• Who is my professor? My name is (Dr.) Raven Russell, I have a PhD in Computer Science (specifically in large scale information-centric networks in delay- and disruption-tolerant environments). I also worked in industry for about a decade. So feel free to come talk to me about industry (or grad school) if you're interested.
• What is their contact information? All CS faculty have contact information on the Faculty Page of the CS Website
• How should I contact the professors (and TAs)? See section below on "Course Material and Communication" below.

• What book will we use? Mark Allen Weiss, Data Structures & Problem Solving Using Java, 4th ed., Addison-Wesley, 2010. Errata
• Is the book really required? Yes. Reading will be a substantial part of this class.
• Where can I get the textbook? The university bookstore should have the book, but it's also available new, used, and for rent from most major booksellers.
• When should I read the book? Everyone's learning style is different, so some may prefer to read the book first then come to lecture, while others may prefer to hear the lecture and then read afterwards. This is entirely your choice, but you do need to read as it is an integral part of the course and important for fully understanding the class material.
• I have difficulty learning from written material, what should I do? If you find you have difficulty reading the textbook for some reason, please come talk to me! There are likely strategies that can make it easier (and even more enjoyable). Learning from written material is an important skill for all engineers, scientists, and programmers.

All Classes:

• What type of computer do I need? You will need a computer with some modern operating system capable of running a Java compiler (for Java 1.9 or higher, the latest stable version of OpenJDK is preferred).
• What if I don't have a computer? There are open computer labs on campus, these are free for students but you'll need to check the Java version. There are "portable" versions of the JDK you can put on a thumb drive (such as those available here: PortableApps), which may be helpful.

Online and Hybrid Classes:

• Are there additional computer requirements? You will need a stable broadband Internet connection (fast enough to stream video+audio presentations while running other applications). You will also need a functional camera and microphone.

In-Person Classes:

• Where will we meet? In person in our assigned room! (See PatriotWeb).
• Can I join a different section than I am registered for? Sometimes resources available to one section are also available to another section (such as lecture slides, videos, etc.). However, there are no guarentees in any semeseter that this will be the case, and you are always required by the university to attend your registered section for exams and other graded work.

Online and Hybrid Classes:

• Where will we meet? Synchonous online classes will use some form of collaborative meeting software (such as Zoom) for the class meetings. Asynchonous online classes do not officially "meet", but do have an in-person final (location will be announced when available).

• What classes do I need to have taken? The formal prerequisites of this class are a C or better in: CS211, MATH 113, and MATH 125.. More generally, you will be using knowledge introduced in a Java programming course (such as CS 211) and Discrete Mathematics (such as Math 125) to successfully complete this class. You also need knowledge gained from multiple programming courses (such as CS 112 before CS 211).
• What specific information from those classes do I need? Below is a list of many (but not all) topics which may be "coming back to haunt you":
  • Programming - Programming Logic, Program Organization, Documentation, Testing, Debugging, Recursion, Searching, Sorting, Big-O Analysis
  • Discrete Math - Proof Techniques, Mathematical Induction, Sets, Graphs, Trees, Recursion, Enumeration
  • Basic Data Structures - Lists, Stacks, Queues

• What will we cover? The course schedule (on Canvas) has a more detailed list, but below is a tentative overview of what will be covered:
  • Lists, Stacks, and Queues
  • Hash Tables and Hashing
  • Trees and Basic Tree Algorithms
  • Graphs and Basic Graph Algorithms
• What will I be able to do after taking this class? The formal course outcomes are as follows:
  In CS310, students will:
  • Gain an ability to analyze the runtime efficiency of algorithms that create and manipulate data structures.
  • Gain an ability to compare data structure trade-offs such that the student is able to choose appropriate implementations for a given data structure and appropriate data structures for a given application.
  • Reinforce their knowledge of basic data structures (linked lists, dynamic array lists, stacks, and queues) and extend their knowledge to more sophisticated data structures, including hash tables, balanced trees, priority queues, and basic graphs.
  • Implement and use learned data structures to solve real computing problems. This includes substantial reinforcement of language-specific techniques for abstract data types and design and debugging techniques.

