I encourage my students to take ownership of their learning by creating a student-centered environment where each student can find success.  I often tell my students that my job is to serve as a navigator; I will sit in the passenger seat and help them as they drive successfully to the finish line.  I believe in enabling every student to achieve success by meeting his/her learning needs through a variety of methods.

In every course, I introduce myself and provide the following statement about my expectations: 

I have high expectations of all my students, just as I expect that you all have high expectations of me. I strive to exceed your expectations, as I hope that you will work hard to exceed mine. You won't receive a grade in my class...you will earn one. I am eager to work with you, so long as you are eager to work! I do my best to treat my students in a manner that is both consistent and fair. Because of this, I will adhere strictly to the syllabus for the course. I will not make any concessions for you (or another student) that I would not also make for every other student in my class.