York University

CSE 1020: Introduction to COSC I

Fall 2010

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

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York University

Course Policies

Policies adopted in this course are presented below in the form of answers to frequently asked questions. Students are requested to check this page before sending email to your instructor. Furthermore, students should also read the Student Information Sheet published by the Committee on Curriculum and Academic Standards.

Do I have to use my Prism (cse) account for email?
Our registration database as well as the mark database is based on the Prism cse account, not your York ID. Without the Prism account, we cannot easily confirm your registration status in the course. It is therefore required that you send email (to instructor, TA, etc.) from your cse account and to check its in-box often. Messages received from non-cse accounts might be filtered out.
Is there a particular style that I must adopt in my programs?
Yes, you must follow the coding style described in Appendix C of the textbook. Following a coding style makes your code more readable and, hence, improves maintainability. Style will be taken into account when evaluating programming tests.
What is the policy on academic dishonesty?
We take matters related to academic dishonesty seriously. To that end, measures to detect irregularities are in place and are continually upgraded. For example, tests may be scanned before being returned to the students. More about academic dishonesty can be found here.
What should I do before a test?
Review the textbook, your lecture notes and other course materials. Sample tests can be found on the textbook website. On the day of the test, remember to bring University- or government-issued photo ID.
May I write the test in pencil?
Yes, you may write the test in pencil.
What happens during a test?
Unless otherwise noted, all tests are closed-book. Any required APIs will be provided to you. Optionally, you are allowed to bring a non-electronic dictionary. No other aids or devices (e.g., calculators, cellphones, media players) will be permitted. You will write everything in a booklet or answer sheet that will be provided to you. In particular, you may not bring any blank sheets of paper for scratch work. For a programming test, you will instead write a program using one of the lab workstations. More information on the labtest environment is available here.

Seating may be pre-arranged. If so, make sure you sit in the seat assigned to you. No questions are allowed during the test. Answer the questions as best you can. If you believe a question to be ambiguous, write down your interpretation of it and/or any assumptions you make.

For tests, leave your photo ID on the desk in front of you so that it can be inspected by invigilators. A sign-up sheet will be distributed during the test. By signing it, you acknowledge that you are registered in the course and are indeed the owner of the associated ID.

Most importantly, keep your eyes on your own work. At the discretion of the invigilators, students may be asked to move.


When will the test results be announced?
The results of a test are typically posted on ePost within two weeks of the test.
I think there is an error in the marking of my test!
If you believe there are errors in the marking of your test, print a copy of this reappraisal request form. Complete the form, staple it to your test, and hand it to the instructor. It is essential that you explain clearly why you think the test should be re-marked; otherwise, the test will not be re-marked. Note that the entire test will be re-marked and your mark may be increased or decreased. Note also that the deadline for re-marking is one week after the marked tests have been handed back to the students. No re-marking request will be considered after that deadline.
What if I missed one of the ten weekly tests?
No make-up tests will be given. If you miss a test for reasons beyond your control, inform your instructor as soon as possible. If approved and you have missed one or two tests during the whole term, the weight of the missed tests will be distributed over the other tests. If approved and you missed more than two tests during the whole term, the weight of the missed tests will be moved to the final exam. It is recommended that you ask your instructor for a copy of the test so you can attempt it at home and then compare your answers with the posted ones.
How do I find out the date and location of the final exam?
The date and location of the final exam are set by the Registrar's Office. They are posted on its website about five weeks before the last day of classes in the term.
May I write the exam in pencil?
Yes, you may write your answers in pen or in pencil. (Note that the exam paper is not returned to the students; only a photocopy can be requested.)
When will the final exam results be announced?
Typically, the results are posted on ePost within 20 days of the exam.
I think there is an error in the marking of my exam!
Wait until you get your official grade by regular mail from York. Nothing can be done before that. Within three weeks of receiving your official grade, go to room CSEB-1003 and request a copy of your final exam. If you spot errors in marking, in addition, or in the overall grade computation, petition by submitting a special form called "Request for Grade Reappraisal" available from CSEB-1003.
What if I missed the programming test or the final exam?
If you miss the programming test or the final exam you must contact your instructor as soon as possible. Failure to do so in a prompt fashion may result in you missing the deferred exam. You must obtain the Deferred Standing Agreement Form from the Registrar's Office. Take the form and the documentation explaining the reason for missing the test or the exam to your instructor as soon as possible. Your instructor will consider the documented reason for missing the test or the exam, and decide whether or not to grant you deferred standing.

If your instructor grants your request, you will be informed of the deferred test/exam date. Generally, the deferred exam occurs within a few weeks of the original test/exam.

If your instructor denies your request, if you contact the instructor after the deferred test/exam, or if the department does not allow a deferred test/exam, you must then file a formal petition for deferred standing using the Petition Package forms. If your formal petition is successful, you will typically write a test/exam with the next regularly scheduled examination for the course.