Sent on behalf of Dr. Mark Bradbury, Vice Provost for Academic Programming and Planning
Dear faculty members,
As you prepare your courses for the upcoming semester, we ask that you keep the following university policies and practices in mind.
Syllabus procedures
UNC System Regulation 400.1.6 classifies course syllabi as “directed works” owned by the university and requires that these documents be treated as public records; therefore, the university will use a precise definition of “syllabus.”
To align with UNC System requirements, syllabi are required to contain the following elements for each course:
- Course name, prefix and description.
- Goals, objectives, student learning outcomes and/or student expectations.
- An explanation of student performance assessment (grading scale, assignment breakdown and attendance/participation policies).
- A list of all course materials (digital or physical) that students are required to purchase and textbooks assigned via App State’s textbook rental program.
- A statement noting that the course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis and debate and that the inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.
Searchable public database
The searchable public database is now live. You are encouraged to provide this link to your students on your AsULearn or Canvas page so they can access the course syllabus information.
University policies to be shared in courses
Courses should share the following policies and statements:
- Academic Integrity Code
- Access and Opportunity (accommodations for students with disabilities and mandatory reporting)
- Attendance Policy
- Statement on Student Engagement with Courses
- Indication of whether the course is delivered via an AsULearn or Canvas page
- Contact information for the instructor and available meeting times
- University policies and course-based information
You may either include the full text from Academic Affairs’ Course Policy and Statement Information page or state on your AsULearn or Canvas page that App State has official policies covering each of these categories and provide a link to the page.
Note: Visit the Accessibility and Accommodations page on the Academic Affairs website to learn more about digital accessibility, disability-related adjustments and accommodations, and pregnancy or religious academic adjustments and accommodations.
Academic freedom and responsibility of faculty
As a university community, we are committed to upholding the principles of academic freedom, which are essential to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding (Faculty Handbook 2.1, 2.2). This commitment is balanced with our legal obligation to ensure all programs and activities are free from unlawful discrimination and that all individuals are treated equally under the law (Faculty Handbook 2.4 A). Review the Faculty Handbook for more information.
Optional course statements
Food Insecurity and Public Sharing of Course Materials: These statements, found on Academic Affairs’ Optional Course Policy and Statement Information page, have been vetted and are consistent with university policies. They may be included as desired.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance: Also available on the Optional Policy and Statement Information page is AI course guidance, resources and sample statements based on the instructor's desire for AI usage in their course. Visit App State’s Artificial Intelligence website for approved and supported AI tools and other information.
General Education Program courses: For these classes, faculty are encouraged to indicate the General Education component and/or designation in their course information and the General Education Program goals that their class meets. Faculty are also encouraged to match class assignments with those goals when appropriate. Speak to your department chairperson for information about courses in the General Education Program.
Weeknight football — Thursday, Oct. 22
This fall, App State will host one weeknight football game on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:00 p.m. Select parking lots will transition to game day parking beginning at 4 p.m. Additional details will be shared closer to the date. Please consider this as you build your courses’ calendars.
Final exams
Please keep in mind that final exams are part of the regular academic term, and meeting times are figured into our SACSCOC and UNC System meeting time minimums.
Final exams are expected to be administered on the assigned day and time and delivered in the course modality (e.g., in-person courses are expected to have an in-person final exam).
Classes with an asynchronous meeting pattern and no assigned meeting time have no assigned exam time.
Drop date and course withdrawals
Consider the final drop date of Oct. 21 as you build your courses’ calendars. Please provide students with a clear understanding of their performance in all courses by mid-October so they can make decisions regarding dropping a course (see the Office of the Registrar's Current Term Academic Withdrawal and Drop Dates page).
Note: Students also receive withdrawal deadline notices from the Office of the Registrar.
Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success
As you write your course policies and make other course design decisions, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success (CETLSS) can assist you. Contact CETLSS today to request one-on-one teaching or career support.
Thank you for all you do for App State and our students.