Several Purdue faculty members conduct their classes under these same basic policies, which are described in this document. If you have been directed to this WWW page, you should make yourself familiar with these policies. These policies apply to you and your class unless your instructor provides explicit (e.g., posted or written) instructions otherwise.
Due Dates for Class Work
Part of the specifications for any piece of class work is a due date. This due date is absolute — late submission of class work is not allowed and such work will be penalized or may not be graded. It is the student's responsibility to complete the work with enough time to submit the materials before the deadline.
Written homework assignments are due at the start of class on the due date. Projects due on a day of class or lab are due at the beginning of that class or lab.
Exceptions because of illness or emergency will certainly be considered, but the student may be required to document them in some way. Contact your instructor as soon as possible if such a situation arises.
Handwritten Work and Legibility
All written work submitted must carry the student's name and must be reasonably neat and well organized. Every student is issued a computer account and has access to a printer: thus, assignments may be typed and printed out for final submission to ensure that it is legible.
Any work that cannot easily be read will score zero points. This requirement definitely applies to any assignment requiring numerical or algebraic solutions — we must be able to differentiate among exponents, factors, and variables! A reasonable standard of English expression and grammar usage is also required.
The above requirements also apply to exams; extra care should be taken with handwritten, in-class exams.
Professional Honesty & Conduct
Purdue University Department of Computer Science Academic Integrity Policy
Approved: Fall, 2003
The Department of Computer Science expects and enforces the highest standards of academic integrity and ethics. The Department takes severe action against academic dishonesty, which may include failing grades on an assignment or in a course, up to a recommendation for dismissal from the University.
Academic dishonesty is defined as any action or practice that provides the potential for an unfair advantage to one individual or one group. Academic dishonesty includes misrepresenting facts, fabricating or doctoring data or results, representing another's work or knowledge as one's own, disrupting or destroying the work of others, or abetting anyone who engages in such practices.
Academic dishonesty is not absolute because the expectations for collaboration vary. In some courses, for example, students are assigned to work on team projects. In others, students are given permission to collaborate on homework projects or to have written materials present during an examination. Unless otherwise specified, however, the CS Department requires all work to be the result of individual effort, performed without the help of other individuals or outside sources. If a question arises about the type of external materials that may be used or the amount of collaboration that is permitted for a given task, each individual involved is responsible for verifying the rules with the appropriate authority before engaging in collaborative activities, using external materials, or accepting help from others.
A student accused of academic dishonesty must be afforded due process as defined by Purdue University procedures. The Dean of Students Office may be notified concerning an academic dishonesty incident as provided by Purdue University procedures.
Additional Policy and Information
At the heart of scientific pursuits is the quest for truth. We value the exposure of what is true, and we seek to discern the truth from what is false. Science proceeds from verification of results, from the proper credit for discovery, and from rejection of the false. Computer science, as a profession, demands that we seek the truth not only in our research, but in our dealings with the public. We must constantly build and maintain the trust of a public that depends on our expertise and honesty to construct their computing infrastructure. Competence and trust are at the core of what it means to be a scholar (in general) and a computing professional (in particular).
These concepts are fundamental to scientific inquiry and to the Purdue community. See Purdue's statement on integrity for a university statement on this topic. Students are also encouraged to read the ACM Code of Ethics, particularly sections 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 2.2 and 2.4. Students should also read Academic Integrity: A Guide for Students from the Purdue Dean of Students office.
Instructor will treat the students (you) as computing professionals, and the students should plan on conducting themselves in an appropriate manner. Each course presents many important concepts that may be needed throughout a career as a computing professional; it is important that each student do all the assignments and learn the material without improper outside assistance or shortcuts (cheating).
Faculty realize that there are occasions when students are overloaded, overstressed, or otherwise unable or unwilling to do the work required for a class. If you feel too burdened to be able to complete any assignments in any class, you should talk to the instructor or to your advisor. Faculty are almost always willing to make allowances for real difficulties: that is one of the responsbilities of teaching. It is also a fact of life -- we all encounter difficulties at some time or another.
However, there are occasionally some students who are willing to make excuses and seek unauthorized assistance, or even to steal someone else's work and pass it off as their own. Therefore, to protect the students who wouldn't dream of any such behavior, and to make it clear what professional behavior is, we have adopted the following standard policy on academic honesty, consistent with Purdue University's official policy.
