Positive Psychology

Fall 2014

Course Expectations

The following expectations and guidelines will help students and faculty alike to take full responsibility for their work this quarter. We will abide by the TESC Social Contract and Student Conduct Code, and we will work together to create and maintain an effective learning community. We will commit ourselves to meeting these expectations throughout the quarter, including revisiting or adjusting them as necessary.

Student Responsibilities:

Commitment to learning. I expect that you will give your all to the program throughout the quarter, consistently striving to move beyond your current understandings, assumptions, and skill levels.In both small and large groups, you will come fully prepared, participate to the best of your ability, articulate your positions with care, and generally show your commitment to the process of inquiry at the heart of the program.

Focused attention. You are expected to give your full attention to all program activities, eliminating distractions that keep us from thinking and communicating at our best. For example, you must silence and stow cell phones and other electronic devices during class (unless otherwise allowed), and refrain from whispered side conversations during discussions, lectures, and films.

Full attendance. I expect you to attend all class meetings unless you are truly prohibited from doing so. Absences from class (including late arrivals and early departures) are allowable only if you have a compelling reason. Good examples: family emergencies, infectious illness, truly inclement weather, and unavoidable travel for your job. You must notify me of such absences by e-mail or phone, preferably in advance of class but in any case not later than the following day. Because class participation is a critical and irreplaceable aspect of our work, more than one absence will likely result in a reduction of credit. Note: this rule does not mean that you have an “allowance” of one day that you can choose to spend elsewhere; you are always due in class.

Effective use of class time.We will start class on time; the hours go quickly and we need to make the most of them. You will be expected to come promptly to order when requested, to return from breaks and small-group work at the appointed time, and to request assistance if situations arise that keep you from using your meeting time well. Additionally, I expect that you will each be mindful of how often and how much you participate in small and large group seminar. Please allow time for those developing a voice to have some space in the conceversation, and be judicious about your input so you are not dominating the discussion.

Keeping current.You are responsible for keeping up with all scheduled activities and assignments, and for ensuring that you are aware of all expectations that I have communicated in class or in writing. Check both your Evergreen e-mail account and the program’s Moodle site regularly for posted assignments and handouts, links to required or recommended reading, and program updates. If you miss class, you are expected to contact a fellow student to find out what happened in class and what work is due for the following class.

Meeting deadlines. The ability to plan ahead and to meet deadlines is a highly practical, and highly valued, skill. The submission deadlines for your assignments are firm; if you miss these deadlines, you risk a reduction in credit. If you anticipate a problem meeting a particular deadline, contact me as soon as possible, before the deadline passes. If you are having persistent difficulties with deadlines, your seminar leader will help you to resolve the problem.

Academic integrity.Plagiarism—the presentation of someone else’s writing or unique ideas as one’s own—is a serious form of academic dishonesty and a violation of Evergreen’s Social Contract. If I determine that a student has knowingly falsified his or her work, I will refer the situation to Evergreen’s grievance officer for resolution. If the problem recurs or eludes resolution, I will ask the student to leave the program.

Effective conflict resolution. Occasionally interpersonal problems can arise in a program that directly affect a student’s attendance, morale, or quality of work. If you are experiencing a difficulty with one or more fellow students, you must refer it to me promptly. If you have a concern about or disagreement with me, it is your responsibility to contact me directly and seek a resolution (see “Faculty Responsibilities” below”). If this course of action proves insufficient, the academic dean—in this case, Sarah Ryan—stands ready to help.

Open communication.If you have concerns or questions about the program, share them with me immediately. I am eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions and, as appropriate, act on them—which I cannot do if I don’t hear them until Week 10. Similarly, you should request help from me if you are having difficulties outside of class that are impeding your learning or enjoyment of the program.

Confidentiality. Over the course of our program, you and your classmates will write about all sorts of things, some of them sensitive. The writing that you share and hear in class is confidential—not to be shared with others outside the program—unless the writer clearly indicates otherwise.

Faculty Responsibilities:

Preparation and facilitation.I will do my best to facilitate the highest levels of learning for each student and for the group as a whole. This responsibility includes generating accurate calendars and agendas, maintaining a challenging but reasonable work load for students, communicating clearly both verbally and in writing, coming to each class fully prepared, using class time effectively, and giving full attention to each activity.

Accessibility.I will check my e-mail on a regular (daily) basis during the school week and respond promptly to requests for assistance or for information that cannot be obtained easily from other sources (e.g., fellow students, program materials, the Moodle site, or appropriate Evergreen offices).

Responsiveness. I will respond thoughtfully to students’ written submissions and return them in a timely manner. I will also remain open to students’ suggestions and requests, and to altering the schedule or approach if it seems in the best interests of the program.

Fairness. I will strive for fairness and balance in my assessments of students’ performance and will refrain from comparing students with one another. I will cultivate a respectful and unbiased approach to resolving interpersonal problems or concerns, including those that involve my own interactions with students. Finally, if I share my personal opinions in class, I will clearly identify them as such.

Fifth-week warnings. During the fifth week of class I will contact, in writing, any students in clear danger of losing credit and arrange to discuss possible remedies. The lack of such a notice does not guarantee that students will receive full credit for their work in the program.

Protecting privacy. I will deal with all student information and issues in as confidential a manner as possible. In keeping with the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), I will not disclose information from your educational record without your explicit permission, except in rare instances where the Act may require me to. Similarly, I will not share your writing or other program work with others without permission.

General support. In addition to the specific responsibilities outlined above, I pledge to help you in whatever ways I can to settle into your studies at Evergreen; to connect with other sources of information, guidance, and support at the college; and to clear away obstacles to your learning.

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Both faculty and students understand that complying with these expectations is a condition of continued participation in Positive Psychology.

KEEP THIS DOCUMENT AT HAND FOR QUICK REFERENCE

THROUGHOUT THE QUARTER!

REALLY!