DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS PROGRAM

INFORMATION FOR ALL COURSES


 

MISSION STATEMENT:  The Developmental Mathematics Program of Northern Kentucky University plays a crucial role in fulfilling the mission of the University.  The Program offers educational opportunities to address the needs of a large and diverse population.  Through learner-centered experiences, the Developmental Mathematics Program prepares students to be successful in academic pursuits, to be active participants in the University community, to realize their full potential, and to appreciate the value of lifelong learning.  As an integral part of the academic community, the Developmental Mathematics Program promotes intellectual development and helps to insure the access to higher education necessary for students to meet the challenges of the University and of the Information and Knowledge Age.

 

STUDENTS:  For each class you take under this program, you will receive a syllabus with specific information about the section in which you are enrolled.  The following information applies to all developmental mathematics courses.

 

PREREQUISITES:  Mastery of Elementary Algebra is a prerequisite for Intermediate Algebra.  Additionally, Intermediate Algebra is a prerequisite for college-level mathematics courses.

 

CLASS WORKLOAD:  Mathematics is not a spectator sport.  It is not sufficient to watch someone else working problems.  To succeed in a mathematics course, one must invest time and effort outside of class.  It is important to read the sections in the text before they are covered in class and all homework should be completed by the due date.  An average student enrolled in a developmental mathematics course is expected to spend 6-8 hours per week studying and doing homework, in addition to time spent in class.  Some students will need to spend more.  The pace of these courses is 4 times that of a high school course.  Experience has shown it is unrealistic for a student to expect to successfully carry a full course load (12 or more semester hours) and work more than 20 hours a week at a job.  Students must take out-of-class obligations into account when making out their schedule. 

 

STUDY HABITS:  Quality of time spent studying is as important as the amount of time spent.  Students need to learn the underlying principles behind problems rather than just memorizing rules.  Homework and working additional problems provides the practice necessary to master the mechanics of working the problem.  To prepare for tests students need to correctly work several problems completely without any outside assistance. 

 

MID-TERM GRADES:  Mid-term grades will be issued to students who have successfully completed fewer than 30 semester hours.  Students will be able to access mid-term grades through Norse Express.  Mid-term grades are not part of a student’s permanent record; they will be replaced by final grades at the end of the semester.

 

ACADEMIC HONESTY: The work you will do in this course is subject to the Student Honor Code.  The Honor Code is a commitment to the highest degree of ethical integrity in academic conduct, a commitment that, individually and collectively, the students of Northern Kentucky University will not lie, cheat, or plagiarize to gain an academic advantage over fellow students or avoid academic requirements.

 

ATTENDANCE AND CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:  Any student in a developmental mathematics class who misses more than the equivalent of one week of class during the first three weeks of the semester can be dropped from the class.  The instructor may have an additional attendance policy which affects a student’s final grade.  Active classroom participation is essential to the learning process.  One cannot participate if one is not in class. Students are responsible for learning the material covered in class even if they are absent.

 

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments, auxiliary aids or services) for this course must register with the Disability Services Office. Please contact the DSO immediately in the University Center, suite 320 or call 859-572-6373 for more information.  Verification of your disability is required in the DSO for you to receive reasonable academic accommodation. Visit our website at www.nku.edu/~disability/.

 

BEHAVIOR: The department attempts to maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning.  Therefore, as stated in the NKU Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, “disruptive student behavior will not be tolerated.  If a student becomes disruptive, the professor may take disciplinary measures judged appropriate to protect the learning environment, including dismissal from the course.”  Disruptive behavior can include the use of cell phones and beepers, excessive chatter and noise, eating or drinking, arriving late, leaving early, sleeping in class, bringing small children, and monopolizing class time.  Any threatening behavior will be considered disruptive.

 

 

OFFICE HOURS:  The instructor’s posted office hours, listed on the class syllabus, are an indication of when he or she will usually be in his/her office.  Occasionally other commitments will require him/her to be out of the office during those times.  For important matters, or to meet with a professor outside of office hours, make an appointment in advance. On the other hand, you should not feel restricted to seeing faculty only during office hours.  The faculty are here to help you and your instructor is the first person to turn to for help.

 

WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS:  The deadline for withdrawing from class with a grade of W is listed in the Schedule of Classes published for each semester.  It is your responsibility as a student to be aware of this deadline.  To withdraw from class, a student must log onto Norse Express for Students.  Students who stop coming to class without withdrawing will receive a grade of F. Students are generally not permitted to withdraw after the deadline; they must either complete the course successfully or receive a failing grade.  Exceptions are made only for very unusual extenuating circumstances involving some change in the student's situation after the deadline.  This will require documentation and the permission of the program director. 

 

CHANGES IN THE SYLLABUS:  The syllabus is a projection of what the instructor reasonably plans for the course.  Circumstances may dictate altering the syllabus and the instructor has the right to do so.

 

MATH CENTER:  The Math Center is a tutoring lab where you can get help on concepts that you do not understand or help with homework problems that you cannot solve.  Upper division mathematics students offer assistance to individuals as well as small groups.  Students may sign up for a maximum of two hours one-on-one tutoring per week.  The Math Center is located in FH 201.  To sign up for a tutor, go to the website http://tutortrac.nku.edu.

 

MATH CENTER HOURS:                 PHONE:  859-572-5779

Monday thru Thursday            9:00 a.m. –  8:00 p.m.

Friday                                      9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Saturday                                  11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 

Additional student support for MAH 095 and MAH 099 is available through the website: www.mymathlab.com.  Contact your instructor for specific information. 

 

REPEATING CLASSES:  According to University policy, there is a limit of three attempts to pass a Developmental Mathematics class. A grade of F, W, or K is considered one attempt.  Students who fail to complete a course in three attempts are subject to reclassification from degree-seeking to non-degree seeking status.

 

ACADEMIC DEFICIENCES:  Students with an academic deficiency are required to enroll each semester in at least one course that fulfills an academic deficiency until all deficiencies are successfully completed.  Students who fail to complete all academic deficiencies by 45 earned hours will not be allowed to enroll in courses at NKU.

 

COMPLAINTS:  Any complaints relative to the operation of the course or program can be brought to the attention of the director, Mrs. Diane Williams, ST 305 E, 859-572-6473.

 

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE: The Developmental Mathematics Program is housed with the Department of Mathematics in ST 305.  The phone number is 859-572-5377.