• Where can I find the course material? The majority of course information and material will be available on Canvas and Piazza (available after the first day of class, acccess code "peanut"). This includes assignments, lecture slides, office hour information, etc. You will need to read Piazza for homework clarifications and updates.
• Why are there TWO places to look? We have found that the main reason people email course staff is for project help and clarifications. Piazza works much better than email when there is a team of people who can answer questions. It essentially creates a "global inbox" where everyone, professors, TAs, and other students, can offer help in the order in which questions are received. [See "Getting Help on Homework" for more information on what can/can't be posted on Piazza.] Piazza also allows us to easily create/edit/update a list of the common questions we are receiving. Unfortunately, Canvas discussion boards do not work in the same way and are not an equivalent replacement.
• Where will you put announcements? Some announcements and reminders will be posted on Piazza, especially reminders/clarifications about projects. Other announcements (not related to projects) will generally be through Canvas.
• Do I have to read Piazza? Since we're putting project clarifications and updates on Piazza, the instructor posts on Piazza are required reading for all projects. Otherwise, no, you don't need to participate in any student-to-student discussions on there if you don't want to!
• Where can I find my grades? Grades will be put first on GradeScope and eventually moved onto Canvas.
• Where/when can I ask questions? For synchonous classes, most questions should be answerable in, before, or after class. For all classes, Piazza is available 24-7 for asynchronous help. GTAs and professors will have some additional office hours for questions and course help as well.
• Should/can I email professors? Definitely email professors for any personal issues such as medical situations, disability accommodations, etc. Due to the size of the class, please do not e-mail professors (or any course staff) about homework problems; please use office hours and Piazza for that!
• Is there a week-by-week schedule? Yes, this is on Canvas in the Week 0 module.

• What things will be graded? You will be doing three main things for grades: coming to class, doing projects, and taking tests amd exams. The first part (coming to class) looks different for different types of classes and different professors. Projects will be coding-based. Tests and exams will be weekly (online) and an IN PERSON final. There is much more extensive information on these materials in the sections below.
• How much is each task worth?
  The following is a breakdown of the class tasks by topic and sub-topic:
  
  

  Category	Count & Drop-Policy	Percent
  Class Participation (3x per week)	20 (~24 total, drop lowest to get 20)	5% (0.25% each)
  Projects (Weekly)	7 (no drops)	35% (5% each)
  Tests (Weekly)	8 (4 lowest non-zero grades replaced with Final Exam score, this could raise or lower these grades.)	20% (2.5% each)
  Final Exam	1 (no drops)	40%
  EC on Final Exams		+2%
  Additional Exam Requirement: You must pass the final exam OR have a weighted average "test and exam" score above passing to pass the class (receive a non-F grade). A "passing grade" on a test or exam is >=60%. Weighted average "test and exam" score is done after the test replacement policy is applied. See section on "Tests & Exams" for an example.

  
  
• How do semester grades equate to letter grades? We will be using the +/- system in the following way:
  • A+ (>= 98%) A (>= 92%) A– (>= 90%)
  • B+ (>= 88%) B (>= 82%) B– (>= 80%)
  • C+ (>= 78%) C (>= 72%) C– (>= 70%)
  • D (>= 60%)
  • F (< 60%)
• Do you round? I do not round individual components (exams, projects, etc.), but I do round the semester grade to the nearest whole number before determining the letter grade. Please do not ask for more rounding.
• Do you curve? I do not curve grades, and you should never ask anyone for a curve. A real curve pits students against each other and your grade might go down if there is someone very talented in your class. At its heart, a curve is a promise to fail some percentage of the students in the class, and I'd prefer everyone be able to pass by doing the work, even if everyone else is also doing the work.
• Ok... then do you curve up? Not for the semester grades, but if I believe there is something "off" about the grades on some particular assignment (based on my knowledge of the class in general, historical information, etc.), I will make appropriate adjustments to that one item. Please understand that all adjustments must be consistent with the grading shown above and fair for all students.
• Can I do additional work or redo assignments at the end of the semester? There will be no make-up assignments or unannounced extra-credit opportunities at the end of the semester; your grade should be a measure of your semester-long progress.
• What if I need to pass this class? If you tell me at the start of the semester, we can definitely work together to make sure you're on track and work out any recovery that needs to happen if you start to struggle. Every semester I have one or more students who "check in" with me during office hours because they need the extra support, reassurance, or just some accountability. This is a perfect use for office hours. If you tell me at the end of the semester that you needed to pass but aren't currently passing, then there will be nothing I can do to help!

