I do not believe in "curving" grades. In other words, you get what you deserve. I abide strictly by the grade scale listed in the course syllabus. There will be no free points, no free grade adjustments, no lenience. Period.

If you are having difficulty with the course during the semester, you should consider dropping the course. But if you do decide to abandon the course, for whatever reason, you must actually withdraw from it. Do not ask me to give you a "withdrawn--passing" grade at semester's end. Any student for whom there are missing data (exams, projects, etc.) with no indication that the course was officially dropped, will receive a failing grade for the course (or whatever grade is appropriate given their cumulative total).

I will not tolerate any form of cheating, which can take the form of copying from others during exams, plagiarizing, sharing, etc. For any assignment or exam for which you have cheated you will receive the most severe penalty available under university rules. This will be at minimum a score of 0 for the said exam or assignment.

I will not respond to pleas at semester's end for additional points, extra consideration, etc. If you feel there has been a mistake on my behalf regarding the posting of your grades, you may feel free to contact me, and I will investigate the matter. Under no circumstances, however, will I make adjustments simply for your benefit.

Finally, if you are having difficulty completing the course because of health problems (yours or that of close family members), or other personal matters, it is your responsibility to meet with me to discuss your options.