CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Construction Management Program,

School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC)
Legal Issues in Construction – CMP 822
Spring 2021 Syllabus

Part 1: Course Information

Instructor Information
Instructor: Robert Aydukovic, Teaching Specialist

Office: 201-J Human Ecology Building (Note: Office is unstaffed during spring semester)
Office Hours: Tuesdays – 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Thursdays 10 AM to 11 AM, Fridays after 10 AM
by appointment; all held via Zoom, all times are Eastern Standard.
Office Telephone: 517-353-0781 – Note this will go straight to voicemail. For faster responses,
please email the Instructor or contact via mobile phone.
Mobile: 443-865-0810 (Urgent matters only please).

E-mail: Aydukov2@msu.edu (preferred method of contact). For faster responses, please email
instructor directly using the email address as noted above. If emailing through D2L, please also
use the direct email address as a CC.

Course time and Location:

Online Synchronous Class Sessions via Zoom - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 AM to 9:50 AM
Hybrid In-Person Class meetings, See Course Schedule Pages 6-9.

Course Description:
Construction contracts and documents. Application of Michigan and federal case law to
construction and development claims and litigation.

Prerequisite:
Open to Masters students or doctoral students in Construction Management, MED, Interior
Design and Facilities Management, Civil Engineering or Urban and Regional Planning.

Textbook & Course Materials:

1. Legal Aspects of Architecture, Engineering and the Construction Process. Ninth
edition preferred, 8th edition acceptable, Justin Sweet, West Publishing Company.
ISBN-13: 978-1-111-57871-8 or ISBN-10: 1-111-57871-0

2. Free Download: A Contractor's Guide to Michigan Construction Law (AGCCGMCL)

(Available from website at AGC Michigan Chapter or from D2L).

3. Materials Posted to D2L Throughout the Semester

Michigan State University Page 1

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Electronic Downloads

MSU Documents
o Front End Documents
o Prevailing Wage
o ConsensusDocs 200
MSU Download from:

https://ipf.msu.edu/construction/construction-standards/front-end-documents

MSU Hubbard Hall-Alterations to North Passenger Elevators (Download form D2l or

from site below) _Specifications and Addendum #1

https://order.e-
arc.com/arcEOC/Secures/PWELL_PrivateList.aspx?PrjType=Pub&mem=72&custToken
=E0A6672E-BBC1-4DB7-90F5-698C41DD7344

Integrated Project Delivery Guide, American Institute of Architects (Free

download)

http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/AIAS077630

https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Files/Programs%20%26%20Industry%20Relati
ons/IPD%20for%20Public%20and%20Private%20Owners_0.pdf

Recommended Texts & Other Readings (not required for purchase)

• How to Prepare, Stage and Deliver Winning Presentations, 3rd Edition. Thomas Leech,
Amacom Publishing, 2004. ISBN: 978-0-8144-7231-6.
• Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets – How to Fix America’s Trillion-Dollar Construction
Industry, Barry B. LePatner, University of Chicago Press, 2007.
ISBN-13: 978-0-22647267-6 (cloth).

Course Requirements:
• This class will use D2L, Zoom and Media Space. Students will need to have access to a
laptop computer or tablet with webcam and speaker.
• Internet connection (DSL, LAN, or cable connection desirable)
• Access to Desire2Learn (D2L), Zoom and Media Space.
• D2L will be used to post documents throughout the semester. D2L and Media Space will
be used for posting recorded lectures. Students are responsible for keeping track of the
announcements, course material, etc. on the D2L course website. Enable e-mail
forwarding option on your D2L settings.

Michigan State University Page 2

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Course Structure
This class is hybrid format that is primarily delivered through two 1.5 hour online synchronous
sessions. An in-person class session is scheduled, please see pages 6-9 in the course schedule.
In-class questions and discussion are encouraged through Zoom and Chat features and will add
to your experience in the class.

Synchronous Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 AM to 9:50 AM Eastern Standard
Time starting Tuesday January 20, 2021 through Tuesday April 20, 2021.

