General Policies: Students in Hugh Millward’s Courses
In the event of a winter storm
I will make every effort to hold classes as usual. If a storm is forecast, call the SMU Closure/Cancellation Hotline at 491-6263 to hear whether the University has been closed. If I am unable to attend class for some reason, I will endeavour to e-mail the class in advance, or I will leave a special message on my office phone (420-5739). If there is no special message, assume that the class will proceed.
Posting of grades for assignments and tests.
The Nova Scotia FOIPOP Act prevents me from posting grades.
Drop-off for Written Assignments
These can be handed to me directly before or after class. If you wish, you can also drop off assignments in the secure drop-off bins (marked by course) outside the entrance to the Geography Dept. (Burke main floor, north side), or leave them with the Geography Secretary, Anne Baker (B102).
Pick-up for Written Assignments
Written work will be returned to students in class (which you should attend regularly). Work not claimed in class will be retained in my office, and you may call for it during posted office hours.
Missing a Test, Exam, or Lab Period
Students are required to attend all in-class tests, examinations, and laboratory/tutorial periods. If you miss an exam, test, or lab period owing to illness or an emergency, you should present a medical certificate or other written excuse. Students with valid excuses will either be allowed to make up the test, exam, or lab. exercise at a later time, or will have their marks pro-rated in some manner. Any student who misses a scheduled Final Examination, or wishes to re-reschedule such an exam, must apply to the Dean of Arts office for permission to take a make-up exam (Academic Regulation 10).
Late Submission of Assignments
Deadlines for written work are firm. Late work will be penalized by the loss of 25 % of your mark for each day late, unless there are documented and acceptable mitigating circumstances.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty and will be penalized according to Saint Mary's University regulations (Academic Regulation 19). Normally, a grade of zero will be assigned to the work in question, on a first offence, and the Chairperson, Dean, and Registrar will be notified. Severe or subsequent offences will be referred to the Senate Academic Discipline Committee, which may impose serious penalties. To avoid plagiarism in written assignments, cite all sources of information, ideas, quoted text, or paraphrased text—see Recommended Format for References/Citations
Proficiency in English
It is Geography Department policy that all instructors mark their students on their proficiency in English as well as on their mastery of geographical content. Please see the approved Marking Descriptors and Grid for details on performance levels associated with grades.
Students are expected to use standard formal English in all written assignments. You are urged to purchase and employ the following text:
Margot Northey and David Knight 2005 Making Sense: Geography and Environmental Sciences (Toronto: Oxford, updated 2nd ed.)
While I do not correct all writing errors on assignments, I try to provide feedback by noting major or repeated errors, using a system of correction marks (see Writing Reminders).