I appreciate the feedback I have received. I have updated the language in the syllabus (it is not yet posted but should be shortly) to clarify that in addition to difficulties caused by being in a different time zone, difficulties pursuant to living at home -- as opposed to on one's own -- are also sufficient reason to ask for an exemption to the attendance requirements. All exemptions still need to be arranged through me; if you wish to ask for an exemption please do so as soon as reasonably possible.

In general, it is my policy to be as accommodating as reasonably possible, while balancing accommodations against the needs to be fair to other students in the course and what I consider necessary for you to do well in the course.

I have also clarified that all assessments will be open-book (specifically, you are allowed to use the assigned textbook, instructor lecture notes, and any notes you have written yourself). I will talk more about what this entails as far as preparation goes in class.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Nathan