• How do I get credit for participation? This is professor dependent, but most lectures will contain at least one thing you need to do to get credit for participating in that lecture. That thing may vary from class-to-class, professor-to-professor, or even day-by-day.
• What if I miss a participation activity!? At the end of the semester, I will drop some number of participation activities. This should cover situations where you are unable to participate (due to illness, forgetfulness, outside responsibilities, etc.). There will be no makeup participation for any reason.
• Can I work in groups? It will depend on the participation activity whether or not you can work with others. You may never work with people who aren't in the room (or at least, they can't get participation for helping you).
• Do I have to work in groups? Have to? No. But keep in mind that when you go out into industry (soon), your hire-ability will be greatly impacted by your ability to communicate with people you don't know. Also, research says you'll learn easier if you work in groups, so if groups are being encouraged for some participation activity, try to join one.

General Project Questions:

• What types of homework will there be? You will have a number of programming projects during the semester. See schedule (on Canvas) for exactly when. These programming projects will be a primary focus of your grade - each one should take multiple sessions of coding, with questions asked in between. Don't be surprised if you're spending 10+ hours on each one.
• Where will I submit homework? Homework will be submitted to GradeScope.
• Will you "drop" one or more homework assignments? No. This is a 3xx class. No project can be dropped for any reason (except emergencies, see questions below in "Project Issues and Potential Problems").
• Can I work in a group? Programming projects are individual effort. You may not show, discuss, or otherwise share any general or specific information about how you choose to solve them. See "Honor Code and Academic Standards" for more information.
• Are there any minimum requirements for programming assignments? For all coding homework, your programs must compile on Java 1.9 or higher to receive credit. All other requirements will be specified on a homework-by-homework basis.
• Are there any minimum grade requirements for programming assignments? All projects numbered above 0 will be averaged together evenly. If there is a Project 0 (some professors/semesters have this), it will not be part of the calculation, but instead act as a "flag". If you do not pass Project 0 you will not receive credit for any project at the end of the semester (infinite resubmissions for Project 0 will be allowed up until a certain date). At the time of the last submission deadline for Project 0 (see schedule), if you still have not passed Project 0, your project grades will be replaced with a 0s.
• What's the late policy for homework? You can turn in homework ONE day late BUT you can only do this "for free" twice. Any homework turned in late after the second time will lose 10% of the homework's value. This will be calculated at the end of the semester. Turning in homework TWO days late will get you a ZERO.
• What is the late policy in a formula? If you turn in X homework assignments ONE day late, and each homework is worth 5% of your grade, you would have your semester grade lowered by (max(X-2,0)*.5).

Getting Help on Projects:

• How can I get help on a project? Project help is available in-person before/after class or in office hours, but the discussion board (Piazza) also gives a way to get asynchronous help. Don't spend hours banging your head against a wall, come get help!
• Can I get code help? Of course! But only from professors and TAs. While you can't share answers or code solutions on the discussion board, you can include code in private posts to the instructors. These are visible to all professors, GTAs, and UTAs, who are standing by to help (during normal human times :P). GTAs and profs are also available for office hours for more interactive help.
• Where and when are office hours? These will be posted on Canvas and Piazza.
• How busy are office hours? I don't want to "bother" anyone... Stop by and see! You are never "bothering" someone. Helping you is what office hours are for! That said, sometimes office hours can get crowded, especially on due dates, so do not rely on them for significant last minute help. Spending time with the project before asking for help is good, but again, don't spend hours banging your head against a wall, come get help!
• How can I get better at time management so I'm not doing everything at the last minute? Instructors can often help with this, but GMU Learning Services offers a lot of support options for time management improvement as well. Whatever you do, don't hide the problem, talk to someone about it!
• Can I discuss my project with other people and/or AI assistants? No sharing of code or solutions, and no discussion of problem solutions is allowed with anyone except the TAs or professors. You may not use the internet to find, develop, or solicit help for code, assignments, or any other individual work. You may not use AI for help, and you may not use AI coding assistance tools. See section 4.1 on the Honor Code.
• Why can't I use AI? It's what professionals do! There are a few things I want you to think about: (1) professionals already know what they're doing, and (2) it's ok for the English major to pull out a calculator to work out tip, but it's not ok for a statistician to do that. You are trying to be someone who knows what they're doing, memorizing what buttons to hit on a tool to get an answer isn't the same thing.
• So if I can do it without AI, it's ok to use AI? Unfortunately, no. I know you think you know what you're doing, but please trust me, you're suffering from the Dunning-Kruger effect. A few semesters of programming experience (or even a few years) is nothing to sneeze at, but it's also nothing compared to what you need to be a professional.
  