As an online class, we will make significant use of D2L and Zoom for the class. Before each class
period, you should consult the course D2L page and complete the pre-class activities for that
session, listed under each lecture topic.

Technical Assistance

If you need technical assistance at any time during the course or to report a problem, you can:
• Visit the MSU Libraries Discovery Services Site (https://lib.msu.edu/dls/)
• Visit the Desire2Learn Help Site (https://help.d2l.msu.edu/)
• Visit the MSU IT Help & Support Site (https://tech.msu.edu/support/help/), call (517)
432-6200 or toll free (844) 678-6200, or email ithelp@msu.edu

Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)

• To make an appointment with a specialist, contact (517) 353-9642 or
TTY: (517) 355-1293
• RCPD Get Started Info: https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/get-started

Written and Oral Communications Assistance

The School of Planning, Design and Construction Communication Center is available to SPDC
students. If you are on campus the Center is in Human Ecology Building, Room 102, but
students are advised to contact the Center or check the website for staffing and hours. The
Communication Center can help with the following:
• Outlining, editing, and proofreading papers;
• Resumes and cover letters;
• Thank you letters;
• Design concepts and descriptions;
• Writing research papers, literature reviews and thesis chapters;
• Memos, proposals, and executive summaries;

To take advantage of these opportunities contact the Center at 517-432-3393. Hours are also
posted in the SPDC Student Services Office (Human Ecology, Room 102) as well as in the weekly
SPDC Communication Center newsletter that is sent to students via email. Questions can be sent
to spdcanr.comm@msu.edu. More information is available at:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/student_services/spdc_communications_center.

Michigan State University Page 3

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Part 2: Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes are planned for this class and support our overall CM program
learning outcomes. You will be assessed to see if you have accomplished them. At the end of
this class you should be able to do the following

1. Students shall demonstrate ability to review and interpret contracts and contract
documents.

2. Students shall be able to characterize key project delivery methods and the
responsibilities of the parties under each delivery method.

3. Students shall be able to demonstrate knowledge of key contract requirements for

major processes such as payments, change orders, time, bidding etc.

4. Students shall be able to utilize professional written communication.

5. Students shall be able to describe the critical legal issues surrounding the various
aspects and phases of construction and development projects.

6. Students shall be able to describe construction law and how it is applied by the courts to
disputes in construction claim cases.

7. Students shall be able to locate cases and utilize the primary case reporting services
in legal research.

8. Students shall improve their written and verbal presentation skills.

You will meet the objectives listed above through a combination of the following activities in
this course:

• Attendance and participation

• Course examinations
• Writing and Homework Assignments

More detailed enabling learning outcomes are listed at the end of this syllabus.

Michigan State University Page 4

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Part 3: Course Outline/Schedule

Important Note: Refer to the course calendar for specific meeting dates and times. Activity and
assignment details will be explained in detail within each week's corresponding learning module.
If you have any questions, please contact your instructor.

• Reading, Review and Reflection (Week 1)

o Selected readings to prepare for the remainder of the semester
• Module 1 – Getting Started/Course Outline (Week 2, Class #’s 1-3)
o Syllabus review, introductions, course overview, Intro to Nexis-Uni. Overview of
US Court System, land use regulations
• Module 2 – Project Phases, Types and Delivery Methods (Class #’s 4-5)
o Land Use Cases, Public vs. private projects, delivery methods
• Module 3 – Contract Documents, Specifications, Designer Roles (Class #’s 6-7)
o Project Manual, Case Study
• Module 4 – Owner-Contractor Agreements (Weeks 5-8: Class #’s 8-13)
o AIA Family of Documents, General Conditions, Submittals and Payments
• Module 5 – Change Orders and Time Related Requirements (Week 9, Class #’s 14-15)
• Module 6 – Bidding, Bonding, Risk Management and Labor (Weeks 10-12, Class #’s 16-
21)
o Contract Bidding and Bonding, Case Study, Labor Laws and Regulations,
Insurance and Indemnifications.
• Module 7 – Contractor/Subcontractor Agreements, Claims Disputes and Dispute
Resolution (Weeks 13-14, Class #’s 22-25)

Michigan State University Page 5

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Schedule:

This is the tentative class schedule. The instructor will try to keep on schedule; however, certain
topics may require more or less time than allocated considering varying student backgrounds.
Each student will be responsible for keeping abreast of all changes that will be announced
during class periods on an as needed basis.

