Grading and Course Policies

Grading Policy

Course grades will be based on a combination of:

• five homework assignments (25% total)

• five in-class assignments (10% total)

• two computer-based midterm exams (20% each)

• one computer-based final examination (25%)

Final grades are NOT curved. The final letter grade conversion table is below. All grades will be posted on Blackboard.

Final weighted grade Corresponding letter
94–100A
91–93A-
88–90B+
84–87B
81–83B-
78–80C+
74–77C
71–73C-
65–70D
0–64F


Late Assignment and Make-up Exam Policy: Late submissions of the homework or in-class assignments will NOT be accepted for grading, barring a valid medical, religious, or other excuse (with documentation). Late submissions with a valid excuse may be accepted at the instructor's discretion, with an accompanying 50% penalty to the assignment grade.

Grade Challenge Policy: The TAs and I will endeavor to post grades as soon as possible after assignments/exams are turned in (normally within 7–10 days). Questions about or challenges to assignment or midterm exam grading MUST be made within ONE WEEK of the grades being posted; after that period, grades are considered final for that assignment or exam.

Exam Policies: All students must bring photo ID to each exam. Students will not be admitted more than 10 minutes late to any exam. Make-up exams will be granted at the instructor's discretion, and ONLY for valid medical reasons (a doctor's note is required), for religious reasons, or for documented participation in University-sponsored events. Except for medical excuses, reasonable prior notification (at least 48 hours prior to the exam) to the instructor is REQUIRED in order for a make-up opportunity to be granted.


Policy on Electronic Devices in Class

Students are encouraged to bring laptops and tablet devices to class for note-taking purposes only, especially during the programming lectures. All communication and entertainment devices should be silenced or (preferably) turned off for the duration of the class unless otherwise directed by the instructor. No electronic devices of any sort, other than USB flash drives and the computers installed in the exam room, may be consulted or used during exams; this will be considered an instance of academic dishonesty, and will be treated as such.


Americans with Disabilities Act

If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services, ECC (Educational Communications Center) Building, Room 128, (631) 632-6748. They will determine with you what accommodations, if any, are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential. http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/dss/


Academic Integrity Policy

Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally accountable for all submitted work. Representing another person's work as your own is always wrong. Faculty are required to report any suspected instances of academic dishonesty to the Academic Judiciary. For more comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonesty please refer to the academic judiciary website at http://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/academic_integrity/index.html

Students found guilty of academic dishonesty will automatically receive a final grade of 'F' for the course.


Critical Incident Management

Stony Brook University expects students to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people. Faculty are required to report to the Office of Judicial Affairs any disruptive behavior that interrupts their ability to teach, compromises the safety of the learning environment, or inhibits students' ability to learn.


Use of Email for Official Communication

Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for making sure they are receiving and checking for official University communications at their primary campus email address (@stonybrook.edu) on a regular basis, or making sure they forward their Stony Brook mail to a personal email account (Google Apps users only).