  Using code generation tools now is like an elementary school student using a calculator to do their arithmetic homework. Any good parent is going to take away the calculator, and they won't accept the argument "but I'm going to be an accountant and accountants use calculators all the time". What the child doesn't know, but the parent does, is that "if you want to be an accountant, you need to be able to do 1+1 in your head".
  
  Nevertheless, the child will certainly be upset, and possibly really angry that they have to spend hours doing their math homework, when it used to take minutes. But no one is going to tell the child "it's ok to use a calculator because it takes less time to do homework". That isn't the point of homework. The only difference between that child and you, is that you need to be your own parent :( It's your responsibility to say "no" to yourself so that you can do the programmer-equivalent of 1+1 in your head.

Projects Issues and Potential Problems

• What if I submit the wrong files electronically? Just like turning in the wrong homework in-person, turning in the wrong homework electronically will result in a zero. Just because it's easy to make a mistake, doesn't mean you shouldn't double check your submission (in fact, it means the opposite!).
• What if I make a "stupid" mistake on my homework? It happens, but it also has consequences. To prepare you for the cautiousness you need when working in a professional environment, you will not be able to fix anything after submission, even if it is a simple mistake. That's what the time before submission is for. Make sure to dedicate specific time to looking over your work before submission.
• What if Canvas or Gradescope is down? In the rare situation that a website/tool/service is somehow unavailable or giving an error, you are still responsible for turning in on time. Just email your submission to your professor before the deadline and explain what happened.
• What if my computer crashes and I lose my work? To ensure professional practices in our senior student body, catastrophic computer failure will not be considered a reason for an extension. As this is a senior level CS course, you can practice the professionalism you'll need in the workplace by backing up your work.
• What type of backup should I use? You can use online services like OneDrive (free to students, see: https://its.gmu.edu/service/office-365-onedrive/), or something as simple as emailing things to yourself at the end of each day, whatever gets the job done!
• Can I "revert" to an earlier submission? You can submit your work an unlimited number of times to Gradescope, and only the last version will be graded. If your latest submission to GradeScope receives a 0, only then may you request we revert to an earlier version (i.e. you can't pick and choose submissions based on the outcome of grading).
• What if I submit the wrong files and have a "backup" on my computer? If you turn in the wrong files, the only way you might receive credit is by showing me a backup where the modified date on the files is outside of your control. Modified dates on personal computers and/or public computers are never accepted as proof of work. Backups which will always be considered are: prior submissions to Gradescope or emails to your Professor/GTA. Backups which might be accepted include: emails from your GMU email to yourself, uploading to certain backup services (such as GoogleDrive or a private GitHub repo), and uploads to the discussion forum.
• What if I want an extension on a homework? Extensions require exceptional circumstances (as judged by me) and must be arranged in advance. I don't give extensions on or after the due day unless you have a university-accepted emergency. Normal obligations such as family or friend events, vacations, or other classes are not exceptional circumstances (unless hospitals are involved!).
• What if I miss (or will miss) a homework deadline because of some sort of emergency? If you need an extension or miss a due date because of a university-accepted emergency (such as being taken to the hospital), and you can provide documentation of the emergency and your involvement, we will work something out that makes sense for the situation. I may elect to "exempt" a missed homework rather than give an extension under certain circumstances. In this case, other homework in the same category will gain more weight. Please note travel plans are not emergencies.
• When do I need to inform you about the emergency? If it is possible to notify me before the missed deadline, you must do so. But if it is a sudden event (such as being taken to a hospital), just notify me within 24 hours of the "conclusion of the event" (e.g. when you get out of the hospital). Unfortunately, to ensure the class moves forward for everyone, failure to follow this policy will result in a zero.
• What if I miss a homework deadline for some other reason? Missing a homework due date for any non-university-accepted reason (such as not paying attention to when the due date is), will result in a zero.
• Can the TAs give me an extension? Nope. Just professors. TAs cannot approve late submissions or extensions.

