ART 101/111 FAQ
Please note: It is the expectation that you will seek an answer to your question either here, on your syllabus or on other areas of Blackboard before you email me.
GRADES
EMAIL
ATTENDANCE/CLASS CONDUCT
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
LATE WORK/REVISION
END OF TERM QUESTIONS
WTF?!
Q: Why is there so much writing?! This is an ART class!
A: Because contemporary artists have to be able to write thoughtfully, concisely and with great specificity. Contemporary art is actually a rigorous academic discipline that is conceptually and intellectually challenging. How we approach these writing assignments very much reflects the process behind examining and creating contemporary art. Plus, no matter who you are or what your future plans may entail, you need to be able to articulate your thoughts in an organized, cohesive and thoughtful fashion. These assignments force you to think critically and independently-- that is a highly valued skill you can take anywhere.
Q: You grade really hard! This is a 100 level class-- it should be easier!!
A: Sorry, but I beg to differ. 75% of my students typically get B’s or better, with approximately 20% netting A’s. It is an insult to walk into ANY class and expect it to be ‘easy.’ You don’t grow without challenge. Don’t waste your time or money on ‘easy’ courses.
Q: I worked really hard on my blog and I didn’t get the grade I think I deserved.
A: First, stay cool. Take a deep breath and don’t go anywhere near your email for at least 24 hours. Take a walk. Clear your mind. Come back and re-read your entry as objectively as you can, not defensively. Review the grading policy very carefully. If, after doing that, you honestly feel your grade merits discussion, then come speak to me during my office hours. Be calm and patient, and recognize we will listen to your concerns, but this does not mean we will change the grade. Remember, hard work is the absolute minimum expectation. It isn’t grounds to raise a grade.
Q. What if I disagree with/ don’t understand the rationale for my grade?
A. Then come talk to me in person. We’ll talk about it. Just keep a cool head, be kind and remember that I may not agree with you either, but I will definitely do everything in my power to 1) hear your concerns and 2) address them in a way that makes you whole in this process. This doesn’t mean I will raise your grade (because I very well may not). It means I want you to learn and get constructive feedback for how to improve. We do not have to agree on your grade for it to stand, but I will try to help you understand.
Q: Why can’t I email you about my grades?
A: Because email and grades are a BAD and EVIL mix, like Nickelback and a recording studio! Sadly, even students I have excellent relationships with tend to lose their cool when it comes to grades and email. Email does not communicate body language, tone inflection or any other nuance. It also tends to be ‘easy’ and feels somewhat anonymous, which is a dangerous mix. It also gives the illusion of not having direct consequences for your words/behavior when nothing could be further from the truth. You need to understand that email is not a confidential medium, and the Student Code of Conduct is very specific about inappropriate usage. Abusive or harassing correspondence via email can result in sanctions from the Student Conduct Board. If you want to talk about grades (other than simple yes or no questions, or corrections) then you must see me in person during my office hours. And yes, you are expected to find a way to see me. It is not within my means to schedule an appointment around the personal itineraries of 330 students.
Q: But I have class/ work during your office hours!
A: That stinks and I do understand the bind this puts you in. But that’s also life. I, too, have a busy schedule and my office hours are times I have deliberately set aside to meet with you. I physically cannot make personal appointments that are structured around the individual itineraries of 300 students. You need to find a way to see me. If you do have to restructure your schedule, let me know you are coming so that I can contact you if something comes up.
Q: But you’re scary!
A: Ahhh, that’s sweet, but honestly, my hard exterior belies my soft interior. Inside, I’m all sparkly marshmallows and rainbow butterflies.
Q. I found a mistake in my grade.
A. Then tell me, yo. You can email me something like that if it’s a simple correction. Just be nice.
Q. What is the right way to do this blog thing?
A: In the manner that demonstrates successful application of the criteria. THERE IS NO MAGIC FORMULA. There are strong guidelines that give you enough to move forward, and leave out just enough to challenge you. This frustrates many students who are accustomed to a different model of pedagogy, but solid research supports me on this: you do better trying to figure it out within certain parameters than if I ask you to simply regurgitate and fill in the blanks. It’s harder—much harder—but better. Move past your frustration and get to work.