Schedule is subject to change.

The table below describes activates including the date, topic, readings, activities, and due date.
The first column identifies the week in the semester. The second column describes the class
date. The third column describes the topic. The fourth column describes the readings. The fifth
column describes the activities. The sixth column indicates the due date.

WEEK DATE TOPIC Readings Activities Due

Date
Week Jan 11-15 Reading, Review, and Sweet Appendix B None
1 Reflection (AIA Document A
101) – 9th
No classes this week
Sweet Appendix C
(AIA Document A
201) – 9th

Review Materials
posted to D2L
Week Class #1 Introduction to class, case LexisNexis Jan 21
2 Tue citations, search methods
Jan 19 Introduction to Lexis
Nexis
Class #2 Overview of US court
Thu system and US law system
Jan 21
Week Class #3 Development related Sweet Land Cases Feb 2
3 Tue projects. Local Chapt 9 (8th)
Jan 26 Government, Land Related 7(9th)
Laws and Case Law
Class #4 Project phases defined. SWEET CHAPTS 8
Thu Public vs Private. & 17(8th)
Jan 28 Contractual relationships
between owner, 8 and 14 (9th)
contractor, subcontractor,
architect, construction
manager; general
management methods.
Procurement methods:
residential contracting,
general contracts,

Michigan State University Page 6

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

WEEK DATE TOPIC Readings Activities Due

Date
construction management,
design build, partnering,
Broadway Maintenance
Corp v Rutgers
Week Class #5 Land related cases,
4 Tue student presentations
Feb 2 ***Virtual Presentation
via Zoom***
Class #6 Overview of Contract Navigating Feb 9
Thu Documents, Specifications, Contract
Feb 4 Document systems, AIA, Documents
AGC Consensus
Documents, EJCDC,
Week Class #7 Designer Roles and AGCCGMCL Designer Feb 16
5 Tue Liabilities Chapter Vl, SWEET cases
Feb 9 Chap 14 (8th),
11(9th) Final Paper
Details
Class #8 Commercial project Sweet appendix B
Thu owner/contractor AIA 101
Feb 11 agreements, AIA system of *** re-read from
documents. AIA 101 week 1***
Standard Form of
Agreement Between
Owner and Contractor-
Stipulated Sum
Week Class #9 Student presentations
6 Tue Designer Related Cases
Feb 16 ***Virtual Presentation
via Zoom***
Class #10 General Conditions of the Sweet appendix C
Thu Contract (AIA 201), AIA 201 **re-read
Feb 18 overview, owner and from week 1**
architect's contractor's AGCCGMCL
responsibilities Chapter I
Week Class #11 Payment forms, requests SWEET CHAPT 22 Payment Friday
7 Tue for payment/payment (8th), 19 (9th) Application Feb 26
Feb 23 procedures AIA 201/lien AGCCGMCL
waiver processes/ Chapter VIl,
Appendix Vll
Class #12 Substitutions/ A.I.A.
Thu Submittals/shop drawing 201 excerpts
Feb 25 procedures, product
samples

