This is a very interesting and enjoyable course but to make a high grade you must follow the instructions below as well as those given during the semester. 

1. Tests are only given at four times during the semester. They are only given during the scheduled times and in the normal classroom. You must take at least three of the scheduled exams in order to pass the course. There are no other special times when an individual student can take a test apart from the other students, regardless of the excuse. Grades are based upon the best three of the four test scores. If you miss a test, you get a zero; if you miss two tests then you flunk the course. 

2. We have a lot of notes to get through in class so I can't slow down much. If you have a problem keeping up feel free to record the lectures and/or get the lectures on DVD (available in the Marketing Department). While I am quite willing to meet with students outside of class to clarify points or provide study suggestions I will not lecture outside of class, loan my notes to be copied, nor be a private tutor. 

3. Lots of helpful information is available at this website and within Blackboard. In addition, announcements will be updated here at the site each week throughout the term. (They will also be sent to you via e-mail if your correct address is provided in Blackboard.) These announcements can be very helpful, especially if you miss class, in order to know what you should be doing. 

4. To take this course and access Blackboard you must a have working network ID. You can use Blackboard when you want to take practice tests, get your score and error analysis after taking a real exam, or get your final grade in the course. At Blackboard's log-in page you can find instructions for dealing with a variety of typical problems students have with it. 

5. A copy of the exam will be posted in the Marketing Department suite for a short period of time after the test period. An error analysis will be available on-line (Blackboard) after each exam that tells you your score and which questions you missed. Comparing the error analysis with the exam when it is posted will tend to answer most your questions about why you received a particular score. (When the posted exam is taken down, do not come to my office and expect to see it.)  

6. Answers on the test are coded on computer-readable forms. You must bring a #2 pencil to each exam as well as code your name and DAWG Tag exactly the same each time. If you code the information incorrectly then points will be taken off. If needed, calculators will be provided for you; you may not use your own. Cell phones must be turned off during exams and not used for any purpose. Also, you will not be allowed to leave the room during an exam and return for any reason. Prepare accordingly. 

7. While the material in this course can be interesting, last minute cramming will not be sufficient for passing the tests. The text, the website, and the materials in Blackboard are no substitute for the lecture notes, and getting the notes from someone else are no substitute for class attendance. Further, it is not enough to feel that you have learned the material; you must be able to prove to me what you know on the exams. Also, do not expect or assume that there will be any "curving" of the grades. That is extremely unlikely. So, it is up to you to make the grade you want, not the professor. 

8. Cheating will not be tolerated. That includes looking at others' answers during the exams, using cheat sheets, taking copies of the exam, and copying the test in any way when it is posted. Students found guilty of committing acts of academic dishonesty shall receive at least an F in the course. 

9. The Consumer Decision-Making Model (handed out with the syllabus) is a graphical summary of the course topics. Questions regarding the model will be asked on Test 3 and the Final. Be sure to study it well during the last third of the course. 

10. Finally, I will do everything I can to have the tests on the designated dates. I expect you to do everything you can to be in class for at least those periods and to have extensively studied the assigned material. However, changes may be necessary as we move through the material so pay attention to the weekly announcements.

Good luck and I hope you learn a lot about the science of consumer behavior during the semester!