This Canvas site, especially the discussion forum, is intended to be a means for learning. The goal is that students will engage in fun, intellectual conversations with one another outside of synchronous class sessions. I welcome all students to post to the course discussion forum and I hope that you will all be active on this site beyond what is required by the grading contract.

However, I want to make sure it is understood that our online discussions here are an extension of the BIO 12 course. Just as you would be respectful to me and your peers if we could be physically present together in a classroom, you should engage in online conversations with compassion and respect for the rest of the community.

Your views are welcome even if you disagree with me or another student on a discussion topic. Instead, I ask that you maintain a civil tone in your post and stay focused on the topic at hand. I have provided specific guidelines to follow below. As part of this community, you can contribute to these participation rules by September 22. When you post on this Canvas site, you agree to stay true to the rules and expectations laid out in the course syllabus. If I see posts that violate the spirit of these rules/expectations, I will remove them.

Guidelines for Online Conduct

Write posts that are respectful and civil. Avoid writing posts that come across as rude or demeaning.
Do not use offensive language, especially to refer to others. Write posts as the college student you are.
Do not post personal attacks. Personal attacks are comments that criticize another person and are usually meant to hurt (e.g. "You are stupid"). Instead, focus on stating why you disagree (if you do) and explaining your own thoughts and feelings.
Be aware and respectful of privacy. Be mindful of sharing too many of your own personal details, especially phone numbers or addresses. Do not share or push for another student's personal details.
The Canvas site is intended to be used for conversations that support our collective learning in BIO 12. Do not make posts that are unrelated to this course.
Search through the existing discussion topics before making a new one that may be a duplicate. Avoid making the same post over multiple discussion topics.
Add your own suggestions here!
Add your own suggestions here!
Add your own suggestions here!

Please do not hesitate to bring it to my attention if you feel that another student is violating any of these guidelines on this Canvas site.

 
Warnings 

I will warn you if your behavior on this Canvas site violates our Online Community Agreement. There will especially be no tolerance for any postings that sounds threatening to other students. Warnings may escalate to other consequences if inappropriate online behavior continues. Please be respectful of each other.

Thank you for being wonderful participants and I hope you use this opportunity to learn from your peers in BIO 12!