Make-ups: 
No make-ups without an obituary of a close relative and a copy of the "program" from the service or note on the funeral home's stationary, or a note from your medical professional specifically stating that you were too sick to take the test, or from school administrator on school letterhead.  You are expected to attend if you want to get credit for the quizzes and tests. Traffic, sickness not requiring a doctor's visit, family responsibilities, and so forth do not count as "excused absences." However, if you are required to miss a quiz in order to participate in  pre-approved University program non-optional school events such as being on an athletic team--show me the letter from your coach and then send me an email for instructions on how to handle your testing.  Even if you do have an excused absence, I reserve the right to either give you a different but equivalent test or to simply assign the percentage of your most recent equivalent test or a future test.
It has been my experience in over 17 years of teaching thousands of students that the low performers always have an excuse. The good students head to school early so traffic isn't a problem, allow time to find a parking space in a distant lot and walk the rest of the way, pre-arrange babysitting and work schedules, have backup plans for transportation, have cold-medicine on the shelf in case they get sick, and/or do well enough on most of their assignments and tests that missing a day, assignment, or test (for example: to go to a funeral) will not hurt their grade.  I encourage you to do the things good students do so you can get the grade that good students get.  Good students, don't oversleep or get drunk and miss class then show up later with some made up story about their grandmother dying.  If she did die, I'm sorry, (really I indeed do extend my condolences) but make sure you either take a picture of yourself at the funeral or bring the printed program with a signature from the assistant funeral director acknowledging that you were there and a phone number so I can have my assistant call and verify your relationship to the deceased. 
Sure, that seems strict, and maybe I am, but that doesn't mean I'm not flexible and willing to work with honest, dedicated students.  If you know your daughter's going to have surgery and you will have to miss a test, email me ahead of time and we will work something out.
 

Ethics, Attendance, Disabilities, and Class Environment:  You may be dropped from class for checking your email during class or accessing websites other than lifeprint.com or asl.ms during class. You may be dropped from class for using your voice or whispering during class.  Turn cell phones to vibrate or silent settings. Do not wear baseball caps during quizzes. No reading newspapers in class or other distracting behavior. No videotaping the lecture or bringing visitors or guests without permission. Students are always expected to work independently on graded quizzes and/or assignments unless specifically directed otherwise by the instructor. Assignments turned in late for any reason may receive no credit. For information on the University's policy regarding cheating and plagiarism, refer to the Schedule of Courses (Legal Notices on Cheating and Plagiarism) and the University Catalog (Policies and Regulations). Penalties for cheating and plagiarism may include receiving an F for a particular assignment, an F for the course, or expulsion from the university. Upon identifying themselves to the instructor and the university, students with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluation. For more information, contact the office of Services to Students with Disabilities.    [My lawyer made me say all that.  Sorry.]
 

Voicing Policy:  This is a no voice class.  During class time you should keep your voice off and not whisper or rely on "exaggerated mouthing."  If  another student voices to you, you should respond as if you couldn't hear them and ask them (by signing) to communicate with you by signing or fingerspelling (or even writing on paper or the board).  I can reduce your grade or drop you from class for participating in voicing either as a participating listener or a voicer.  (But, usually I'll just ask you to sit somewhere else.)
 

This syllabus and the schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check on announcements made while you were absent.

Pep talk:
You can do this.  I have near infinite patience. I love teaching and explaining.  If you have questions, ask in class or email me and I'll get back to you within 48 hours.  If you think I've overlooked your email, feel free to send your question again--I won't feel bothered--rather I'll be grateful for the communication (sometimes email doesn’t arrive).  If there is something I can do to make the class better for you please do suggest it.  This class may be one of your more challenging accomplishments but I know if you work hard and put in the time--you will succeed.

Schedule: