These rules may seem onerous and perhaps a bit pedantic, but they are needed to avoid misunderstandings. There is a story, some incredible, behind almost every one. A set of unambiguous rules is particularly needed in a class of this size where, unfortunately, it is impossible to be as flexible as in smaller classes.

• By registering for the course you are agreeing to take the midterms and final exam at the appointed times.
• We do not give incompletes. If, for whatever reason you cannot keep up with the course requirements, then you are expected to withdraw from the course.
• No makeup exams will be given. There will be no rescheduling of exams. Missed exams receive a grade of zero unless an excuse for missing the exam is given to and accepted by the professor before the exam. In very unusual circumstances, when an exam is excused, the remaining exams will be averaged. Students should not depend on this happening: vacations, travel plans, family reunions, concerts, Nobel prize receptions, White House visits, athletic events for non-participants, other classes, etc, will not be an acceptable excuse for missing an exam or for not turning in homework.
• If you miss the beginning of an exam, you will still be expected to turn in the exam at the end of the regular class. Oversleeping is not an acceptable excuse.
• Illness (as an excuse) must always be established in writing/email. Written/email evidence from a doctor or a nurse is sufficient.
• We do not give any extra credit work.
• Homework is due when posted on MasteringPhysics. No extra credit or makeup assignments will be given. Keep up! Any request for an extension must be made before the due date, not after. Do not wait until the last minute to do the excercises: a down internet connection is not an acceptable excuse for an extension.
• Collaboration on homework problems: You may discuss homework problems with each other and work out together methods of solution. However, our experience has been that it is valuable for you to work the homework problems by yourself before seeking help. The homework answer that you submit to WebAssign must be your own that you calculate. It is an honor violation for you to copy another person's solution.
• The following is unacceptable in class: talking with classmates, newspaper reading, cell phones ringing or in use, use of laptop computers or other personal electronic devices for any reason other than directly for the class.
• We will enforce all of the rules of the University of Virginia’s Honor System, including those associated with academic fraud. By enrolling in this course, a student implicitly agrees to be bound by that honor system and its rules.
• If, in our judgment, it is beyond a reasonable doubt that a student has committed an honor violation that student will receive an immediate grade of "F" for that work, irrespective of any subsequent action taken by the Honor Committee.
• We will contact the University Administration, the University Police, and/or the University Judiciary Committee regarding any student who attempts to intimidate us or harass us in an effort to improve their grade or to obtain any special consideration or exception from the normal class rules.