Dan Mitchell: Announcements

Update on De Anza Power Outage - Tuesday, 10/13

Dan Mitchell — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:04:36 GMT

At 11 AM, power has been restored to the De Anza College Campus.

Classes will resume at 1:30 PM. Classes prior to 1:30 PM have been canceled.

What does this mean for the 12:30 p.m. Intermediate Electronic Music class? Officially the class has been canceled for today. However, if more than a small number of students show up I will open the room for an open lab session. I will not introduce any new material in class today.

CLASSES BEGINNING AT 1:30 PM AND LATER WILL MEET TODAY AS SCHEDULED.

Welcome to the 2009 Spring Term

Dan Mitchell — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:17:23 GMT

If you would like to know more about the courses I teach, click on the Intro to Music and/or Electronic Music links and visit the web sites for the respective classes.

Music 1A: Introduction to Music

MTWTh 9:30-10:20 in A11. SPACE AVAILABLE.
All other De Anza College Music 1A sections are FULL at this time. If you are looking for a Music 1A class for the spring term... come to the first meeting of the 9:30 MTWTh class on Monday, April 6 and ask to add the class.

Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music

Monday/Wednesday 12:30-2:10 in A91. THIS SECTION IS FULL.*
Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music - Friday 10:30-1:50 in A91. THIS SECTION IS FULL.

Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music

Thursday/Thursday 12:30-2:10 in A91. THIS SECTION IS FULL.*

* Since space sometimes becomes available in "full" classes, it is a good idea to check the online class list for the most current information. You may also come to the first class meeting to see if additional space is available. I will likely be able to add a few more students to all three of the electronic music classes.

My Winter 2009 Final Exams Week Schedule & Spring Registration News

Dan Mitchell — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:22:01 GMT

SPRING REGISTRATION UPDATE (3/20)

Regarding Music 1A: Introduction to Music

There are still QUITE A FEW OPEN SEATS in my MTWTh 9:30-10:30 Introduction to Music section.*
My MTWTh 10:30-11:20 Music Introduction to Music section is 90% FULL AS OF FRIDAY AFTERNOON. It is almost certain that this section will fill soon, so if you want to take this class you should ENROLL IMMEDIATELY.

* Once the 10:30 section fills, the 9:30 section may begin to fill up much more quickly. While there is plenty of space in the 9:30 class now, that will likely change very soon.

There are two other sections of Music 1A.

The MW 12:30-2:10 section IS FULL and has been for a day or two.
There is still some space in the distance learning section of Music 1A, if that mode of learning appeals to you.

Music 1B: Intro to Music: Jazz meets on TTh at 10:30-12:10 and also fulfills your humanities/area C transfer requirements. There are still seats available in that class.

Regarding my Electronic Music classes...

There is still PLENTY OF SPACE in the Friday-only section of Introduction to Electronic Music, but it is likely that this will change now that the MW class is full. (Three more students joined the class today.) Enroll right away!
The Monday/Wednesday 12:30-2:10 Intro to Electronic Music class is FULL. (Students who cannot get into this class should enroll right away in the Friday-only section! Some with sufficient experience/background may qualify to go straight into the Intermediate class - Email Dan Mitchell to find out more.)
The Intermediate Electronic Music class is FULL - though the actual enrollment number suggests that there might be one more space.

Two of the three Electronic Music classes are full or virtually full at this point. What should you do?

If you are trying to get into the Intro to Electronic Music class you should sign up for the Friday-only section right away!
If you are trying to get into the Intermediate Electronic Music class you should try to sign up immediately.
What if the Intermediate class is full when you try to sign up? You have three choices:

If you have not already taken the Intro to Electronic Music class, sign up for the Friday section of Music 51 immediately. At least you'll have a spot in the EM program, and if nothing else you can fill in some gaps in your knowledge there this quarter and take the Intermediate class later when there are more openings.
Keep checking back to see if additional seats become available in the Intermediate class. There are no guarantees and you should only consider this as a "fall back" position if you cannot enroll in the Friday Intro class.
Come to the first class meeting in April and try to add. Again, this is a "last resort" strategy - it could work, but it would be better to get into a class now.

Good luck - I hope you can find a way to get into the Electronic Music program. Email Dan Mitchell with questions.

DAN MITCHELL'S FINAL EXAM WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday, March 23: This is the last regular class meeting day of the winter term. My classes meet on this day as they do on all other Mondays this quarter. We have important work scheduled in all three of my Monday classes:

Music 1A (9:30 and 10:30 sections): We'll look at some important information about minimalism and electronic music that is not covered in the text. The optional retake of quiz 10 is scheduled for the end of the period.
Music 51 (Electronic Music): I'll review the past two take-home quizzes near the start of the class, and we'll take written test #2 during the period. Remaining time will be available for work on final projects.

The Winter Quarter Final Exam Schedule begins on Tuesday, March 24. Classes typically meet for final exam sessions a different times and often on different days than they meet during the rest of the term.

Tuesday, March 24: Final exam sessions are scheduled for two of my classes.

The final exam session for my Monday-Thursday 10:30-11:20 Music 1A: Introduction to Music class is on TUESDAY, MARCH 24 at 9:15-11:15 a.m. The exam session will be used for test #3.
The final exam session for my Monday-Wednesday 12:30-2:10 Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music class is on TUESDAY, MARCH 24 AT 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. This exam session will be used to play back final projects.

Wednesday, March 25: I have no final exam sessions scheduled.

Thursday, March 26: Final exam sessions are scheduled for two of my classes.

The final exam session for my Friday-only 10:30-1:50 Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music class is on THURSDAY, MARCH 26 AT 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 p.m. This exam session will be used to play back final projects.
The final exam session for my Tuesday-Thursday 12:30-2:10 Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music class is on THURSDAY, MARCH 26 AT 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. This exam session will be used to play back final projects.

Friday, March 27: I have one final exam session.

The final exam session for my Monday-Thursday 9:30-10:20 Music 1A: Introduction to Music class is on FRIDAY, MARCH 27 at 9:15-11:15 a.m. The exam session will be used for test #3.

Contact me immediately if you are unsure of the the final exam week schedule for your class. Also contact me immediately if a serious, unexpected, and unavoidable emergency situation interferes with your attendance at the last minute.

(Photo: Blue Dicks Flowers. Almaden Quicksilver Hills, California. March 28, 2009. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell - all rights reserved.)

IMPORTANT: Factors to consider as you enroll for the next term

Dan Mitchell — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:43:04 GMT

As you should know, all segments of education in the State of California are facing a very serious budget problem - many would call it a "crisis." Not only is the state facing a very significant deficit, but the state legislature and governor have been unable to come up with a plan to deal with this - finally settling on a "solution" that brings record-breaking reductions in education funding. As a result, many state programs are facing serious budget cutbacks - and these effects will likely be felt very soon...

... by you.

The community college system has not escaped these effects, and you may have to deal with them when you register for the upcoming term. If history is a guide, some of the issues you may have to deal with include:

cancellation of classes you need to complete your program.
significant reduction in the number of sections offered for many courses.
early cancellation of courses that do not fill before the start of the term.
you may find that cancelled classes leave you with too few units to qualify for full time status.
when classes are cancelled you may find that very few or no other classes are open to you to take up the slack.

If there was ever a time to commit to registering for classes early this is it. If you wait to enroll in classes you may well find that they are not available.

Register early!
If you cannot get into your first choice class, register as soon as possible into another class that could work as an alternative.
It may be better to "over enroll" to ensure that that you'll still have a full load should classes be cancelled.

Registration starts now. Enroll in your classes early. Don't wait until later to sign up for classes you may want - they will likely be gone if you wait.

Office Hour Change on Monday, January 26

Dan Mitchell — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:09:03 GMT

Due to a schedule conflict I must change my office hour on Monday, January 29 - this coming Monday. I will be in my office at 8:30-9:20 for my office hour that day (instead of at the normal time of 11:30-12:20).

Watch the Presidential Inauguration on Campus!

Dan Mitchell — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:33:14 GMT

Winter Quarter Enrollment Update for 12/15

Dan Mitchell — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:50:11 GMT

The updated information about availability of my winter classes now appears at the top of the page.

IMPORTANT: Planning Your Winter Class Schedule in Light of Budget Uncertainties

Dan Mitchell — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:12:57 GMT

As you should know, the State of California is facing a very serious budget problem - many would call it a "crisis." Not only is the state facing a very significant deficit, but the state legislature and governor have been unable to come up with a plan to deal with this. As a result, many state programs are facing the likelihood of serious budget cutbacks - and these effects will likely be felt very soon...

... by you.

The community college system is unlikely to escape these effects, and you may have to deal with them as soon as the upcoming winter term. If history is a guide, some of the issues you may have to deal with include:

cancellation of classes you need to complete your program.
significant reduction in the number of sections offered for many courses.
early cancellation of courses that do not fill before the start of the term.
you may find that cancelled classes leave you with too few units to qualify for full time status.
when classes are cancelled you may find that very few or no other classes are open to you to take up the slack.

If there was ever a time to commit to registering for classes early this is it. If you wait to enroll in classes you may well find that they are not available.

Register early!
If you cannot get into your first choice class, register as soon as possible into another class that could work as an alternative.
It may be better to "over enroll" to ensure that that you'll still have a full load should classes be cancelled.

Registration starts now. Enroll in your classes early. Don't wait until later to sign up for classes you may want - they will likely be gone if you wait.

Office Hour Change on Monday, November 24

Dan Mitchell — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:18:24 GMT

Due to another on-campus responsibility next week I must change my office hour on Monday, November 24 to 8:30-9:20 a.m. Please let me know if you need to meet with me at a different time and I'll try to arrange an alternate meeting time with you.

De Anza Traffic Delays and Congestion Next Week

Dan Mitchell — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:13:01 GMT

Today the College shared the following announcement that may affect students and others driving to campus and parking here next week.

Due to major events at the Flint Center during the next two weeks, expect traffic delays and congestion and limited parking around the Flint Parking Structure on the following dates and times:
MONDAY, SEPT. 29, 6:30-10 p.m.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 30, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8, 6:30-10 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 9, 7 a.m.-4 p.m

Monday, November 19 - Changed Office Hour

Dan Mitchell — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 23:33:56 GMT

Due to a schedule conflict I will not be available during my 11:30 office hour on Monday, November 19. It is likely that I'll be available in my office during the 8:30 hour. Contact me if you would like to meet at a different time that day.

UPDATE: I won't be there at 8:30 either... but I'll be available later in the day. Contact me if you would like to meet then, or we could just meet on Tuesday/Wednesday.

Campus Traffic Problems Next Tuesday - Arrive EARLY!

Dan Mitchell — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:02:25 GMT

Better plan to arrive at school early next Tuesday!

... next Tuesday, November 13 there will be an event for school children at the Flint Center. Possibly 20 buses will be on campus to drop off and pick up children. To accommodate this the Flint and Mary entrances to campus will be closed from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
We apologize for the inconvenience and ask your cooperation in notifying your faculty and staff about the closure. We would also appreciate it if faculty would notify students of the event and suggest they use the Stevens Creek, Stelling or McClellan entrances to campus during the time of the event.
Again thank you for your cooperation.
Donna Jones-Dulin Director, College Services

De Anza College Transfer Center Announcements

Dan Mitchell — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:05:41 GMT

From the De Anza College Transfer Center:

SJSU Transfer Admission Agreements (TAAs) - SJSU TAAs for students planning to transfer to SJSU in fall 2008 will be written on October 9 (9:00 - 5:00) and October 11 (9:00 - 4:00). Transfer Admission Agreements guarantee admission for fall 2008, waive the $55 application fee, and grant early registration for the first semester at SJSU for eligible students. Drop in at the Counseling Center at the days/times listed above.
Transfer Day - Over 40 college/university representatives will be in the Quad at De Anza for Transfer Day on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 between 9:00 and 1:00.

Changed Office Hour: Tuesday, October 2

Dan Mitchell — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:02:02 GMT

I cannot be at my 8:30 a.m. office hour on Tuesday, October 2 - so I have rescheduled my office hour for that day to 11:30 a.m.

Fall 2007 Enrollment Update

Dan Mitchell — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:04:42 GMT

The good news/bad news is that all four of my classes now appear to be full. It is good to have full classes, but it may be bad for some of you who were not able to enroll before the start of the term.

Some ideas for those of you who are still interested in taking my classes:

Some additional seats almost always become available as pre-enrolled students change their schedules and don't come to the first class meeting. If you are there and spaces become available, there is a good chance that you may still be able to enroll in one of these classes. Come to the first class meeting.
If all the available spaces are full, I will start a waiting list for openings that may occur after the first class meeting. When seats become available I go down the waiting list and add students who are present that day. Come to the first class meeting.
There are other open sections of classes that fulfill the same requirements as Music 1: Introduction to Music. For example, as of Sunday morning there are still 7 seats remaining in the Thursday 6:00-9:40pm section of Music 1. Enroll right away!
Other courses in the Creative Arts and other divisions may fulfill the same requirements - check your catalog.
There is always next quarter...

Please do contact me if you have any questions about these issues - best is email to mitchelldan@deanza.edu.

11:30 Office Hour and Open Lab Cancelled on Wednesday, May 23

Dan Mitchell — Tue, 22 May 2007 21:20:12 GMT

I need to attend a meeting elsewhere on campus at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23. Because if this I will NOT be able to meet my usual office hour and open lab at that time in A91.

Unfortunately, this means that the 11:40-12:20 open lab will be unavailable to electronic music students. You may be able to use an open workstation during my 12:30-2:10 class, and all open lab times will again be available on Thursday.

Monday, May 21, 2007 - No Office Hour and No 11:40 Open Lab

Dan Mitchell — Wed, 16 May 2007 21:53:38 GMT

Due to a one-time meeting that morning, I must cancel the A91 Open Lab and my 11:40-12:30 office hour. Other open lab times are unchanged.

My Absence on Monday, April 23

Dan Mitchell — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:31:09 GMT

I came down with the flu yesterday and I am going to stay home today and try to get better. I will not be at school to meet my classes today, including the following:

8:30 Introduction to Music (Music 1)
10:30 Introduction to Music (Music 1)
11:30 open lab/office hour
12:30-2:10 Introduction to Electronic Music (Music 51)

Today's Music 1 quiz has been rescheduled for Tuesday. The discussion topic assignments and all other work are due on the original dates.

I hope to be back tomorrow so that we can resume a normal schedule for the rest of the week.

- Dan Mitchell

Office Hour Changes Today (2/15/07)

Dan Mitchell — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 18:31:00 GMT

I have been asked to take care of configuring some hardware and software for a campus lab today on very short notice. For this reason I will not be available during my 11:30 office hour today. Please contact my by email (best) or phone to arrange an alternate meeting or to discuss any issues that you would have discussed with me during my office hour today.

Office Hour Location - Winter 2007

Dan Mitchell — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:12:23 GMT

During the Winter 2007 term I may be in room A91 instead of in my AT105 office during my office hours. Please look for me in A91 if you do not find me in my office.

Office Hour Location Change for January 11, 2006

Dan Mitchell — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:51:46 GMT

Rather than being in my office, I plan to be in room A91 during my office hour today.

Office Hour Location Change for Jan 9, 2006

Dan Mitchell — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 17:56:14 GMT

I will be in room A-91 rather than my office during my 11:30-12:20 office hour today.

Welcome to the 2007 Winter Quarter!

Dan Mitchell — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:51:52 GMT

Welcome (if you are new to De Anza) or welcome back (if you are returning) to the first week the winter 2007 term!

Information about my classes is at the class web sites:

Introduction to Music (Music 1)
Electronic Music (Music 51 and Music 8)

As I write this message early in the morning on Monday, January 8 there are still some seats available in three of my classes:

Music 1: Introduction to Music on MW at 8:30-10:10 in A11
Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music on Friday at 10:30-1:50 in A91
Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music on TTh at 12:30-2:10 in A91

Contact me right away (mitchelldan@deanza.edu or 408-964-8511) if you are interested in any of these classes as they may fill at the first class meeting. Better yet, come to the first meeting of the class and add in person.

Winter 2007 Electronic Music Classes

Dan Mitchell — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 05:29:34 GMT

(Update 1/2/07: The MW Intro to Electronic Music class will likely fill soon - if it hasn't already done so. There are still openings in the Friday class, and you may qualify to go straight into the Intermediate class if you have some previous experience. Email Dan Mitchell for more information.)

You can learn to make music using the latest music software (including Garage Band, Logic Pro, Reason, and Protools LE) in one of our Electronic Music classes. The classes are open to all De Anza students (including first time students!) and appeal to those with backgrounds in music, film/tv, multimedia, and other fields. Winter 2007 course sections include:

Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music

This course offers an introduction to electronic music hardware and software. Working at an individual workstation, you will use Garage Band and Logic Pro software to create music and audio projects. This course is open to all students and there are no music prerequisites. Two sections are available:

Monday/Wednesday at 12:30-1:50 in room A91

Friday-only at 10:30-1:50 in room A91

Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music

This course develops more advanced skills with electronic music hardware and software. Working at an individual workstation, you will use Logic Pro, Reason, and Protools LE software to create music and audio projects. This course is intended for all students who have completed the Introduction to Electronic Music class and to those with equivalent experience. One section is available:

Tuesday/Thursday at 12:30-1:50 in room A91

Registration is taking place right now, and classes start on Monday, January 8, 2007. Please email Dan Mitchell if you have questions or need more information. Visit the De Anza College web site to register.

Have a Great Winter Break!

Dan Mitchell — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 00:19:53 GMT

Electronic Music Students Working on Fall 2006 Final Projects

Dan Mitchell — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 18:42:46 GMT

Music Department Concerts - Fall 2006

Dan Mitchell — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 15:34:09 GMT

Every quarter De Anza College Music Department students put on a variety of concerts: instrumental ensembles, vocal solosts, choirs, wind ensemble, orchestra, guitarists, pianists, vocal and instrumental jazz. Here is a list of events scheduled for the next few weeks.

Thursday, November 30 at 12:30 p.m. - Student voice recital. Room A11. Free admission.
Friday, December 1 at 8:00 p.m. - Vocal Flight and the Studio Singers perform arrangements of jazz standards and originals. Guest soloist from the Jazz voice class. Also, the Walter Bankovitch trio. A-11, Choral Hall. $7 Students and Seniors, $10 general admission. (408) 864-8879.
Sunday, December 3 at 4:00 p.m. - De Anza Wind Ensemble and De Anza Chamber Orchestra. Room A-11, Choral Hall. $7, $5 students.
Tuesday, December 5 at 12:30 p.m. - Student instrumental recital. Room A31. Free admission.
Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. - Drumming concert. Room A11. De Anza students will also perform. Free admission.
Thursday, December 7 at 12:00 noon - Student piano recital. Room A11. Free admission.
Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m. - Guitar Student Concert. Room A11. Free admission.
Sunday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. - Holiday Choral Concert. The De Anza College Vintage Singers, Chorale, and the Women's Chorus present the Annual Holiday Choral Concert at Union Church of Cupertino. Music of Handel, Britten. Union Church Cupertino. (408) 864-8879
Monday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. - Jazz combos concert. Room A31. $3, $2.
Wednesday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. - Daddios Jazz Bands Concert. A-11, Choral Hall.

Election Day - November 7, 2006

Dan Mitchell — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 14:47:24 GMT

What I REALLY Wrote to La Voz

Dan Mitchell — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:21:55 GMT

I submitted an online comment after reading an October 16, 2006 article on plus/minus grades at the La Voz web site. I was astonished to see my comment appear in the October 30 La Voz as a half-page "Guest Opinion" incorporating changes to what I wrote and with no request to use my comment in this way. Below is the text of my original "comment" at the La Voz site. Please note that I would have likely edited portions of this if La Voz had asked me to write a "Guest Opinion." Material left out of the La Voz version is highlighted. (I have reformatted slightly for clarity... and corrected one spelling error.)

I was the Academic Senate President when the Board of Trustees voted to approve the modification to the grading system that introduced the use of + and - symbols at De Anza and Foothill. Although I'm no longer a Senate officer (and can therefore only speak for myself as an individual faculty member) I am probably more familiar with the issue than most people on campus. (In fact, since I was mentioned in the La Voz article, it might have been appropriate to contact me directly, no?) Let me offer some comments on portions of the article. (Recognizing that bits are cheaper than ink, I will not attempt to keep the length of the reply to the "letters to the editor" standard. :-)
From the article (slightly reformatted):
There has been confusion among students and staff as to whether this change is mandatory for instructors, or if they have a choice whether or not to use it. Rebecca Board Liljenstolpe, an English instructor on campus, told La Voz, "There is no choice on whether or not we can use it. Starting this fall quarter, all instructors have to." Cynthia Kaufman, who teaches Philosophy and Women's Studies at De Anza, said, "My understanding was that it is mandatory. I was told it was optional last year but they were phasing it in this year." Vice President of Instruction Judy Miner verified that while the plus/minus standard is the new system for De Anza, instructors could choose not to use it.

This is probably a matter of semantics. All faculty must "use" the current grading system that includes plus and minus symbols, just as they did with the previous system that used only base letter grades. However, there has been no requirement that every individual faculty member always use every possible grade symbol when assigning grades. For example, a faculty member is not required to assign, say, a D grade in a class if, in the faculty member's professional judgment, no D grades are warranted. The same now holds true for assigning grades that include + and - symbols. There is no rule that any individual faculty member must assign, for example, some B+ grades in a class any more than there was a rule requiring a faculty member to assign, say, a D in the past. This is not in conflict with the wording that the Senate has used in this regard:
"Individual faculty members assign grades that they believe best reflect the performance of their students. It is the position of the Academic Senates at both Foothill and De Anza Colleges that a plus/minus grading system allows an instructor to make finer and possibly more accurate distinctions in evaluating students’ performance and have argued this case successfully before the Board of Trustees. Senate language regarding this issue described a situation in which all faculty “acknowledge” the “+” and “-“ symbols. The Senates encourage faculty to use a plus/minus grading system in their courses. However, individual faculty members have the right and responsibility to assign grades that they believe best reflect the performance of their students."

It remains the case that faculty must base their grading on policies described in the catalog and in their course syllabi and green sheets.
From the article:
"The main concern for De Anza students is the difference that will occur in their GPAs. If a student were to receive all B minuses on a transcript, the GPA would be 2.7 instead of 3.0."

And, of course, a student earning all B+ grades would earn a 3.3 GPA. :-)
Studies at other colleges and universities that have adopted a plus/minus system have not shown any significant overall change in student GPA following adoption - which is not to say that some individual students' GPA may be higher or lower. (Even here, the research indicates that few individual students will see a significant change.) Overall, we anticipate that the average GPA will not be significantly affected by the adoption of the plus/minus symbols. The plus/minus system was not adopted with the intent of lowering GPA.
By the way, at least one report (from UCLA) suggested that adoption of a plus/minus grade system might actually raise GPA in the long term.
From the article:
"John Kouzmenko, a student who has been at De Anza College for seven quarters said, "Most of my teachers are not in favor of it. I'd rather we stick with A, B, C grades..."

In fact, the Academic Senates of De Anza and Foothill conducted an all-faculty vote on this question a few years ago, and the majority vote was in favor of adopting the plus/minus symbols.
From the article:
Ben Kanter, a speech professor, said, "My students did not have a huge reaction when I told them that I was going to use this system. Most of them will not get minus grades anyway because if they fall short, I'm allowing them to do 'penalty assignments' to raise it to a base grade."

This is an important point. Many faculty members provide extra credit opportunities that will allow students to earn that additional .3 or .4 grade points now that smaller grade increments are provide by the plus/minus system. As an example, in one large course that I teach I make available extra credit that be used to raise a grade by about 1/3 of a letter grade. Under the old system only about 1/3 of my students would be in a position where a third of a grade would be enough to move them to the next higher letter grade; under the new system every student who does the extra credit can raise his or her grade since the plus minus symbols recognize a 1/3 grade difference.
From the article:
De Anza philosophy and humanities instructor Cynthia Kaufman said, "I wasn't too crazy about [plus/minus grading] and I wasn't in favor of it because the students weren't," Kaufman said. "And I really believe in shared governance. The actual system doesn't bother me as much as the process of it did. Students' voices weren't heard. I really don't think it's necessary."

I deeply respect my distinguished faculty colleague Cynthia Kaufman. I value her views on this and other issues and share her commitment to shared governance. However, we disagree in this case. Like most faculty members, I do care what students think, and I especially cared about their points of view when I was a Senate officer. Since I teach several large general education courses every quarter, on occasion I encouraged debate and discussion of this issue in my classes so that I could find out what students were thinking. Over time I was able to do this with perhaps a couple hundred students. (For the record, I kept my point of view secret during these discussions.) What I found was that about 90% of the students did not feel strongly one way or the other about plus/minus grades. The remaining students were split about equally between those for and against the change. So, while the issue did lead to a lot of concern and discussion at DASB, I could not find any evidence that the same concerns were present among students at large.
Students' voices were heard on this issue. I spoke several times at student government meetings at both De Anza and Foothill and I believe we had an open discussion of the issue. In addition, student government officers and other students spoke at numerous Board meetings over the past three years. In fact, in response to student concerns about adoption of the new system, as President of the De Anza Academic Senate I proposed that the Board approve a delay in adoption and include a two-year "interim adoption" period to study the possible effects of plus/minus grading.
In the end, I think it is virtually certain that the use of plus/minus grades will turn out to be no big deal at all - in the same way that it is no big deal at CSU and UC campuses now. Students will simply regard it as the normal grading system, and faculty adoption will be comparable to what you would see at CSU and UC.
- Dan Mitchell, Music Department

In response to the surprise publication of my web comment as a "guest perspective" article, I wrote the following to the La Voz editor on October 31:

You published a "guest opinion" article about plus/minus grades under my name in the October 30 issue of La Voz.
Thank you. Sort of.
While I appreciate the publication of another faculty perspective on this issue, there are a few significant things I must bring to your attention.
When I saw an online piece on plus/minus grading in an earlier La Voz issue I used the "Post a Comment" feature at the La Voz web site to write some feedback. A few days later someone at La Voz sent an email asking if the comment was really mine and if it was OK to post it. However, I was astonished to find an edited version of my "comment" published as a half page "Guest Perspective" in the Opinions section of the October 30 La Voz. If La Voz had asked, I might have given permission to publish my informal comment as a Guest Opinion, but I would likely have wanted to rewrite it with this different audience in mind, and I would have wanted to discuss any La Voz plans to edit article content first.
At least one piece of information removed from my comment by your staff was very significant. As a FORMER Academic Senate officer, I made a point of stating that I did not speak for the Senate, but instead was writing as an individual member of the faculty. In addition, other editorial modifications of my writing substantially changed (or negated) the meaning of my original comment.
In the end, I think that the benefits of sharing factual information about plus/minus grading outweigh the shortcomings in La Voz procedures - but I ask that in the future you exercise a greater level of editorial care and responsibility.

Bob says: "Go hang a salami. I'm a lasagna hog."

Dan Mitchell — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 15:55:15 GMT

This is worth a look...

... perhaps just before (or maybe after?) looking at this.

Office Hour Location Changed Today (10/16/06)

Dan Mitchell — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 17:21:48 GMT

I will be in room A-91 during my office hour today.

Weekend Email? Replies Coming Soon!

Dan Mitchell — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 14:10:15 GMT

If you emailed me since Friday I have probably not replied to you yet - I was away over the weekend and returned very late on Sunday night. I'll plow through my messages and reply later today.

Corrected Office Hours

Dan Mitchell — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:50:10 GMT

Oops! I made a mistake when I put my office hours on this web site. I caught the mistake this morning and the office hours are now listed correctly:

I may meet some or all of my office hours in room A91 rather than in my office. I'll make an announcement in class.

***Monday
11:30-12:20

***Tuesday
11:30-12:20

***Wednesday
11:30-12:20

***Thursday
11:30-12:20

***Friday
9:30-10:20

Fall Quarter 2006 - News and Notes

Dan Mitchell — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:44:19 GMT

Welcome to the De Anza College Fall 2006 term!

I teach Intro to Music and Electronic Music courses - take the links to those courses to find out more. (We are very excited to open our brand new music technology classroom at De Anza College this quarter. You can read more about this at the Electronic Music web site.)

***Course availability

As of today (Sunday 9/24) it looks like all four of my classes are full - but you have some options if the class you want is full:

Come to the first meeting and see if I can add you. I will continue to add students as space becomes available, starting with those on the waiting list (if they are present) and then others who are in class on the day when there is an opening.
Try a different section of the course - perhaps one offered by a different instructor.
Look for a different course that fulfills the same requirements. For example, there are still seats available in Music 7A: Intro to Jazz Styles which fulfills the same degree and transfer requirements as Music 1. Music 7A meets on MTWTh at 11:30-12:20 in A31 and is taught by Mr. Robert Farrington (farringtonrobert@deanza.edu).
Try again next quarter.

I will offer any available seats to students who attend the first class meetings.

- Dan Mitchell