Frequently Asked Questions

 
Number 1
Question: I have missed exams, and/or labs, and/or not completed some homework assignments. What can I do at the end of the semester for "extra credit" so that I can make all of this up?
 
Answer: By official TTU policy, all of the credit for the semester must be detailed on the course outline before the start of the semester and must be equally available to all. There is no "extra credit," and certainly nothing that can be done at the end of the semester.
 
Number 2
Question: I'm going to be absent from class on (insert date here)---will I miss anything? Or, I missed class for some reason---should I email you and ask what I missed?
 
Answer: No, don't email me to ask that question. Your assignments are online as well as much of the material and examples covered in class.
 
Number 3
Question: Do you give bonus points?
 
Answer: No. All of the credit for the semester is detailed in the Course Outline.
 
Number 4
Question: How can I make up one of the scheduled exams that I have to miss because of (select as many as apply)
  1. university sponsored activity
  2. medical emergency
  3. family emergency
  4. previously scheduled vacation
  5. something else incredibly important to me
 
Answer: As per the Course Outline, there are no makeup exams. However, your lowest of the four exam scores will be dropped. If you miss an exam, then that is the one exam that will be dropped.
 
Number 5
Question: How does the laboratory grade factor into my grade for the course?
 
Answer: Please see the course outline or the online grade calculator. Your lab scores will be determined by your lab TA in consultation with the lab director.
 
Number 6
Question: What score do I need to make on the final to get a particular letter grade for the course?
 
Answer: I have made it easy for you to answer this question for yourself using the amazing automatic approximate unofficial grade calculator that I wrote.
 
Number 7
Question: When/where are you going to post the scores for the exam or semester?
 
Answer: Your exam scores will be available on BlackBoard in a timely fashion. Your semester grade will be posted on Raiderlink just as soon as possible---calling, e-mailing, or knocking on my door before this just delays the process for everyone and annoys the professor.
 
Number 8
Question: Do you curve?
 
Answer: No. Since the average semester score for this course is fairly high, norming the average to a C (grading on a curve) would lower most student's letter grade. The grade boundaries for the semester score are the standard TTU defaults employed on Blackboard.
 
Number 9
Question: Can you tell me what my grades are?
 
Answer: No. It is extremely time-consuming to look up and e-mail many people their scores during the semester. So, if you want to know how you are doing, you can check on Blackboard as well as keeping track of your returned lab reports.
 
Number 10
Question: Do I need to bring a bluebook or scantron for the exam?
 
Answer: No, all of the exams are on Blackboard.
 
Number 11
Question: I put the correct answer on my exam, but Blackboard did not record it. Can I get credit anyway?
 
Answer: Only if there is an actual documented Blackboard technical issue and is not due to your use of an incompatible or non-recommended browser or IT device. In case of an internet disconnect before you submit answers to all exam questions, you will have more than one attempt during the alloted time period. However, extra attempts after you have submitted answers to all questions will not necessarily be counted. Please check to make sure that you have answered and saved all questions with the answers that you intend before you submit the results.
 
Number 12
Question: I came to all of the classes and tried really hard, so can I make an appointment to see you after the semester to ask for a higher grade than I earned?
 
Answer: No. If it is fourth down and, even though you tried really hard, you wind up one inch short of the goal line, it still is not a touchdown. Everyone has to play by the same rules. So, unless you can demonstrate an actual mistake in your grade, there is no need to schedule a meeting after the semester to ask for special treatment.
 


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thomas.gibson@ttu.edu

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