Our definition of cheating is "completing an assignment by using any resources not allowed or generally available to other students in similar circumstances, and which are not explicitly cited by the student as references and aides." Thus, the following are examples of cheating, as are all the items in Aker's Academic Integrity, cited above:
- Using part or all of someone else's work, from this or any prior semester, in projects or homework without the instructor's prior approval;
- Misrepresenting the functionality of artifact. For example, if a student submits a project with falsified output or test data to make it look as if a program works better than it does;
- Using notes or hints to answer questions during a test for which open notes or crib sheets are not explicitly allowed;
- Submitting answers on homework or projects that were developed or researched by any other individual and presented as the student's own work;
- Copying text from a book, paper or Internet site to include in the student's own work without clearly marking it as a quote and citing the source. (This is plagiarism and may be a violation of Federal copyright law as well as cheating.);
- Setting permissions on files and directories in a student's account so that someone can easily copy programs and documents, or allowing any other person, in the class or otherwise, to use the student computer account (note that this is also a violation of ITaP policy);
- Accessing or altering any online directories, files, or grading information related to the class for which the student does not have permission.
- Providing program code or problem solutions to another student in the class without the instructor's explicit, prior approval;
- Encouraging anyone to do any of the above, or failing to report anyone involved in any of these activities.
Instructors usually assign several homework assignments, programming assignments, papers and/or projects in each class they teach. As a general rule, students are free to discuss — in general terms — these assignments with others, including other students in the class and students who may have taken the class before. Students (especially in graduate classes) are also encouraged to do background research on-line and in the library for any assignment that warrants it. These are critical skills to learn as a scholar. However, any programs and homework solutions submitted are to be developed solely by the student involved unless otherwise explicitly stated in the assignment. If any outside references are used in the preparation of an answer, they must be properly cited and referenced in whatever is handed in.
Plagiarism and cheating are very serious offenses and will not be tolerated; cases may be referred to the Dean of Students Office...and that could result in a failing grade for the course, and suspension or expulsion from the University. Additionally, such behavior will result in reduction of the final letter grade in the course, by at least one, and possibly two letter grades for each instance of dishonesty. Cheating on an exam or major project will result in an automatic F grade in the course.
Students should save all handwritten notes and printouts generated as they work on a project. These should be kept until the end of the semester so as protective documentation in the event that someone "borrows" a program, or the version submitted is somehow lost or mislaid.
Cases of missing output should be reported to the instructor immediately.
Computer Account Security and Use
To help others resist temptation, each student should maintain proper security on his or her computer accounts. Each student should especially keep the account password from others and not alter the protection on any files or directories so that they may be read by others. To give others access to a class account, or to files or printouts of programs is the same as giving them the information directly and will be dealt with accordingly.
Any trouble with computer accounts should be referred to the instructor or a course TA as soon as is possible.
Students are also expected to follow Purdue IT Acceptable Use Policy , and the CS Policy if the account in question is a CS account.
When a program or project has been submitted, the student should maintain an on-line, unedited version of what was submitted (with the correct date stamp) until after that program or project has been graded. It has also been found beneficial to make a copy of a file before editing it, in case a system crash occurs during the edit session. When typing in a program for the first time, or when making major changes later, is a good idea to save all the working files regularly. Learning to use the RCS or CVS utilities may help in this (do a man rcs for info).
Grading Standards for Programs
Working Program
The algorithms used must be essentially correct. Obviously the program should run. However, if it does not and a great deal of work has been put into code that is on the right track, partial results may be acknowledged with partial credit, according to the grading standards of the individual class.
All projects will be given with sufficient lead time to assure completion by everyone in the class. Non-working, poorly thought out "rush jobs" will undoubtedly receive poor grades. Efforts should be scheduled accordingly.
Programming Style and Documentation (Up to 50% Deducted)
Faculty expect student work to exhibit high standards of programming style and layout, reflecting expertise as a Purdue-trained computer professional. This includes the use of functions and procedures where appropriate, and declaring variables in the correct locations. Students should select algorithms appropriate to the task at hand, and code them in a structured, easy-to-read manner. Projects are to be coded in an appropriate language (if not explicitly stated as part of the course assignments), and reflect good usage in the language of choice.
Instructors also expect evidence of thoughtful testing of the code prior to submission, and inclusion of self-checking code, if appropriate.
Appropriate use and placement of comments is vital. Remember that more comment text does not necessarily mean better comments. Comments should be helpful and enlightening (especially in cases where the program did not run). Even programs that run perfectly will lose points for poor documentation.
Paper copies of what is submitted must include a cover sheet stating name, computer login-id, the program assignment number, and the date. Each project must also include a comment sheet at the beginning that states the aspects of the project that have been correctly implemented (and the aspects that have not been correctly implemented). The information placed in this block must be accurate and up to date. Electronic submissions should bear the same information in a comment block at the beginning of the file, or as an additional document submitted with the program.
Campus Emergencies
In the event of a major campus emergency course requirements, deadlines, and grading percentages are subject to changes that may be necessitated by a revised semester calendar. If such unusual circumstances arise, students may determine any such changes by contacting their instructors via email, phone and/or Blackboard Vista.
Campus emergencies include weather extremes (e.g., tornado, blizzard), HAZMAT (hazardous material) spills or leaks (e.g., gas pipe break, chemical spill), infrastructure problems (e.g., electrical power failures, water quality problems), general safety issues (e.g., person on campus suspected of violent behavior).
Students are encouraged to think about personal safety in these circumstances -- at home, traveling to and from campus, and while on campus. This includes where to go to seek shelter, if needed.
All campus and local emergencies can be reported by dialing 911 on any telephone, or by using one of the Purdue emergency telephones on and near campus (yellow call boxes with blue lights on top).
Emergencies and campus closings will be announced on local media and on the main Purdue University WWW site <http://www.purdue.edu>. Individuals may subscribe to an SMS text announcement service. Other details are on the Purdue emergency preparedness site.
Counseling and Assistance
Purdue provides simple counseling for anyone experiencing personal problems, feelings of stress, family problems, grief or loss issues, difficulties with studying, health problems, and a variety of other needs. The counseling service can also provide professional testing for interests and abilities, and provide testing for a variety of recognized learning disabilities that may be interfering with a student's ability to achieve his or her academic potential (e.g., dyslexia or ADHD). More information about these services may be obtained at the Purdue Counseling and Gudance Center, (765) 494-9738, in Beering Hall 3202. Note that these services are also available to non-students in the community.
Note that students who have learning disabilities can get assistance at PCGC that may help them cope better with those disabilities. Also, faculty can be formally notified -- in confidence -- if a student should be given extra time on assignments or exams, or other assistance to reach full potential. A disability is not a cause for shame, but a difference to be accomodated. Each of us learns in different manners, and Purdue personnel are committed to providing assistance so that each student can learn and grow.
Students may also talk about problems with faculty members who they trust. Students experiencing problems that affect academic performance in a class should discuss them with their instructors and/or guidance counselors before the problems grow to be overwhelming. In general, faculty and staff want to help students succeed, but they can't always tell if something is bothering a student. Help them help you, if that is what is needed.
For personal counseling on issues troubling you or depressing you, you can also call or visit the Purdue CAPS center. Counseling here is completely confidential! It is a great place to get help if you feel really depressed, are having problems in a romantic or personal relationship, have feelings of hopelessness, have problems with drugs or alcohol, or any other problem where you feel you are not in control. They are open 8-5, Monday-Friday, and have offices around campus. Visit the WWW page or call 494-6995 for specifics.
Equal Opportunity and Harassment
Purdue University is committed to maintaining an inclusive community that recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential. Purdue University does not condone and will not tolerate discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a veteran.
It is the policy of Purdue University to maintain the campus as a place of work and study for faculty, staff, and students, free from all forms of harassment. In providing an educational and work climate that is positive and harassment-free, faculty, staff, and students should be aware that harassment in the workplace or the educational environment is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated.
Formal Purdue policies exist for reporting harassment and improper discrimination. Students are also encouraged to speak to faculty members who they trust.
Updated: 08/24/08
© 2004-2007 E. H. Spafford
spaf@purdue.edu