Communications Policies

My email is jgrabin@aacc.edu. I will make every effort respond to all emails within 24 hours (even on the weekends). If you do not receive a response within that time, please re-send your message, as it was probably never received.
I will reply to emails using the “reply” function. Send all emails from the account to which you want a reply. Avoid sending a message and asking me to reply to a different email address.
Avoid sending attachments, unless you have received prior approval. Type or cut-and-paste your message into the body of the email.
Identify yourself, your class, and your section in your email, preferably in the subject line.
Please avoid typing in all caps or all lowercase letters. Please punctuate your messages.
112, 210, 220 sections: I cannot commit to reading drafts via email. However, I am always glad to read an introductory paragraph (including thesis statement) and topic sentences, along with responding to specific writing or content questions.
No formal/final outlines or papers may be submitted by email unless you have specifically received prior approval.
Due to privacy laws, I can only send information about grades to your private myaacc/student mail account. Please write to me from that account for any discussion of grades.

My mailbox is located in Humanities 102, across the hall from the department office. I check my mailbox 1-2 times a day. If you are going to miss or possibly be late to a class when an assignments is due, plan on placing that assignment in my mailbox before that class.
Please note that my office and my mailbox are in separate locations.

My office is located in Humanities 215 G (at the end of the hall on the right). You do not need to check in with the administrative assistant in the foyer—just come straight to my office. If there is another student with me, please go back down the hall and sit in the waiting area.
Office hours can be found on the front of the syllabus, on my office door, and on my webpage. Any changes will be announced in class and posted on my door.
Appointments are not necessary unless otherwise indicated.
When you come to office hours, always bring your assignment sheet, your notes, and the paper you want to discuss. Plan on taking notes—have a pen and paper readily available.
I keep chocolate in the office for anyone who comes to visit.

My office phone number is 410-777-2118. I usually check my voice mail once a day during the week but never on weekends.
I am unable to return long-distance calls (i.e., area codes other than 410).
Time-sensitive issues should be handled via email.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you!