Course Syllabus

EGMN 420-001-32729
CAE Design
Fall 2017
Classroom W0101
08000915, Tuesday & Thursday
Instructor: Robert M. Sexton
Office Room E2249
vox: 804.827.7044
email: RMSexton@VCU.edu

Department of Mechanical and Nucelar Engineering

School of Engineering
Virginia Commonwealth University
401 West Main Street
Room E3221
Post Office Box 843015
Richmond, Virginia 232843015
vox: 804.828.9177

Issued: 2017.08.22

1
Contents
1 Syllabus Overview 2

2 Course Information 2
2.1 Catalogue Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Textbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.4 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 Objectives 5

4 Course Content 7

5 Evaluation Standards 8

6 Important VCU Information 9

7 Learning and Classroom Environment 9

8 Course Document Revisions 10

1 Syllabus Overview
This document presents specific information for this course, EGMN 420, CAE
Design, i.e., ComputerAided Engineering Design.
Also, the additional supplementary document Addendum General Guidelines
should be considered to be a part of this syllabus and consulted for general infor-
mation. You are strongly urged to carefully read the Addendum General Guide-
lines document.

2 Course Information
Essential information about the course is presented in this section.

2.1 Catalogue Description

The official catalogue description for this course is quoted as follows:

EGMN 420 CAE Design

Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.

Review of geometric modeling, engineering visualization tools ap-

plicable to engineering design. Develop visual thinking and com-
munication skills with assistance of computer modeling tools. Em-
phasis placed on creative design, application of physical laws, and
hands-on virtual or physical projects. Topics include review of kine-
matics/dynamics of commonly used planar mechanisms and program-
ming techniques for motion simulation. Interdisciplinary projects will
be assigned to assess students design knowledge.

2.2 Prerequisites
The prerequisities for this course are as following:

1. EGMN 201 Dynamics and Kinematics

2
 2. EGMN 215 Engineering Visualisation and Computation

3. Minimum grade of C in both of these courses or permission of the instructor.

2.3 Textbook
The textbooks for this course are as follows:

1. The required textbook for this course is Robert L. Norton, Design of Ma-
chinery with Student Resource DVD, Fifth Edition, 2012, McGrawHill,
ISBN 978-0-07-742171-7 this ISBN is for the textbook package con-
taining the DVD. You must have the DVD for this course since it contains
computer software, videos, and other reference material.
Please consult the Course Documents section of Blackboard to see if a List
of Errata is available for this textbook.
This textbook comes with a Student Resources DVD containing computer
software, reference materials, and videos that will be assigned. Note that
some of the DVD computer software has been installed on the School of
Engineering computers for student access. We will heavily use the textbook
and DVD in this course.
N.B.: The Norton computer software on the DVD requires Windows. OSX
and Linux versions are not available.
Please refer to the following websites for more information about this text-
book and Prof. Nortons work.

www.mhhe.com/nortondesign5
www.DesignOfMachinery.com

2. An optional reference textbook for this course is William J. Palm III, In-
troduction to MATLAB for Engineers, Third Edition, 2011, McGraw-Hill,
ISBN 978-0-07-353487-9. N.B.: Assignments will not be made from this
textbook. This textbook is only for your convenience and reference.

3
Please note the following information about textbooks in this course:

1. We will follow portions of the textbook(s) during this course. It is impos-

sible for the Instructor to cover every item of importance in the Lecture
you are strongly encouraged to read and study textbook assignments to
obtain maximum benefit from this course.

2. Earlier editions of the textbooks are not recommended.

3. A word of caution: International Editions of textbooks, although much less

expensive, may not be identical to the textbooks we are are using.
International editions of the textbooks are not recommended.

4. Electronic editions of these textbooks are not recommended at the present

time due to the lack of security during openbook examinations (if any).
Electronic textbook versions are wonderful but there is not any way to pre-
vent mischief in an opentextbook examination with everyone in the class-
room using computers to access the PDF.
Therefore, electronic textbook versions will not be allowed in opentextbook
graded classwork.
In addition, you will find it is very difficult to use an electronic version of a
textbook during the design process where information is sprinkled through-
out the textbook.

Other reference materials for this course are as follows:

1. If you do not have your sophomore Dynamics textbook available, may I

suggest that you acquire an older edition of Engineering Mechanics: Dy-
namics by J. L. Meriam and L. G. Kraige. A used 20012015 edition may
be obtained for a few dollars from
http://www.amazon.com.
For example, used 2006 sixth editions are listed for $5.00$10.00 plus ship-
ping.
N.B.: This textbook is not required but merely a suggestion for reference
purposes.

4
 2. Access to Maple, MATLAB, Simulink, and LATEX computer software may be
required.
Registered VCU students may download free the required computer soft-
ware (i.e., Maple, MATLAB, Simulink, and LATEX) from
https://ts.vcu.edu/software-center/.
If you need help using Maple, MATLAB, Simulink, and LATEX, you may find
some tutorials with the software and on the Internet.

2.4 Schedule
The course schedule will be posted on Blackboard and will be revised as necessary
during the course.

3 Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have achieved the
following course objectives:

1. Demonstrate engineering thinking skills, specific problem solving abilities,

and communication skills through projects, assigned problems, calculations,
analysis, and examinations.

2. Analyse, formulate, solve, and interpret realistic engineering problems, de-

velop detailed calculations, and employ appropriate computer simulations
in the design process.

3. Understand and execute the Design Process using computer tools for as-
signed Design Projects.
Develop the ability to perform detailed calculations during the design pro-
cess and refinement.
Develop computational tools using computer programming techniques to
automate the calculations for the analysis of mechanisms and machines.
Computer software such as MATLAB and Maple may be used to perform
calculations.

5
 Use purpose-built, specialised, computer software for analysis and design
calculations of mechanisms and machines.
Develop an appreciation of the usefulness, limitations, and dangers of com-
puter software for analysis and design purposes.

4. Understand the principles and concepts necessary to analyse, select, and

design mechanical components and systems.

5. Develop communication skills for the presentation and explanation of the

design process and results for projects, homework, and examinations.
Complete design projects and develop written report techniques to fully
document and communicate the final design of a mechanical system in a
clear written, visual, and mathematical fashion.
Final Design Project Reports will be written and generated using LATEX.

6. Apply theoretical knowledge and computational skills to assist in the itera-

tive process of design and analysis of different mechanisms and machines.
Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of the Dynamics and Kinematics
of mechanisms and machines.

7. Apply CAD software to prepare design drawings and specifications for de-
sign projects.

8. Develop Design and Performance Specifications, Input Data requirements,

and identify Standard Code requirements1 for various designs of mecha-
nisms and machines.

9. Gain experience on individual design projects.

10. Obtain experience reviewing and critiquing designs, analyses, and reports
of others.

Of course, we also wish to have some fun2 during the design process.
N.B.: We will strive to meet these objectives and not just be buzzword compliant.3
1 Typical codes are developed by ASME, ASCE, DNV, AISC, etc.
2 Yes, as much fun as a creative design engineer can have in a geek sort of way!
3 N.B.: There is a considerable difference between obtaining an education in university and

being trained for a specific occupation. In education, you should be seeking skills technical,

6
4 Course Content
The course content, typical topics, and possible applications may be briefly sum-
marised as follows: Brief list of topics covered in Lecture:

1. Discussion of the iterative nature and non-uniqueness of the Design Process.

2. Discussion of Codes, Standards, Specifications, Regulations, Constraints,

Features, Liability, Honesty, Ethics, and Professional Responsibility.

3. Discuss Design Report Format and importance of communication.

4. Discuss assigned Design Projects.

5. Execution of a simple design: Design a simple bridge, determine appropri-

ate design specifications and features, develop computer software code to
perform the design calculations, identify appropriate allowable design val-
ues, determine the region of possible solutions, and present design results
in a written design report.

6. Discussion of different mechanisms and characteristics.

7. Using analytical methods, develop the kinematic equations describing the

Position, Velocity, and Acceleration of Four-Bar and Slider-Crank mecha-
nisms. Develop computer software code to perform these calculations.

8. Using specialized software, compare calculation results with the student

developed computer software code.

9. Review Fundamentals of Dynamics. Study Dynamic Force Analysis and

Balancing of mechanisms. Use specialized software to perform calcula-
tions.
thinking, problem solving, and communication skills to allow you to engage in lifelong learn-
ing. It is not possible for you to graduate and be totally prepared for the future. The future changes
and is always unknown. Unless you have a good educational foundation and the ability for lifelong
learning, you may be at a great disadvantage and not be able to take advantage of available oppor-
tunities. If you seek merely training for a specific occupation, then the halflife of your training
will be obsolete very quickly. You must have the ability to continue learning always it is an
essential skill for survival.

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 10. Presentation of other topics of interest: Gears, Cams, Engine Dynamics, and
Multicylinder Engines. Use specialized software to perform calculations.

Of course, not all of the above topics and applications may be covered in one
semester.
Realistic application projects will be assigned to develop and to demonstrate think-
ing, analysis, computational, and design skills.
The course schedule will be posted and updated on Blackboard Assignments.

5 Evaluation Standards
The following table presents general guidelines on student evaluation and grade
determination in this course:

Item Approx. Comments

Weight
Class Participation & Pop 0% Class attendance is required. Please make the best use of your class
Quizzes time. You must have satisfactory classroom participation and at-
tendance to pass the course. Excessive unexcused absences may
disqualify the student for any special grading consideration.
Homework and Written As- 10% Trust me, you can not do well in this course unless you do the
signments homework. Work as many problems as you can assigned and
unassigned problems as well as the example problems in the text-
book. Some assignments will be submitted in a more formal doc-
ument form using LATEX. You must pass the homework portion of
the course to pass the course. A grade of C is the minimum passing
grade for this portion.
Projects 50% Assigned projects are more comprehensive assignments that will
cover several areas and require a formal written report (usually com-
posed in LATEX).
Examinations 25% Study, of course. All examinations will generally be based on
problems similar to or a combination of the textbook problems
whether assigned or not.
Final Examination 15% The Final Examination will be open textbook. You must pass the
cumulative final exam to pass the course.

N.B.: All submitted work must have a written, signed, and dated Honour
Code statement. Otherwise, the work will automatically lose two letter grades
immediately, i.e., 20 points.

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Please refer to the Addendum General Guidelines for other important infor-
mation and information about the strictly enforced Honour Code in this
course.

6 Important VCU Information

Important information for every VCU student is officially posted at
http://go.vcu.edu/syllabus.
This same information is also referenced in the additional supplementary docu-
ment Addendum General Guidelines.

7 Learning and Classroom Environment

The educational process is an experiment.
Every student, every course, and every class are different and offer a unique envi-
ronment for teaching and learning.
Because of these variations, as the Instructor, I continually seek to improve my
teaching and your learning process. Techniques that were effective last semester
may be less than optimum this semester. Change is constant.
As a result, if you wish to share ways with me to improve the course, please feel
free to do so. I am eager to hear your ideas, problems, and suggestions.
Please come to me first to resolve any issues and to offer suggestions.
If you need help in the course, please seek help early from the Instructor
and/or Teaching Assistants.
When you send an email message to the Instructor seeking help or clarifications
on assignments, please also copy the T.A.s on your message. This will probably
reduce your response time to answer your question.
If your message is of a more personal nature, then just send to the Instructor.

9
8 Course Document Revisions
Please note that all course documents may be revised during the conduct of the
course as necessary to accurately reflect the status of the course. Revisions will
be announced and posted on Blackboard.4

4 Asyou will learn in your engineering projects, revisions to project objectives, goals, docu-
ments, specifications, drawings, and calculations are an integral part of project execution. Revi-
sions are usually necessary because of changing circumstances, incorrect information, legal re-
quirements, financial constraints, and political decisions. Also, it is important to have a paper trail
of project decisions for the purposes of Quality Assurance and legal liability.

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 Course Syllabus
Addendum: General Guidelines
Fall 2017
Instructor: Robert M. Sexton
Office Room E2249
vox: 804.827.7044
email: RMSexton@VCU.edu

Department of Mechanical Engineering

School of Engineering
Virginia Commonwealth University
401 West Main Street
Room E3221
Post Office Box 843015
Richmond, Virginia 232843015
vox: 804.828.9177

Issued: 2017.08.22

1
Contents
1 General Guidelines 3

2 Contact Information 3
2.1 Instructor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Teaching Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3 Evaluation Standards 4

4 Course Computations 7

5 Writing with LATEX 12

6 Student Work 12
6.1 Discipline, Study Habits, and Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.2 Submissions of Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.3 Homework and Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.4 Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.5 Defense of Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6.6 Classroom Etiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6.7 Education Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.8 Class Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.9 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.10 What To Bring To Class? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.11 Classnotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.12 Class Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.13 Electronic Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.14 Food and drinks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

7 Learning and Classroom Environment 23

8 University Policies 23
8.1 Information from Provost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
8.2 Campus and Classroom Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
8.3 Special Student Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

9 Honour Code 25

10 Honour Code Pledge 25

11 Honesty and Ethics in Engineering 28

11.1 Engineers Must Be Honest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
11.2 Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

12 Frequently Asked Questions 31

13 Course Document Revisions 34

A Information from Provost 35

B VCU Honour Code 40

2
1 General Guidelines
The addendum document supplements your specific course syllabus.
This addendum contains general information that apply in my classes and is con-
sistent with my method of instruction and philosophy of learning.
For best results and success, carefully read and apply this document.

2 Contact Information
Information for the Instructor and Teaching Assistant are shown below.

2.1 Instructor
Please see the Blackboard System at http://blackboard.vcu.edu for the most
current information on the Instructor.

Instructor Robert M. Sexton, Associate Professor

Office Room E2249, School of Engineering Building
East
Office Hours Please see the Blackboard System at http:
//blackboard.vcu.edu for the most current
information.
Vox 804.827.7044
Email RMSexton@VCU.edu

You are welcome to contact me by email for help but not for me to do your
homework or to arrange an office appointment at a time more convenient to
you outside of my normal office hours.
In your email, please put a subject line that includes the phase EGMN 515 or
EGMN 603 or ENGR 691 or VCU Vibrations or Dynamics or something similar
put the actual course identification here so that your email does not fall into
the spam trap. It is very important that I know what course you are writing
about in your message since I may be teaching other courses with hundreds of
students.
If you send any attachments in your email, please .zip the file(s) first and
rename it in order to pass through the VCU email system. Please note that my

3
personal preferred format for attachments is a plain .txt (text) file or Adobe Acro-
bat PDF file. It is not helpful if you send any Microsoft documents (.docx, .doc,
.xlsx, .xls) to me due to the very real possibility of Microsoftsupported computer
viruses. If you have any questions or comments on this request, please discuss
them with me.
N.B.: In your engineering work, you should not assume that everyone uses Mi-
crosoft Windows, especially those working outside your organisation. Therefore,
when you transmit computer files to others, it may be more convenient for them
if you send the files in a nonproprietary and open document format, whenever
possible.
When you send me an email requesting technical help or clarifications on the
course material or assignments, please also cc all the course Teaching Assis-
tants. You may get a much quicker response from the T.A. than from me.

2.2 Teaching Assistant

Please see the Blackboard System at http://blackboard.vcu.edu for the most
current information on the Teaching Assistant.

3 Evaluation Standards
Please see Blackboard for general guidelines on student evaluation and grade de-
termination in this course.
The following table presents general guidelines on student evaluation and grade
determination your specific course syllabus contains the grading percentages
denoted as XX% below:

4
 Item Approx. Comments
Weight
Class Participation & Pop XX% Please make the best use of your class time. You must
Quizzes have satisfactory classroom participation and atten-
dance to pass the course.
Homework, Written Assign- XX% Trust me, you can not do well in this class unless you
ments, & Projects do the homework. Work as many problems as you
can assigned and unassigned problems. You must
pass the homework portion of the course to pass the
course. A grade of C is the minimum passing grade
for this portion.
You may not consult the textbook Instructor Solution
Manual since this action is considered a violation of
the VCU Honour Code.
Projects XX% Projects are very important in some courses and help
to give the student a firm foundation in the course ma-
terial. Writing the Project Final Report in a concise
and informative fashion is a very important commu-
nication method.
A grade of C is the minimum passing grade for this
portion.
Examinations XX% Study, of course. All examinations will generally be
based on problems similar to or a combination of the
textbook problems whether assigned or not.
Usually, unless otherwise specified, one index card
may be allowed for reference in a classroom exami-
nation.
Takehome examinations unless otherwise speci-
fied are openbook and opennotes but not open
people. You may not consult any Internet resources
or textbook Instructor Solution Manual. If this exam-
ination privilege is abused by students, then this type
of examination may be discontinued.
You must pass the Examination portion of the course
to pass the course.
Final Examination XX% You must pass the cumulative final exam to pass the
course. The Final Examination will not be open
book. However, notecards may be allowed.

The Instructor may adjust the approximate weights in the above table during the
course, as appropriate.
N.B.: You must have a satisfactory score in each of the above categories in order
to pass the course.
The course numerical grade corresponds to the letter grade as follows:

5
 A 90
80 B < 90
70 C < 80
60 D < 70
F < 60

For letter grades on assignments (not final course grade), A+ , A, and A corre-
spond to 98.5, 95, and 91.5, respectively. Similar values correspond for B, C, and
D letter grades. Lastly, F on an assignment usually corresponds to 50 or lower,
i.e., typically a zero (0).
N.B.: Please keep in mind that the Instructor has the final determination of your
grade and that the above table is merely a guideline, i.e., note the words Approx-
imate Weight. Be assured, however, that a fair and just grade evaluation will be
made by the Instructor.
Class grades may or may not be ranked or curved based on the distribution of
grades. This will be decided by the Instructor at the end of the course. It is
strongly suggested you do the best you can in the course at all times so you are on
the favourable side of the curve, if there is one.
If you miss an examination, a grade of zero will be recorded. To take a makeup
examination, you must present an acceptable written excuse.
N.B.: Missing an examination or requesting to take a rescheduled examination be-
cause you have made travel plans is not a valid excuse unless there are extreme
extenuating circumstances.
N.B.: My view of examinations is that they should be a learning experience and
reinforce what you have learned. I do not play gotcha on the examinations. I want
you to do well and succeed in this course but you must be prepared and use your
thinking skills.
It is each students responsibility to save all coursework, homework, examina-
tions, etc. until the end of the course and the issuance of a final grade. This
requirement protects the student in the event of a question about grades, an error
in recording grades, or a question about student performance and achievement in
the course.
It is strongly suggested that each student frequently check to confirm that all
grades have been properly recorded in the Blackboard system. All posted grades
will be frozen and not changed on Blackboard one week after the
graded work is returned. If you find a possible grade posting error or actual error

6
in grading the work within the oneweek timeframe, please contact the Teaching
Assistant (if one is assigned to the course) to discuss. If there is not a Teaching
Assistant, then please contact the Instructor. In any event, Blackboard grades are
frozen on the last day of lecture and no changes will be made to posted grades.
N.B.: The grades shown on Blackboard should only be considered as a database
and may not necessarily reflect your instantaneous grade in the course. Do not de-
pend on Blackboard to accurately calculate your grade averages since adjustments
to the grade calculations (not posted grades) may be made while I am determin-
ing final grade averages. The final overall course grade calculation is generally
performed outside of Blackboard.

4 Course Computations
Dynamics, Vibrations, System Dynamics, Control Systems, Vehicle Dynamics,
and Design as engineering disciplines are necessarily computationally in-
tensive.
In order to work problems in this course, you must have an electronic calculator
unless you wish to use a slide rule as I did in my college years in the 1960s
(not recommended).1
For some problems, it is very useful to have access to computational software.

1 L.Frances Herreshoff, the famous naval architect and sailing yacht designer, wrote about
slide rules in his 1946 edition of The Common Sense of Yacht Design, Volume II, page 9: I use
the Keuffel and Esser adjustable Mannheim slide rule most and like the 20 inch one best; it is real
good to reach over the drawing board to close the window.

7
The following table presents information to help you understand the available
resources and to decide wisely.

Software Source Comments

Maple www.maplesoft.com Maple is developed in Canada with con-
tributors from Europe and all over the
world. It is an excellent symbolic mathe-
matics software package and it also capa-
ble of good numeric computations. Maple
is a very good tool for learning mathe-
matics and engineering. The programming
features are very useful. Maple technical
support has been excellent. Versions avail-
able for OSX, Linux, and Windows.
Now available free for VCU Stu-
dents from http://www.ts.vcu.edu/
software/4502.html.
MapleSim www.maplesim.com MapleSim is very powerful simulation
software based on Maple. With MapleSim,
one may construct mechanical, electrical,
hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, and con-
trol models of complex systems. In ad-
dition, MapleSim uses the opensource
Modelica formulation to build system
models. For more information about
Modelica, please see www.modelica.
org.
Versions available for OSX, Linux, and
Windows.
Mathematica www.wolfram.com Mathematica is developed by Dr. Wol-
fram and is closed and proprietary. It is
very similar to Maple in its symbolic math-
ematics capabilities. The commercial ver-
sions are very expensive. Versions avail-
able for OSX, Linux, and Windows.
Now available free for VCU Stu-
dents from http://www.ts.vcu.edu/
software/4502.html.

8
MathCAD www.mathcad.com MathCAD is a very user friendly symbolic
mathematics package. Its core calculation
engine has been Maple for many years
but this is about to change. Many organisa-
tions use MathCAD to document work and
calculations. However, it is generally not
as powerful as Maple but it is oriented
toward a different market. Versions only
for Windows.
MATLAB www.matlab.com MATLAB is oriented toward matrix linear
algebra numeric calculations, although it
does have some limited symbolic mathe-
matics capabilities. For computationally
intensive tasks for a reasonable size prob-
lem, MATLAB is quite competent and fast.
Programming features are very useful but
are somewhat awkward, in my opinion.
Good for industrial applications and cer-
tain types of research. For computationally
intense courses such as vibrations, MATLAB
is very useful. For the purposes of learn-
ing, MATLAB requires the student to be
proficient in matrix linear algebra. The
commercial versions are very expensive
$15,000.00 or more. Versions available for
OSX, Linux, and Windows.
Simulink www.simulink.com Simulink is powerful simulation software
based on MATLAB. Versions available for
OSX, Linux, and Windows.
SciLab www.scilab.org SciLab is a free, opensource version
of MATLAB and is generally compatible
with programmes developed for MATLAB.
SciLab is developed in France by gov-
ernment agencies and has considerable re-
sources invested in it. If you are unsure
about MATLAB, download SciLab and give
it a try to see if you like it. Versions avail-
able for OSX, Linux, and Windows.

9
Sage www.sagemath.org Sage is free, opensource software for
mathematical calculations. Sage uses
Python as a programming language and
FireFox webbrowser as its interface to
the software. This software is very innova-
tive and has hundreds of contributors and
developers.
Octave www.octave.org Octave is a free, opensource version
of MATLAB and is generally compatible
with programmes developed for MATLAB.
If you are unsure about MATLAB, download
Octave and give it a try to see if you like
it. Versions available for OSX, Linux, and
Windows.
Spreadsheets www.OpenOffice.org The free opensource spreadsheet with
OpenOffice may be used for some cal-
culations and plotting, although it may
become awkward. Of course, you may
also use the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
OpenOffice is available for OSX, Linux,
and Windows. Excel is only available for
Windows and OSX.
Spreadsheets symphony.lotus.com The free spreadsheet with Lotus Symphony
from IBM may be used for some calcula-
tions and plotting, although it may become
awkward. Note, Lotus Symphony is
based on OpenOffice. Lotus Symphony
is currently available for Linux and
Windows. A version of Lotus Symphony
for OSX is planned.
Python www.python.org Python is a programming language and is
very useful for more detailed calculations.
Available free for most computer systems.
Fortran Fortran is a programming language and
is very useful for more detailed calcula-
tions. Historically, Fortran is the com-
puter language of choice for engineering
calculations since the 1950s. Available for
most computer systems.

10
 C and C++ C and C++ (objectoriented) is a program-
ming language and is very useful for more
detailed calculations. For very specialised
computations in academia, research, and
industry, C++ is the way to go in my opin-
ion. Available for most computer systems.

MathCAD and MATLAB are available on computers in the VCU Mechanical En-
gineering Department. Maple is also available in the Mathematics Department.
Maple and Mathematica are licensed by VCU and may be freely downloaded to
your own computer.
Some of the above software may be freely downloaded by VCU students from

http://www.ts.vcu.edu/software.html

Versions of Maple, Mathematica, MathCAD, C/C++, Fortran, etc., may be ob-

tained free of charge from the above weblink for use on your own personal com-
puter.
For personal student use, I suggest MATLAB, Maple, or Mathematica. Of course,
you may also consider the free versions SciLab and Octave as alternatives. Note,
this computational software will be very useful in your other courses, such as
physics, calculus, differential equations, and other engineering courses. The stu-
dent version of MATLAB for OSX, Linux, or Windows may be purchased online for
$99.00.
The following books on MATLAB are recommended:

1. William J. Palm III, Introduction to Matlab 7 for Engineers, ThirdEdition,

2011, McGrawHill. This is a very good introduction with many examples
from calculus and differential equations.

2. Edward B. Magrab, Shapour Azarm, Balakumar Balachandran, James H.

Duncan, Keith E. Herold, and Gregory C. Walsh, An Engineers Guide to
MATLAB: With Applications from Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, and
Civil Engineering, Second Edition, 2005, Pearson Prentice Hall. This is an
advanced book with very good examples.

11
 3. Amos Gilat, MATLAB: An Introduction With Applications, Third Edition,
2008, John Wiley & Sons. This is an introductory book but this edition
contains many typographical errors.

I strongly recommend that you become proficient in computer calculations! Pur-

chase or download and use your own copy of MATLAB, Maple, or Mathematica
and you will have a definite advantage in your course work and in your future
professional engineering endeavours.

5 Writing with LATEX

LaTeX or LATEX is extremely useful for writing and developing all types of
technical documentation including mathematical formulae such as reports
and technical papers.
Information to obtain LATEX software is available from

http://www.ts.vcu.edu/software.html

Other LATEX information is available from

http://www.tug.org/

Vast amounts of information about LATEX and supporting software are available on
the Internet.
Yes, the learning curve for LATEX may seem difficult at first. Suggest that you begin
very simply. Quickly you will realise the power of LATEX and will soon realise the
shortcomings and frustrations of a Word Processor, such as Microsoft Word. Keep
it simple. See Blackboard Course Documents for sample report formats and LATEX
files.
As Adrian Monk says, You will thank me later.

6 Student Work
This section presents important information about the students work submittals.

12
6.1 Discipline, Study Habits, and Homework
Use your study time wisely and develop good study habits.
Be very careful of units and their conversion English, American, SI, etc.
We all have a mathematically finite amount of time to spend on this course, so
please develop good study habits and use your study time and class time wisely.
Remember the words of the very successful Texas engineer and entrepreneur, H.
Ross Perot:

Time Is Not Our Friend.

Another important time management tool is to always ask if a task you are doing
is just activity (spinning wheels) or whether it produces useful results (for you or
your company):

Activity versus Results

Unless you are Albert A. Einstein or Richard P. Feynman, it is almost impossi-

ble to do well in this course unless you exercise your thinking skills by solving
problem after problem after problem. This course demands the working of many
problems to understand the subject. So, work the assigned problems and as many
of the unassigned problems as you can. Note: Many of the examination problems
are often similar to the homework problems in the textbook or a combination
thereof.
In the engineering courses that I teach, there may be several different ways to
obtain the solution to a problem using the same basic principles of Mechanics.
So, working many problems can help you better understand the subject matter.
If you do get behind in this course, please seek immediate help from the Instructor,
Teaching Assistant, or classmates. The subject matter in engineering courses is
very sequential in nature. Therefore, if you do not keep up, you may sink like a
rock in this course and it will be very difficult to get back on track and not suffer
in your other courses.
Get help early and often. Dont wait to the day before the examination to seek
help it is usually too late at that time.

13
6.2 Submissions of Work
All submissions of work homework, examinations, and projects should have
the following format:

1. Work must be presented neatly and orderly, with sufficient written and
mathematical explanation, and with appropriate drawing(s) of suitable size.
Chicken scratch writing or too small writing is not acceptable and may re-
sult in a lowered grade on the work or problem due to the fact that we are
simply not able to follow your thought process.
Engineering problems often take several pages to work and must be clear
and legible in order that others may check the work. Therefore, clarity is
much more important than saving a few pages of paper.
N.B.: Clear and effective oral, written, mathematical, and visual communi-
cation is a key skill for the successful engineer.
N.B.: Due to recent advances in computeraided drawing and the removal
of manual drafting from the engineering curriculum, many students may be
challenged to communicate in a visual manner. Visual presentations are one
of the languages of engineering and we will place considerable emphasis on
this topic in this course.

2. Each problem number must be clearly indicated and boxed.

3. All calculations must be shown to four decimal places in this course.2

4. All answers must be clearly indicated and boxed.

5. Student name must appear on each page.

6. Date in the form of daymonthyear e.g., 23August2007 is required

on each page.

7. Page number on each page in the form of 3/12 i.e., page 3 of 12 total
pages is required.
2 The requirement to show all calculations to four decimal places is necessary to preserve accu-
racy in the often lengthy and multiplestep calculations necessary in dynamics problems. Also, it
is useful for me to check your answers during this course. In actual engineering practice, you may
or may not carry everything to this number of decimal places.

14
 8. Please submit all work on Greencoloured Engineers Computation Pad pa-
per or plain white paper (unless other paper is provided to you or it is a
computer printout). N.B.: Submitting work on lined notebook paper is not
professional.

9. Please show only one problem per page.

10. The appropriate Honour Code statement and signature must appear.

11. Please staple or bind papers, and put name, assignment description, student
folder number, and date on papers unless instructed otherwise. Do not
put information underneath the staple or binder. N.B.: Never put your full
student ID number or your Social Security Number on your work papers.

12. A student folder number will be assigned to each student in this course.
N.B.: Due to Student Privacy Laws, all work will be returned in a private
folder for each student. When retrieving your graded work, please remove
your work from the folder and please do not take the folder with you!

13. Do not submit work in your folder. Any work that you put into your folder
will not be graded. Folders are only for retrieving your graded papers.

6.3 Homework and Projects

The typical ratio of study time to class lecture time in engineering is 2.53.5.
Quickly doing the math reveals that there just is not enough time in the day or
the night to get everything done. As discussed in Section 6.1, Time is not our
friend. Therefore, you should make the best use of your time and your life
at all times.
In this class, you are encouraged to work with others on the homework assign-
ments and some projects (as specified). When you work a problem as a team,
please list all the names of the team members on that assignment.
This team approach is a great way to learn the course material and it is typical of
the way the engineering profession works through teamwork and frequent cross
checking.
However, you are not allowed to copy others homework nor present others work
as your own. You must be able to explain and defend any work you submit.

15
You must include the Honour Code Pledge on all submitted work, as discussed in
Section 10 on page 25.
Some useful homework hints are as follows:

1. Carefully read the problem statement.

2. Verify the results of certain long mathematical calculations and computa-

tions using computer software, as described in Section 4.

3. Be very careful with unit conversions.

With a certain amount of determination and financial resources, it is possible to

obtain the Instructor Solution Manual for the textbook. However, the unautho-
rised use, possession, or convenient access of the Instructor Solution Manual is a
very dangerous and serious violation of the Honour Code in this course. In addi-
tion, unauthorised possession or use of the Instructor Solution Manual is usually
a serious violation of the textbook publishers legal copyright. Furthermore, you
will not have learned the material which could lead to dire consequences later
in your professional life.
Also, do not forget that I will be seriously displeased with you if you are discov-
ered to be consulting the Instructor Solution Manual (ISM). Trust me, this is a
very unpleasant situation for all concerned. Please keep in mind that I have taught
this course many times before (and know much more about it than you do) and
you are taking it once (hopefully). Therefore, I am usually aware (or become
aware) of the errors in the Instructor Solution Manual yes, there are errors in
the Instructor Solution Manual and I may assign such problems in order to
expose any students using the Instructor Solution Manual.
Solutions to homework problems and other written assignments are usually made
available within a few hours after the assignment is turned in. This is one reason
why late homework can not be accepted since it is too easy to copy the posted
solutions. Unfortunately, due to copyright restrictions, it is not always possible to
post electronic copies of the solutions from the ISM on Blackboard.

6.4 Examinations
Any examination (midcourse, takehome, final, etc.) must be completed only
by the student without any unauthorised external help. Classroom, openbook,

16
opennotes and/or takehome examinations are all subject to the same Honour
Code.
Please include the Honour Code Pledge on your submitted work as discussed in
Section 10 on page 25. Note, the Honour Code Pledge statement does not apply to
the Instructor offering clarifications to students on the examination, as necessary.
Failure to provide this Honour Pledge statement in your own handwriting, with
your signature, and with a proper date, will at the minimum result in the
automatic loss of two letter grades on the submitted work.
If you (student) can not attest to the Honour Code Pledge, please briefly state in
writing the reason for your disagreement.
Usually at the discretion of the Instructor an index card may be used by a
student in an examination for reference purposes:

1. One standardsize index card is permitted a large size is allowed.

2. The index card must be brightly coloured white is not allowed.
3. The index card may contain any course information the student desires to
have for reference.
4. Only original personal handwriting of the student is permitted. No copies
or printed cards are allowed.
5. Your name and date must be on the index card.
6. The index card must be attached to your examination papers when turned
in.
7. The index card must not be folded in any manner.
8. Each index card is subject to review by the Instructor.
9. Index cards may not be shared with other students at anytime.
10. At the discretion of the Instructor, your index cards from your earlier class-
room examinations (in this term and course section) may be used for the
final examination.

N.B. At the discretion of the Instructor for some examinations in this course, the
student may be allowed to consult a personal reference index card, openbook,
and opennotes. However, examinations are never openpeople.

17
6.5 Defense of Work
The student must be prepared to defend and to explain all submitted homework,
projects, written assignments, examinations, final examination, etc., in this course
to the satisfaction of the Instructor. Competence in this course is judged by both
work submissions and defense of work.
Failure to adequately defend your submitted work when requested will be cause
for concern and alarm and may result in a lowered grade on the work in question,
including a zero on the assignment or lowered letter final grade in the course.
The best way to be able to defend your work in this course is to absolutely know
and understand all of the work that you have submitted and to be able to quickly
and accurately reproduce it and to discuss it when requested.
As a rule, when you submit work, you must stand behind the work and understand
it completely. It is better not to submit portions of a work if you dont truly
understand it sufficiently to put your name and reputation on it.
Please keep in mind that when you are in the engineering profession, you must
defend your work when questioned. If you are not able to defend your work, then
you will most likely not remain in the engineering profession in a responsible
position. It is critical for Modern Civilisation that people have confidence in the
engineering profession and engineers. Once confidence in an engineer is lost, it
is very difficult probably impossible to regain it. One of the quickest paths
to loss of confidence is for an engineer not to be able to adequately defend their
work. Very serious situation.

6.6 Classroom Etiquette

My job is to teach and to help you learn.
Your job is to listen, take notes, ask questions, do the homework problems, seek
help when needed, and learn.
Any behaviour, conduct, action, device, or object that inhibits this relationship
for any student may be considered to be inappropriate, impolite, improper, or
disruptive class conduct.

18
6.7 Education Methods
Everyone has a preferred style of learning. Some students prefer taking lecture
notes from the board while others prefer slide presentations and prepackaged ma-
terials. One size does not fit all.
There are many different methods and theories of education and none are effective
all the time. Occasionally adjustments are necessary.
Therefore, feedback to the Instructor is essential in order to adjust teaching meth-
ods and style during the course for optimum effectiveness in teaching and learn-
ing. So, if you have a learning concern or other class problem, please see me to
discuss. As an engineer, I seek the truth and the successful resolution of problems
to find the optimum solutions. I am an adult and will gladly consider any sort of
advice or comment that you may offer. Also, courteous, polite, respectful, and
positive criticism will not hurt my feelings or cause me to think less of you. I
dont bite or snarl. I am not a revengeful person.
In general, if you have some sort of problem, it is always best to try to resolve it
directly very early on with the people concerned.
Please discuss with me first in person (in an appropriate setting) any issues you
may have so that we can seek a resolution or an explanation. This is the way
these situations are resolved in industry, in a profession, in the military, and in
your social life. If your discussions with me do not resolve the situation to your
satisfaction, then there are other people you are free to talk with.
Talk with me first. It keeps the situation a lot easier to resolve and minimises
confrontation.
Please keep in mind that the Instructors in your courses all have different styles
and methods of teaching and course presentation. In general, as a student, you
must be able to adapt to these differing styles to learn and grow. As a result, you
will be strengthened and become more flexible and able to adapt to a diversity of
situations in your social and professional life.

6.8 Class Attendance

Class attendance is required and class attendance role will be taken.

19
The attendance role will be (a) called in class or (b) a sheet passed around for each
student to sign. It is the students responsibility to make sure this class attendance
sheet is signed at every class.
N.B.: Signing the class attendance sheet and then leaving class early is not al-
lowed.
Each unexcused absence will affect your class participation grade. It is the stu-
dents responsibility to present a written excuse for each class absence.
If you miss any class, please obtain the classnotes as soon as possible from other
students.
Please be prompt to the class lectures. Excessive tardiness or unexcused absences
will affect your class participation grade and may result in a drop of one letter
grade. Please plan your activities so that you are able to be in class before the
lecture begins.
Please do not ask to leave class early in order to prepare for other classes or exam-
inations. Leaving class early is disruptive to other students and counterproductive
to learning.

6.9 Communications
Please check Blackboard and your VCU email at least twice per day for class
related updates, information, notices, and assignments.
VCUs Blackboard system is located at http://blackboard.vcu.edu.
If the class must be cancelled, an email notice will be sent to all students, if
possible.
In the event of a hurricane, flood, snow storm, or other emergency, please check
the VCU website

http://www.vcu.edu

or call VCUOPEN

804.828.6736

for general information about class attendance and whether VCU is open.

20
6.10 What To Bring To Class?
To maximise your class time, please bring the following to each and every class
meeting and examination:

1. Paper and pen for notetaking.

2. Greencoloured Engineers Computation Pad or plain white paper.
3. Textbook very important since we will be referring to the text and the
problems.
4. Silent electronic calculator.
5. Alert mind, professional attitude, and clean body.
6. Gentlemen, please remove your hats.
7. Clothing not optional.

6.11 Classnotes
You should take classnotes in order to obtain the most benefit from the class lec-
tures. Lecture notes will not be available in electronic or paper form.
An integral part of this class is the taking of neat, orderly, and useful classnotes
this is very good practice for the engineering profession since most engineers
are (or should be) neatness fanatics. There is a very strong link between learning
and writing things down.
For an interesting discussion of the dangers of PowerPoint presentations (and
other topics), please see Edward Tuftes website
http://www.EdwardTufte.com.

6.12 Class Participation

In small classes, it is hoped that I will be able to personally know and talk with
each student.
Asking questions during the lecture is very important even if the class is large.
If you do not understand something or are not following the lecture, please raise

21
your hand and ask questions. I will do my best to answer your questions and pro-
vide continuity in the lecture to other students. However, if you are totally lost and
offtrack, then please seek private help immediately and schedule an appointment
with the Instructor or Teaching Assistant.
The standard saying in teaching is that there are no dumb questions if you dont
know the answer. This is generally true. So, please ask questions.
If you ask a question that I do not know the answer to, I will research it and get
back to you.
Sleeping in class is neither appropriate nor acceptable.

6.13 Electronic Devices

The following items should not be operating or active in the classroom during
lectures and examinations: text messaging, notebook computers, tablets, iPhone,
iPad, iPod, tablet, mp3 players, earphones, PalmPilot, PDA, BlackBerry, Android,
and other electronic devices.
If you wish to use your computer or tablet to take personal notes, then please
advise the Instructor or Teaching Assistant. Other uses of these devices other
than notetaking is not allowed. Please be considerate of the distractions that your
computer screen may have on students behind you.
Text messaging, surfing the Internet, playing games, listening to music, etc., are
not allowed in the classroom during lectures or examinations.
Audio, video, electronic, and photographic recording or imaging of the class-
room lectures in any manner except by personal handwritten notetaking
is strictly prohibited. Any violation will be considered a violation of the
Honour Code.
This list may be amended in the future.
Electronic calculators are acceptable as long as they are not emitting noise, not
communicating with other devices, not disturbing to others around you, and not
used for unfair or dishonest advantage.
Exceptions. Any list must have exceptions. Therefore, if you have a special need
for electronic equipment, please discuss such with me. If you are expecting a real
emergency birth of baby, medical situation, etc. and possible notification
by cellular telephone, then please advise the Instructor before class, if possible. If

22
you must take an emergency call, please leave the classroom quietly and quickly
in order to minimise disturbance to other students.
Of course, if there is campus security or safety situation please see Section 8.2
the rules herein may be violated in the interest of personal safety, public safety,
and good oldfashioned common sense.

6.14 Food and drinks

Food of any sort is not allowed in the classroom at any time, i.e., before, during,
or after class. Exception: If you have a medical reason for a nonoffending food
item, i.e., candy, please let me know.
Soft drinks and other beverages are not allowed.
Tobacco products are not allowed.
Bottled water is acceptable unless specifically prohibited by classroom signage
such as in computer laboratories.

7 Learning and Classroom Environment

The educational process is an experiment.
Every student, every course, and every class are different and offer a unique envi-
ronment for teaching and learning.
Because of these variations, as the Instructor, I continually seek to improve my
teaching and your learning process. Techniques that were effective last semester
may be less than optimum this semester. Change is constant.
As a result, if you wish to share ways with me to improve the course, please feel
free to do so. I am eager to hear your ideas, problems, and suggestions.
Please come to me first to resolve any issues and to offer suggestions.

8 University Policies
Important University policies are discussed in this section.
Students and Faculty should follow all published university policies.

23
8.1 Information from Provost
Please see the important information from the Provost presented in Appendix A
on page 35.

8.2 Campus and Classroom Security

The VCU Administration has encouraged and suggested that the following state-
ment be included in our class syllabus:

First, as part of several changes we are making to campus security and

communications procedures, we are advising every faculty member to
include the statement below on each of your class syllabi and on your
class Blackboard pages.
What to Know and Do To Be Prepared for Emergencies at VCU

Sign up to receive VCU text messaging alerts at

http://www.vcu.edu/alert/notify
Keep your information uptodate.
Know the safe evacuation route from each of your classrooms.
Emergency evacuation routes are posted in on-campus class-
rooms.
Listen for and follow instructions from VCU or other designated
authorities.
Know where to go for additional emergency information. See
http://www.vcu.edu/alert
Know the emergency phone number for the VCU Police
804.828.1234
Report suspicious activities and objects.

24
8.3 Special Student Needs
If you have special needs as a student, please discuss with the Instructor.
Also, if you wish to discuss anything in this course outline, please contact the
Instructor.

9 Honour Code
The following weblink presents the VCU Honour System:

http://www.provost.vcu.edu/pdfs/Honor_system_policy.pdf.

For ease of reference, Appendix B starting on page 41 herein presents the text of
the VCU Honour Code.
Violations of the Honour Code in this course will be taken seriously.
Each student must be a able to give a clear and satisfactory explanation of the
technical details of all work submitted for homework, examinations, etc. Inability
for a student to properly do this will be cause for concern and alarm.

10 Honour Code Pledge

All submitted work at Virginia Commonwealth University should include a
written, signed, and dated statement similar to the following from page 41 herein:

On my honor, I have neither given nor received aid on this

assignment, and I pledge that I am in compliance with the VCU
Honor System.

If a student fails to include the Honour Code Pledge on submitted work in my

courses, then the result may be the loss of two letter grades for the assignment.
In addition, the submitted work will be closely examined for any violations of the
VCU Honour Code.
If you work together with other students on an assignment and such cooperative
work is authorised for the assignment please list the names of the other students
that you worked with.

25
The official VCU Honour Code Pledge is presented above. When I attended
North Carolina State University, the Honour Code Pledge was something simi-
lar to the following:

On my Honour, I have neither given nor received help on this

work nor have I seen such help being given or received by others.

Note, the above pledge requires that honour code violations by other students be
reported when you have such knowledge. When you allow others to cheat, you are
potentially reducing your own grade and allowing their dishonesty to be rewarded.
More information is available at
http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-11-35-01.
The Honour Code at The University of Virginia is presented in the following
weblinks
http://www.virginia.edu/honor/
http://www.virginia.edu/honor/documents/TAsHonorCode.pdf
and is very simple:

On my honor as a student, I have neither given nor received

aid on this assignment/exam.

The penalty for a violation is expulsion from The University. This is a very strong
zero tolerance policy.
The Honour Code at Virginia Military Institute is presented in the following
weblink
http://www.vmi.edu/content.aspx?id=1330 and is very simple:

A cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do.

There is only one penalty dismissal from the Institute.

The Honour Code at Virginia Tech is presented in the following weblinks
http://www.honorsystem.vt.edu/
http://www.virginia.edu/honor/documents/TAsHonorCode.pdf
and is very simple:

I have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance on

this assignment.

26
The Honour Code at William and Mary is presented in the following weblink
http://www.wm.edu/offices/deanofstudents/services/studentconduct/
honorcodeandstudentconduct/index.php
and is stated as follows:

As a member of the William and Mary community, I pledge

on my honor not to lie, cheat, or steal, either in my academic
or personal life. I understand that such acts violate the Honor
Code and undermine the community of trust, of which we are all
stewards.

When the Honour Code was established in 1736 (W&M was chartered in 1693), it
was very strong with a zero tolerance toward violators. Today, this great tradition
has been diluted.
The Honour Code at The University of Texas at Austin is given in the following
weblinks
http://utsenate.org/integrityut/
and
http://www.utexas.edu/president/past/faulkner/speeches/hc\_042904.
html
and is presented below:

The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are

learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity,
and responsibility. Each member of the University is expected
to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness,
and respect toward peers and community.

This statement is a bit wordy but the emphasis is on truth and trust.
The Honour Code at Texas A & M is given in the following weblink:
http://student-rules.tamu.edu/aggiecode
and is very simple:

An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.

The very simple statement requires action for observed violations. This is a very
strong zero tolerance policy.

27
11 Honesty and Ethics in Engineering
Engineers help provide for the welfare and betterment of society. As a result, a
very special trust is placed on engineers and their work. Dishonesty of any sort is
unacceptable and places the public in jeopardy of harm or injury.

11.1 Engineers Must Be Honest

Education is based on honesty honesty of the students and faculty. Any dis-
ruption to the spirit of honesty harms the educational process and everyone con-
cerned.
In a similar manner, Engineering is a profession that demands complete honesty,
trust, and proper conduct in order to protect the public good and welfare. Any
form of dishonest behaviour in the engineering profession may result in death,
injury, damage, destruction, environmental harm, and financial loss and can not
be tolerated.
To obtain or renew the Professional Engineering License in most States, Reg-
istered Professional Engineers have to submit to coursework, training, or some
exposure to the subject of Ethics. N.B.: Ethics is the modern word for good old
fashioned honesty.

Actions Consequences.

John Paul Getty of Getty Oil Company (now part of Chevron) once discharged
an employee for stealing a few company postage stamps for personal use. Later,
that same person was discovered to have stolen a large amount of money from his
subsequent employer and spent several years of his life in prison thus proving
the old adage that if a person is dishonest in a small way, it is much easier to be
dishonest in a large way.
As students, you are at the stage of your lives when any mistake in character and
behaviour can have unfortunate longterm consequences. In a similar manner,
exhibitions of strong character may also have favourable longterm consequences.
You must protect your good name and character.
In academia, the student is expected to know all the answers to the test questions
this is the ideal student. In industry, the engineer must know enough to say

28
when he or she does not know the answer or solution but he or she will find out
the answer based on his education, thinking skills, and technical tools obtained
during his formal education and subsequent professional life.

Knowledge is of two kinds:

we know a topic for ourselves,
or we know where we can find information upon it.
Dr. Samuel Johnson, 1775

Often, a young Engineers transition from academia to industry is difficult and

dangerous because he or she is not able to admit not knowing the answer or
solution to a particular problem. Faking it is dangerous in engineering.
In summary, for our present course, it is better to miss the answer than to be
dishonest. You can always eventually learn the answer to the problem and thereby
improve your grade, but you can never unlearn the dishonest answer or forget the
dishonest act you will be haunted by your dishonest act forever.
For the young engineer, it is especially important to be honest and trustworthy
from day one and everyday thereafter. I always advise young (and old) engineers
to take absolutely nothing from the company but a paycheck.3 This means do
not ever take or use any of the following company property or equipment for
your personal private use: stamps, telephone, email, Internet, computer, copy
machines, office supplies, vehicles, expense account, etc.4

11.2 Code of Ethics

Many organisations have established a Code of Ethics to help govern the honesty
and behaviour of their members. The following weblinks present several different
3 When I lived in Europe, I worked with a goodoldboy from Oklahoma who was president
of a Norwegian offshore drilling company, based in London. He was very wise and full of use-
ful common sense sayings. He stated that he and the company settled up all scores, bills,
grievances, and accounts settled at the end of every month when he received his paycheck.
If he worked too hard for too little money during the past month, then that was his fault. If the
company overpayed him for the work he did during that month, that was the companys problem.
I always thought this to be a useful mental outlook and places responsibility for actions with each
party.
4 I know of a professional individual who charged his alcoholic spirits at the neighbourhood

convenience store to the company credit card. Surprise he got caught, duh! Of course, he
was dismissed and his professional future ruined. It has been downhill since then he is almost
homeless and has lost family and children. Yes, he did have a serious alcohol and drug problem.

29
Codes of Ethics for your review:
1. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU):
http://www.facultysenate.vcu.edu/docs/Code\%20of\%20Ethics.
doc
2. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME):
http://files.asme.org/asmeorg/Governance/3675.pdf
3. American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE):
http://www.asce.org/inside/files/pdf/CodeofEthics1.pdf
4. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES):
http://www.ncees.org/exams/fundamentals/
and then:
(a) Click FE study materials on the right.
(b) Under the first group heading Fundamentals of Engineering and FE
SuppliedReference Handbook, click free preview.
(c) At the bottom of the page, click to Accept legal conditions.
(d) Scroll down to select the Ethics PDF file.
(e) Also, you may select Dynamics PDF file.
Other important publications that discuss ethics are the following:
1. W. J. King, The Unwritten Laws of Engineering, 1944, American Society
of Mechanical Engineers. There is a newer version of this classic by James
G. Skakoon based on the original by W. J. King, 2001, ASME Press, ISBN
0-7918-0162-4. In the new version it states: . . . changes have to do with
shifted societal values, changed employment laws, and evolved corporate
structures. In my opinion, however, the new version is very politically
correct and dilutes the strong rightandwrong ethics of the 1944 version.5
2. William E. Wickenden, A Professional Guide for Young Engineers, 1949
and reedited 1967, Engineers Council for Professional Development.
5 In May 2006, the Chief Executive Officer of Raytheon (a company that makes military equip-
ment such as the Tomahawk cruise missile), Mr. William H. Swanson, was discovered to have
used large portions of the 1944edition of The Unwritten Rules of Engineering by W. J. King for
his own publication Unwritten Rules of Management without proper reference. Of Mr. Swan-
sons 33 rules, 17 rules were taken without credit from Mr. Kings classic work. As a result of
this plagarism and dishonesty, the Board of Raytheon reduced his 2006 compensation by 20%

30
12 Frequently Asked Questions
Some Frequently Asked Questions are presented below:

1. I have just taken the Final Examination and just noticed in my course Black-
board grade postings that there are grade posting errors for my homework.
What can be done now?
Nothing. Nothing at all.
See page 6 for the time limitation on Blackboard corrections. Please keep
in mind that it is very difficult to sort out grades during the end of the
semester with grade deadlines. Suggest that each student frequently ver-
ify their Blackboard grade postings during the semester and report imme-
diately any discrepancy. Be sure to keep all returned graded work for such
verification purposes.

2. I only need a small fraction of a point to change my final calculated numer-

ical grade from a D to a C. Is there any additional work that I can do now
and submit to improve my grade?
No. Sorry.
The semester is already over. It ends on the last day of class and with the
Final Examination. No consideration can be given to any additional work
when the course is over. This extra time to complete the course would not
be fair to other students.

3. At the end of the course, I had a numerical B grade on Blackboard before

you adjusted the grading scheme and now I have a C. I am not happy. Will
you change my grade back to the B?
No. Sorry.
The slight adjustment in the grading scheme was discussed in class and
was necessary since we eliminated one category of grading at the request of
the class. As a result, the percentage allocated for the eliminated category
was redistributed to other grading categories and thus changed slightly their
resulting in a loss of several $100,000. However, the Board was not offended enough to fire Mr.
Swanson and stated While the Board obviously takes this matter very seriously, it feels strongly
it should not overshadow Mr. Swansons extraordinary vision and performance in leading this
company during the past three years. Now, do you trust Mr. Swanson or Raytheon?

31
 relative weighting. This change was not done arbitrarily but was done for a
very good reason to address our educational objectives in the course.
Please review page 6 above. The Instructor (me) has the final determination
of your grade, not some numerical value posted on Blackboard. There are
many factors to consider in awarding a particular grade to a student.
If I can curve grades up, then I can also curve grades down or adjust in other
ways appropriate to our educational objectives. Please do not intrepret this
statement to imply random arbritrariness on my part.

4. I know that you are allowing the use of an open textbook on the upcoming
quiz. Unfortunately, I only have the electronic PDF version of the textbook.
May I borrow your textbook to take the quiz?
No, not a chance.
My textbook has my written notes and that would be unacceptable.
If the course requires a printed textbook, then you must have a printed text-
book your own personal copy and not one shared with another student.
If you do not have your own textbook, then you must take the quiz without
the benefit of the open textbook.
Electronic textbook versions are wonderful but there is not any way to pre-
vent mischief in an opentextbook quiz with everyone in the classroom us-
ing computers to access the PDF.
Lastly, some students may have downloaded unauthorised versions of the
textbook PDF file and I do not wish to reward that sort of action.

5. My grade on the project report was a C . I put in a lot more work than
Sally B+ and Raoul A . I am not happy. I demand that you give me a better
grade because of all the work I did!
Demand. You are kidding, right?
In engineering and life, often it is not the amount of work that one does but
the results obtained. This is the way it works in school, at work, and in
life (usually).
Remember, Activity versus Results, as discussed on page 13.
The competition from other students on this project report was intense.

32
 After receiving your message, I reviewed your project report once again
and it lacks organisation, inconsistent results, and the writing, well, could
be much better. In addition, the report presentation was not visually inviting.
Lastly, you stuffed the report with computer software calculation output
I wanted processed results not an echo from computer software.
That is why you were awarded the C , even though you put in a lot of time.
Remember, competition.
And one more thing . . .
I overlooked your rudeness in your statement wording and demand because
I am trying to help you in life and I realise that you are young and inexperi-
enced.
Please keep in mind, however, that one must be careful with wording in an
email (which stays around, well, you know, like forever or longer).
This sort of temper tantrum and aggressive countenance in your professional
life could be disasterous to your career prospects and advancement.
In the real world, most people are not as tolerate to your unpleasant be-
haviour and actions as your parents and family members may be.
Therefore, practice courtesy, respect, consideration, and manners at all times.
Not only is this the proper professional behaviour, it is the right thing to do.

6. I was not able to submit my homework assignment yesterday when it was

due because I still had one problem to complete. May I turn it in now?
No.
Assignments will not be accepted after the due date and time. In large
classes especially with multiple Teaching Assistants, it is disruptive to give
special treatment to one student unless there is an acceptable reason.
If you have a good reason for late submittal of work, please discuss it with
me before the deadline.
In future, I suggest that you turn in the assignment when it is due, whether
or not it is totally complete. It is better to get a lower grade than a zero.

7. I forgot to write out the Honour Code Pledge on the quiz in my own hand-
writing with the date and my signature. As a result, I lost 20 points on the
quiz right off the top. May I have one more chance to recover the lost 20
points?

33
 No.
Every work submitted must have the proper Honour Code Pledge.
Otherwise, I may need to assume that you violated the Honour Code.
While we are on the subject of the Honour Code, please be advised that I
take the Honour Code very seriously. Whenever a potential Honour Code
Violation arises with clear and convincing evidence, please be informed that
I am also bound by the Honour Code to report it.

13 Course Document Revisions

As you will learn in your engineering projects, revisions to project objectives,
goals, documents, specifications, drawings, and calculations are an integral part
of project execution. Revisions are usually necessary because of changing cir-
cumstances, incorrect information, legal requirements, financial constraints, and
political decisions. Also, it is important to have a paper trail of project decisions
for the purposes of Quality Assurance and legal liability.
Therefore, in a similar manner, all course documents may be revised during the
conduct of the course as necessary to accurately reflect the status of the course.
Revisions will be announced and posted on Blackboard.

34
A Information from Provost
The following general VCU syllabus information may also be viewed at http:
//go.vcu.edu/syllabus.

35
Statements for Syllabi and Blackboard Pages
This content was last updated in August 2017. When linking to the online syllabus statements, please
use http://go.vcu.edu/syllabus
The topics include:

Campus emergency information

Class registration required for attendance
Honor System: upholding academic integrity
Important dates
Managing stress
Mandatory responsibility of faculty members to report incidents of sexual misconduct
Military short-term training or deployment
Student conduct in the classroom
Student email policy
Student financial responsibility
Students representing the university - excused absences
Students with disabilities
Withdrawal from classes
Faculty communication about students

Campus emergency information

What to know and do to be prepared for emergencies at VCU:

Sign up to receive VCU text messaging alerts. Keep your information up-to-date. Within the
classroom, the professor will keep his or her phone on to receive any emergency
transmissions.
Know the safe evacuation route from each of your classrooms. Emergency evacuation
routes are posted in on-campus classrooms.
Listen for and follow instructions from VCU or other designated authorities. Within the
classroom, follow your professor's instructions.
Know where to go for additional emergency information.
Know the emergency phone number for the VCU Police (828-1234).
Report suspicious activities and objects.
Keep your permanent address and emergency contact information current in eServices.

Class registration required for attendance

Students may attend only those classes for which they have registered. Faculty may not add students
to class rosters or Blackboard. Therefore, if students are attending a class for which they have not
registered, they must stop attending.
Honor System: upholding academic integrity

The VCU Honor System policy describes the responsibilities of students, faculty and administration in
upholding academic integrity, while at the same time respecting the rights of individuals to the due
process offered by administrative hearings and appeals. According to this policy, "Members of the
academic community are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of
academic honesty, ethics and integrity at all times." In addition, To support a commitment to the
Honor System, all members of the VCU community are required to:

Adhere to the Honor System policy and its procedures;

36
 Report any suspicion or knowledge of possible violations of the Honor System;
Answer truthfully when called upon to do so regarding Honor System matters;
Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding related to Honor System matters."

More information can be found at in the VCU policy library.

Important dates

You can view important dates for the semester in the academic calendar.
Managing stress

Students may experience situations or challenges that can interfere with learning and interpersonal
functioning including stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol and/or other drug use, concern for a friend
or family member, loss, sleep difficulties, feeling hopeless or relationship problems. There are
numerous campus resources available to students including University Counseling Services (804-
828-6200 MPC Campus, 804-828-3964 MCV Campus), University Student Health Services (MPC
804 828-8828, MCV Campus 804 828-9220) and the Wellness Resource Center (804-828-9355). 24
hour emergency mental health support is available by calling 828-1234 and asking to speak to the on-
call therapist or utilizing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-784-2433).
Mandatory responsibility of faculty members to report incidents of sexual misconduct

It is important for students to know that all faculty members are mandated reporters of any incidents
of sexual misconduct/violence (e.g., sexual assault, sexual exploitation and partner or relationship
violence). This means that faculty cannot keep information about sexual misconduct/violence
confidential if you share that information with them and they must report this information immediately
to the university's Title IX Coordinator. In addition, department chairs, deans, and other unit
administrators are required to report incidents of sex or gender-based discrimination to the
university's Title IX Coordinator. Once a report is made, you will receive important information on your
reporting options, on campus and off campus resources and remedial measures such as no-contact
directives, residence modifications, and academic modifications. If you would prefer to speak with
someone confidentially for support and to discuss your options for reporting, contact:

VCU's Wellness Resource Center 804.828.9355 | myoptions@vcu.edu | thewell.vcu.edu

Greater Richmond Regional Hotline (Community program) 804.612.6126 | 24-hour hotline
VCUs Counseling Services 804-828-6200
For more information on how to help, please click here. The Policy on Sexual Misconduct/Violence
and Sex/Gender Discrimination, can be found in the VCU policy library. For more information about
the University's Title IX process, please visit equity.vcu.edu.

Military short-term training or deployment

If military students receive orders for short-term training or for deployment/mobilization, they should
inform and present their orders to Military Student Services and to their professor(s). For further
information on policies and procedures contact Military Student Services at 828-5993 or access the
corresponding policies.
Student conduct in the classroom

According to the Faculty Guide to Student Conduct in Instructional Settings, "The university is a
community of learners. Students, as well as faculty, have a responsibility for creating and maintaining
an environment that supports effective instruction. In order for faculty members (including graduate

37
teaching assistants) to provide and students to receive effective instruction in classrooms,
laboratories, studios, online courses, and other learning areas, the university expects students to
conduct themselves in an orderly and cooperative manner." Among other things, cell phones should
be turned off while in the classroom. The Student Code of Conduct also prohibits the possession of or
carrying of any weapon. For more information see
http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=3436.

Student email policy

Email is considered an official method for communication at VCU because it delivers information in a
convenient, timely, cost-effective, and environmentally aware manner. Students are expected to
check their official VCU email on a frequent and consistent basis in order to remain informed of
university-related communications. The university recommends checking email daily. Students are
responsible for the consequences of not reading, in a timely fashion, university-related
communications sent to their official VCU student email account. This policy ensures that all students
have access to this important form of communication. It ensures students can be reached through a
standardized channel by faculty and other staff of the university as needed. Mail sent to the VCU
email address may include notification of university-related actions, including disciplinary action.
Please read the policy in its entirety at the VCU Policy Library.
Student financial responsibility

Students assume the responsibility of full payment of tuition and fees generated from their registration
and all charges for housing and dining services, and other applicable miscellaneous charges.
Students are ultimately responsible for any unpaid balance on their account as a result of the
University Financial Aid Office or their third party sponsor canceling or reducing their award(s).
Students representing the university excused absences

Students who represent the university (athletes and others) do not choose their schedules. Student
athletes are required to attend games and/or meets. All student athletes should provide their
schedules to their instructors at the beginning of the semester. The Intercollegiate Athletic Council
strongly encourages faculty to treat missed classes or exams (because of a scheduling conflict) as
excused absences and urges faculty to work with the students to make up the work or exam.
Students with disabilities

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as
amended, require that VCU provide "academic adjustments" or "reasonable accommodations" to any
student who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. To
receive accommodations, students must register with the Office of Student Accessibility and
Educational Opportunity on the Monroe Park Campus (828-2253) or the Division for Academic
Success on the MCV campus (828-9782). Please also visit the Student Accessibility and Educational
Opportunity website and/or the Division for Academic Success website for additional information.

Once students have completed the registration process, they should schedule a meeting with their
instructor (s) and provide their instructor (s) with an official accommodation letter. Accommodation
letters will outline the required classroom accommodations. Additionally, if coursework requires the
student to work in a lab environment, the student should advise the instructor or a department
chairperson of any concerns that the student may have regarding safety issues related to a disability.
Students should follow this procedure for all courses in the academic semester.

38
Withdrawal from classes

Before withdrawing from classes, students should consult their instructor as well as other appropriate
university offices. Withdrawing from classes may negatively impact a students financial aid award
and his or her semester charges. To discuss financial aid and the student bill, visit the Student
Services Center at 1015 Floyd Avenue (Harris Hall) and/or contact your financial aid counselor
regarding the impact on your financial aid.

Faculty communication about students

VCU instructional faculty, administrators and staff maintain confidentiality of student records and
disclose information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This
means that VCU officials may disclose student record information without the consent of the student
in certain situations. To support university operations, for example, VCU officials share information
about students with other educational officials as necessary to perform their job duties. FERPA
permits this disclosure to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the student
information. In addition, VCU officials have obligations to report information shared by a student
depending on the content of that information, for example, in compliance with VCUs policy on the
duty to report (policy.vcu.edu). Unless FERPA permits a certain disclosure, VCU generally requires
consent from a student to disclose information from their education record to another individual. You
may find additional information on the VCU FERPA website: http://rar.vcu.edu/records/family-
educational-rights-and-privacy-act/.

39
B VCU Honour Code
The following Honour Code information may also be viewed following the we-
blinks at https://students.vcu.edu/studentconduct/vcu-honor-system/.

40
 Honor System-Interim
Policy Type: Administrative
Responsible Office: Office of the Provost
Initial Policy Approved: 11/16/2006
Current Revision Approved: 08/12/2015

Policy Statement and Purpose

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU or university) is committed to: the intellectual and academic
success of a diverse student body; research and discovery that advances knowledge, inspires creativity,
and improves human health; and the global engagement of students, faculty, and staff that transforms
lives and communities. In pursuit of these goals, the universitys core values are accountability,
achievement, collaboration, freedom, innovation, service, diversity, and integrity.

VCU recognizes that honesty, truth, and integrity are values central to its mission to advance knowledge
and student success both in the world VCU students will enter, or return to, once they have graduated
and in the university community as a microcosm of that world. In a community devoted to learning, a
foundation of honor must exist if that community is to thrive with respect and harmony. Therefore, all
members of the university community must conduct themselves in accordance with the highest
standards of academic honesty, ethics, and integrity at all times. Additional standards of academic and
professional integrity consistent with this Honor System may apply to students in professional programs.

Because academic dishonesty is a violation of the profound trust of the entire academic community, the
Honor System intends to:
Foster an environment at VCU where academic dishonesty is not tolerated;
Prevent any student from gaining, or attempting to gain, an unfair advantage over other
students through academic misconduct;
Define what constitutes academic misconduct and what conduct is expected of all members of
the university community;
Cultivate a centralized system of education and awareness of the Honor System; and
Instill in members of the university community their responsibility for upholding academic
integrity by recognizing that:
o There is NO neutral stance when dishonesty occurs;
o Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of academic dishonesty is not a neutral act;
o Failure to take action detracts from a community of trust; and
o Knowingly allowing others to represent the work of others as their own is as serious an
offense as submitting anothers work as your own.

It is important to report EVERY suspected incident of academic misconduct to ensure consistency across
courses and departments, due process rights, appropriate response to repeated academic misconduct,
and protection from unfounded allegations of misconduct.

Honor System -1- Approved: 08/12/2015

41
 The Honor System prohibits the following acts of academic misconduct as defined below:

1. Plagiarism
2. Cheating
3. Lying
4. Stealing
5. Facilitation

The Honor System seeks to end the misconduct in question, prevent a reoccurrence of similar
misconduct, and remedy the effects of the misconduct on the university community.

The following pledge applies to EVERY examination, paper, or academic exercise unless specifically
exempted by the instructor:

On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this assignment, and I
pledge that I am in compliance with the VCU Honor System.

Neither the presence nor the absence of a signed pledge statement shall exempt a student from the
requirements of the Honor System.

Noncompliance with the requirements of the Honor System may result in disciplinary action for
students, staff, or faculty, including expulsion or termination. VCU supports an environment free from
retaliation. Retaliation against anyone who brings forth a good faith concern, asks a clarifying question,
or participates in an investigation is prohibited by VCU policy in accordance with federal and state law.

Table of Contents

Who Should Know This Policy 2

Definitions 3
Contacts 5
Procedures 6
Forms 12
Related Documents 13
Revision History 13
FAQs 13

Who Should Know This Policy

All members of the Virginia Commonwealth University community are responsible for understanding
and adhering to the Honor System.

Honor System -2- Approved: 08/12/2015

42
 Definitions

Academic Integrity Administrator

The term Academic Integrity Administrator or Administrator refers to a university official authorized
by the Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee, on a case-by-case basis, to
administer the Honor System.

Academic Integrity Appeal Board

The term Academic Integrity Appeal Board or Appeal Board refers to a panel comprised of three
Honor Council members one full-time undergraduate student, one full-time graduate or professional
student, and one administrative or instructional faculty member and authorized by the Director of
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee to consider an appeal of a Decision Boards
determination.

Academic Integrity Decision Board

The term Academic Integrity Decision Board or Decision Board refers to a panel of four Honor
Council members one full-time undergraduate student, one full-time graduate or professional student,
one administrative or instructional faculty member, and one non-voting chairperson (selected from any
of these groups) authorized by the Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or designee to
determine whether a student has violated the Honor System and to recommend appropriate sanctions
when a violation has been committed.

Academic Integrity Executive Board

The term Academic Integrity Executive Board or Executive Board refers to the four graduate or
professional students, four undergraduate students, six faculty members, and the Director of Student
Conduct and Academic Integrity who assist in orienting Honor Council members to the VCU Honor
System and assist in surveying the Respondent and Reporting Parties for the purpose of reviewing the
Honor System procedures, determining the level of satisfaction with the policy, and implementing
recommendations as appropriate.

Advisor
The term Advisor refers to any person not a party to a matter, who advises the Respondent or
Reporting Party throughout the adjudication process but who may not speak on behalf of the
Respondent or Reporting Party or participate directly in the adjudication process unless authorized by
the Administrator or Decision Board Chairperson.

Cheating
The term cheating, as used in this policy, means receiving, giving, or attempting to receive or give
unauthorized assistance, such as materials, devices, information, notes or sources, related to academic
matters.

Clear and Convincing

The term clear and convincing is an intermediate standard, being more than a mere preponderance,
but not to the extent of such certainty as is required beyond a reasonable doubt. It does not mean
unequivocal. The clear and convincing standard requires that measure or degree of proof, which will

Honor System -3- Approved: 08/12/2015

43
 produce in the mind of the reviewer of the facts a firm belief or conviction as to the allegations sought
to be established. 1

Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity

The term Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity or Director refers to the faculty or
staff member authorized by the Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee to be responsible for the
administration of the Honor System, including the selection of members of the Honor Council. He or she
also serves as a member of the Executive Board.

Facilitation
The term facilitation, as used in this policy, means helping or soliciting another person to commit an
act of academic dishonesty.

Faculty
The term Faculty refers to any person considered by the university to be a member of its faculty,
including any person hired by the university to conduct classroom or teaching activities or activities
involving research, administration, or clinical responsibilities.

Honor Council
The term Honor Council refers to the pool of students, faculty, and staff, who are selected, trained,
and authorized by the Director or designee to determine whether a student has violated the Honor
System and to recommend sanctions that may be imposed when a violation has been committed
through their participation on a Decision, Sanction Review, or Appeal Board.

Honor Probation
The term Honor Probation means a status in which a student is placed once there has been a finding
that the student violated the Honor System and which increases the likelihood of a more severe
sanction, including suspension or expulsion, for any subsequent violation.

Lying
The term lying, as used in this policy, means transferring, transmitting, or communicating any false
statements concerning academic matters.

Member of the University Community

The term member of the university community includes any person who is a student, faculty member,
staff member, university official, or any other person employed by the university.

Notification E-mail
The term Notification E-mail refers to the official university communication sent to the Respondent via
their VCU e-mail address informing them of the specific violation(s) with which they have been charged
and instructing them to contact the Administrator to schedule a meeting.

1 Mathew Bender, The Law of Evidence in Virginia, 1-5.

Honor System -4- Approved: 08/12/2015

44
 Plagiarism
The term, plagiarism, as used in this policy, means representing the words, ideas, facts, opinions,
theories, illustrations, tables or any part of anothers work as ones own on an academic assignment
without customary and proper acknowledgment of the source.

Policy
The term, Policy, as used in this policy, means the written regulations of the university as found in, but
not limited to, the Honor System, the Undergraduate/Graduate Bulletins as found on the university web
page, or other university publications or resources.

Reporting Party
The term Reporting Party means any person who submits a charge alleging that a student has violated
the Honor System.

Respondent
The term Respondent means any student accused of violating the Honor System.

Academic Integrity Sanction Review Board

The term Academic Integrity Sanction Review Board or SRB refers to a panel of three Honor Council
members one undergraduate student, one graduate or professional student, and one faculty member
authorized by the Director or designee to review the sanctions recommended by an Administrator for
an individual Respondent and impose other sanctions, when appropriate.

Stealing
The term, stealing, as used in this policy, means taking or making academic material inaccessible,
thereby temporarily or permanently depriving others of its use or possession.

Student
The term student includes all persons taking VCU courses in any academic program, either full-time or
part-time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies, including any person who
withdraws while adjudication of charges is pending, and describes such persons from the time of
application for admission through the awarding of a degree, even if misconduct is discovered after a
degree is awarded.

University Official
The term University Official includes any person employed by the university, including faculty or staff,
who performs assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.

Contacts

The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity officially interprets this policy and is responsible
for obtaining approval for any revisions as required by the policy Creating and Maintaining Policies and
Procedures through the appropriate governance structures. Please direct policy questions to the Office
of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.

Honor System -5- Approved: 08/12/2015

45
 Rules, Responsibilities and Procedures

Honor System Authority

The Director or designee may develop procedures for the administration of the VCU Honor System
consistent with this policy, including procedural rules for conducting Decision Board hearings. He or she
shall select the membership of the Honor Council and individual Decision, Sanction Review, and Appeal
Boards. He or she will appoint an Administrator or board from among eligible Honor Council members to
adjudicate matters as appropriate. If the Director determines that an appropriate board cannot be
convened within a reasonable period of time, an ad hoc committee of appropriately trained university
community members may be established to adjudicate the matter. Any question of interpretation or
application of the Honor System shall be referred to the Director or designee for final determination.
The members of the Executive Board are selected by the Director from among the Honor Council
members. Each Executive Board member serves a one-year term and may be re-appointed.

Rights and Responsibilities

A. Members of the University Community

To support a commitment to the Honor System, all members of the VCU community are required to:
(1) adhere to the Honor System policy and its procedures; (2) report any suspicion or knowledge of
possible violations of the Honor System; (3) answer truthfully when called upon to do so regarding
Honor System matters; and (4) maintain appropriate confidentiality related to Honor System matters.
Harassing, pressuring, or intimidating any Reporting Party, Respondent, or other party involved in a
pending matter will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action under the appropriate
university policy, such as the Student or University Code of Conduct or policies governing harassment.

B. Instructors

All instructors, including faculty, staff, and student instructors, are expected to discuss the Honor System
at the beginning of a course and to describe Honor System requirements in course syllabi. An instructor
suspecting a violation must file a charge with the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity and
continue to administer, assess, or grade academic work on the specific assignment as if no violation of
the Honor System has occurred.

C. Students

All students must know and understand the Honor System. It is a students responsibility to ask course
instructors to clarify requirements for each assignment if they are uncertain.

D. Parties Involved in Adjudication

Any Respondent has a right to the following:

1. Notice of any charges concerning the Respondent, including the specific violation alleged and
the source of any such allegation;
2. Notice of sanctions that may be imposed if violation is found to have occurred; and
3. The option to refrain from admitting responsibility for alleged violations of the Honor System.

Honor System -6- Approved: 08/12/2015

46
 Both Reporting Parties and Respondents will have the opportunity to do the following:
1. Present information;
2. Provide witnesses; and
3. Be accompanied by an advisor of their choice at their own expense during the Honor System
adjudication process. Advisors may accompany participants for advisory purposes only and may
not speak or participate directly in the adjudication process unless authorized by the
Administrator or Chairperson. When selecting an Advisor, students should consider any
scheduled meetings or hearings, as an Advisors scheduling conflicts will not be allowed to delay
the adjudication process.

Filing Charges and Adjudication

A. Referral

1. Self-Referral

Students who believe they may have committed acts of academic misconduct may report themselves in
writing to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. An individual reporting his or her own
Honor System violation will be considered both the Reporting Party and Respondent.

If an Administrator determines that a suspicion of academic misconduct had not been brought to the
attention of either the self-referring student or the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity at
the time that the student self-referred, self-referral is valid. A self-referring student found responsible for
a violation may be placed on Honor Probation and receive a grade of 0 for the relevant assignment,
quiz, or exam in the place of a sanction that would otherwise be appropriate for the violation found. A
student may not avoid standard sanction through self-referral more than once or while on Honor
Probation.

If the Administrator determines that a third party had brought a suspicion of academic misconduct to the
attention of either the student or the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity before the
student self-referred, the matter is not a valid self-referral and will be adjudicated via the standard
process described in Section B.

2. Standard Referral

Any person, whether or not a member of the university community, may file charges against a student
for violations of the Honor System. This Reporting Party must file a charge, including an initial
description of the specific violation alleged, with the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
within two (2) years of the alleged offense. Evidence may erode and memories may fade; therefore,
absent extraordinary circumstances, all reporting parties are encouraged to file a charge within 30
calendar days of having substantial evidence of a potential violation.

B. Investigation and Determinations of Responsibility and Sanction

Once a charge has been submitted, the Director or designee will review the charge and appoint an
Administrator to complete an investigation. The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity will

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 send a Notification E-mail to the VCU e-mail address of the Respondent identifying the specific charge(s)
and contact information for the Administrator assigned to the case. The Respondent must contact the
Administrator to schedule a meeting within five (5) business days. If the Respondent fails to respond to
the Notification E-mail or to attend the scheduled meeting, the adjudication process will proceed.
Failure to respond to the Notification E-mail will be deemed acceptance of any finding of responsibility
and sanctions with no right to appeal.

The Administrator will investigate the allegations stated in the Notification E-mail to determine if the
Respondent has violated the Honor System or if the matter can be closed without sanction. As part of
the investigation, the Administrator will examine available information and make an effort to meet with
the Respondent, Reporting Party, and witnesses, if any. The Administrator will determine whether the
available information and statements provide clear and convincing evidence that the Respondent
violated the Honor System.

1. Administrator Establishes that No Violation Occurred.

If no violation is found, the Administrator will notify the Respondent and Reporting Party that the
university will take no action concerning the allegations. If a Reporting Party disagrees with the
Administrators finding, he or she may request that a Decision Board adjudicate the matter by
submitting a written request to the Director within five business days.

2. Administrator Establishes Violation and Proposes Sanction.

If the Administrator determines that the Respondent has violated the Honor System, he or she will
propose appropriate sanction(s). The Respondent may respond to the proposed sanction in one of the
following three ways.

a. Respondent Accepts Responsibility and Administrative Sanction Resolving the Matter.

If the Respondent accepts the administrative determination and proposed sanctions, the matter will be
closed. Neither the Reporting Party nor Respondent may appeal.

b. Respondent Accepts Responsibility but Rejects Administrative Sanction and Requests

Academic Integrity Sanction Review Board Action.

If the Respondent accepts responsibility for violating specified provisions of the Honor System but
disagrees with the sanction(s) proposed by the Administrator, the Respondent may submit the matter to
the Academic Integrity Sanction Review Board in writing within five business days from the date of
notification to the parties of the Administrators determination.

The Academic Integrity Sanction Review Board will review any written statements concerning the
proposed sanctions submitted by the Respondent, Administrator, and Reporting Party, if the Reporting
Party chooses to submit a statement. Based upon review of the written documentation and case file, the
Academic Integrity Sanction Review Board will decide, by majority vote of two of its three members, the
appropriate sanctions, which may be more or less severe than the sanction proposed by the
Administrator. The Academic Integrity Sanction Review Board will notify the Director of Student
Conduct and Academic Integrity of their determination. The Director of Student Conduct and Academic
Integrity will notify the Respondent and the Reporting Party of these sanctions in writing via their VCU e-

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 mail addresses. The Academic Integrity Sanction Review Board shall assign the sanctions(s) that they
determine are most appropriate. The outcome may be more severe than that proposed by the
Administrator. The decision of the Academic Integrity Sanction Review Board is NOT subject to further
appeal. Any decision to suspend or expel a student is subject to an administrative review by the Vice
Provost for Student Affairs or designee.

c. Respondent Denies Administrative Finding and Sanction and Requests Decision

Board Action.

If the Respondent denies responsibility for violating the specified provisions of the Honor System as
determined by the Administrator, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity will schedule a
Decision Board hearing to consider the information and evidence, make a determination concerning the
allegations, and assign sanctions, if necessary. The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity will
notify the Respondent and Reporting Party of the date, time, and location of the hearing at least five
business days prior to the scheduled hearing. If the Respondent or Reporting Party fails to attend the
scheduled hearing, the hearing will proceed in their absence.

A Decision Board hearing will proceed as follows:

1. Introductions and explanation of procedural rules by Decision Board Chairperson;
2. Introductory statements and presentation of any evidence, information, and witnesses by
participants in the following order:
a. the Administrator,
b. the Reporting Party, and
c. the Respondent;
3. Closing statements by participants in the following order:
a. the Administrator,
b. the Reporting Party, and
c. the Respondent.

Questions may be posed by the Honor Council, investigator, accused or accuser at any time; questions
are to be posed to the Chair; the Chair will re-direct to the appropriate party. If there are multiple
questions the parties may be asked to provide their questions to the Chair in writing.

All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the Chairperson of the Decision Board.

Witnesses will provide information to, and answer questions from, the Decision Board. Questions will be
directed to the Chairperson, rather than to the witness directly, in order to preserve the educational
tone of the hearing and to avoid an unnecessarily adversarial environment. The Chairperson shall
determine whether information will be presented. It is the responsibility of the party desiring the
participation of a witness to ensure that the witness appears.

There shall be a single verbatim record, such as a digital recording, of all Decision Board hearings. The
record shall be the property of the university.

After the hearing, the Decision Board will hold closed-session, confidential deliberations to determine if
there is clear and convincing evidence that the Respondent violated the Honor System and appropriate
sanction(s), when necessary. In the case of multiple alleged violations, the Decision Board shall
determine if the Respondent is responsible for each violation. Establishing that the Respondent violated

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 the Honor System and appropriate sanction(s), if any, requires the majority vote of at least two of the
three voting members of the Decision Board.

The Chairperson shall notify the Director of the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity of the
Decision Boards determination and sanction(s). The Director or designee will review the determination
and sanction(s) for compliance with VCU policies and notify the Respondent and the Reporting Party in
writing, via their VCU e-mail address, within five business days.

Neither an Administrator nor Reporting Party may appeal the decision of a Decision Board, but a
Respondent may appeal the decision according to the process described below.

C. Appeal

The Appeal Board may review the finding and sanctions imposed by a Decision Board upon a request by
the Respondent. If a Respondent chooses to appeal the finding of the Decision Board, he or she must
submit a written appeal to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity within five business
days following the date of the decision notice. The written appeal must contain all information,
including any new evidence, related to one of the following reasons for appeal:
1. New and pertinent evidence or
2. A procedural error, which impacted the outcome of the case.

The Administrator and the Chairperson of the Decision Board may submit a statement responding to the
claims or issues as presented by the written appeal. The written appeal and all other written statements
will be submitted by the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity to the Appeal Board.

The Appeal Board will review the Respondents written appeal as well as any written statements from
the Administrator and the Chairperson of the Decision Board. Based on a majority vote of two of its
three members, an Appeal Board will make one of two recommendations to the Vice Provost for
Student Affairs or designee concerning the appeal:
1. Uphold the Decision Boards finding and sanction(s) or
2. Refer the matter for a new hearing by a second Decision Board whose members are different
from those participating on the first Decision Board.

The Vice Provost for Student Affairs or designee will review the recommendation of the Appeal Board,
make a final determination concerning the Respondents appeal, and notify the Respondent of that
outcome.

If the Appeal Board sends the matter to a second Decision Board, the second Decision Board, its
Chairperson, and the Director shall follow the process described in Section B above. The finding and
sanctions of a second Decision Board are not subject to further appeal.

Sanctions

A Respondent found responsible for any Honor System violation shall be placed on Honor Probation and
receive appropriate sanctions. Some sanctions may result in lowering a cumulative grade point average,
loss of a graduate assistantship, or dismissal from an academic program. These factors are not
considered by members of the Honor Council during the adjudication of an allegation. Although Honor

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 Council Members can consider and assign other sanctions from the list below, the following sanctions
are generally recommended:
1. A grade of F in the course for a students first violation, except in the case of a valid self-referral
resulting in only Honor Probation and a grade of 0 on the relevant assignment; and
2. Suspension for at least three semesters for any subsequent violation.

All violations of the Honor System are serious, but the scope and the intent of the violation shall be
weighed when applying sanctions other than those recommended. For example, acts involving advance
planning, conspiring with others, or some actual or potential harm to others, may merit a more severe
sanction, even for a first offense. An attempt to commit a violation generally merits the same sanction
as an actual violation. Sanctions that balance consequences for misconduct with opportunities to learn
and grow may be considered.

A Respondent shall be presumed not responsible for an alleged violation of the Honor System unless
otherwise determined through a completed adjudication process; however, VCU will not issue a degree
to any student charged with violating the Honor System until an allegation has been completely
investigated and adjudicated, including appeals. A temporary administrative hold shall be placed on the
Respondents record pending resolution and forwarded to the Graduation Coordinator and the
Respondents School or College.

The following sanctions are not recorded on a students transcript or reported to external agencies as a
university disciplinary action, unless required by law:

Honor Probation. Honor Probation is a mandatory sanction for any violation of the Honor
System and remains in effect throughout all current and future enrollment at VCU. The Office of
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity maintains a record of students on Honor Probation. If a
student on Honor Probation is found responsible for a subsequent violation of the Honor
System, the sanction shall be Suspension or Expulsion.
Grade of 0 on an Assignment. A grade of 0 may be assigned for any test, paper, or other
assignment and shall be factored into the course grade. A grade of 0 assigned by the Honor
System may not be dropped or replaced.
Additional Sanction(s) Not Reported. A student may be assigned other relevant sanctions,
including, but not limited to, restitution, community service, special projects and special
educational requirements. A student who fails to complete these sanctions or provide
documentation of completion of the sanctions may be subject to additional disciplinary action
under the Student Code of Conduct.

The following sanctions are recorded as a university disciplinary action on a students transcript and
reported to external agencies as required by law:

Assignment of a Grade of F for the Course. A course grade of F may be assigned for the
course in which the Respondent committed the violation. Grades assigned by the Honor System
may not be voided in any way, including by withdrawal from a course or from VCU, by use of the
Repeat Course Option, or through the Grade Appeal Procedure. Notation of an F resulting from
an Honor System violation shall remain on the transcript for five years from the date of the last
violation.

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 Suspension. During suspension, which can be imposed for a maximum of six consecutive
semesters, a student loses all university privileges, including but not limited to, access to
facilities, programs, classes, and VCU premises. Students who do not attend VCU for three or
more successive semesters, excluding summer sessions, must submit an application for
readmission to the Office of Admissions. Notation of suspension remains on the students
transcript permanently.
Expulsion. Expulsion results in permanent dismissal from the university, administrative
withdrawal from classes, and loss of all University privileges. Notation of expulsion remains on
the students transcript permanently.
Revocation. When a violation invalidates the degree requirement, then the sanction may
include a recommendation to the university President for revocation of a degree or certificate.
Notation of revocation remains on the students transcript permanently.

The Honor System adjudication process will be completed regardless of a Respondents decision to
discontinue the course. A student should discuss with an academic advisor the potential consequences
of a decision to discontinue attendance in or to drop or withdraw from a course in which an alleged
violation has occurred.

Records

Sanctions and other information related to academic integrity adjudication processes are part of the
educational record of the Respondent and are protected from release under the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law. However, VCU may release certain educational records
pursuant to FERPA and VCUs Policy on the Release of the Educational Record of a Dependent Student.
All Honor System records shall be maintained with sufficient safeguards to ensure confidentiality. An
annual summary report of all cases, with identifying information removed, shall be made available to
the VCU Board of Visitors and, upon request and at VCUs discretion, to internal or external sources.
Regardless of the finding of responsibility, the Academic Integrity Officer or the Administrator shall
prepare and keep a confidential record of pertinent facts on each case. De-identified cases and
composite data will serve the purpose of honor education for the university community.

All records related to honor proceedings will be kept or destroyed in accordance with the Library of
Virginia Records and Retention Disposition Schedule.

Regular Review of Honor System

All Honor Council members participate in annual training on topics related to confidentiality and
adjudication procedures.

The Honor System shall be reviewed regularly under the direction of the Director. Reporting Parties and
Respondents will be surveyed for regular reviews of Honor System procedures to determine the level of
satisfaction with the policy. The Executive Board and the Director shall be responsible for administering
and reviewing these surveys and implementing recommendations, as appropriate.

Forms

There are no forms associated with this policy and procedures.

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 Related Documents

1. VCU Procedures for Degree Revocation

2. Release of the Educational Record of a Dependent Student

Revision History

This policy 2 supersedes the following archived policies:

Initial Approval: 11/16/2006, effective fall 2007 VCU Honor System

Revision Approved: August 12, 2015, Honor System-Interim

FAQs
There are no FAQs associated with this policy and procedures.

2
This Honor System has drawn material from Edward N. Stoners and John Wesley Lowerys A Twenty-First Century
Model Student Code of Conduct and a review of other universities policies, including Boston University; Carnegie
Mellon University; Duke University; George Mason University; Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech);
College of William & Mary; University of Colorado, Boulder; University of Maryland; University of Massachusetts,
Boston; University of New Hampshire; University of Virginia; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
(Virginia Tech).

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