Q: Why was I penalized? This says I got an ’88.’ Why did I lose 12 points?
A: This is important: No one starts at perfection and then somehow ‘loses points.’ Your grade is essentially a numerical reference for how well you successfully executed all aspects of your work. By that standard, 88% is pretty damned good. Not everyone can produce awesome work every time. Remember it’s not you… it’s the work. Don’t take it personally. Learn and move forward. Fix it. Make it better.
Q: My final grade for this class was an 79.9% Will you round up? I’ll lose my scholarship/get kicked out of my housing if I don’t get at least a B-! It’s just a tiny point! It’s not fair that such a tiny fraction can threaten my scholarship/home/livelihood! PLEEEEEZ? I’ll do ANYTHING!
A: No. I mean it. No. Sorry, I know that sounds cruel, but there’s got to be a cut-off somewhere and this is it. Asking me to inflate your grade or give you extra opportunities that no one else has because you were unable to achieve the grade through the normal coursework is absolutely unethical. If you are concerned about your grade because of ANY reason, then you need to make sure you are addressing it well before your final grade is determined. Seriously, do NOT even ask me this question. Don’t.
Q: Are you serious when you say you won’t round up?
A: Yep.
Q: Really?!
A: Yep.
Q: That’s harsh!
A: Really? Look, I know we live in an era of grade inflation, but I can’t just arbitrarily raise someone’s grade because they need a point—it’s just wrong. I never in my wildest dreams asked a prof to do that for me (even when it meant losing a scholarship), and I am still weirded out when students ask me now. If you need a certain grade, make sure you earn that grade the same way everyone else does.
Q: But what if I get down on my knees and beg?
A: Then you will look silly and I will be very uncomfortable.
Q: It’s the end of term and I’m going to get a ‘bad’ grade/fail this class! Is there anything I can do to save my grade?
A: Nope.
Q: I tried really, really, really hard in your class and ended up with a B+, is there anything I can do to get an ‘A’?
A: I’m sorry, no. I can’t give you special consideration for your efforts, and not everyone else. It is the minimum expectation for ALL my students that they work hard.
Q: It’s week 8 (or earlier). I’ve had a really hard term due to medical/personal circumstances. I’ve tried really hard to do the work, but I just can’t manage to get it in and I’m really freaked out. Is there anything I can do?
A: Possibly. Come see me and we will talk. Don’t wait until week 10 to address this with me, or I will be unable to assist you.
Q: I missed class. Can I make up for it with an ‘extra’ credit assignment?
A: No. That only creates ‘extra’ work for me and still doesn’t deliver the content of what you missed.
Q: I missed class. Did I miss anything/Can you tell me what I missed?
A: Seriously? Yes, you missed something. Ask a classmate for notes.
Q: I failed to turn in an assignment. Can I do extra credit?
A: No. If you can’t handle the required assignment, why should you get ‘extra’ credit? Do the work required of you at the time it is required.
Q: I did poorly on a blog entry. Can I do a revision?
A: No. There’s just no way to manage that in a class of this size. You have an opportunity to replace a poor score (NOT a zero) during week 10.
Q: Can I submit a blog entry late?
A: Not without my approval, which you will need no later than 5pm on Friday evening unless there is a documented medical or family emergency.
Q: Why can’t I email you about my grades?
A: Because email and grades are a BAD and EVIL mix, like Nickelback and a recording studio! Sadly, even students I have excellent relationships with tend to lose their cool when it comes to grades and email. Email does not communicate body language, tone inflection or any other nuance. It also tends to be ‘easy’ and feels somewhat anonymous, which is a dangerous mix. It also gives the illusion of not having direct consequences for your words/behavior when nothing could be further from the truth. You need to understand that email is not a confidential medium, and the Student Code of Conduct is very specific about inappropriate usage. Abusive or harassing correspondence via email can result in sanctions from the Student Conduct Board. If you want to talk about grades (other than simple yes or no questions, or corrections) then you must see me in person during my office hours. And yes, you are expected to find a way to see me. It is not within my means to schedule an appointment around the personal itineraries of 330 students.
Q: But I have class/ work during your office hours!
