Section Policies
The following policies clarify expectations for submitted work, collaboration, AI usage, and classroom behavior. Read them carefully and ask questions early if anything is unclear.
Subsection AI Usage
All forms of AI tools are strictly forbidden in this course. Period.
Unfortunately, too many students use it as a black box that magically does their homework. In responsible hands, it can be a powerful learning tool, but the moment I get a whiff that you may be using to do your homework, you will be explaining your code in my office.
Subsection Late Homework
Late work will be accepted with a 10% deduction per day, up to 5 days late. Work submitted more than 5 days late will not be accepted.
Subsection Coding Resubmission
The resubmission policy for coding problems is as follows:
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Each problem on an assignment may be resubmitted once.
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Resubmissions are due one week after graded work is returned.
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Upload only the problems that you fixed and want regraded.
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A resubmission page will be created for each assignment. Do not resubmit to the original assignment page.
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Late Programs are eligible for resubmission, but the late penalty still applies to the final score.
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Non-submitted and low-effort codes are not eligible for resubmission.
Subsection Getting Help
Programming is difficult and seeking help is part of learning. Acceptable sources of help are listed below. If it is not listed here, it is forbidden.
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Instructor: I am your primary resource. I know your problems, can guide you toward understanding, and ensure the code is your own. Nothing raises a red flag faster than a student who never asks questions in-class when we are working on coding assignments.
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VMI instructors: They may guide your thinking but not provide code. Take notes or photos of whiteboard brainstorming, not code.
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Official documentation or online tutorials: Use these for syntax and examples of MATLAB structures (e.g., loops, if-statements, etc.).
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Other:
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Non-AI Online Resources (e.g., videos, tutorials, etc.)
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Physical Resources (e.g., books, other class notes, etc.)
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Non-AI third-party tutoring services
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Ensure that you clearly and properly document such resources on any and all work that you submit for grade.
Subsection Working with Classmates
Working together can be valuable, but it often leads to weaker programmers copying stronger ones. To prevent this:
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Cadets MAY NOT share or show code, take photos, transfer files, or write code for another student.
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Cadets MAY discuss strategies and hand-write notes on paper or whiteboards.
Subsection Grade Disputes
If you believe a grade is inaccurate, please let me know and if it is an error, I will correct it immediately. If you feel you were unfairly assessed, I am happy to look into it and one of two things will happen:
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I agree that the grade may be unfair and I will update your grade, or
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I stand by the grade and will offer further clarification of my decision.
Once final grades are posted on Canvas, they are final. The only exception is for clerical or grading errors. I will disregard ALL other requests for grade changes.
Subsection Classroom Behavior
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Unless otherwise directed for a specific in-class activity, keep phones and laptops put away during class so we can focus on coding and discussion. You will be given one warning.
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You may take a break once per class, but you are expected to return within 10 minutes or you will be marked absent.
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Unless approved by me, don’t work on other coursework during our classtime. You will be given one warning.
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Don’t start an assignments right before the deadline and ask for an extension because you couldn’t finish it in time.
