Why?

• Some students — especially recent high-school graduates! — seem to be afraid of their instructors, seem to consider them as "the enemy." And, frankly, some instructors — although hopefully none you'll ever encounter at this college! — seem to act pretty unapproachable and scary. I'm not one of those. I do this work because I truly enjoy meeting and dealing with students — and, not only that, I consider being available to you outside of classroom time to be part of my job. Please don't hesitate to contact me when you feel that you need to or want to.

• If for any reason you miss a class session, the "Attendance Policy" section of the syllabus requires you to inform me of the reason for your absence by 9 PM on the day of the absence. (Please understand that I will neither teach you nor summarize the work you missed, although you'll be responsible for all notes given and homework collected and assigned during your absence. In addition to contacting me, you may also need to contact a classmate who takes excellent notes as soon after the class session as possible. Some of the notes and assignments may be available on this website, but that material is intended to supplement the classroom time, not substitute for it. In case of a conflict between class info and website info, the class info will always take precedence, so "but that's not what it says on the website" isn't a legitimate excuse.)

• Even when you're not required to contact me, there may be times when you'll want to. If you have questions about material which was discussed in class while you were there, if you're not sure how to complete a homework assignment successfully, if you want to discuss a specific grade you received or your overall standing in the course — these are all great reasons to be in touch. Especially if you have any problem with the course or with me, please try talking with me before you withdraw or complain to anyone else. I've found that most student problems can be resolved in a simple conversation — but only if we actually have the conversation!

How?

• FACE-TO-FACE: For online students, it's unfortunately unlikely that face-to-face contact will be an option. For face-to-face students, I'm usually in the building at least 10 minutes before class, and I'm rarely in a rush to leave when classtime ends. If we take a break during class time, that break is for the students, not for me, so I'd be happy to talk with you then. I hold regularly scheduled office hours several times a week, and you're welcome to come see me (or call me) then. And I may be available at other times by appointment.

• EMAIL: You may email me 24/7, no restrictions, but you must put "UMUC STUDENT" as the subject line of your email. I check my email daily, so you should receive a response (if you ask for one) within 24 hours (and usually much sooner than that!).

Return to SPCH 100 Handouts.

Return to ARTH 334 Handouts.

Return to For UMUC Students.

Return to Home