Michigan State University Page 7

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

WEEK DATE TOPIC Readings Activities Due

Date
Week Tue Scheduled Break Day
8 Mar 2 No Class
Class #13 Test # 1
Thu
Mar 04
Week Class #14 Changes to the SWEET CHAPT Change Friday
9 Tue contract/addenda/bulletins 21(8th), Order Mar 12
Mar 09 , construction change 18 (9th)
directives, change orders, AGCCGMCL
change order procedures Chapter IV
Class #15 Time related contractual SWEET CHAPT 26
Thu requirements (8th),
Mar 11 21 (9th)
AGCCGMCL
Chapter V
Week Class #16 Bonding Sweet Chapter
10 Tue 32 (8th)
Mar 16 26 (9th)
AGCCGMCL
Chapter lll
Class #17 Bidding, SWEET CHAPT 18 Bidding Mar 25
Thu Bidding/information (8th), Cases
Mar 18 sources/invitation to 26 (9th)
bid/bid proposal AGCCGMCL
forms/prebid conferences Chapter IIl
Bidding/alternatives/allowa
nces/unit prices/bid
security /bid
opening/contract award
Week Class #18 Risk Management, SWEET CHAPT
11 Tue Insurance, indemnification 31(8th), 25 (9th)
Mar 23 requirements (Handouts)
AGCCGMCL
Chapter lll
Class #19 Bidding Case student
Thu presentations ***Virtual
Mar 25 Presentation via Zoom***
Week Class #20 Federal and State Labor (Handouts) (Mich
12 Tue Laws examples, Prevailing Civil Rights
Mar 30 Wage, Equal Opportunity AGCCGMCL
and Civil Rights Compliance Chapter Xl
requirements
Class #21 Test #2
Thu
Apr 01

Michigan State University Page 8

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

WEEK DATE TOPIC Readings Activities Due

Date
Week Class #22 Contractor/subcontractor SWEET CHAPT 28 Sub- Apr 08
13 Tue agreements (8th), contract
Apr 06 23 (9th) Work scope
AGCCGMCL
Chapter Vlll
Sample
subcontracts
Class #23 Subcontractor agreements
Thu continued,
Apr 08
Week Class #24 Dispute resolution Sweet Chapter 30
14 Tue techniques (8th) 2
Apr 13 7 (9th)
AGCCGMCL lX
Class #25 Differing Site Cond9itions, SWEET CHAPT 25
Thu Claims, disputes and (8th)
Apr 15 damages 20 (9th),
AGCCGMCL
Chapter lV
Week Class #26 Paper Presentations Papers Due
15 Tue Class Wrap Up ***In-
Apr 20 Person Presentation,
Location TBA***
Thursday Study Day – No Class
Apr 22
Week Tue Final Exam: 7:45 AM -
9:45AM Online via Zoom and
16 Apr 27 D2L

Michigan State University Page 9

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Part 4: Grading Policy

Graded Course Activities
The table below describes the graded course activities including points and activity description.
The first column includes the points possible, and the second column includes a description for
each activity.

Points Description
100 Test 1

100 Test 2

100 Test 3 – Final Exam

50 Assignments
75 Participation in class (includes attendance also)
75 Final Paper

500 Total Points Possible

Attendance Extra Credit:

Attendance is required for this course. Students should attend all classes and be prepared.
Readings should have been completed prior to the class session. Attendance records are kept
via Zoom logs. Once a student reaches 50 points (Two points per each full attendance one point
per each partial attendance), the student could earn extra credit for attendance. 50 attendance
points would earn 5 extra credit points, 51 attendance points would earn 10 extra credit points,
52 attendance points would earn 15 extra credit points. Conceivably, a student could
accumulate 50 points plus 15 extra credit points with perfect class attendance since there are 26
class sessions excluding holiday, study, and break days.

Late Work Policy

Late work will be discounted by 20% per calendar day (including weekends and holidays) until
instructor returns an assignment. No grade will be returned if work is turned in after instructor
returns graded work to the class or after 5 calendar days past the due date.

Viewing Grades
Generally, homework and tests will be returned within 1-2 class sessions. You may see all your
grades at any time by meeting with your instructor. You are encouraged to visit with your
instructor, at any time, to ask questions regarding grades or any other topic.

Michigan State University Page 10

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Grade Point Assignment (Grading Scale):

The table below describes the relationships between letter grades, percent, and performance.
The first column describes the letter grade. The second column describes the percentage
associated with that letter grade. The third column describes the points range. The fourth
column describes performance represented by that letter grade and percentage.