A: That stinks and I do understand the bind this puts you in. But that’s also life. I, too, have a busy schedule and my office hours are times I have deliberately set aside to meet with you. I physically cannot make personal appointments that are structured around the individual itineraries of 300+ students. It is the expectation that YOU arrange to see ME, not vice versa. That time has already been set aside for you during my office hours.
Q: But you’re scary!
A: Ahhh, that’s sweet, but honestly, my hard exterior belies my soft interior. Inside, I’m all sparkly marshmallows and rainbow butterflies.
Q: Why won’t you answer my emails?!
A: I don’t know. Are you giving me enough time to address them (at least 24 hours)? Are you sending them to me on days I don’t check my inbox (Friday and Saturday)? Are you sure I’m getting them? Make certain you are sending them to cwarren1@uoregon.edu. There’s a poor fellow who has a similar address that gets a lot of my emails.
Bear in mind that I spend approximately 3-4 solid hours a day doing nothing but answering emails, so I’m definitely getting to them. However, I will ignore yours under the following circumstances:
1) you don’t put the class title (ART111 for example) in your subject heading (at least until I know who you are).
2) the answer can be found either in your syllabus, in the Blackboard materials or in this FAQ
3) I’ve covered it extensively in lecture or made it clear via class announcement on Blackboard
4) You’re asking for an extension hours before the due date for reasons that are not acceptable.
If your question/concern doesn’t fall into that list above, just send me another one and try to be patient. Sometimes, especially at the end of term, I’m so swarmed with emails I occasionally miss one, or it gets buried so fast I just forget about it before I can have time to respond.
Q: If I email you a question about a policy, or extension, and you don’t reply, what should I do?
A: Assume that the policy in the syllabus stands. NEVER assume a lack of reply implies consent.
Q: Can I send you cool links and stuff? Or can I just shoot you my thoughts about a topic that really engaged me?
A: Yes! Please! In fact, much of the best teaching material I have comes from students! And as for dialogue—yeah, totally do that. That’s what I love about my job—actually talking about this stuff. I’d much rather answer an email like that than one that asks me where my office is located (info that can be found on blackboard).
Q: Can I email questions/ideas I have about the projects? Or can I ask for some feedback on something I’m testing out?
A: Sure, please do! If the feedback you need is more involved, I might either do a screen capture or ask you to come talk to me in person. If it is about a grade, then you’ll have to come see me in person.
Q: Do you prefer a particular pronoun when I address you?
A: Thanks for asking! I’m most comfortable with something gender neutral, such as my title (professor), or better yet, my name. (Professor Warren, Prof., Professor Ty, Ty, Tyrras, Digital Overlord, High Regent of the Digital Realm... etc.)
Q: Your response to my last email was really short. Are you mad at me?
A: I never answer emails if I’m mad (at least I try really hard not to do that). Plus, it really takes quite a bit of poking to get me upset in the first place. I rarely take things personally, and I know what it’s like to be a stressed out student. I may just be in a hurry to answer the question. Usually, I’m pretty chill, but sometimes I can be matter-of-fact in my responses. It’s ok to ask for clarification if you’re concerned.
ATTENDANCE/LEAVING EARLY/CLASS CONDUCT
Q. I didn’t read the syllabus and I missed the part where it said I’d fail if I didn’t come to class! I’m so sorry! Please pass me! Zombies will eat me if I don’t pass this class!
A. I’m sorry, too! No. Try not to get eaten.
Q: Do you really enforce the attendance policy? Even if I go just one over the limit?
A: Yes.
Q: Why? I’m an adult! I can decide whether or not I want to be in class!
A: Because it is my responsibility as your professor to ensure you get the content of this course, which requires your presence in order to do so. Yes, you are an adult. You can absolutely decide not to come to class. As an adult, you can rationally accept the consequences of your actions. In this case, you’ve chosen to ignore the guidelines set forth in the syllabus.
Q: I missed class. Can I make up for it with an ‘extra’ credit assignment?
A: No. That only creates ‘extra’ work for me and still doesn’t deliver the content of what you missed.
Q: I missed class. Did I miss anything/Can you tell me what I missed?
