Fatal Error Policy

Comprehensible written communication is necessary for academic (and professional) success.  Lucid writing can be achieved by adhering to these few simple rules: 

• follow the specified format
• spell correctly
• use correct grammar
• keep average sentence length short 
• eliminate unnecessary words and meaningless phrases

• use paragraphs to separate main points or ideas

I will stop reading an assignment or take home essay when more than five of these errors appear on any one page of the essay or assignment, or more than ten errors appear in the entire document.

If your paper is returned, you have one day to resubmit the paper.  Resubmitted papers are eligible for a maximum of 89% of the points originally attributed to the assignment (i.e. the maximum grade you could get would be a B). 

The most effective method you can use to insure meeting these standards is to proof read your work, and then edit it accordingly - twice.  Dictionaries and writing guides are indispensable tools.   Another method to make sure your written work is comprehensible is to ask someone else to review your final draft.  Often fresh, objective eyes can identify problems you have missed.  Spelling and grammar checks on your computer are also useful tools, but should never be relied on as your only means of proofreading. Finally, the University Writing Center is available to help you.