ASTRO/PHYS 545Cosmology · Penn State

Policies

Ethics and honorable behavior

All Penn State, Eberly College of Science, and Astronomy Department policies regarding ethics and honorable behavior apply to this course.

In this course you are expected to talk to each other. Preparing problems together, arguing about them, and comparing approaches is encouraged and is how much of the work should be done. What you submit must be written by you, and what you present at the blackboard must be your own reconstruction. See the assignments page and the AI policy in the syllabus for how this works in practice.

Class etiquette

Students are expected to be civil and considerate in class and to refrain from actions that distract their classmates or the instructor.

The format of this course puts people at a blackboard in front of their peers, and getting stuck there is a normal and expected part of the work rather than a failure. The room is expected to treat it that way.

The Eberly College of Science has a Code for Mutual Respect and Cooperation, which embodies the values the college hopes its faculty, staff and students will endorse.

Learning assistance and resources

The Eberly College of Science is committed to the academic success of students enrolled in the College’s courses and programs. Various College and University resources for learning assistance are listed at Penn State Learning.

The Russell E. Horn Sr. Learning Center may have a tutor who can assist you. An appointment is recommended, and sessions are available in person or on Zoom.

The Center offers academic success coaching (time management, organization, study skills, and preparing and delivering presentations), subject area tutoring, and help with writing at any stage from brainstorming to final polish.

Disability accommodation

Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities. Student Disability Resources describes the available resources, and this page lists campus coordinators.

To receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, contact the disability services office at the campus where you are enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation following these guidelines. If the documentation supports your request, the office will provide an accommodation letter. Share that letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations as early as possible. This process is required every semester.

Educational equity and reporting of bias

Consistent with University Policy AD29, students who believe they have experienced or observed a hate crime, an act of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment that occurs at Penn State are urged to report the incident as outlined on the University’s Report Bias page.

Counseling and psychological services

Many students face personal challenges or have psychological needs that interfere with academic progress, social development, or emotional well-being. The university offers confidential services including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, online chat, and mental health screening, provided by staff who welcome all students and are respectful of cultural and religious backgrounds and sensitive to differences in race, ability, gender identity and sexual orientation.