Grade Point Percentage Points Range Performance

4.0 100-93% 500-465 Excellent Work
3.5 93-88% 464-440 Above average
3.0 88-80% 439-400 Good Work
2.5 80-76% 399-380 Mostly Good Work
2.0 76-72% 379-360 Average work
1.5 72-68% 359-340 Below average work
1.0 68-65% 339-325 Poor work
0.0 65% 324 and below Failing work

Exams and Quizzes:

Exams must be taken in class on the appointed days and must be completed on D2L by their due
date. Make-ups tests will not ordinarily be given. In extraordinary circumstances that, in the
instructor’s opinion, warrant consideration, alternative arrangements will be considered only if
prior arrangements are discussed with the instructor and made at least 24 hours prior to the
scheduled test or quiz or assignment. MSU’s Final Examination Policy specifies, "A student
absent from a final examination without a satisfactory explanation will receive a grade of 0.0 on
the numerical system, NC on the CR-NC system, or N in the case of a course authorized for
grading on the P-N system. Students unable to take a final examination because of illness or
other reason over which they have no control should notify the associate deans of their colleges
immediately.”

Case Readings:

In addition to textbook readings, case readings will be assigned. Case law books are located in
the MSU Library Reference Section or the Law Library and on LexisNexis Academic. Many of the
legal cases are also available through Lexis-Nexis which may be used in most computer labs on
campus.

Generally the readings can be found in the following sources:

West's Michigan Digest

Michigan Digest
Michigan Encyclopedia

Michigan Reports

Michigan State University Page 11

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Michigan Appeals Reports

Michigan Statutes Annotated

U.S. Supreme Court Digest

U.S. Reports

Federal Reporter
Federal Reporter, 2d series F.2d
Federal Reporter, 3rd series F.3d
Federal Supplement

Lexis-Nexis Academic
Google Scholar

Readings will generally need to be done at the MSU Law library or at computer labs.
Alternatively, you can set up a proxy server which will allow access to Lexis-Nexis form a remote
computer.

Assignments:
There will be a number of written assignments which will consist of analysis of case law or
hypothetical fact scenarios. Written assignments will be generally 2-3 pages long. Students will
be required to periodically present their analysis to the class. Details of assignments will be
issued for each specific assignment.

Additional Course Guidelines:

The instructor will look for critical thinking, order and style in writing evaluation. All student
work should be checked by the student for mechanics, grammar and spelling before submission.
Work should be typed using a word processor so that revisions can be made easily.

There are many resources available that can help improve writing quality. You have access to
the Writing Center in Brody Hall and grammar checking for Microsoft Word and WordPerfect. In
addition, self-editing and peer evaluation will be valuable.

Paper:
Each student will develop a paper (approximately 10-15 pages) on a construction legal issue.
Students will propose a topic or select from a list of topics supplied by the instructors. The paper
should include an introduction, summary of existing research literature, explanation of legal
issues, summary of relevant case law and show practical applications with recommendations.
Proper citations are required.

Michigan State University Page 12

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Part 5: Course Policies

Diversity Equity and Inclusiveness
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are important, interdependent components of everyday life in
the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and are critical to our pursuit of
academic excellence. Our aim is to foster a culture where every member of CANR feels valued,
supported, and inspired to achieve individual and common goals with an uncommon will. This
includes providing opportunity and access for all people across differences of race, age, color,
ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national
origin, migratory status, disability / abilities, political affiliation, veteran status and
socioeconomic background. (See the full CANR statement):
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/canr-statement-on-diversity-equity-and-inclusion)

Commit to Integrity: Academic Honesty

Take the pledge! “For students by students” http://splife.studentlife.msu.edu/spartan-code-of-
honor-academic-pledge.

“As a Spartan, I will strive to uphold values of the highest ethical standard. I will practice
honesty in my work, foster honesty in my peers, and take pride in knowing that honor is
worth more than grades. I will carry these values beyond my time as a student at Michigan
State University, continuing the endeavor to build personal integrity in all that I do.”

