Professionalism

With perseverance and a little luck, you are within a year or two of becoming a member of the natural resources profession. As such, you will be expected to act in a professional manner. Course instructors, guest lecturers, and field trip hosts should demonstrate exemplary professional behavior.

Professionals understand not only what they are doing, but why. They dress and act in a manner that draws respect from other professionals. They are prepared for each meeting, and they have read relevant materials before the meeting begins. They respect other professionals and they make personal sacrifices on behalf of the profession or to support other professionals. When meeting in the field, they adapt easily to steep terrain and inclement weather. Professionals take copious notes and ask questions when they do not understand.

Grades

Students who need special accommodations or services should contact the S.A.L.T. Center for Learning Disabilities (Old Main, Room 135; 621-1242) or the Center for Disability Related Resources (Second and Cherry; 621-3268). These offices will verify the need for special services. Please provide verification to us no later than the second week of class so that we can help provide the best possible learning environment.

Grading performance constitutes a complex and difficult process. Although human beings cannot be pigeon-holed, they can be judged on the basis of their achievements. Grades reflect both effort and achievement. The following descriptions attempt to explain why different students obtain different results, and describe the standards we will use for this class. They are adapted from J.M. Williams (1993, Clarifying grade expectations, The Teaching Professor 7(7):1).

The "A" Student--An Outstanding Student

• Attendance: "A" students have virtually perfect attendance. Their commitment to the class resembles that of the instructor.
• Preparation: "A" students are prepared for class. They always read the assignment. Their attention to detail is such that they occasionally catch the instructor in a mistake.
• Attitude: "A" students have a winning attitude. They have both the determination and the self-discipline necessary for success. They are curious and they show initiative. They do things they have not been told to do.
• Talent: "A" students have something special. It may be exceptional intelligence and insight. It may be unusual creativity, organizational skills, commitment--or a combination thereof. These gifts are evident to the instructor and usually to the other students as well.
• Results: "A" students make high grades on tests--usually the highest in the class. Their work is a pleasure to grade.

The "C" Student--An Average or Typical Student

• Attendance: "C" students miss class frequently. They put other priorities ahead of academic work. In some cases, their health or constant fatigue renders them physically unable to keep up with the demands of high-level performance.
• Preparation: "C" students prepare their assignments consistently but in a perfunctory manner. Their work may be sloppy or careless. At times, it is incomplete or late.
• Attitude: "C" students are not visibly committed to the class. They participate without enthusiasm. Their body language often expresses boredom.
• Talent: "C" students vary enormously in talent. Some have exceptional ability but show undeniable signs of poor self-management or bad attitudes. Others are diligent but simply average in academic ability.
• Results: "C" students obtain mediocre or inconsistent results on tests. They have some concept of what is going on but clearly have not mastered the material.