Expectations and Communication

Guide to success in this course

• Pay attention to the course syllabus. The syllabus is our map to the semester.
• Thoroughly read instructor announcements (sent on Slack Sunday evening) for notes on that week’s agenda.
• Be on time for all classes, whether they are in person or via Zoom.
• Contact the College Laboratory Technicians (CLT) via the #techsupport channel on Slack or via email, if/when experiencing any technical issues.
• Thoroughly review and take notes on the information, resources, materials, videos, tutorials, etc. within each class post on OpenLab and/or what is posted on Slack at the beginning of each class.
• Actively participate online during class time.
• Thoughtfully contribute to a positive online environment, while actively supporting and challenging your classmates’ ideas.
• Follow good online etiquette: Try to be as clear and succinct as possible in messages. One of the challenges of text-only communication is that we lose a lot of the information that gives communication nuance – it’s hard to tell when someone is joking or teasing us. Be thoughtful about what you post, why you’re posting it, and how it may land.  Mute your audio when not speaking, to limit background noise during any audio/video class or small group calls.
• Check OpenLab for assignments, readings, and resources (note the Assignment post/due dates in the Schedule section below).
• Check Slack regularly for updates, group and private messages.
• Spend at least 3-5 additional hours a week (outside of class time) on class assignments/readings/responses and projects. Budget more time each week than may be needed.
• Post written responses, documents, or code before or by the assignment due dates (see due dates in the Schedule section below).
• Back up your work regularly.
• Push yourself creatively and technically. Be ambitious. Work hard. Stay open and curious!
• Contact your instructor and build connections to your peers. If you are regularly struggling with any of the above – or if you just want or need to talk further: please don’t hesitate to contact your instructor. I want you to succeed!
• Don’t be afraid to turn to your peers with questions or to offer support – the ability to collaborate successfully across differences is one of the key concepts of this course!

Communication

• To contact me with a brief, private question or message, send a DM (Direct Message) through Slack, rather than email.
• If you have a question that may be relevant to the group (about homework, etc.), post in the #general channel on Slack for all to see and comment on.
• Use Slack for easy communications with your classmates as well—you can DM individuals or create private groups.
• To discuss a longer, more in depth, or more sensitive matter with me, DM to set up an audio/video call via Slack or Zoom.

Course Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

In order to receive disability-related academic accommodations students must first be registered with the Center for Student Accessibility (“CSA”). Students who have a documented disability, or suspect they may have a disability, are invited to set up an appointment with CSA (phone: 718-260-5143). If you have already registered with CSA, please provide your professor with the course accommodation form and discuss your specific accommodation with him/her.

A Note on CityTech’s Counseling Center

The Counseling Services Center supports the educational, emotional and career development of City Tech students by providing opportunities for skill development, counseling and referrals that address obstacles to success. The Center is currently available to students remotely and in-person. For questions and appointments, contact the Center at counseling@citytech.cuny.edu or 718-260-5030.