Syllabus Course Policies and Procedures
For the policies and procedures section of the syllabus, consider making it a separate document from the main course syllabus. Splitting the syllabus in two will lessen the length of the course syllabus and allow the students to focus on course specifics. Students can access the policies and procedures syllabus when needed. This section should include list specific University, College, Program, and course policies that impact students’ performance.
Policies can sometimes have an adversarial tone but, to avoid this, include rationales as to why policies are included and utilize proactive (what to do) statements (Gannon 2018). Your syllabus must include the disability and inclusivity statements.
Policies and procedures to consider:
- Academic Services/Resources
- Attendance
- Check college or departmental policies
- Explain why it is important to be in class
- Procedure for reporting absence
- Inclement weather or emergencies
- Religious observances and accommodations
- Example Policy: “Please be here, and be engaged when you are here. This class works best when all of us are involved in discussing and learning the material, and it’s more interesting and meaningful for all of us when that occurs. Having said that, I do understand that there are times when something will prevent your attendance: illness, emergencies, university events requiring travel, etc. If an emergency occurs, please contact me as soon as possible and we will discuss any missed assignments. If we keep the lines of communication open, we will be able to better handle any situations that may arise. Thanks for your help with this” (Gannon, 2018).
- Communication Expectations
- Explain the expectations for communication outside of class time
- Netiquette
- Example: If you need to contact me outside of class time, please feel free to email me at xxxxxx@uthsc.edu. Please reach out to me concerning any academic or personal concerns/questions. I will do my best to respond to all emails within 24 hours.
- Disability Statement
- "Any student who feels they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) to self-disclose and officially request accommodations. Requests for accommodations should be submitted with supporting documentation. Although students may register for services at any time, please attempt to make arrangements within the first two weeks of the semester as it does take time to process the request and review documentation. PLEASE NOTE: If a disability is not identified until after a course or clinical experience has begun or been completed, the performance evaluations received up to that point in the course or clinical experience will stand (since disability status had not been previously identified or self-disclosed through the application process for accommodations in the TLC, as accommodations are not retroactive). Information regarding applying for accommodations can be found on the Requesting Accommodations page. For additional information, contact the Disability Coordinator in the TLC at ksnyde21@uthsc.edu or 901.448.7745."
- Drop/Withdrawal Dates as per College policy
- Generative AI
- What is your policy on how students should engage with generative AI when completing assignments or other tasks for your class.
- Examples:
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Usage permitted in your course with appropriate acknowledgment
"In this course, the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) including but not limited to ChatGPT is permitted to augment the learning experience. As such, the use of AI must be appropriately acknowledged and cited. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the output including references received from the Generative AI tool and that its usage complies with the UTHSC Honor Code and ideals of academic integrity. Violations of this policy will be considered academic dishonesty.
Keep in mind that this policy is specifically for this course and other courses may have more restrictive policies"
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Usage permitted on certain assignments with appropriate acknowledgment
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"In this course, the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) including but not limited to ChatGPT is permitted only on certain assignments as indicated by the instructor/faculty. When allowed, the use of AI must be appropriately acknowledged and cited. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the output including references received from the Generative AI tool and that its usage complies with the UTHSC Honor Code and ideals of academic integrity. Violations of this policy will be considered academic dishonesty.
Keep in mind that this policy is specifically for this course and other courses may have less or more restrictive policies."
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- Usage not permitted
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"In this course, the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence including but not limited to ChatGPT is strictly prohibited. Violations of this policy will be considered academic dishonesty.
Keep in mind that this policy is specifically for this course and other courses may have less restrictive policies."
- Inclusivity Statement
- UTHSC instructors and staff promote diversity of the student body, welcome their ideas and experiences, and embrace the cultures they represent. All members of this course are to treat every student, instructor, staff member and others with respect and dignity. All members will be open and considerate to the thoughts, opinions, comments, and beliefs of all individuals present.
- Technology Use
- What technology will students be required to use in your course?
- Example: In this course we will be using Blackboard for all course materials, assignments, discussion boards, and assessments. I will post any important announcements on Blackboard so please check the site often. If you need any help with Blackboard or have any technology issues, you can email me or call the UT IT Support Desk.