Dr. Willner's views on some questions in education

A = Student has demonstrated a level of knowledge of material (specific information, methods, models, etc.) relevant to the course and ability to use the same in unfamiliar situations. Said knowledge and ability is well beyond that expected. Student will have no difficultly using and extending this knowledge to most new situations nor in continuing to learn in this direction.
B = Student has demonstrated a level of knowledge of material relevant to the course that is beyond expectations. Student will be able to use and extend this knowledge in some situations.
C = Student has demonstrated an acceptable level of knowledge relevant to the course and should be able to continue learning in this field of study.
D = Student has demonstrated a barely adequate level of knowledge relevant to the course. Student is unlikely to be able to apply this knowledge at any level nor continue studies in this direction.
F = Student has not learned sufficiently to be given credit for learning.

1) University education is a great deal like a heath club. Paying membership fees(tuition) does not grant anything but admittance. To get healthy (educated) you must apply the appropriate level of effort (study). The doctor (professor) will declare you healthy (knowledgeable) when you meet certain goals. It is your decision how healthy you wish to be. Many people spend a fortune to be a member of a fitness center and then are surprised when the physician informs them that they are in poor condition. You have a choice to exercise your mind or not exercise it. I will evaluate your condition not on your effort, but on what I deem to be your actual ability in the relevant Economics course.

2) Expect to spend 2-3 hours out of class for every 1 hour in class. This time includes: reading the text before class, answering questions in the back of the book, using the study guide, and using the professor's time to answer questions.

3) (Off-campus classes, only) Class is scheduled for 3.5 hours per night. There are 10 scheduled meetings. The last meeting is for the purposes of the final exam, thus there are only 9 meetings for the purposes of instruction. This allows for a total of 31.5 hours of class as compared to 37.5 (15x3x5/6 or 15x2x1.25) hours for the same class taken on campus. The difference of 6 hours does not reduce my expectations of your learning since no distinction will exist on your diploma.

4) Virtually everybody in this class has family and/or at least one job. We all have events that interfere with our best laid plans ("The best laid plans of mice and men, oft times go astray"). Since we all have these problems, I see no reason for any one of us to feel that their particular event warrants special dispensation. To suggest that you (or I) know whose life and circumstances are most worthy of exception and special consideration is an interesting, but mostly existential argument. It is not one I am interested in taking up in this class. If your circumstances force you to miss most of the material in this class, that is indeed unfortunate. Hopefully, this will not occur. If things look to get out of control in this regard, act early.