Collaboration Policy

Computer architectures work in collaboration. The paired assignments in this class aim to model interactions in computer-architecture teams in industry. To encourage the completion of the assignments cooperatively, the following policies are in effect:

1. Paired Assignments:

   • All assignments labeled as “paired assignments” must be completed with a designated partner.
   • Partners are expected to work together throughout the entire process of the assignment, from initial discussion to final submission.

2. Active Collaboration:

   • Initial Meeting: Partners must meet (in person or virtually) at the beginning of each assignment to discuss and outline their approach.
   • Regular Check-Ins: Partners should schedule regular check-in meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and solutions.
   • Final Review: A final review meeting should be held before submission to go over the assignment, ensuring both partners understand all aspects of the work.

3. Documentation of Collaboration:

   • Each submission must include a collaboration log detailing:
     • The dates and times of meetings.
     • The topics discussed and decisions made during each meeting.
     • Specific contributions from each partner.
   • A good practice is to write the log entry for each collaboration meeting as soon as the meeting finish. At the top of the log entry enter the date and time of the meeting and location (indicating if the meeting was in-person or online). The log should be in a document shared by both partners so that after one partner writes the log entry, the other is able to review/edit it.

4. Peer Assessment:

   • After each assignment, partners will complete a peer assessment form where they evaluate their partner’s contributions and collaboration efforts.
   • Graders will review these assessments to assign individual grades for the assignment to each student.