Article 2.3.3 of the Academic Freedom Report states that "The student shares with the faculty
the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of scholarship, grades, and professional
standards." In addition, the (insert name of unit offering course) adheres to the policies on
academic honesty as specified in General Student Regulations 1.0, Protection of Scholarship and
Grades; the all-University Policy on Integrity of Scholarship and Grades; and Ordinance 17.00,
Examinations. (See Spartan Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide and/or the MSU Web
site: www.msu.edu.)

Therefore, unless authorized by your instructor, you are expected to complete all course
assignments, including homework, lab work, quizzes, tests, and exams, without assistance from
any source. You are expected to develop original work for this course; therefore, you may not
submit course work you completed for another course to satisfy the requirements for this
course. Also, you are not authorized to use the www.allmsu.com Web site to complete any
course work in this course. Students who violate MSU academic integrity rules may receive a
penalty grade, including a failing grade on the assignment or in the course. Contact your
instructor if you are unsure about the appropriateness of your course work. (See also the
Academic Integrity webpage.)

Michigan State University Page 13

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Inform Your Instructor of Any Accommodations Needed

From the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD): Michigan State University is
committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and
activities. Requests for accommodations by persons with disabilities may be made by contacting
the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities at 517-884-RCPD or on the web at
rcpd.msu.edu. Once your eligibility for an accommodation has been determined, you will be
issued a Verified Individual Services Accommodation ("VISA") form. Please present this form to
me at the start of the term and/or two weeks prior to the accommodation date (test, project,
etc.). Requests received after this date may not be honored.

Participation and Engagement

During all classes, the instructor expects students to be fully engaged and prepared to discuss
reading assignments. Students are encouraged to ask questions of the instructor, guest
speakers, and their peers.

Active participation includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors:
1. Asking and answering questions of the instructors, peers, or guest speakers
2. Bringing forth new ideas, information, or perspectives to academic conversations
3. Discussing your readings and reflections with instructors and peers
4. Meeting with the instructors to discuss your interests, assignments, or project
5. Questioning information presented and discussed
6. Participating in small group discussions and activities
7. Assuming responsibility for personal behavior and learning

While working on group projects, students should be mindful of other students in their group;
therefore, it is important for all participants to exercise:
• Respect for themselves, each other
• Openness and a positive attitude toward new ideas and other’s ideas
• Flexibility and tolerance of ambiguity
• Good communications amongst themselves.

Attendance
Students whose names do not appear on the official class list for this course may not attend this
class. Students who fail to attend the first four class sessions or class by the fifth day of the
semester, whichever occurs first, may be dropped from the course.

Michigan State University Page 14

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

Complete Assignments

Submissions: All assignments for this course will be submitted electronically through the class
D2L site. Formats will be discussed at the first assignment. Assignments must be submitted by
the given deadline or special permission must be requested from instructor before the due date.
Extensions will not be given beyond the next assignment except under extreme circumstances.

File Formats: File formats for submitting assignments will be discussed in the first few days of
class after the Instructors can assess the students’ access to technology.

File Names: All assignments must be submitted with the following file name format:
yourfirstname.yourlastname.assignment#.class-term. For example:
Jane.Smith.Assignment1.CM822-S21.docx. Please do not submit your assignments with generic
names like “assignment1.doc”, or “Homework3.pdf.” Assignments submitted with an
unidentifiable file name will marked down 10% of total possible points earned.
Late Assignments: Late assignments are discounted by 20% per calendar day (including
weekends and holidays). Late assignments will not be accepted once an assignment has been
returned or after 5 calendar days, whichever comes first. It is your responsibility to get any late
work turned in prior to assignments being returned.

All discussion assignments must be completed by the assignment due date and time. Late or
missing discussion assignments will affect the student’s grade.

Recorded Class Sessions and Privacy Concerns

Zoom sessions will be recorded and generally posted within 3-5 days after the class session.
Recorded Zoom sessions are not intended to be a substitute for online synchronous attendance.
Asynchronous viewing of recorded sessions is an enhancement of class materials and will not be
considered as attendance. Per University policies, students are not required to attend classes
with microphones and cameras engaged for privacy and internet bandwidth concerns.

