Course Policies

Class Preparation

I expect you to attend class and to have completed the reading for the day before you get there. We will often do in-class exercises that you will need to be prepared for.

Laptop and Phone Policy

Laptops may be used only for legitimate classroom activities including taking notes, downloading class information and papers, or working on an in-class exercise. Email, chat, Facebook, reading the news, playing games, etc. are not legitimate classroom activities. Student use of laptops during class is at the discretion of the instructor. I may ask you to stop at any point. By default you should have them available for in-class exercises but leave them closed except for activities mentioned above.

Using mobile phones and other distractions are unprofessional behavior and are forbidden in class. I don't mind you glancing at the phone or dashing off a quick text during transitions in the lecture, but in general you should save your texting for after class.

Late Policy

Students are encouraged to meet project deadlines. I want to see all students complete every lab by the end of the semester. You are expected to compete each project or assignment by the time it is due. If you must turn an assignment in late, please get permission from Professor Windley.

Cheating

I expect students to abide by the honor code and to be examples of what BYU represents. Any student who cheats could be subject to any or all of the following: a) failing the class in which the cheating took place, b) being suspended from enrolling in any computer science class for a minimum of one year, and c) being reported to the honor code office.

The following are not cheating:

  • Discussing the requirements of an assignment as long as no code is discussed
  • Discussing general approaches to solving assignments as long as no code is discussed
  • Finding code samples from the textbook, associated web sites, and class material.

The following are considered cheating:

  • Looking at anyone else's code
  • Having anyone else produce code for you
  • Having anyone else correct your code for you
  • Copying code you find on the web

Preventing Sexual Harassment

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and student-to-student sexual harassment. BYU’s policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university, but to students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, please talk to your professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895 or 367-5689 (24-hours); or contact the Honor Code Office at 422-2847.

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (422-2767). Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified, documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the SSD Office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures by contacting the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895, D-285 ASB.

Children in the Classroom

The serious study of the physical and mathematical sciences requires uninterrupted concentration and focus in the classroom. Having small children in class is often a distraction that degrades the educational experience for the entire class. Please make other arrangements for child care rather than bringing children to class with you. If there are extenuating circumstances, please talk with your instructor in advance.

Department Systems Abuse Policy

Accounts on Computer Science Department computers are privileges to be used in conjunction with and in support of various related Computer Science classes. Abuse in any form will result in immediate suspension of your accounts. If an abuse involves violation of the honor code, you will be referred to University Standards. If an abuse involves illegal activity, appropriate authorities will be notified. In either case, you will be immediately dropped from all Computer Science classes you are enrolled in. Some violations are punishable by expulsion from the University. Your keystrokes may be monitored and saved.

Examples of abuse of your account include:

  • Transfer or storage of pornographic or illegally duplicated material.
  • Use of your account to probe or crack security systems including passwords or to intercept information intended only for others.
  • Sending mass, commercial, obscene, or harassing email posts.
  • Sharing your account or account password with anyone.
  • Misusing your lab privileges, including game playing, and especially actions which could cause damage, such as rebooting a workstation without permission.