Classroom Discipline, Management and Faculty Syllabi Presented by Scott MacLachlan Dean of Student Services

Why Is a Complete Syllabus Important   It tells students about your academic classroom policies - Grading system - - Academic dishonesty (cheating/plagiarism) - - Test schedule - - Written assignments (essays/research paper) - - Missed test/assignments – what is your makeup policy?

Syllabus Cont. Syllabus Cont.   It tells students about your non-academic classroom policies - - Attendance requirements - - Tardiness policies - - Disruption policies - - Use of electronic equipment in the classroom (cell phones, PDA, computers, etc.) - - Do you reserve the right to make seating assignments? - - Use of the Early Alert System (do you refer students through this system)

Syllabus Cont.   List not only your policies but also the consequences - - Academic Dishonesty – do you give a zero for the assignment or an ‘F’ for the course? - - Do you administratively withdraw students for excessive absences or do they have to W/D themselves? - - Do you give an automatic ‘F’ for excessive absences? - - What are the consequences for classroom disruption?

Syllabus Cont.   If you change your expectations, be sure to fully inform students in writing (addendum to your syllabus)   The online syllabus template can be found at the following web address: /academic_services/sylformat.dot /academic_services/sylformat.dot

Classroom Management   Have reasonable classroom policies/procedures that clearly and logically are established to maintain a suitable standard of quality.   Be as specific with your policies and consequences as you possibly can, since students will try new ways of circumventing them.   Include your expectations for an environment conducive to learning (see the Classroom Etiquette Guidelines handout).   If you deviate from the syllabus make sure all students know and understand the change and that the change does not adversely impact them.

Classroom Management Cont.   Mutual respect is important.   You are faculty – maintain an appropriate professional approach with students (don’t be too friendly – it can be misinterpreted)   Be consistent (equitable vs. equal)   Humor is good – but can be misconstrued   Be aware of diversity in your classroom   You are in control. Maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning

Classroom Management Cont.  To obtain electronic copies of the handouts me OR  go to the web site palm-beach-gardens/dean-student- services.aspx palm-beach-gardens/dean-student- services.aspx