I am announcing a significant shift of schedule for the programming
assignments.  I went through the submissions for program1 (WebHistory)
this weekend, and everybody struggled greatly with the assignment.
One student described the experience thus far as if being "throw to
the wolves".   That does not sound like a very comfortable situation,
so I'd like to try to separate us from the wolves as much as possible.

On that note, here is my current reaction (I'll continue to try to
react to feedback throughout the course).  It is important that each
student in the class gains the experience and confidence needed.
Furthermore, it is pointless for us to push ahead with further (more
challenging) assignments, without more widespread success on the early
assignment. 

Therefore, I propose the following:

STEP 1:  I'd like everyone to immediately put program2 on hold.  (If you've
   started working on it, great;  It will be due at 8pm Tuesday, 7 October.)

STEP 2: I have detailed comments for each student regarding your
   original submission, and I will be sending those comments via email
   immediately after this message.  Furthermore, you will find a
   copy of those comments on patel2, in the directory:
       /home/cs2/Submit/username/grades/ 
   where "username" is your actual username.  Please look over those comments.

STEP 3:  Each of you is to schedule a mandatory, individual appointment
   with me on either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of this week.  Send
   me mail with your requested time (30 minute block) and I'll confirm
   as soon as possible.  My schedule is currently open between
   10am-5pm, other than Tuesday 12:30-2:15, and Wed 11:00-11:30.

STEP 4: You will each be allowed to resubmit an updated version of the
        first program by 8pm Thursday, September 25.


My reasoning for step 3 is the following.  Despite the clear
struggles, not a single student from this class has visited me during
office hours (or any other time for that matter).  I would like for
you to recognize the value of coming in to discuss course material
with me.   After this week, I won't require any such mandatory
meetings, but I'll certainly continue to be available as desired.

If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know.

Until Tuesday,
Michael