Course Policies

Late Days

You have a total of 8 late days available for the semester. These are designed to give you flexibility for occasional delays.

  • You can use up to 3 late days on any one assignment (or 4 late days on the final problem set).
  • After you use up your late days, late submissions will lose 20% per day beyond the due date.
  • Late days are counted in strict 24-hour blocks (even going over by an hour counts as a full day).
  • Notify the instructor or TA ahead of time if you plan to use late days so we can apply them properly.

Use these wisely — they’re a safety net, not meant for routine use.

Extensions

If you face serious or unexpected issues (such as illness, personal emergencies, or unforeseen crises), you can request an extension.

  • Email the instructor directly — you don’t need to share private or personal details, just inform us that something significant has come up.
  • Extensions will not be granted for personal travel, work conflicts, or other class deadlines, so plan ahead carefully.

We’re here to support you in real emergencies but want to keep things fair for all students.

Accessibility

If you have accommodations through Disability Services, please provide your official accommodation letter within the first two weeks of the semester.

  • This ensures we have time to set up the appropriate supports, such as extended exam time, accessible materials, or note-taking assistance.
  • Accommodations can only be applied once documentation is in place — so act early to avoid delays.

Makeup Exams

If you miss an exam due to a valid reason — such as a medical emergency, religious observance, family crisis, or official university event — you can request a makeup exam.

  • Notify the instructor as soon as possible, ideally beforehand or within 24–48 hours after the missed exam.
  • Please note that makeup exams may use a different format (for example, an oral or project-based assessment) depending on fairness and logistics.

Classroom Conduct

We aim to create a respectful and inclusive learning environment, both in person and online.

  • Engage thoughtfully: listen actively, respect diverse viewpoints, and avoid interrupting or dominating discussions.
  • Focus on ideas, not individuals: disagreements are welcome, but they should always be constructive and respectful.
  • Avoid disruptive behavior: anything that harms the learning atmosphere, including dismissive comments or inappropriate language, will be addressed.

Depending on the severity, consequences may include a verbal warning, removal from class or discussion spaces, a lower participation grade, or referral to university authorities.

Academic Integrity

You are expected to do your own work and uphold the highest standards of honesty.

  • Do not copy, seek unauthorized help, or submit work that isn’t yours (including AI-generated material).
  • Violations can result in serious consequences, including failing the assignment or course and being referred for disciplinary action.
  • When in doubt, ask! If you’re unsure whether something is allowed, check with the instructor before proceeding.

Academic integrity is the foundation of your learning and growth.

AI Policy

Unless specifically permitted, you may not use ChatGPT or other AI tools to complete assignments, generate code, or write proofs.

  • The goal of this course is to develop your own reasoning, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Using AI tools to skip the thinking process undermines your learning and is considered academic dishonesty.
  • If you’re unsure, always check with the instructor first.

Collaboration Policy

We encourage you to work with your classmates — learning together can help deepen your understanding and make the course more engaging.

However, collaboration comes with clear rules:

  • Submit your own, individually written solutions. You can discuss problems and share ideas, but you must write up and submit your solutions independently. Copy-pasting or submitting identical work is not allowed.
  • List your collaborators. At the top of each submission, include the names of classmates you worked with. This ensures transparency and acknowledges collaborative learning.

Remember: collaboration is about sharing ideas, not answers. Work together, but make sure what you turn in reflects your own understanding and effort.