I'm a big fan of evolution; help shape the future.

CLASS ATTENDANCE: Normally I don't require class attendance.  This seminar is different, however. Twenty-five percent of the course grade is based upon attendance.  Attendance is essential for a successful course experience, but unexpected emergencies can occur. Students are expected to attend all classes.  Up to two absences may be approved by the instructor, with adequate cause (e.g., your absence is explained by a letter from the Dean's Office). Any further absence may require dropping the course or receiving a deficient grade, as three absences constitute approximately 20% of the entire set of class meetings. Please note: No unexcused absences are allowed. A reduction in the final grade by one letter grade for each unexcused (e.g., from C+ to D+ for one absence; from C+ to F for two absences) absence might result in a deficient grade for this course.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:  Appropriate collaboration is encouraged, but plagiarism or cheating will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic F for the course. The student is advised to consult the University's Policy on Academic Honesty, which can be found in the Student Handbook.  You are encouraged to consult the University's Academic Code of Honesty as soon as possible.  The code also will be covered as part of the Seminar..

GRADING: Unless otherwise noted, each assignment will be graded pass/no pass.  All assignments not passed must be repeated until a pass is earned.  If you pass on the first try, which I'm assuming the comfortable majority will do, you will receive a 4.67 on that assignment.  There will be a 1.0 grade reduction for each failure.  If you pass an the second try, for example, you would earn a 3.67 on that assignment, which is still an A-!  The system for assigning final course grades is found in the table below.
 

FALL REGISTRATION: Neuroscience Majors will register on Monday, October 23rd and Psychology Majors on Monday and Tuesday, October 23rd and 24th.  Be prepared!!!

In addition to the above, students must attend one other University event/lecture and submit a very brief review of your experience.  I'll announce eligible events as they come up.  You are also free to pick your own, but check with me to see if it will meet this requirement.  (PJ)
 

NB:    Class participation is not defined by talking a lot (I'll take care of that).  The quality of participation, including effectively relating to other class members is important.

All papers called for in the syllabus are to be two pages, double spaced with 1 inch margins.  Unless otherwise noted, papers are due on Friday, two weeks after the paper is assigned.  They must be word processed and submitted ONLY in word-processed form via the Digital Drop Box.  They will be graded both for content and form.  The latter includes grammar, spelling, sentence structure, organization, and appearance.  To expand your vocabulary, you should include a total of 10 unique items from the Latin Phrases pages across the first 4 papers.