Approval to use Classroom Photographs

The School of Planning Design and Construction wishes to use classroom photos on the SPDC
website. An approval form has been provided at the end of this syllabus, for you to indicate
approval or lack of approval for SPDC to use or not use any photos taken in this class.

Collection of student work

For the purposes of accreditation of the Construction Management Program, some student
work will be retained for future use without any personal identification or information on the
material

Build Rapport

If you find that you have any trouble keeping up with assignments or other aspects of the
course, make sure you let your instructor know as early as possible. As you will find, building
rapport and effective relationships are key to becoming an effective professional. Make sure

Michigan State University Page 15

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

that you are proactive in informing your instructor when difficulties arise during the semester so
that we can help you find a solution.

Internet
Some professional journals will not consider a submission for publication if the article has
appeared on the Internet. Please notify your instructor in writing if you do not want your course
papers posted to the course Web site.

Field trips
As this class is being taught online due to the pandemic, we will not be able to do in-person site
visits.

Homework and Assignments

Homework Sets:
• Homework problem sets will be assigned in class and will be due as announced.
Homework should be done individually unless indicated otherwise.

Group project:
• No Group Project planned for Spring 2021.

Quick Quizzes:
• Unannounced Quick Quizzes will be given at the instructor’s discretion whenever
attendance is low. Quick Quizzes will count towards Class Participation Points.

Tests

There are three exams for the course which cover content presented during lecture periods.
Exams 1 and 2 cover the material presented in the units immediately preceding each exam (i.e.,
Exam 2 is not cumulative). The Final Exam is cumulative made up of a combination of new
material and material from previous units.

Helpful Suggestions:

Dual Monitors: While not required for success in this class, at various class sessions it may be
helpful for you to have a dual monitor set up. During some class sessions, we will navigate and
view documents online from websites in class. Class sessions will use screen sharing so while it
is not required to have a dual monitor setup, it will help you to navigate the documents at the
same time during class. A lot of useful information is more readily available via the web, so
more and more frequently we access documents on the web, and it helps to have a dual
monitor to view documents and maintain view of the in-class lectures.

Headphones: To help cancel out background noise, it may be helpful to use headphones when
in class, especially if you do not have access to quiet surroundings during scheduled class times.

Multi-Tasking: Multi-tasking while in class is discouraged. It is recommended that you devote

your time and attention to the class subject material during class times. Generally, reading and
writing email, reading, and viewing online newspapers, blogs, websites, playing computer games

Michigan State University Page 16

CM 822 – Legal Issues in Construction Spring 2021 Syllabus

etc. during class is not allowed. Sharing offensive materials during class is unprofessional,
unacceptable, and is subject to discipline under the university governance system.

Online Resources: Over the years, a lot of the material has been captured and saved in online
resources such as Chegg.com. These sources provide ready-made answers or off-the-shelf
solutions to assignments. They can be useful for self-study but are not a substitute for doing the
work and learning the process yourself.

PART 6: GENERAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES

All other general college and university policies applicable to this course are available at
https://www.canr.msu.edu/academics/courses/policies . Please review these policies.
Topics covered in these general policies include:
• Students with disabilities, Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) and
accommodations
• Student rights under the family educational rights and privacy act (FERPA)
o Student release authorization form
• Religious holiday policies
• Grief absence policies
• Students in distress policies
• MSU student athlete policies
• Course add-drop policies
• Honors options
• Course Management system policies
• Final exam policy and attendance
• Grade dispute policies
• Academic honesty and integrity, plagiarism, and disciplinary procedures
• Disruptive behavior
• Harassment and discrimination policies
• RVSM University reporting protocols
• Limits to confidentiality
• Social media policy
• Web accessibility policies
• MSU Code of Teaching Responsibility
• SIRS
• Commercialization of lecture notes
• University Learning Goals

Michigan State University Page 17