File: /home/wqmeeker/stat533/assignment.policy

Statistics 533 Assignment Policy

Homework assignments will be given approximately weekly during the
semester.  Assignments will be checked and, to the extent possible,
errors will be marked and corrections will be made by the grader.  No
numerical grades will be put on assignments.  Instead, check+, check,
and check- grades will be assigned.

Check+ will be given only in exceptional cases, when students present
exceptionally novel or interesting solutions or have insights above
and beyond what was presented in class or when extra, but interesting
and relevant work is done for an assignment.  Assignments will receive
a "check" if the grader perceives that the assignment was done
carefully and that an honest effort was made to tackle each of the
problems, even if some answers are wrong. If assignments are done
carelessly or if parts are left undone, a "check-" will be given.

The rational for this policy is to encourage students to carefully
work to understand assignments but not to cause disadvantage to
students who choose to work entirely alone.  I also want to give
encouragement to students who have the inclination, time and abilities
to do more that what is called for in an assignment.

Doing assignments to the best of one's ability and correcting possible
mistakes are an important part of the learning experience.  Solutions
to most parts of the assignments will usually be posted soon after
assignments are returned to students and they will remain posted for
at least 6 days.  Solutions will NOT be available to students after
they have been removed from the posting.  It is the student's
responsibility to check these solutions.  It is always possible that
the instructor or the grader could miss a wrong answer.

Student are allowed (even encouraged) to work together on
assignments. If students choose to work together on a formal basis,
then the group should be of size less than or equal to 3. Only one
assignment should be submitted for the entire group.

Students should turn in assignments on time.  If assignments are
turned in late, they will be marked "check-L" but the work will not be
corrected.  One such mark can be recorded during the semester without
any penalty.

If you have any questions about the assignment please raise them as
soon as possible.  Often when a student has a question, other students
will have the same question.  I am more inclined to give help early in
the assignment period (so that I can share help with other students).
Questions can be directed to me via e-mail (wqmeeker@iastate.edu),
before, during, or after class, on the phone, or in my office.


W. Q. Meeker