About the Instructor, Course Policies, etc.

The following are a few general matters that often come up in my classes:

*Who is this guy?

[IMAGE: Photo of the Instructor] "This guy" is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Program Director of Auburn's Health Administration Program. I hold the doctorate in political science from Indiana University, Bloomington, and have been teaching at Auburn since 1975. My articles have appeared in journals dealing with administration, health policy, and political science. I`m married and have four children.

If you'd like to know more about my personal background and interests, check out my Worldwide Web home page, http://www.auburn.edu/~burnsma.


*Are you a liberal, a conservative, or what?

Guess. I have definite political views of my own but have no interest in using my classroom for propagandizing about them. Under absolutely no circumstances will I ever grade a student on his/her ideology. As a matter of fact, students are welcome to argue with me in class about my lectures or the text, as long as their views are based on reason, not unfettered emotion. And anyone who's curious to hear my out-of-classroom views on politics, philosophy, religion, or whatever is welcome to arrange to meet me for lunch or a cup of coffee. No foolin'!


*Why are you so interested in involving students with the Internet?

It's important for students to become familiar with "up and coming" developments which have potential for reshaping the field of administration. Today, the Internet is rapidly becoming not only a significant international medium for rapid communications (e-mail) but also a means for organizations and agencies to establish themselves in the public eye and even do business with other organizations. Finally, many administrators are using Internet principles to create "Intranets" designed to provide easy electronic access to their own corporate information bases for their employees.


*What do you expect of me?

Quality. I assume students are basically in my classes to learn and that, whatever their ability, they will do their best to do so. This includes keeping up with the syllabus, class announcements (verbal or electronic), and yes, required readings! On the other hand, any student having concerns about my class is always welcome to meet with me or communicate with me as many times as she/he deems necessary.

In that regard, students should be aware that reading all course materials is essential for my classes, particularly for those who want to do well on class discussions and tests. Students should read all materials assigned for particular class days and be prepared to ask questions about any materials they find unclear; questions may be posed in class, via the class WebCT site, in my office on my office hours (see below), or by e-mail. Asking such questions is particularly important since most of my lectures do not just "rehash" readings for the day but rather expand on them, or are related to their general subject.

My expectations also include honesty. Any student caught plagiarizing, cheating, or otherwise violating University honesty guidelines can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of University regulations. Academic thievery in any form hurts all students and our common academic community.


* How do I get hold of you?

Check out my separate Contact Page.

* What if I have a gripe?

[IMAGE: 'The Scream'] Fine. No one's perfect, and no one can please everyone. Come and see me about your concern.

Incidentally, I routinely keep all class records on file until at least the end of the next semester after grades are assigned, so final grades are never "final" if a student comes to me in the interim with evidence that an actual grading error has occurred.

If you don't feel I've fairly addressed your concern, the Department Head of Political Science can be found at the main office, 7080 Haley. See him.


* Anything else?

Yes, two more items:

  1. If you're an Health Administration major, be sure you're meeting with your assigned HA faculty adviser at least once a semester until you and he/she have worked up a draft plan of study. If you don't know who your adviser is, check the HA advising page.

  2. If you're reading this on the Internet wondering whether you want to take one of my courses, drop me an e-mail if you have further questions or just wish to "chat." If you're already in one of my classes, hope you enjoy the course!
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Instructor Information Page by MB (last updated 8/24/06)

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