Attendance Policy

 

• Students must contribute to the class discussion in a substantive way at least four (4) out of seven (7) days each week. As a general rule, students need to post at least 10-15 substantive notes each week aboveand beyond the posting of assignments to be considered for full participation points. The quality of the postings is most important.

 

• Successful online learning requires active discussion area
  participation. Substantive participation is measured by recording the posting date on which a student makes a substantive classroom posting. Examples of substantive participation do not include posting assignmentsor a question a student might have for the facilitator or the group. Substantive participation does include responses to discussion questions as well as discourse between students related to the subject matter. Substantive responses must be based upon the course content, theory orpersonal experiencesÖnot mere opinion. A simple ìI agreeî will notcount. Substantive responses should also include appropriatedocumentation/citation. The participation point value in the learningexperience is defined within each assignment as presented in theassignment pages associated with each course; and/or as directed by the facilitator.

 

• Participation in the discussion area must be completed before 5:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. A one-day period is defined as that period of twenty-four (24) hours from 5:01 a.m. MST to 5:00 a.m. MST the following day. For participation to count for grades or assignments, they must be within this time period. If a student participates on Tuesday at 4:58 am, it counts as participation on Monday. If the same student participates on Tuesday at 5:05 a.m. it counts as participation on Tuesday.

 

• Students are not required to participate on any specific day; however, all assignments must be posted by the due date. Students may post assignments prior to the due date during the week the assignment is due. The only exception is the first week of class. During the drop/add period of week one, the student must post at least a bio and respond to one discussion question or assignment to be confirmed as a
  participant in the course. Failure to do this could negatively impact a studentís financial aid. Students should receive faculty feedback/grades on assignments within forty-eight (48) hours of an assignment being posted. Grades for the prior week are due by Day 3 of the following week.

 

• Posting of assignments, emails to students and/or faculty outside of classroom threads do not count as participation.

 

• Everyone's comments are important. The diversity of experience among members of the class will enhance learning. All students will be treated equitably within the classroom. The classroom is a place of expression
  and discussion.

 

• Communications will be respectful. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated, and the facilitator has the right to determine what is inappropriate. Disrespectful students are subject to discipline or dismissal from the online learning platform for this course. All activities in the classroom will follow standards set in the Student Handbook.

 

For absence due to prolonged serious illness or personal emergency the student is expected to contact the instructor and his/her online
advocate as soon as possible. For absence due to technical problems, the student is expected to follow the steps outlined below:

 

• Contact your facilitator and technical support the same day you are experiencing technical difficulties and workout a plan with your facilitator to make up missed assignments.

 

• Contact your Online Advocate and advise them of your technical difficulties within 48 hours.

 

• If your technical difficulties will not be fixed for a prolonged
  period, it is the studentís responsibility to find another source for Internet service such as a Public Library, Internet CafÈ or a friendís computer.

 

Failure to notify the facilitator will be considered a missed
deadline. All assigned work must be completed regardless of the
reason for absence. Please be advised in the unforeseen event
that you would need to formally withdraw from the course this
must be done by contacting your Academic Advisor or Online Advocate.