I assess participation and
professionalism at multiple points during the semester,
adjusting grades to reflect your overall performance
throughout the term. Your final course grade in this
area will reflect which of the following descriptions
has best matched your level of preparation, engagement,
and professionalism:
"A"
Level Performance
These students attend all classes except
those missed for legitimate reasons (illness,
university-sanctioned activities, or other unavoidable
circumstances that are communicated as soon as possible
to instructors); when they must miss a class, they make
arrangements to quickly complete any missed work. They
ask questions, listen carefully to the insights of other
students, and actively participate in most meetings.
Their body language and responsiveness demonstrate
consistent and full engagement, showing they are trying
to make the most of their time in a classroom setting.
Their comments, questions , and references to readings
demonstrate that they typically are completing homework
assignments when they are scheduled. On tests and
papers, it is clear that A students are putting their
best effort into the course.
"B"
Level Performance
These students attend all possible classes and closely follow seminar discussions. They are consistently active listeners, whose body language and note-taking indicate full engagement in class activities almost all of the time. Unlike "A" students, "B" students rarely contribute to discussions or make only general comments, suggesting they may have not completed much of the assigned reading materials ahead of most classes. While day-to-day preparation is not displayed, these students fully participate in all class exercises and have completed required readings ahead of specifically designated discussion sessions. On tests and papers, it is clear that B students are making consistent efforts to learn the material and complete most, if not all, assigned homework.
"C"
Level Performance
These students typically have unexplained
absences and rarely participate in class discussions
unless directly prompted. They show little or no
evidence of advance preparation for seminars, even when
they have been asked to read ahead of specific class
exercises. Their behavior suggests they attend class
meetings only to fulfill the attendance requirements or
passively absorb lecture information they will need to
pass tests. While C students are respectful of other
students and the instructor, their body language,
minimal note-taking, and limited professional
interaction with peers indicate minimal engagement in
daily class activities. These students' test and paper
performance makes it difficult to see that they are
completing much of the assigned homework or putting
forth the effort necessary to maximize course learning.
When C students have been flagged by the instructor for
concerns (i.e., in assignments, instructor comments,
early-term professionalism grades, or Starfish flags),
they take steps to address the noted issues.
"D"
and "F" Level Performance
These students often engage in behaviors
that are inappropriate in a professional work
environment. For "F" students, these behaviors
persist despite repeated instructor feedback in
comments, professionalism grades, or Starfish flags.
Students who are failing to meet the
minimum expectations for professionalism and engagement
are disengaged for extended periods in many or most
class meetings, making no effort to contribute or learn
during class meetings. Common reasons for this type of
disengagement include the frequent use phones or
computers (or failing to use them in ways that adhere to
guidelines), frequently arriving after class has
started, leaving the classroom for extended periods
without a valid reason, or distracting peers during
group exercises.
Demonstrating appropriate professional
life skills includes consistent attendance and timely
submission of assignments. Students who exceed the
maximum number of permissible absences or frequently
submit late assignments without explaining why work is
coming in late are demonstrating unprofessional
behavior. If there is a reason why classes or deadlines
must be missed, communicate those reasons to your
instructors.
Engaging in any serious act of academic dishonesty (see your syllabus policies) will result in an "F" grade for professionalism in addition to any penalties related to the relevant assignment.