CE 270 - INTRODUCTORY STRUCTURAL MECHANICS
COURSE POLICIES – Fall 2011

Exams:

• All exams will be closed book, closed notes.
• The use of programmable calculators is permitted, but it is still expected that all relevant steps in a calculation be shown. If an inappropriate amount of calculation is given in the solution of a problem, credit may be reduced at the discretion of the instructors.

Homework:

• Homework sets are assigned on a roughly weekly basis, with due dates given in the Course Calendar.
• Approximately half of the problems in a homework set will be graded on a multi-point scale, with partial credit given. The remaining problems will receive one point per completed problem, regardless of its correctness.
• Engineering paper should be used, one side only. Diagrams should be drawn neatly using straight edge. Homework should be handed in class. Your name and lab section number (or time) must appear on every homework set.
• The solution of each problem in a homework set must include the following:
• Statements of the given information and required answers.
• A clean, clear sketch of the relevant figure(s) for the problem.
• A neat, organized solution to the problem, showing all relevant calculations and using appropriate notation and units.
• Where appropriate, complete free body diagrams and supplemental sketches, using applicable notation. (See previous item for sketch requirements.)
• A clearly indicated final answer (e.g., underlined, boxed, circled).
• Failure to follow these criteria will result in loss of credit for your homework set, regardless of the correctness of the final answer.
• Solutions to the homework sets will be posted on the glass display adjacent to room CIVL4141, usually after class on the day it is due. Because of this, all homework sets must be submitted by the beginning of the lecture on the date due. All problems from a set must be handed in at the same time.
• Late homework will NOT be accepted unless extenuating circumstances are present. In these cases, you must discuss the situation as soon as possible with Prof. Varma. In particular, foreseeable conflicts with due dates (e.g., interviews, participation in sport activities, religious observances, ...) must be brought to Prof. Varma’a attention before the due date. Any homework sets submitted late without the approval of Prof. Varma will receive zero credit.
• The lowest homework grades will be dropped in the final homework grade.

Laboratories:

• Students will attend weekly laboratory sessions, consisting of either problem solving sessions or running experiments. Policies for failure to attend a lab session are identical to those for late homework.
• Your lowest lab session grade will be dropped from your overall lab grade.
• Details concerning requirements for problem solutions and experiment reports will be provided by the teaching assistant.

Grievance Procedure:

Any student feeling that a dispute exists after grading of any assignment or exam may submit a written grievance. This grievance should identify the item(s) in dispute and the arguments supporting the student’s position. Grievances should be typewritten and must be submitted along with the item(s) in dispute in the first class period following the return of the assignment. If you are not present and do not have an excused absence, you forfeit your right to submit a grievance. The instructor or teaching assistant (TA) will respond in writing to the student's grievance within two class periods after the receipt of the grievance.

General:

• Overall course grades will be assigned via the following procedure:
• Once all elements of the course have been graded and recorded, an overall average course score and standard deviation will be computed.
• Preliminary grades will be assigned as follows: the overall average course score plus one standard deviation is the A/B breakpoint; the overall average course score is the B/C breakpoint; the overall average course score minus one standard deviation is the C/D breakpoint; the overall average course score minus two standard deviations is the D/F breakpoint.
• Overall course scores near the breakpoints will have the individual grades examined to determine if any adjustment up or down is needed. Adjustments are made solely at the discretion of the instructor.
• The instructor reserves the right to modify this procedure if circumstances warrant. Students will be given notification if such a modification occurs.
• Academic integrity is expected of all students at all times. Information on what constitutes academic integrity may be found in the handbook University Regulations and at the following URL: http://www.purdue.edu/odos/administration/dishonesty.htm
• In particular, the following points should be understood:
• Instances of cheating during exams will result in full loss of credit for that exam. Additional measures, including immediate failure of the course, may be applied at the discretion of the instructor and/or University staff
• It is anticipated, even encouraged that students consult with each other on homework assignments and lab write-ups. It is expected, however, that all work submitted by the student represent his/her own effort. Instances of plagiarism on an assignment will result in full loss of credit for that assignment.
• Students who have documented disabilities and require accommodations must make an appointment to discuss their needs with Prof. Varma by the end of the second week of class. Students with disabilities must be registered with Adaptive Programs in the Office of the Dean of Students before classroom accommodations can be provided.
• Any situation that is affecting a student's performance or may affect it in the future should be discussed with Prof. Varma as soon as possible. Delays in communicating problems will limit our ability to find possible solutions.