• Is there a minimum final exam grade to pass the class? You must pass the final exam (60% or higher) OR have a weighted average exam score above passing (60% weighted average, calculated after replacement) to pass the class (receive a non-F grade). Extra credit is taken into account for this calculation (so earning 58pts/100pts on a midterm, +2pts of extra credit on the midterm, would be considered a 60%).
• What is the "test replacements" policy? What does that mean? I will take your four LOWEST NON-ZERO test scores and replace them with the grade you receive on your final exam. This could raise these test scores, or lower these test scores, depending on the grades. Here is an example: With the following raw scores:

  T0	T1	T2	T3	T4	T5	T6	T7	Final
  0	85	100	50	90	20	98	70	84

  The four lowest scores (20%, 50%, 70%, 85%) would be replaced with the final exam score (84%), resulting in:

  	T0	T1	T2	T3	T4	T5	T6	T7	Final
  Before:	0	85	100	50	90	20	98	70	84
  After:	0	84	100	84	90	84	98	84	84

• Can you give the formula for the weighted average for passing the tests and exams? Sure, here's an example set of raw scores:

  T0	T1	T2	T3	T4	T5	T6	T7	Final
  90	10	73	100	82	20	79	50	55

  Since you received a 55% on the final exam, you will automatically receive an "F" in the course unless the result of this formula is true:
      ((TEST_WEIGHT*AVG_TEST_SCORE_W_REPLACE)+(FINAL_WEIGHT*FINAL_SCORE))/(TEST_WEIGHT+FINAL_WEIGHT) >= 60
  So for your scenario:
      ((0.2*AVG_TEST_SCORE_W_REPLACE)+(0.4*55))/(0.2+0.4) >= 60
  Meaning a 71/100 average on tests (after replacement) would be required to pass with a final exam score of 55%. Let's see if you have a high enough average test score. Doing the replacement we get:

  	T0	T1	T2	T3	T4	T5	T6	T7	Final
  Before:	90	10	72	100	82	20	79	50	55
  After:	90	55	55	100	82	55	79	55	55

  And to do the average we add T0-T7 up and divide by 8, which is 71.375. With a 90% project average and full participation, the final grade would be a C.
• What can I bring to an exam? Exams are closed book/notes unless otherwise specified. Resources available during exams will be specified by your professor on a exam-by-exam basis.
• What must I bring to an exam? You will need to have your GMU identification available on exam days (and you will be required to show a photo ID as part of the exam process). Alternative photo IDs options may be required if your GMU ID is unavailable or unreadable.
• Can I work in a group on my exam? Studying beforehand? Yes. During an exam? No. All exams are considered individual effort.
• What's the late policy for tests and exams? Late tests or exams receive a ZERO.
• What if I miss a synchronous test or exam because of some sort of emergency? For time-sensitive exams, if you miss a test or exam due to a university-accepted excused absence (such as an illness or car accident the day and time ofthe exam), and you can provide documentation of the emergency and your involvement, we will work something out that makes sense for the situation.
• What if I miss an asynchronous test or exam because of some sort of emergency? If you miss a test or exam due to a university-accepted excused absence that extends over multiple days when the test is available, and you can provide documentation of the emergency and your involvement, we will work something out that makes sense for the situation. If you just decide to take all your tests on the last day they're available, and you wake up with a cold, then that's unfortunate, but definitely on your for leaving everyting to the last minute. Same thing for if you decide to take a test at 11pm and your car gets a flat tire on the way home.
• What are some examples of things that "make sense for the situation"? I may extend the deadline, but I may also elect to remove a missed test from the semester calculations under certain circumstances (most commonly done if you can't take the test within a day or two). Generally the specifics of this would be worked out on a case-by-case basis, but most commonly this is done by allowing the zero grade to be counted for final-exam replacement, or by reweighing other tests. Final exams cannot be replaced by any other grade.
• When do I need to inform you about the emergency? If it is possible to notify me before the missed exam, you must do so. But if it is a sudden event (such as being taken to a hospital), just notify me within 24 hours of the "conclusion of the event" (e.g. when you get out of the hospital).
  
