Undergraduate course policies

 Academic Integrity 

Academic integrity is intellectual honesty and responsibility for academic work that you submit individual or group work. It involves commitment to the values of honesty, trust, and responsibility. It is expected that students will respect these ethical values in all activities related to learning, teaching, research, and service. Therefore, plagiarism and other acts against academic integrity are serious academic offences. 

The responsibility of the institution 

Instructors and academic units have the responsibility to ensure that standards of academic honesty are met. By doing so, the institution recognizes students for their hard work and assures them that other students do not have an unfair advantage through cheating on essays, exams, and projects. 

The responsibility of the student 

Plagiarism sometimes occurs due to a misunderstanding regarding the rules of academic integrity, but it is the responsibility of the student to know them. If you are unsure about the standards for citations or for referencing your sources, ask your instructor. Depending on the severity of the case, penalties include a warning, a failing grade, a record on the students transcript, or a suspension. 

“It is your responsibility to understand the University’s policy on academic integrity: http://web.uvic.ca/calendar/undergrad/info/regulations/academic-integrity.html

Accessibility 

Students with diverse learning styles and needs are welcome in this course. In particular, if you have a disability/health consideration that may require accommodations, please feel free to approach me and/or the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL)  as soon as possible. The CAL staff are available by appointment to assess specific needs, provide referrals and arrange appropriate accommodations http://uvic.ca/cal. The sooner you let us know your needs the quicker we can assist you in achieving your learning goals in this course. 

Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity 

The University of Victoria is committed to promoting, providing and protecting a positive, supportive and safe learning and working environment for all its members. 

Guidelines on Religious Observances 

Where classes or examinations are scheduled on the holy days of a religion, students may notify their instructors, at least two weeks in advance, of their intention to observe the holy day(s) by absenting themselves from classes or examinations. Instructors will provide reasonable opportunities for such students to make up work or missed examinations.

Attendance 

The university Calendar states 'Students are expected to attend all classes in which they are enrolled.' (see http://web.uvic.ca/calendar/undergrad/info/regulations/attendance.html). Our courses are conducted on that basis. If you miss an announcement (information concerning midterms, corrections to assignment, etc.) because you did not attend class, you must accept the consequences of not having learned of the change. 

Calculators 

If a calculator is allowed in tests and examinations in a course offered by the Department, then the calculator used must be a Sharp Calculator with a model number starting with “EL-510R”. The latest such model may be purchased at the UVic Bookstore.  In some courses, calculators are not allowed. 

Mathematics and Statistics Assistance Centre 

The Mathematics & Statistics Assistance Centre is a large space where students can go to work, on their own or in groups, and to discuss math & stats problems. The Centre is staffed with talented Teaching Assistants who are happy to discuss primarily first and second year course material with you. Please see http://www.math.uvic.ca/~msassist/index.html for more information. 

Grading 

Percentage scores will be converted to letter grades according to the university-wide standard table. (http://web.uvic.ca/calendar/undergrad/info/regulations/grading.html) 

Final Examination 

Off-schedule final examinations (i.e., deferred examinations) are given only in accordance with the university policy as outlined in the Calendar. If you are unable to write a final examination due to illness, accident or family affliction, please refer to the following webpages for detailed instructions how to proceed: http://web.uvic.ca/calendar/undergrad/info/regulations/concessions.html.

Students are strongly advised not to make plans for travel or employment during the final examination period as special arrangements will not be made for examinations that conflict with such plans. 

Supplemental Examinations. 

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics does not award ‘E’ grades or offer Supplemental Examinations in any of its courses.