Review of University Policies and Procedures Academic Regulations

Rationale Lack of clear understanding of academic regulations can lead to misunderstandings and friction between faculty and students.Lack of clear understanding of academic regulations can lead to misunderstandings and friction between faculty and students. Each member of the faculty should be acquainted with the basic academic regulations of the university and should communicate these clearly to students.Each member of the faculty should be acquainted with the basic academic regulations of the university and should communicate these clearly to students.

Student Bill of Rights A Student Bill of Rights defines students’ rights in the university community. stu_conduct/bill_right.htmlhttp:// stu_conduct/bill_right.html

Student Bill of Rights, cont’d Article 1 –Students have the right to clear information about qualifications; graduation requirements; and course requirements, objectives and grading policies Article 2 –Changes in graduation requirements that would lead to delays or hardship cannot be retroactively applied.

Student Bill of Rights, cont’d Article 3 –Students’ records or personally identifiable information shall not be disseminated outside the university without permission. Article 4 –Students are free to discuss and express any view relevant to course subject matter as long as it does not interfere with the academic process in the class.

Student Bill of Rights, cont’d Article 5 –Grades must be based on academic performance and not opinions or conduct. Students may discuss grades with instructors. Article 6 –Students are free to engage in inquiry, exchange findings, and publish their work.

Student Bill of Rights, cont’d Article 7 –Students are free to distribute written material or make oral statements on campus without prior approval as long as it does not interfere with University activities. Article 8 –Students are to be free from unlawful discrimination.

Student Bill of Rights, cont’d Article 9 –Students should have clearly defined means to participate in the formation of University policy about academics and student affairs. Article 10 –Students in University housing may share in the development and enforcement of rules and regulations.

Student Bill of Rights, cont’d Articles –Affirm rights related to freedom from illegal search and seizure, assembly, student organizations, etc.

Student Code of Honor The Student Code of Honor affirms a commitment to academic integrity and the highest standards of honor. stu_conduct/code_of_honor.htmlhttp:// stu_conduct/code_of_honor.html

Grade Appeals A formal Grade Appeals system exists for students who believe a grade was improperly assigned. Students should pursue informal appeals to (in order) the course instructor, course coordinator, and department head before pursuing a formal appeal.

Grade Appeals, cont’d Appeal grounds are limited to prejudice, caprice, improper conditions, grade assignment inconsistent with other students, and academic dishonesty. The burden of proof is on the student except in cases involving academic dishonesty.

Grade Appeals, cont’d Formal appeals go to the College of Education Grade Appeals Committee. Appeals must be initiated within 30 days after the start of the semester following the one in which the grade was given. There is a university appeals committee to which college decisions can be appealed.

Class Absences Only the instructor can excuse a student from class or course responsibilities. The Dean of Students may notify instructors of unavoidable student absences due to illness or other circumstances, but it is up to the student and instructor to resolve any academic issues resulting.

Academic Dishonesty Academic dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, etc. constitutes misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary action. Instructors may determine their own policies for the handling of misconduct. Cases of academic dishonesty that cannot be resolved by student and instructor should be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students.

Tutoring Instructional staff members are prohibited from tutoring (for pay) a student enrolled in any class that he or she teaches. Instructional staff members may not prepare exam questions or grade the exams of any student that s/he has tutored.

Class Schedules Officially scheduled class times may not be changed except through joint action of the department head, schedule deputy, and SMAS. No instructor is permitted to schedule outside-of-class activities as a course requirement except for evening exams and approved field trips.

Field Trips Field trips require the approval of the department head or dean. The names of the students and staff members involved must be submitted. Students must be informed of any requirements associated with field trips, such as meal costs or other expenses.

End-of-Semester Schedule The 15 th or “dead” week is set aside as a period of study for students. No quizzes, exams, or out-of-the-ordinary work may be given in this week. The 16 th or final exams week allows each class a 2-hour block of time for a final examination or other end-of-semester activity.

End-of-Semester Schedule, cont’d Classes are expected to meet during the 16 th week unless no purpose would be served because course objectives have already been met. Department permission is required to eliminate the 16 th week class meeting of a course. Requests are included as part of course scheduling requests.

Course Evaluations End-of-semester course and instructor evaluations, using the university’s PICES system, are required by the department. Evaluations should not coincide with special events (e.g., exams), the instructor should not be present, and the forms should be collected by a neutral party and delivered to the departmental office.

Students with Disabilities Students with disabilities may require academic adjustments or accommodations to provide equal opportunity. Students with disabilities should register with Adaptive Programs, which will notify instructors of the necessary accommodations in a letter prior to the beginning of the course.

Student Assistance Assistance is available to students from a number of campus offices including: –Dean of Students –Student Health Center –Center for Career Opportunities –Division of Financial Aid –Counseling and Psychological Services –Counseling and Guidance Center

Questions?