Covenant

About your work: This program involves entry-level work in the study of the Asian performing arts. You, the students, are responsible for your learning as well as that of your peers. Covenant agreements represent the minimum effort required for credit and it is expected that the large majority of students will surpass these minimums. We look for you to be willing to do your best and to seriously involve yourself with these new ideas. We are particularly concerned that students try to optimize their progress within the program. It is preferable that you risk overextending yourself rather than "play it safe" and gain less of what the program has to offer. The objective of the program is that you become self-directed in your work and a fully-functioning member of the Learning Community. We recognize that good will cannot be legislated; however, it is hoped that the controversies generated in this program will create more awareness than close-mindedness. We expect you to work in cooperation with each other, to share information, and to broaden your knowledge of the Asian cultures we discuss, well beyond the parameters of your current understanding. We expect everyone to, at the minimum, abide by Evergreen's Social Contract and to follow the State of Washington Student Conduct Code regarding issues of academic honesty and integrity.

Writing: In each quarter, you will be expected to write at least one significant essay. We will help you to learn the mechanics of writing a college-level essay, and we will also help you to find topics that are of interest and relevance to you. You will also be expected to come to your seminar every week with a “response paper” (based on that week's reading) in hand, which will serve as the basis for your seminar discussion.

Performance: Because this is a cultural studies program that also involves media and the arts, you will be expected to do at least some work in front of your peers throughout the year as you try out the new skills that you will be learning. You will not be in competition with anyone except yourself, and you can expect plenty of support from your peers and your faculty. You are expected to work cooperatively throughout the quarter, relying on your strengths but also working on your weaknesses.

The following points of agreement exist between the students and faculty of this program to ensure that there is a clear understanding of what is expected of program members. Failure to meet these understandings and obligations will result in loss of credit.

1. Students shall complete all assignments and hand them in or perform them at the assigned time. Students will come to seminar prepared with book (or other work) and response paper in hand.
2. Attendance at all program activities is mandatory. Five days of absence per quarter will result in credit loss. After that you will lose one credit for every two absences (five absences = minus one credit, seven = minus two, etc.
3. Tardiness is not acceptable. You are expected to be on time and prepared. After fifteen minutes, a late student will be counted as absent. A student may have four late arrivals per quarter. After that, you will lose one credit for every two absences (five = minus one credit, seven = minus two, etc.)
4. In cases where illness or an emergency precludes a student from attending a program activity, the student will notify the faculty in writing, by phone, or verbally prior to the beginning of that activity.
5. Incompletes shall be granted only in emergency situations.
6. Faculty shall notify in writing anyone who is in danger of losing credit. This shall be done by the fifth week of class, or as soon as the loss of credit becomes imminent.
7. Students agree to approach their work with dedication and invest the necessary time and energy to produce significant results.
8. Students will keep a program portfolio or notebook containing program materials, notes on the readings, notes from program meetings, and personal reflections.
9. The faculty shall allow adequate time for students to complete assignments. Due dates will be announced at the time the work is assigned. Late assignments will not be accepted for credit except in reasonable circumstances that were beyond the student's control.
10. Students with program-related grievances should contact their seminar faculty first, then the program coordinator (Sean Williams), then the Academic Dean. In all cases, it is preferable to resolve difficulties before they escalate.
11. A rough draft of the self-evaluation must be turned in 48 hours prior to the evaluation conference. Final written, signed Self and Faculty evaluations will be completed and turned in to the program secretaries within one week following the final evaluation conference.

THROUGH YOUR CONTINUING PRESENCE IN THIS PROGRAM, YOU HEREBY ACCEPT AND AGREE TO THE CONDITIONS OF THIS COVENANT.