Departmental Policies

Child Development instructors distribute a syllabus for each course. The syllabus includes, among other things, an outline of instruction, a schedule, the description of course requirements, and due dates.

All papers and assignments are to be typed, unless otherwise noted by the instructor. Projects and assignments are due on the dates specified. Late work may be accepted only with prior approval of the instructor.

It is the student's responsibility to attend class, get there on time, and be prepared. If a class is missed when an assignment is due, it is the student's responsibility to get the assignment to the instructor. It is also the student's responsibility, if a class is missed, to get the notes and assignments. A student must have prior approval to make up a missed test. Tests must be made up (when approved) within 2 days of the scheduled test. A student should not assume a test can be made up.

Cell Phone usage
Cell phone usage is prohibited during class. This includes incoming calls, outgoing calls, texts, and internet connections. Tablets and lap tops are only to be used in the classroom with an instructor's approval.

Netiquette
Netiquette- We know it is a strange sounding word, but the 'Net' comes from the word 'internet' ( We believe you all know what that is)- And the second part of the word netiquette, 'netiquette' comes from the word 'etiquette' - meaning to behave in a polite, civil, appropriate manner.

So, when we talk of 'Netiquette' we mean maintain polite, civil, responsible, ethical behavior in your internet or online communication.

It is important to keep in mind that the use of the electronic communication tools, such as discussion boards, or email is intended only for purposes required in our online course. Using these communication tools for any purpose outside of that which is prescribed for our online course is strictly prohibited. So, no selling, no soliciting donations, no advertising, no campaigning –All use of communication tools must focus solely on course required content.

You may be by yourself, sitting around in your PJ's, typing madly onto your computer screen, but your fellow human beings are on the receiving end of your communication- So, you do want to display the same sensitivity and respect you would to students in your face to face classes.

Remember, the internet is much like Vegas -what happens on the internet, stays on the internet. So please think a second- or even a third-time before you submit something that you will regret in the later. If you wouldn't say it to a classmate face to face, then it is not appropriate online communication.
We know many of you are wizards in the shorthand of texting, but, in our online course you need to pay attention to correct spelling and grammar rules, and want to stay clear of informal abbreviations, such as CUL8R). You also want to avoid typing in all capital letters, which is the online version of shouting in someone's face (flaming).

All of the above holds very true for Discussion Board posts, email sent to students in the class, and to all communications you have with the course instructor (that's me).

It is OK to be passionate about a position, and it is OK to take a position that goes against what is most commonly held – an academic environment should encourage a wide range of positions and possibilities-so long as your positions are supported with reason and founded in respect.

Netiquette rules to remember: (1) identify yourself, (2) include a subject line, (3) avoid sarcasm, (4) respect others' opinions and privacy, (5) acknowledge and return messages promptly, (6) copy with caution, (7) do not spam or junk mail, (8) be concise, (9) use appropriate language, (10) use appropriate emoticons (emotional icons) to help convey meaning, and (11) use appropriate intensifiers to help convey meaning [do not use ALL CAPS or multiple exclamation marks (!!!!)].

Statement of Confidentiality

As a student in the Child Development Program, you will have several courses that require you do activities or observations in the lab school. In order to complete those assignments we require that you sign a Statement of Conduct and Confidentiality. By signing this document, you are acknowledging your understanding of appropriate behavior and interactions when visiting the lab school. It also demonstrates your understanding of confidentiality toward the children and families who receive services in the lab school facility.

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