• Attendance at lectures is mandatory. First year seminars are intended to cultivate an appetite for reading and to further develop writing skills, in an intellectual, community environment. Excused medical absences must be validated with a statement from the Health Center, or a private physician.

• Please come to class on time. We will begin promptly at 9:00. Please synchronize your personal time with the clock in the classroom.

• It is imperative for the success of this course that you complete the required reading assignments before the corresponding class. We will all benefit much more from the class meeting having read the assignment ahead of time.

• A significant portion of your grade will depend upon your ability to read the text, interpret and communicate what you have learned. We are fortunate to have the assistance of a Writing Colleague in this course. The Writing Colleague will be extremely helpful in your development as professional writers and scholars. You will conference weekly with the Colleague to discuss your work in the course. Colleague meetings are mandatory. In the event that you cannot keep your regularly scheduled meeting, you must contact the Colleague 48 hours in advance.

• Word processing skills are crucial in today's technological society. Please submit all assignments, drafts or final submissions, as typewritten, double-spaced pages.

• Recording class notes and reading notes in a daily journal will enhance your learning process. Please include clearly marked weekly summaries. Make sure to bring your journal to every class, we will use them to discuss the reading assignment. Journals will be collected and graded periodically.

• We are fortunate to have the assistance of a Course Mentor. The Mentor will be available in class and outside of class to discuss the readings, answer questions and generally provide additional support.