A: Seriously? Yes, you missed something. Ask a classmate for notes.
Q: What if I click at the beginning, then leave?
A: O.o Well, since I require at least 2 clicks per class period in order for you to be counted present, that’s a pretty silly thing to do, don’t you think?
Q: What if I give my iClicker to someone else and I don’t come to class?
A: I’ll teleport to your location and use my superpowers to drag you to class. C’mon, man. Seriously?! Hey, if you don’t want to be there so badly that you are willing to not only lie about it, but also get someone else to LIE FOR YOU, drop the class. Please.
Q: I have to leave class early to get to another class all the way across campus in ten minutes!
A: I’ll spot you 5 minutes if you can leave discreetly. You’re responsible for learning any important info you missed in that last 5 minutes from a classmate (I often use that time for reminders about deadlines/expectations).
Q: I have a doctor’s appointment today.
A: Ok. I totally understand what a hassle that can be. As long as you are present for at least half the class and can provide me with documented proof (if I even ask for it), go take care of your health. Please notify me at the beginning of class and then leave discreetly.
Q: But I have to go to the bathroom/throw up/smoke a cigarette/answer my phone…
A: Yikes! Ok, if you are that sick, don’t come to class. That’s why you are allowed a certain number of absences. As for the rest… c’mon. Take care of that stuff before coming to class. If you have a legit medical condition, or an unusual situation happening where you need to take a phone call (like waiting for a doctor’s call), then just exit and re-enter the lecture hall discreetly. That stuff happens. I understand. Just put it in your mind that leaving the lecture hall really needs to be limited to special circumstances. Try to see this from my perspective. If I see you wandering in and out, I’ll pull you aside to discuss the matter. And yes, that means in front of 200 people.
Q: Why can’t I text in class? It’s my business, and I can multitask really well. Plus, the lecture is boring.
A: 1) When your behavior affects others around you, it becomes my business. It is distracting to those around you, and it makes them want to check their phones. Plus, it’s incredibly rude to the lecturer and that is my business as well.
2) No you can’t multitask. Sorry, all the research very strongly indicates human performance drops drastically when trying to do multiple things at one time. That research is very recent, and was conducted on college students who claimed they could multitask.
3) It’s great if the lectures are entertaining, but you have to take ownership of your role in your education. Even if it is boring, it is still the expectation that you will engage and find value in the material.
Q: I need my laptop to take notes!
A: If you have a documented note from a physician or disabilities services that says you must have a laptop in class, then that’s fine. I only ask that you sit in a designated laptop area and make certain that you are exclusively focused on class (not checking email, facebook, etc), looking up, making eye contact and participating in lecture. If you have no documented necessity for a laptop, you can take notes the old fashioned way. The fact of the matter is that the screen is distracting to other students—this policy is in place partly because of STUDENT REQUEST.
Q: The GTF told me to put away my phone/laptop/stop talking!
A: Yeah, they’re awesome like that. So do it, please. Nicely. They are acting on behalf of my instructions and only because your behavior has warranted intervention. Don’t take it personally, and please don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
Q: I was really dumb and sent an email to you/my GTF while, um, ‘thinking impaired’ and/or angry. What do I do?
A: Well, if you ‘went off’ on me/the GTF, then a sincere apology would be appreciated and would go a long way towards repairing any damage. If it’s not too bad, we can get a coffee and talk about it, have a few laughs, move on. If you were abusive, however, I will forward it to the Director of Student Conduct and let him take it from there.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Q: Can I reuse my old work from another class for my paper/project?
A: No. Never. Not even parts of it.
Q: What if I do it without your permission?
A: I’ll forward the details and documents of the suspected incident, along with recommended sanctions (usually at least a zero for the assignment, sometimes failure for the course) to the Director of Student Conduct Board for adjudication after notifying you via email. If you are found responsible, the sanctions will take effect and a permanent mark will appear on your record. It’s how I handle ALL academic misconduct cases. It’s not a judgment thing, but simply a matter of time. They are paid to handle cases like this, and I need to focus on teaching my students who are trying to genuinely do the work with integrity.
Q: There are 200 people in this class! How can you possibly know if I copy someone else’s work?
