Academic Performance Agreement

English 101

Musgrove

In order to make the requirements of this class and your responsibilities as a student as clear as possible, I’ve created this document titled "Academic Performance Agreement." Please read this information carefully because it outlines the kinds of behaviors, study habits, and attitudes necessary for success in this class, as well as in the University writing community at large. If you agree to the terms and conditions set forth, please sign your name on one of the two copies I’ve provided you. By signing and returning this agreement to me, you commit yourself to the standards of conduct and academic performance listed below. If you do not accept these standards, you should see your advisor about withdrawing from this course.

1. I understand that attendance is a requirement of the class and that 6 absences of any sort (excused or unexcused) will result in automatic failure. I also understand that if I miss class that I should contact another student, rather than the professor of the class, to discover what I’ve missed.
2. I understand that arriving late to class is inappropriate because it disrupts the class agenda and interferes with teaching and learning. I understand that the professor will shut the door to the classroom when the class starts and that I will not attempt to enter the class after the door has been closed.
3. I understand that this class has substantial reading and writing requirements. These requirements will demand that I manage my time carefully and schedule at least 6 hours of study time per week or 2 hours of study time for every one hour of scheduled class time.
4. I understand that I should be prepared each day to share my written responses to the reading assignments in class. I will submit these reading responses at the beginning of each class.
5. I understand that I will be required to contribute to class discussions and small group work in class. In other words, I will be required to speak in class, share my ideas, and respect the ideas of others.
6. I understand that I will be composing at least four essays, a midterm, and a final essay, and that any writing I submit must be my own and written exclusively for this class.
7. I understand that my essays should be composed and saved on a word-processor or personal computer. I also understand that I should schedule my time and supplies carefully so that I know when I have access to a word-processor or computer and that I have adequate paper and printing supplies.
8. I understand that I will benefit from discussing my ideas and writing with my family, friends, and other students. I also understand that I can get help with my ideas and writing in the Learning Assistance Center. However, I also understand that I should never claim someone else's ideas or writing as my own.
9. I understand that when I use the ideas of others in my writing that I must let my readers know whose ideas are whose and where I found them. I understand that plagiarism (or the failure to acknowledge the ideas of others appropriately) is a form of academic dishonesty and will result in failure.
10. I understand that I must adhere to the due dates for all writing assignments because late work will not be accepted. I also understand that all writing assignments are due at the beginning of the class period.
11. I understand that I should think of writing as a complex process of planning, drafting, revising, editing, and presentation. Consequently, I understand that I should schedule time to complete each of these tasks before submitting my work.
12. I understand that I can make an appointment with my professor to talk about any aspect of the class, including course assignments, my writing, the required reading, or comments and grades on my writing.
13. I understand that my learning and engagement with others occurs best when the attitudes of hope, courage, honesty, consideration, humility, persistence, caring, and respect are present.

Student Signature _______________________________________Date _________________________