Professor Szalay's
  Grading & Attendance Policy / SSD Accommodations

A - coursework requires consistent and excellent work on all levels: course preparation, homework, class participation, composition, tests & quizzes, and assignments. A-level students not only set high standards for themselves by thinking (self-) critically about course content, they also attend classes with outstanding consistency (that means no absences all semester, except for documentable emergencies), participate meaningfully and very regularly in all class discussions, and turn in all assignments by the due dates. As part of the considerable grade apportioned "Class Participation," A-level students work with other students very consistently, are willing to move out of their 'comfort zones,' and demonstrate confidence in meeting new challenges. 

B -  level coursework conveys comparatively more surface-level understanding of topics and assignments. Course work demonstrates solid evidence of academic content and format, and shows critical thought and reflection. B-level students attend classes consistently, participate on a regular basis in class discussions, and turn in solid efforts on a consistent basis. At this level, the content produced demonstrates clear effort, and the work and participation levels required for the optimum grade (above, see "A") are and must be at least consistently present.

C- level students do not convey sufficiently consistent understanding of course content. Assignments are generally inadequate in the areas of detail and refinement, demonstrating average quality with respect to the form (mechanics, style) and content of course work. Furthermore, quiz and -- very critically -- regular test/exam scores indicate, at best, average comprehension of key and ancillary concepts required to succeed in language learning. The level of interaction in terms of class participation is quite solid; indeed these in-class interactions need to be, in order to acquire at least a "C" grade; however, significant and key aspects of what is required in class work and participation are only inconsistently demonstrated. 

D- and E   - level coursework does not demonstrate sufficient understanding of the topics and assignments, and lacks of the requisite course-appropriate critical thinking and reflection. Work is poor, in cases of an "E" grade: very, very poor, and inconsistent in both quality and quantity, whether this applies to class attendance, participation in course activities, class and online discussions, and/or to assignments. 

To see how these assessments consistently translate to our WSU Grading System in terms of GPA, see our webpage produced by Records at: http://www.weber.edu/Records/Grading_System.html.

Attendance
Highly consistent course attendance is expected, particularly since in-class participation is vital to progress in acquiring language skills. Any and all unexcused absences and tardiness will result in the final grade being lowered; for every missed/late class attendance, points are detracted and negatively impact the participation/preparation and homework portions of the final grade. In language courses such as these, attendance linked to highly consistent participation are key to success.
Excused absences include illnesses that require medical attention. Appropriate documentation must be submitted in such instances and be verifiable. Another excused absence may involve a pre-arranged absence for a vital reason and special circumstances, again, here, notification (oral and written form to the Professor) prior to the absence may constitute an example of an excusable absence. Students who cannot attend a class for a valid reason (e.g., illness, major family events) are to provide written notice in advance of the missed class, either by a note w/ documentation OR by email addressed to Professor Szalay at eszalay@weber.edu. Exceptions to this policy are the usual obvious and documentable reasons that involve categorical, documented exceptions (see below: SSD) and emergencies.*
To restate: ALL OTHER ABSENCES are unexcused and will affect the final course grade.

After three (3) unexcused absences, any further absences will have a negative impact on the final course grade, which is typically calculated as follows:
For every 3 days missed, the grade is lowered a grade level; e,g, from A to A-. This means the A- constitutes the new adjusted starting point for grading.
For every 6 days missed, beyond the three (3) allotted, the grade is readjusted to a B+ as the MAXIMUM starting point for further calculations.
For every 9 days ......., the grade is adjusted to a B as the MAXIMUM starting point for grading calculations.

GRADING SCALE:
A    93-100
A-   90-92
B+  87-89
B     83-86
B-   80-82
C+ 77-79
C   73-76
C-  70-72
D+ 67-69
D   63-66
D-  60-62
E   59 and lower
 
*Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in Suite 181 of the Student Services Center. Services for Students with Disabilities can also arrange to provide course materials (including this syllabus) in alternative formats if necessary. Some of the services SSD offers include:
* Classroom interpreting for deaf students
* Textbooks on tape
* Braille and large-print materials
* Assistance / assisting devices for students with mobility impairments
* Adaptive technologies
* Registration Assistance
* Other accommodations as needed.