Practical Information for Composition Instructors at Armstrong Atlantic State University Department of Languages, Literature, and Philosophy

Contacts:
Dr. David Wheeler
Professor of English, Department Chair
Office: Gamble Hall 110C
Phone: 912.344.2919
David.Wheeler@armstrong.edu

Dr. Elizabeth Howells
Associate Professor of English, Director of Composition
Office: Gamble Hall 108B
Phone: 912.344.2523
Beth.Howells@armstrong.edu

Laura Sherman
Adjunct Secretary
Office: Gamble Hall 110D
Phone: 912.344.2574
Laura.Sherman@armstrong.edu

Leona Avey
Administrative Assistant
Office: Gamble Hall 110A
Phone: 912.344.2594
Leona.Avey@armstrong.edu

Textbooks: Currently all composition courses require The Blair Handbook . Beyond that, please select from the pool of 1102 texts located in Gamble 108 or the pool of 1101 texts in the LLP office.

Offices and Mailboxes: Please see Laura for keys and mailbox assignments. Mailboxes are located in Gamble 108. As of now, there are these spaces available for office hours: the Writing Center G109, Gamble 110c, or Solms Hall 210. Feel free to take advantage of the library as well. Please submit your prospective office hours and desired location and I will develop and distribute our schedule so we can share space.

Office Hours and Personal Information: Please try to schedule 2-3 office hours per week. Inform Janet of your office hour schedule. Turn in to her any contact information for our records: email, phone, etc. Indicate whether or not you want that information available to students.

Photocopying: The copier is located in Gamble 108A. You must use the security code to make copies. Please do not let students learn the code or use the copier.

Electronic Equipment: Sign up for electronic equipment with Laura . You can order “advanced” technology through Media Services (located on the 2 nd floor of the Lane Library, 912.344.2967).

Supplies and Grade Books: These are available in the file cabinet in 110A. Ask Laura if you see something is missing. You will find some stashed in the drawer in 108, the lounge area, below the microwave as well.

Student Withdrawals: Students cannot withdraw from any Core Composition courses without the permission of Dr. Wheeler.

Library Orientation: Contact Judy Dubus or any of the Reference Librarians to set up a library orientation for your 1101 students. They can be reached at 912.344.3026 or at the “Ask a Librarian” link on the Lane Library website. The 1101 orientation gives students a chance to do hands-on research on a general kind of topic. The 1102 and 2100 orientations can be customized for your particular theme or focus. We need to be certain that students are taught how to evaluate and use the Internet for research. The library can provide a useful orientation in this regard as well so save a day on your syllabus.

Writing Center: The Writing Center is located in 109 Gamble Hall. It will be open 9-7 Monday through Thursday and Friday & Saturday 9-12. Please encourage your students to view this resource as an extension of the work you do in the classroom. Contact Debi Reese at 912.344.3142 or the Writing Center itself at 912.344.3072 with any questions.

Practice Regents' Tests: Instructors of ENGL 1101 must administer at least two practice Regents' Tests during the semester. ENGL 1102 must administer two. Students are encouraged to take their 1102 by the 30 th credit hour and then to take the Regents' the following semester; however, ALL STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE REGENTS' TEST BY THEIR 45 TH CREDIT HOUR. You might try to set up one essay for early in the term and one for later so students get a chance to witness their own progress. You will want to provide them with sample questions and evaluation as well. See attached sample questions and scoring descriptions.

Student Essay Collection and University Writing Contest: Watermarks is an online journal of student-authored academic essays supported by the Core Curriculum Committee and the Writing Center of the Languages, Literature, and Philosophy Department at Armstrong Atlantic State University. The journal holds an Annual Essay Contest announced in the spring. The University Writing Contest selects the best essays from each College at the University. Keep an eye out for candidates for both. Identify any essays you would like to have submitted for the mid-February Writing Contest deadline. Turn in any essays to Dr. Howells or to Leona in the main office.

Teaching Conversations: Chalk Talk Brown Bags We will be hosting a series of brown bag lunches on teaching topics this fall. We encourage you to come and participate. They will be occasions for you to share your teaching successes and find solutions to various classroom problems.

Classroom Observation: As dictated by the University and SACS, at least once during the term, please select a day for Dr. Howells to visit your class. Her observations will become a part of your file and can be used as part of your teaching portfolio or a teaching recommendation. Be certain to schedule a time before the semester gets away from us.

Student Evaluations: FACE evaluation forms will be delivered to you during the last two weeks of the semester for students to have a chance to evaluate you. There will be explicit instructions for administering these evaluations.

Submitting and Posting Grades: Midterm attendance and final grades can be submitted by hand or electronically, by SHIP. Instructions for accounting for attendance and grades will be distributed to you during midterm and during the last week of the term. Contact Donna.Kaplan at 912.344.2583 in the Registrar's office with any questions.

Grade Discrepancy/ Classroom Disruptions Contact Dr.Wheeler or Dr. Howells about any grade discrepancies or classroom problems. We can help you get the appropriate resources or work with Student Affairs.