This course requires active participation each day of class so it is important for you to attend every class session, arrive on time, and come prepared. Your participation not only enhances your own learning, it benefits other students in the class. Your level of participation is reflected in your grade and since you can’t participate if you are not in class, absences will also be reflected in your grade.

Up to 3 classes can be made-up during the semester. Students may attend one of the hikes led by our class docent, Bill Perry who generally leads hikes on weekends. Bill’s signature is required. The Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club leads hikes on most weekends. See www.ventana.sierraclub.org for schedule published 6 times per year. The signature of the hike leader is required. Be sure to include your name on the verification form. Students may attend the other day of hiking class (e.g., Wednesday student comes to Friday class or vice versa) and it will not count as an absence. In the event of injury, extended illness, or other extenuating circumstances see the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility for adding and dropping a course with the necessary paperwork being submitted to the Admissions Office; failure to do so may result in a “No Pass” grade. A “W” (Withdraw) grade cannot be given after 75% of the semester is completed.

Earning an “A” Grade: You must attend the orientation, participate in 13 hikes and complete a volunteer activity. Numerous volunteer activities will be presented by the instructor throughout the semester. See the Course Materials on my website for activities to choose from: Click on “Classes” then “Course Materials” then “Volunteer Calendar of Events” or “Volunteer at Home”. You must obtain the volunteer coordinator’s signature demonstrating that you completed the activity. Be sure to include your name on the verification form. Volunteer activities must be selected from the list on the website. Other activities are not acceptable.

See my web site (www.cabrillo.edu/~pkaplan) for hiking resources, frequently asked questions, class pictures and all course information.