The Role of Tutors For Computer Science 115.005/006
The Department of Computer Science, in cooperation with the Learning and Academic Resource Center (LARC), provides tutors to help CSC 115 students with computing problems. However, in CS 115.005/006, the role of tutors is limited on some assignments, as discussed below.
Help Allowed on All CSC 115.005/006 Assignments
For any assignment (e.g., laboratory exercise, project, or supplemental problem), a tutor is allowed to provide help to:
- explain the operation of workstations,
- discuss the workings of the text editors,
- interpret error messages,
- clarify the format and meaning of C programming statements, and
- explain the syntax, semantics, and workings of procedures in standard C libraries and in the MyroC library..
Of course, following the rules for academic honesty that apply to all academic work at Sonoma State University, help obtained from any source must be cited in all assignments.
Help Allowed Laboratory Exercises and Projects in CSC 115.005/006
In addition, groups working on collaborative projects (e.g., laboratory exercises and projects) may ask tutors for the following:
- help in locating arithmetic or logic errors,
- help in finding infinite loops,
- background information related to an assignment,
- ideas on how to approach the problem, and
- insights regarding difficulties with proposed solutions and programs.
In short, groups may ask tutors for assistance on any aspect of a laboratory exercise or project, but of course, all help obtained from any source must be cited.
Additional Help NOT Allowed on Supplemental Problems, Quiz Revisions, and Test Revisions in CSC 115.005/006
Under no circumstances should a tutor be asked how to approach a problem or how to write a substantial piece of code related to any supplement problem, quiz revision problem, or test-revision problem. As a general rule, a section of code that is four or more lines long -- perhaps even less when the logic is particularly complex -- will be considered substantial. Help from tutors is not intended to replace the assistance available from the instructor at regularly scheduled class periods or office hours. Therefore, the tutors may answer only short questions which have short answers.
Note: In accordance with Sonoma State University regulations, all evidence of collaboration on supplemental problems, quiz revisions, or test revisions will be subject to University policies. Over the years, I have identified several such cases, and disciplinary action has usually resulted. (A zero on the assignment together with a lowering of the semester grade have been common outcomes.) In particular, for CS 115.005.006, any hint of academic dishonesty will be investigated and handled following the SSU Policies on Cheating and Plagiarism.
