CE 270 - INTRODUCTORY STRUCTURAL MECHANICS
COURSE POLICIES – Fall 2016

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.
• No cell phones are allowed during exams.
  

Homework:

• Homework sets are assigned on a  weekly basis, with due dates given in the Course Calendar.

• Homework problem sets and numbers will be placed on the course website. It is the students responsibility to visit the website and download them.
  

• Homework submissions are due on the due date (in class) before 7:32 am. 

• 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.

• If accepted by Prof. Varma; homework submission on the due date after 7:32 am will be marked Late, and deducted 25% of the grade. No homework submissions will be accepted after the due date, or after solutions have been posted. 

• The problems in a homework set will be graded on a multi-point scale, with partial credit given. 

• 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 internet, usually after class on the due date. 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.

• The TAs and the course instructor reserve the right to return sub-standard, illegible or poorly written and drawn work without grading with zero credit. This applies to exams, lab reports, homeworks solutions.

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.
• 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:

• 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: https://www.purdue.edu/odos/academic-integrity/
• 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 Purdue Disability Resource Center (https://www.cco.purdue.edu/students/students-with-disabilities.aspx) 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.