1. Syllabus Guidelines and Other Instructor/Student Policies
Office of Academic Ombud Services
Syllabus Guidelines and Other Instructor/Student Policies
Graduate School Orientation for New TA’s

2. Today’s presentation:
Brief Overview of Academic Ombud Services
Student Rights and the Syllabus
Academic Responsibilities and Academic Offenses

3. What does the Academic Ombud Do?
An impartial, independent and confidential resource for UK students and faculty.*
Works with those engaged in the teaching and learning activities of the university. Provides a safe, neutral, and confidential setting for raising questions, discussing problems & seeking assistance with academic issues. Explains university policies and procedures and their application. Investigates student grievances and complaints. Advocates for fair processes. Recommends changes in policies and procedures.
*The Ombud’s responsibility to protect confidential information is, however, subject to
disclosure requirements imposed by law. In rare cases, for example, the Ombud’s
Office may be required to provide information pursuant to a court order.

4. Problems Handled by the Academic Ombud Office:
Grade Disputes Admission/Registration Problems Disciplinary Matters that affect Academics Perceived Favoritism Fear of Retaliation Charges of & Sanctions for Academic Offenses

7. Core Academic Rights of Students
Substantive Rights
Fair and just evaluation of student’s performance in University
courses based on standards defined in the course syllabus
Notice of midterm performance for undergraduate students
Limits on dead week activities
Rules for excused absences
Procedural Rights
Notice and hearing rights in case of an academic offense
Right of appeal regarding grades and academic offenses

8. Academic Rights of Students
University Senate Rule 6.1.0
Information about Course Content
Contrary Opinion
Academic Evaluation
Academic Records
Evaluation of Student Character and Ability
Student Participation in Academic Affairs
Attendance and Participation During Appeal

9. The Course Syllabus Clarify expectations
The Syllabus may be your best tool
Identify academic offenses & the penalty
University Senate Syllabus Guidelines: Four Core Areas
General Course Information
Instructor Contact Information
Course Description
Course Policies
University Senate Syllabus Guidelines website:

10. The Syllabus Acts as a Contract
Establishes expectations of students, instructor, department, college & university Is explicit and complete Avoids vague, ambiguous statements Available at no charge during the first or second class meeting

11. Information to Include on the Syllabus
Course Information
Course ID (prefix, course number, section number
Name
Location(s) and meeting time(s) including common exams
Instructor Information
Contact Information (Office location &phone number, address)
Instructors should be reasonably available for consultation outside of class.
Office Hours
Policies regarding appointments
Alternate contact options (department phone number)

12. Instructor Information
Name
Contact Information
(Office, Office phone, )
Instructors should be reasonably available for consultation outside of class.
Office Hours, Locations
Policies regarding appointments
Alternate contact options (department phone number)

13. Information to Include on the Syllabus
Course Description
Course Description should match the UK Bulletin
Provide a “reasonably detailed overview” of the course
Clarify expectations for assignments
Provide a timeline, including due dates for major assignments
Provide time, date and nature of final exam
The relationship of numerical scores to the letter grade
Identify components of the final grade and their relative weight
Grading Policy
The relationship of numerical scores to the letter grade
Identify components of the final grade and their relative weight
If grades will be curved, explain how the curve will be established
Identify which assignments will be included in the midterm grade
Identify what percentage of the final grade is covered by the midterm

14. Dead Week (Senate Rule 5.2.4.6)
“Dead Week” is the last week of instruction before final exams.
The intent of the rule is to avoid undue hardship
for students prior to final examinations.
No quizzes or exams may be given during dead week. If there is a final exam, no presentations, projects, labs, etc. may be given during dead week. Attendance and Participation may be graded. Regularly assigned homework announced in the syllabus is allowed. Make-up exams, quizzes, and labs are allowed and are an exception to the rules above. “Take Home” final exams may not be required to be completed before the regularly scheduled examination period.

15. Course Policies Clarify policies and sanctions for violations
Attendance, including late arrival or early departure
Excused absence policy; refer to University Senate Rule
Requirements for make-ups (may not be punitive)
Requirements for verification of excused absence
Rules of Behavior
Process for submitting assignments
Format, deadlines (by date of, by class period, by time during class)
Academic Integrity reminders
Group work and collaboration guidelines
Disability Resources

16. Syllabus Repair 101 Oops! The final is not really on Sunday.
The class wants the due date delayed.
A student says, “The syllabus didn’t say I had to do that.”
Your goal is to provide fair and just evaluation for all students. If you must change your syllabus, the changes should be necessary, reasoned changes due to particular circumstances.
Please call our office for help if you have questions or concerns.

17. Academic Integrity Essential to the University and to society
Share your perspective with your students.
Student rights, including most importantly the right to a fair and just evaluation, impose the responsibilities of academic integrity on all students.

18. Procedures for Academic Offenses
Discretely collect evidence.
Consult with course director or department chair.
Consult rules; Contact the Office of Academic Ombud.
Meet with student and the department chair.
Hear the student’s perspective.
Notify the student of her/his right to appeal.
Notify the student that the Ombud will assist.
Determine nature of offense and penalty, if any.
Notify student of the penalty imposed with copies to the Ombud.

19. Any questions regarding academic matters may be addressed to our office. We serve as a resource for both students and faculty members Phone: Bradley Hall, 0054