INTRODUCTION TO EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN 960:490:01, Spring 2005
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Do you offer special permission numbers if this section is closed during the registration period?
See me after the first class for a form to take to the Statistics Department office. A staff member will issue you a special permission number, pending space availability. [NOTE: I believe our room (SERC-203) seats up to 60 people, so we should be able to admit some extra students.] If you are attempting to add this course after the registration period has ended, you need to see your college dean. I am powerless at that point. Please understand that if you do not appear on my final roster, which I will receive sometime after Spring Break, you will not receive a grade. This is not because I wish to spite you (since I'm generally not a spiteful person), but rather because there are no means with which I can issue a grade to an un-registered student. [NOTE: I realize that sounds too obvious to warrant a formal statement, but once had three students attend the entire semester, yet never bothered to secure their registration.] See me if you need further assistance on this matter.
What if I miss a class?
You should get the notes from a reliable fellow student. I do not intend on making my lecture notes available (online or otherwise) outside of class. The textbook is very well written, but it always helps when someone else explains mathematics to you. You are always welcome to come to office hours for further assistance (but see FAQ #7 below).
I cannot make it to your office hours. Can I ask questions via phone or e-mail?
You are welcome to try. This is generally fine for administrative questions, but getting help with homework is best done in person (unless you are extremely adept at auditory learning!). By the way, you are encouraged to make an appointment if you cannot make it to my office hours. Also, you could attend the TA's office hours. Consider phoning/e-mailing detailed course material questions as a last resort.
If I miss the mid-term exam, and I do not have a note from my dean or doctor, do I get a zero?
Yes with probability greater than 98%, for the existence of a more casual make-up exam doctrine will almost invariably lead to abuse. In the unlikely situation that your absence can somehow be corroborated (but not enough for your dean to issue a note), I may allow you to take a make-up exam with a severe penalty (i.e., a deduction of at least 30 points). Bottom line: do not miss the mid-tern exam. The effect on your final grade could be quite damaging. It should also be noted that requests for a make-up exam should ideally be made before the exam is given, but I will allow such requests to made for up to 2 business days since the exam was given, as long as the exams have not already been returned.
What is the best way to study for the exams?
The best way to study for exams is to (i) be able to do all of the assigned homework and (ii) have a general conceptual understanding of the material (i.e., definitions and interpretations, not just numerical computations). First, try to do the problem yourself, using only what you would normally have at your disposal on a quiz or an exam. If you get stuck, consult the textbook and your notes. You, of course, are welcome to come see me for more thorough assistance.
What should I do if I have a question about the grading of my exam?
See me the day it is returned. That is, you cannot complain about a grade weeks later. Do it right away. Also, try to be professional. Whining does not help your cause.
Is there any formal attendance policy?
No, attendance to class is at your discretion. As an aside, I certainly realize that this university is geographically challenged. Thus, some of you may occasionally (but hopefully not always) be late due to bus delays (!) or excess traffic on Route 18, our fine (and construction-marred) university thoroughfare. I do not mind this as long as you come in quietly. Also, should you need to leave early for any reason, it is advised that you let me know beforehand. [NOTE: Please do not let these remarks suggest that attendance is even somewhat "optional." Falling behind in this course is very dangerous. Extenuating circumstances aside, I will not re-teach course material privately during office hours to students who choose to forego class attendance.]
Is there a computer component to this course?
Yes, we will make use of the software SAS, a mainstay in the undergraduate curriculum. No prior knowledge of SAS is assumed here, though any familiarity will be beneficial (e.g., successful completion of Statistics 390). In-class examples will be provided, and the code used will be posted on our class website.
What should I do if I have a final exam conflict?
The university defines a final exam conflict as one of the following: (i) a student has two exams scheduled at the same time; (ii) a student has more than two exams in one calendar day; or (iii) a student has more than two consecutive exams (e.g., 8PM-11PM on one day and 8AM-11AM and 12PM-3PM on the next day).
If you meet any of the aforementioed qualifications, you are entitled to take a make-up final exam. If you choose to make-up our final exam, you need to first provide proof of conflict. In most cases, a print-out of your course schedule (e.g., from WebReg) will suffice (be sure, though, to select "show full name" when logging on, if applicable). No additional documentation from your college dean is needed here. The make-up final exam time is Friday 05/06, 8:00AM -- 11:00AM. There are no other make-up final exam options available, as final grades are due within 48 hours of the final exam. All requests for a make-up final exam must be submitted with proof on or before Thursday 04/21. Absolutely no submissions after this time period can be accepted.
Is there a "curve" in this course?
If needed. Assigning letter grades is usually a difficult task, but I will construct letter grade equivalents based on overall class performance (e.g., center and dispersion), while respecting any clustering of scores that may appear in the distribution.
"Borderline" grades are defined as final averages strictly within 1 point of the next highest letter grade. As stated on the syllabus, I will give you the higher grade if you show improvement throughout the semester and your attendance is strong.
I should remark that I do not use a "bell curve." That is, I do not give the top 10% of the class an A, the bottom 10% an F, the middle 40% a C, and so on. I am not too comfortable with this since your grade is highly, if not completely, dependent on everyone else's grade. The theory of grading is strange. Grades "should" be a measure of how much you know about the subject, not necessarily how much you know relative to everyone else. Of course, there has to be some compromise between these two competing systems, for otherwise we could end up with very unfair grade distributions. Anyway, that is my opinion on this matter, or at least the beginning of it, for there is much more that can be said.
Is extra-credit work allowed?
If I feel that a particular mid-term exam was too long and/or too difficult (but please know that I will try my hardest not to let that happen), I may issue an optional extra-credit assignment to compensate for lower-than-desired class performance, but any "curve" will likely absorb this anyway.
Is there any way to improve my final grade once the course is over?
No. This is actually illegal at this university (and probably most others as well). I can only change a final grade if I have made an error in its assignment. As such, there are no post-semester extra-credit assignments or re-examinations permitted. While I am very sympathetic to certain scenarios involving financial aid, scholarships, or admission to a certain school or program, I cannot use such criteria to adjust your grade. Your best bet to keep on top of your studies during the term. Should any problems arise, either academic or personal, you should immediately notify me as well as your college dean in order to avoid any negative consequences on your transcript (e.g., we can arrange a temporary grade until the work is made up). I cannot stress this enough: Do not wait until it is too late!
