Guidance for Instructors on Civic Responsibilities
As we kick off the new semester, we want to make sure you have the resources and information you need to create a successful learning environment. Here’s a quick guide to some key policies and resources to support you this fall.
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
You play a crucial role in fostering a civil, inclusive, and productive classroom. This is especially important during a semester that may involve heightened political discussion. Your guidance is key to promoting a respectful exchange of ideas.
We know managing classroom dynamics can be challenging. To help, we recommend these resources:
- Office for Community Standards: Find valuable resources for managing classroom conduct.
- Office for Equity and Diversity: Explore the "Teaching in Times of Crisis" workshops and online materials.
- The Red Folder: Use this guide for quick and appropriate responses if you encounter a student in urgent distress.
Administrative Policy on Instructor and Unit Policy
Delivering Instruction
Instructors are expected to hold all classes as scheduled and ensure topics align with course learning objectives.
- Class Schedule: Please start and end your classes on time. If you know you'll be absent, work with your academic unit to make alternative arrangements. Class cancellations or reschedules for personal reasons require approval from your academic unit.
- Course Content and Grading: All topics covered should be tied to your course's stated objectives. Student grades should be based on the quality of their work and their achievement of course goals as outlined in the syllabus.
Administrative Policy on Instructor and Unit Policy
Excused Absences and Makeup Work
Our policy on excused absences has recently been updated. Please review the new list of circumstances that require you to provide makeup work, which now includes illness, religious observances, and more.
- Updated Policy: You must provide the opportunity for makeup work for all listed excused absences. Please review the changes and update your syllabi as needed. You can find recommended syllabus language on the University Policy Library website.
- Discretionary Absences: You can grant excused absences for reasons not on the list, but these decisions must be made without personal bias.
- Syllabus Requirements: Clearly state your attendance requirements and penalties for unexcused absences in your syllabus.
- Voting: While voting is not an excused absence, we have provided guidelines for instructors to consider before Election Day.