  Unfortunately, to ensure the timely return of grades and ensure the class progresses through the semester at the same pace, failure to follow these policies will result in a zero.
• What if I miss a test or exam for some other reason? Missing a test or exam for any non-university-accepted reason (such as not paying attention to when the test or exam is), will result in a zero.
• What if I know I will miss a test or exam in advance? Early or late/makeup tests/exams require exceptional circumstances (as judged by me) and must be arranged in advance. Vacation plans are not exceptional circumstances.
• What should I do if I have test anxiety? This depends on the severity of your anxiety. Instructors can often give you some advice on this, but there are three other resources you might want to be aware of. One is GMU Learning Services which offers a lot of support options for test taking skills and overcoming test anxiety. The second is talking to Counseling and Psychological Services if the anxiety is very severe. If you have a documented anxiety disorder, then the third option is the Office of Disability Services (see section 5.1). Whatever you do, don't hide the problem, talk to someone about it!

• Can I contest grades? Of course! No one is perfect. If you feel that points have been incorrectly deducted for any reason, just contact the grader for that item. For homework, that is your GTA. For exams, that's your professor.
• Is there a deadline for contesting grades? To ensure that regrade-requests are manageable, contesting grades on submissions must be requested within one week of receiving the grade (on GradeScope or Canvas or in class, whichever comes first). No grade changes will be considered subsequent to that deadline or subsequent to the final exam (whichever comes first). For recording errors (e.g. GradeScope says 8/10, but Canvas says 5/10) there is no time limit.

• What are GMU's Academic Standards? GMU's Academic Standards Code describes the behaviors that are not allowed in an academic setting, such as unauthorized assistance, fabrication, and plagiarism. This policy is rigorously enforced. All students must abide by the GMU's Academic Standards.
• What is the CS Honor Code? The computer science department has a CS Honor Code that you are also subject to. The document helps you to understand how Academic Standards applies to CS, such as what constitutes "unauthorized assistance" in a CS setting, and it clarifies some scenarios that are unique to our sorts of assignments.
• What is the "Honor Court" (Academic Standards Committee)? If you are suspected of violating GMU's Academic Standards or the CS Honor Code, you will be referred to Academic Standards. They will present you with options, such as contesting the charge or admitting the violation. The purpose of the committee is to hear both sides in the case. This way it is not your professors who get to determine what occurred and professors can't unilaterally take action against you.
• Is the "Honor Court" a sentencing court? No. The Academic Standards Committee is there to ensure a fair hearing before punishments are given. The referral to the the Academic Standards is not a punishment in itself, it is a way of getting the situation clearly understood before any penalties are applied.
• What happens if I violate GMU's Academic Standards or the CS Honor Code? The CS Department takes these violations quite seriously. Most violations in CS classes are Level 2 violations, and have sanctions between "course failure" and expulsion. Suspected cheating must be be referred to Academic Standards, it cannot be handled by a professor alone.
• What happens if someone steals my work? It is your responsibility to lock your computer(s) with a password, to not post your work to websites like Pastebin that are publicly accessible, to guard your USB drives and computers, to not upload your files to someone else's computer, etc. You will be liable for any access gained to your work resulting from poor computer security practices.
• Can you give me an example of cheating? There are many examples in the links above, and the CS department has an Honor Code Examples Page, but if you are ever unsure of what would/wouldn't be cheating, just ask!
• Why can't I do ___? I hear that's what they do in industry. Why is that cheating? "If you want to play in a band, you need to know how to play your own instrument. School is like learning to play the instrument, industy is like being in the band. I worked for over a decade in industry, so I know what people do and don't do, come talk to me if you want a much longer discussion of this!" -- Dr. Russell
• People on the internet say CS professors will send me to the honor court for no reason, what should I do? First, if that were to happen, the Academic Standards would just dismiss the case. You can't refer someone without evidence. If you have someone telling you this, just ask to see the evidence and decide for yourself (they will have been given this as part of their referral). Second, professors don't get anything out of referring students, it's a process that takes hours to do (per student), and not something anyone would do for fun. Third, if you do know someone whose case was dismissed by Academic Standards, that doesn't mean they were referred "for no reason"; the purpose of the referral is to get all the evidence out in the open and determine what happened. So just being found "not in violation" does not mean there wasn't a reason to investigate the situation.

