University Policies & Other Statements
University Syllabi Policy & Statement Information
Statement on Homelessness and Food Insecurity
Public Sharing of Course Materials
General Attendance Policy
Class attendance is an important part of a student's educational experience. Students are expected to attend every meeting of their classes and are responsible for class attendance. Since attendance policies vary from professor to professor, students should refer to the course syllabus for detailed information. Regardless of what reasons there may be for absence, students are accountable for all academic activities, and faculty may require special work or tests to make up for the missed class or classes. Read the full attendance policy online at https://academicaffairs.appstate.edu/resources/syllabi-policy-and-statement-information
In addition, faculty members are required to make reasonable accommodations for students requesting to miss class due to the observance of religious holidays. All ASU students are allowed a minimum of two absences per year for religious observances. Up to two absences for such observances will be excused, without penalty to the student, provided that the student has informed the instructor in the manner specified in the syllabus. Notice must be given by the student to the instructor before the absence occurs and no later than three weeks after the start of the semester in which the absence(s) will occur. Arrangements will be made to make up work missed by these religious observances, without penalty to the student. For the purposes of this policy, ASU defines the term "religious observance" to include religious holidays, holy days, or similar observances associated with a student's faith that require absence from class.
Faculty, at their discretion, may include class attendance as a criterion in determining a student's final grade in the course. On the first day of class, faculty must inform students of their class attendance policy and the effect of that policy on their final grade; both policies must be clearly stated in the class syllabus.
A student who does not attend a class during one of its first two meetings may, at the discretion of the academic department, lose her or his seat in that class. Further, if a class meets only one time per week—e.g., a laboratory or an evening class—the student must attend the FIRST meeting of that class or risk losing her or his seat. See the full policy at https://academicaffairs.appstate.edu/resources/syllabi-policy-and-statement-information.
University-sponsored activity (e.g., a club or a sport) has several responsibilities in order to have the absence excused: the student (in person) will notify the instructor in advance of any absence; the student is expected to complete all work missed by making up the work in advance or by completing any compensatory assignment that may be required by the instructor; the student is expected to maintain satisfactory progress in the course; and the student (otherwise) is expected to maintain satisfactory attendance in the class if so required. In the event that a student anticipates that participation in a University-sponsored activity will require missing more than 10% of the class meetings, the student is required to discuss this matter with their instructor at the beginning of the semester and may be advised to drop the course.
Policy Regarding Student Absence for Religious Observances
Up to two absences for religious observances will be excused, without penalty to the student, provided that the student has informed me in writing within the first two weeks of the semester. Student requests for excused absences for religious observances must be submitted to instructors in writing no later than three weeks after the first class day of the term. With such written requests, the professor will not count the student’s absence against her/him and will allow the student to make up any missed exam or assignment should one happen to fall on that date. Read the policy online at https://academicaffairs.appstate.edu/resources.
Academic Integrity Code
As a community of learners at Appalachian State University, we must create an atmosphere of honesty, fairness, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of each other. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of an Appalachian degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form and will oppose any instance of academic dishonesty. This course will follow the provisions of the Academic Integrity Code, which can be found on the Office of Student Conduct Web Site at http://www.studentconduct.appstate.edu.
Homework Policy
In practical terms, students should expect to spend two to three hours of studying for every hour of class time. For example, a three-credit-hour class will reasonably require between 6-9 hours per week of out-of-class work, in addition to the time spent in class, totaling 9-12 hours per week. See the University policy at http://academicaffairs.appstate.edu/syllabi.
Disability Resources
Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented qualifying disabilities. If you need special accommodations regarding testing or other activities, please let the professor know as soon as possible. You also need to contact and register with the Office of Disability Resources at (828) 262-3056 or online at https://odr.appstate.edu.
Statement on Homelessness and Food Insecurity
The following statement has been approved by the Faculty Senate October 9, 2017:
"Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the Dean of Students, 324 Plemmons Student Union, for a list of resources and support. The ASU Food Pantry and Free Store is a free resource with pantry and personal care items, located in the Office of Sustainability on the bottom floor of East Hall. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable him/her to assist you with finding the resources you may need." Since 2017, the College of Education Building now provides food free of charge at the Grant Dean Food Pantry, located in the James Center on the first floor.
Reporting Obligations
Appalachian State University is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, and gender identity. To meet this commitment, and to comply with state and federal laws, Appalachian faculty are required to formally report instances of interpersonal violence, such as sexual harassment, relationship violence, stalking, and retaliation, to the Office of Title IX Compliance. Those impacted by interpersonal violence will be provided support, resources, and applicable information. Please visit https://titleix.appstate.edu/ or call (828) 262-2144 for more information.
Preferred Gender Pronoun
This course affirms people of all gender expressions and gender identities. If you prefer to be called a different name than what is indicated on the class roster, please let me know. Feel free to correct me on your preferred gender pronoun. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Statement on Student Engagement with Courses
In its mission statement, Appalachian State University aims at “providing undergraduate students a rigorous liberal education that emphasizes transferable skills and preparation for professional careers” as well as “maintaining a faculty whose members serve as excellent teachers and scholarly mentors for their students.” Such rigor means that the foremost activity of Appalachian students is an intense engagement with their courses. In practical terms, students should expect to spend two to three hours of studying for every hour of class time. Hence, a fifteen hour academic load might reasonably require between 30 and 45 hours per week of out-of-class work.
Public Sharing of Course Materials
All course materials, including video, may be subject to intellectual property protections under applicable law and regulation and are for the sole use of students enrolled in this class. Students do not have permission to copy or record materials except for personal use in the context of this class and students do not have permission to share any class materials, including videos, in any manner on any platform without the prior express permission of the faculty member teaching this course.