A: Because I actually read your entries. Also, you submit your work to Blackboard, which essentially is a database. I can search for duplicate content.
Q: Do you really prosecute academic misconduct cases?
A: Yep. Every term, students fail my classes for this reason alone. It gives me a sad : ( My natural mode of operation is to give you the benefit of the doubt, which is why I do enforce sanctions so adamantly when I find cheating has occurred. They are a violation of trust and ethics.
Q: But I’m a good student and I work really hard! I just screwed up this once!
A: Look, I’m not judging you. I just don’t have the resources to attend to these matters when there are people who get paid to deal exclusively with them. Take it up with Student Conduct. If your particular case is so flagrant that it caused me to investigate and report it, then it wasn’t just a little screw-up.
Q: But aren’t you required to at least meet with me before reporting the incident?
A: No. If I elect to meet with you, it is out of courtesy, not requirement. I often simply don’t have the time, and there is a board of student conduct that exists specifically to deal with these matters. Be advised that I never report an academic misconduct case unless I have very strong evidence to support my conclusion.
Q: If I get a notice from you that I committed academic misconduct, can I just drop the class?
A: No. University Guidelines specifically prohibit any student from dropping a class to avoid sanctions for academic misconduct. You will be re-enrolled and—if you are found responsible-- the sanctions will be enforced.
Q: I was really dumb and sent an email to you/my GTF while, um, ‘thinking impaired’ and/or angry. What do I do?
A: Well, if you ‘went off’ on me/the GTF, then a sincere apology would be appreciated and would go a long way towards repairing any damage. If it’s not too bad, we can get a coffee and talk about it, have a few laughs, move on. If you were abusive, however, I will forward it to the Director of Student Conduct and let him take it from there.
Q. The syllabus says that you accept late work, but with a pretty harsh grade penalty. Surely you’ll make an exception!
A: Nope. Not unless you had prior approval (at least 24 hours), or have a documented family or medical situation. It’s not a judgment thing, folks, it’s a ‘Keep-Ty-Alive-To-Teach-Another-Day’ thing. There’s no negotiating.
Q: But the syllabus says you make exceptions in the case of illness or ‘family emergency.’
A: Yes, documented illness. You’ll need a note from the health center or a physician. If you are so sick that you’ve been unable to do your work that you’ve known about all term, you need to get it checked out.
Q: What constitutes a family emergency?
A: Well, the obvious stuff that I hope NEVER happens to you: death of a close family member such as a sibling or parent/grandparent. Sudden hospitalizations. Car wreck… that kind of thing. It can be good stuff too, like if you or your partner/spouse goes into labor.
If something like this happens to you, it’s likely that it will affect more than just an assignment. You should contact the Office of the Dean of Students right away to get the support you need. They will often contact all your professors and ask that we work with you during your recovery.
What isn’t acceptable: My friend’s dog died, my buddy needed help moving, my roommate locked her keys out of her car...
Please don’t make up deaths just to get around a late sanction. That’s weird and kinda creepy. One term, I had a student whose grandma died 3 times. Seriously… don’t do that.
Q. But I put a lot of work into it! It’s not fair that missing the deadline means I get no credit for it!
A. It definitely sucks that you get no credit for something you put a lot of effort and time into, I agree. But, it’s totally fair. It’s been stated in the syllabus all term, and the syllabus clearly indicates that continued enrollment constitutes agreement with all the policies.
Q. But that means I could lose my scholarship!
A. That would totally suck, I agree. Make sure you get it in on time so that doesn’t happen.
Q: But it was a technical error! It’s not my fault!
A: That stinks, and it’s still your responsibility to anticipate such things. Don’t put yourself in a corner where a technical glitch can derail your entire grade. Save your work (often) on external devices and don’t wait to the last minute to upload/execute.
Q: But I paid for this class!
A: I know, right? That’s why I can’t understand why you didn’t submit the work on time/show up/follow the guidelines in the syllabus when it’s been made very clear that such actions will result in failing this class!
Q: It’s finals week and I have a question about my grades, but all your office hours are filled up!
A: Then clearly email is the only way to proceed at this time. Be courteous and stay polite at all times, even if you are frustrated. I’m not the enemy. Remember that I probably have a gazillion other emails to get to, so I may not answer right away, and when I do, it will be polite but concise.
