HW grade STAT 789

Homework component of your grade

Update: There will be be
8 five point problems, of which I'll count your best 4 scores,
8 ten point problems, of which I'll count your best 5 scores, and
8 fifteen point problems, of which I'll count your best 6 scores.
So even though there are a total of 24 problems, having point values totaling 240, only 15 of the problems will contribute to the HW component of your grade for the course, which is based on 160 points (since 4*5 + 5*10 + 6*15 = 160).
However, if you're unhappy with your quiz scores, worried about the final exam, or concerned that your HW average will be sort of low even after I drop some low scores, I encourage you to turn in as many of the HW problems as you have time to do. Even though I will compute your overall average for the course exactly like I describe in the syllabus, when I get ready to make the divisions between students getting A and A-, A- and B+, etc., it will help your case if you have done extra homework (and done it well).

Each HW problem will be worth either 5, 10, or 15 points.
In all, there will be between 6 and 12 problems of each type (5, 10, 15 point problems).
I'll drop 2 or 3 of the lowest scores for each type, and then use the rest to determine your HW average.
Unless stated otherwise, problems are due 7 days after they are distributed. (An obvious exception will occur due to the 4th of July break.)
Problems are due by 10 PM on the due date. (I plan to return to my office and grade the papers shortly after class most of the time.) I'm not going to deal with late papers. If you want to fax an assignment, make sure it arrives by 10 PM, and e-mail me that you sent a fax so I'll know to go get it. (The fax number is (703) 993-1700.) If for any reason (e.g., fax machine doesn't work properly) I don't get you homework, I won't give you any credit.
I don't plan to give you a lot of specific help on the homework --- my office hours are primarily for helping students understand the material of the course in a general sense. You can work with other students on HW, but you should understand (and be prepared to explain) anything you turn in for credit. Under no circumstances should you copy another student's solution or submit computer output which you did not generate yourself. Failure to follow these rules pertaining to homework will be considered to be a violation of the GMU Honor Code.