  And finally, don't trust people on the internet to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

• Can I give material on Piazza/Canvas/Gradescope/etc. to others? Please don't share any course material unless you've been authorized to do so (by your professor!). There are copyright issues (and privacy issues in some situations) that you might not be aware of. So please ask first!
• Can I post course materials to the internet? All course materials posted to Canvas or other course sites are private and much of it is copyrighted. Additionally, by federal law, any materials that identify specific students (via their name, voice, or image) must not be shared with anyone not enrolled in this class.
• Can I record the class or post recordings of the class? By federal law, any materials that identify specific students (via their name, voice, or image) must not be shared with anyone not enrolled in this class. Therefore, video recordings of in-person class meetings that include audio or visual information from other students is private and must not be shared. And also recordings of video conference meetings (e.g. Collaborate or Zoom) that include audio or visual information from other students must be viewed privately and not shared. If you need to record the class due to a documented medical condition, you will need to sign a waiver (please ask for this).

• What is your non-discrimination policy? GMU, the CS Department, and the CS Faculty are committed to providing an educational environment free from any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, or genetic information.
• What should I do if I am being discriminated against? If you feel there has been a violation of the University's policies on discrimination, please contact GMU's Office of Access, Compliance, and Community.
• What if I have a different gender identity, preferred name, or personal pronouns? If you wish, please share your name and/or gender pronouns with us and we will attempt use them to address you in class and via email. In the case of a preferred name, please just try to include your GNumber in communications so that we can easily associate you with your student record.
• How can I refer to you? You can address any instructor as "Prof. [LAST NAME]" in email and verbally if you aren't sure of their personal preferences. "Dr. [LAST NAME]" also works for professors with PhDs.

• I need to talk to someone. Who should I talk to? All faculty members are designated "Responsible Employees", and are required to report all disclosures of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking to Mason’s Title IX Coordinator per university policy 1412. If you wish to speak with someone confidentially, please contact the Student Support and Advocacy Center or Counseling and Psychological Services. You may also seek assistance from Mason’s Title IX Coordinator directly.

• I got injured and it's impacting my ability to do class tasks and/or homework. What should I do? The Office of Disability Services also handles services for many temporary disabilities (for example, if you break your arm, they can arrange note taking services). Please contact them if you discover any sudden impairment that affects your ability to function in class and/or on your projects. They have a quick and easy registration process. All you need is documentation for your condition.
• I have an undocumented disability, or other condition that impacts my learning. What should I do? This depends a lot on the nature of your condition, but generally it's best to talk to someone about what's happening. Often instructors can't offer support on an ad-hoc basis, but they can often help you determine if the situation might be helped by some coaching (e.g. minor test anxiety), counseling (e.g. major anxiety), or something you can get temporary support for from the Office of Disability Services (e.g. a broken arm).
• I have a documented physical or learning disability. What should I do? If you have not yet registered with the Office of Disability Services, you should. This office offers accommodations (such as extended time on projects and/or exams, quite testing environments, lecture recording waivers, etc.) to assist with everything from broken arms to chronic/acute depression and anxiety. We'd highly recommend talking to them if you think any of their services might help. Every student we know who works with them speaks highly of them, and they have a quick and easy registration process. All you need is documentation for your condition. Even if you don't know whether you'll need to use the accommodations, it's best get your condition documented with the university as accommodations are not retroactive.
• I am registered with the Office of Disability Services, but I'm not sure if I want to use the accommodations. What should I do? For all your classes (not just this one), you should still speak with your the professor to discuss your approved accommodations. Even if you don't know whether you plan on using the accommodations, once an professor knows you have them, you can easily begin using them if the need arises. It's better to be over prepared than under prepared, since accommodations are not retroactive.

• Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) - offers one-on-one consultations and resources in the areas of interpersonal violence, personal wellness, and alcohol/drug abuse
• Counseling and Support Services (CAPS) - offers individual and/or group counseling, workshops and community education programs
• The Office of Disability Services - handles short and long term disability accommodations.
• Learning Services - offers a lot of support options for things like time management, test taking skills, college reading skills, etc.
• The Writing Center - offers support for writing improvement, including specific support for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• Open Computer Labs - free-to-use computers on campus
• Software and IT Services for Students - everything from video recording software (such as Kaltura), to cloud storage (such as OneDrive), to development software (such as jGrasp, Notepad++, PuTTy, Python, etc.).