Q: I did poorly on an assignment. Can I do a revision?
A: No. For Art 111, I give you an opportunity to replace a low score with your week 10 entry.
Q: My final grade for this class was an 79.9% Will you round up? I’ll lose my scholarship/get kicked out of my housing if I don’t get at least a B-! It’s just a tiny point! It’s not fair that such a tiny fraction can threaten my scholarship/home/livelihood! PLEEEEEZ? I’ll do ANYTHING!
A: No. I mean it. No. Sorry, I know that sounds cruel, but there’s got to be a cut-off somewhere and this is it. Asking me to inflate your grade or give you extra opportunities that no one else has because you were unable to achieve the grade through the normal coursework is absolutely unethical. If you are concerned about your grade because of ANY reason, then you need to make sure you are addressing it well before your final grade is determined. Seriously, do NOT even ask me this question. Don’t.
Q: Are you serious when you say you won’t round up?
A: Yep.
Q: Really?!
A: Yep.
Q: That’s harsh!
A: Really? Look, I know we live in an era of grade inflation, but I can’t just arbitrarily raise someone’s grade because they need a point—it’s just wrong. I never in my wildest dreams asked a prof to do that for me (even when it meant losing a scholarship), and I am still weirded out when students ask me now. If you need a certain grade, make sure you earn that grade the same way everyone else does.
Q: But what if I get down on my knees and beg?
A: Then you will look silly and I will be very uncomfortable.
Q: It’s the end of term and I’m going to get a ‘bad’ grade/fail this class! Is there anything I can do to save my grade?
A: Nope. Your chance to ‘do something’ about your grade was during the previous 10 weeks.
Q: I didn’t realize poor attendance could actually result in a failure for this class! I missed too many classes! Is there anything I can do?
A: Nope. Make sure you always go understand the attendance policies set forth in your professor’s syllabus.
Q: I got bad grades all term but didn’t come and talk to you about them. Can I do anything now? Extra credit? Revisions?
A:. Nope. Shoulda coulda woulda...
Q: My grade is too low for my scholarship. My parents will kill me! Can I please do some extra credit to get a better grade? I promise to work really hard on it!
A: Sorry, no. If I extend that opportunity to you, then I have to do it for everyone, and I just can’t handle the extra workload. If you can’t achieve the desired results within the context of the normal workload, then why would I extend the privilege of ‘extra’ credit?
Q: It’s finals week and I have a question about my grades, but all your office hours are filled up!
A: Then clearly email is the only way to proceed at this time. Be courteous and stay polite at all times, even if you are frustrated. I’m not the enemy. Remember that I probably have a gazillion other emails to get to, so I may not answer right away, and when I do, it will be polite but concise.
Q: I love your teaching style and want to take more classes with you! What other courses do you teach?
A: Thanks! I also teach ART 101 Understanding Contemporary Media, ARTD 250 Print Based Media, ARTD 251 Time Based Media, ARTD 350 Digital Drawing, ARTD 360 Digital Imaging, ARTD 410 Advanced Digital Drawing and ARTD 361 Digital Letterform.
Q: I hate your teaching style and want to avoid any future classes with you at all costs! Can you tell me what other classes you teach?
A: Thanks! I also teach ART 101 Understanding Contemporary Media, ARTD250 Print Based Media, ARTD 251 Time Based Media, ARTD 350 Digital Drawing, ARTD 360 Digital Imaging, ARTD 410 Advanced Digital Drawing and ARTD 361 Digital Letterform
WTF?!!
Q: I really love the music you play before class. Can I have your playlist?
A: Yup. Spotify: Ty’s Lecture. Send me yours, too. Please-- I’m always looking for cool stuff.
Q: Star Wars or Star Trek?
A: Both.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: The one I have now. After that, running my own cafe with only local, sustainably farmed products. Or, I’d be a chicken herder and professional kitten/puppy handler. Or, being a test rider for bicycles/motorcycles of all kinds. Or, I’d be a stand-up comedian.
Q: Is it true that you have superpowers?
A: Yes.
Frequently Asked Questions