Course Ground Rules
When entering new experiences, everyone has expectations regarding what should, and is expected to occur. In a university course environment it may be helpful, to both of us, if I identify my expectations of the students. Therefore, my expectations of students enrolled in AEB 5188, Economics of Agribusiness Decisions during Summer 2000 are that they will be:

1. Be an interested and concerned participant.
2. Be open minded and willing to objectively evaluate new ideas.
3. Be challenging and questioning of:
   a) yourself
   b) classmates
   c) outside resources
   d) instructor
4. Provide me with objective and frequent feedback on my performance.
5. Show creativity and ingenuity.
6. Have a positive and cooperative attitude.
7. Participate in class discussions.
8. Exhibit teamwork in team exercises.
9. Act with the highest possible level of integrity.
10. Accept the fact that in agribusiness decisions, as well as in life, many things are neither white or black but rather are shades of gray.
11. Have a commitment to performance excellence including:
    a) attendance
    b) appropriate study effort and time
    c) thoughtful, on-time assignments
    d) a questioning mind.

I have high expectations of AEB 5188 students. The rewards for fulfilling these expectations include positive feedback, a positive learning experience and the achievement of your course grade goal. You will be given a chance in Unit 1 to express your expectations of me.

Attendance
Attendance will be measured based on whether or not you participate in our weekly chat room and video conferencing sessions. Absences, without question, significantly impact one's ability to perform competently on student assignments, evaluations, etc. and hence upon the final course grade. Readings and written assignments are designed to supplement and support bulletin board and chat room discussion. They are not a substitute for it.

Written Assignments
Written and case problem assignments will be made with regularity throughout the semester. Late papers will be significantly down-graded.

All written assignments are to be submitted: (1) on smooth edged, standard 8½" x 11" paper, or (2) sent as E-mail attachments (either Word or Word Perfect format IBM compatible). For those choosing to mail printed material, multiple pages are to be fastened by staples. Other connection methods, (i.e. paper clips and dog ears) are not acceptable. Only word-processed documents will be accepted. E-mail attachments of word-processed documents are greatly appreciated. Please be sure your name and social security number are on all submitted papers.

Given that we live in a world with individuals who think it is fun to do harm to the computers of others, I am very concerned about inadvertently installing a virus on my machine. When you submit your assignment as an e-mail attachment, the subject of your e-mail must contain the specific homework assignment.  The file name for the file containing your assignment is to be your last name and assignment number, e.g., comer2.doc. In the body of the e-mail message, you must identify the homework assignment and the specific name of the attached file. I make it a practice to delete all attachments that are not adequately identified. I do not even open attachments from my family without proper explanation of what it in it.

Class Participation
This course is not designed to be solely an independent-study (i.e., the student and his/her computer). Student participation and contributions are actively solicited. Class participation by everyone is important for true understanding of the subject matter and therefore vital to the success of both the student and the course. All questions are welcomed.

You may be wondering how participation can be judged in a web-based course? Your participation grade will be based on the quality and quantity of your contribution to bulletin board and chat room discussions. Additionally, WebCT allows the instructor to track your use of the course web site (i.e., how often you log-on, how long your are logged on, and which part(s) of the course your are using). Those who use the course web site more are likely to receive a higher participation grade. While this may sound like big brother is watching, I want to know which parts of the web site are most useful (likely to be visited more often) and which need improvement.

Grading Policies
The ability to make up missed assignments is at the instructor's discretion and makeup assignments will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submitting weekly assignments and bulletin board discussions was stated earlier and is repeated here for your convenience. Generally speaking, the assigned bulletin board posting assignments for each unit must be posted on the class web bulletin board by Sunday midnight of each week.

Minor Evaluations (Quizzes)
Periodically announced and unannounced evaluations of readings and class presentation materials and discussions are a possibility. Historically, the frequency of these minor evaluations has been inversely related to the facilitators’ perception of attendance, participation and preparedness.

Major Evaluations (Exams)
There will be two required major evaluations during the semester. Evaluation question format will emphasize essay, case problems and short answer responses.

Term Project
The term project involves an analysis, utilizing the concepts of the course, of a company of your choice. Detailed term project instructions are found under the section titled “Term Project.”

Academic Honesty
As a result of completing the registration form at the University of Florida, every student has signed the following statement: "I understand the University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all their academic work. I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University." We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

Software Use
All faculty, staff and students of the University are required and expected to obey the laws and legal agreements governing software use. Failure to do so can lead to monetary damages and/or criminal penalties for the individual violator. Because such violations are also against University policies and rules, disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate.