Evaluation and Regulations

EVALUATION OF STUDENT WORK
Final grades for this course will be based on a straight scale (90% A, 80% B, etc.). Instructors will often use standardized rubrics, shared with the students, to evaluate project performance and specific learning outcomes for the course. Students will receive letter grades on each project, translated into percentages. The breakdown for the weighting of project grades is as follows:

Outdoor lab in physical geography: 10% of course grade
Oral Presentations and Handout: 10% of course grade
Physiographic Cross Section, report: 10% of course grade
Three Research Investigations: 45% of course grade (10-20% each)
On-site Field Projects: 15% of course grade
Final Portfolio (two copies): 10% of course grade

Scoring Rubrics: Written and oral communication projects will be evaluated with standard scoring rubrics. A rubric is simply a matrix with the criteria used to evaluate student work, and the standards for that criteria. This is an excellent method to assess student learning of required skills, and to provide feedback to students about strengths and areas for improvement. Students should be familliar with these rubrics throughout the course as they complete their projects. Some criteria on the rubrics will be more heavily weighted than others, depending on the focus of each project. The rubrics will be provided to students on the first day of class, and are also available through the links below.

ATTENDANCE AND CLASS POLICIES
This course is designed with the expectation that all students will participate in all field trips. Full and active participation in all learning experiences, including travel to and from places, is mandatory. ARRIVING ON TIME: This is a must! You are responsible for knowing when and where you are supposed to be. If you are late and we are on time, you may be left behind. This has happened, or has almost happened, several times in the past few years. Don't be surprised if it happens to you or to your friend, especially when departing from NAU. Always be sure you know when and where you are supposed to meet, and do NOT leave the group until you have this information.

The following rules will be strictly enforced by Drs. Dexter and Paradis:
1) You must travel with the group at all times. Your own cars are not allowed, and you are not allowed to meet us in the field.
2) For those of you who smoke: there is no smoking during group activities, including discussions, presentations, etc. Further, you are not allowed to remove yourself from the group during discussions. And, of course, there is no smoking in or around the vans. Importantly, this course assumes the motto of "leaving no trace" in the places we visit. Any littering of cigarette
butts or other items on the ground anywhere is strictly forbidden. If you MUST smoke, bring a portable butt container (sold at camping stores) to store your used butts.
3) No pets allowed. Sorry, this is not National Lampoons Vacation!
4) No alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed at any place, any time. This includes the consumption of alcoholic drinks at eating establishments during field trips. Anyone who is caught with non-prescribed drugs or alcohol on their person will be ejected from the course. Anyone with health conditions and/or prescription drugs should inform the faculty.
5) Friends and/or family members may not accompany us on trips unless authorized specifically by both instructors.
6) No excuse from field trips will be made for employment purposes.
7) You are expected to take full responsibility for your own actions or inactions.
8) Keep in mind that you are representing the Department of Geography, Planning and Recreation and, even more importantly, Northern Arizona University as you travel on these trips and interact with local populations and establishments. You are therefore expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism at all times. This means, watch your mouth as well as your actions. Be considerate of others, including your fellow students and professors.
9) NO WHINING. People, especially your instructors, don't appreciate complainers. Try to make the best of all situations and maintain a positive, professional attitude. Of course, if you have a serious problem (or simply wish to change the climate controls in the van, for instance), we will do our best to help you.