Handbook | University Policies and Regulations | Conduct as an instructor/teaching assistant

IV. Conduct as an instructor/teaching assistant:

r. Course Management Guidelines for Instructors
In January of 1985, the Faculty Senate adopted the following guidelines as a means by which instructors could minimize confusion and misunderstanding in their courses which might lead to grievances by students (Sen. Doc. No. 85-021). Copies of this policy are available at the Dean of Students Office.

1.Make available to each student an up-to-date syllabus that will provide the following information:

•  your course objectives;

•  your expectations and any special requirements for papers, projects, lab reports or exams;

•  your attendance policies;

•  your grading criteria and the approximate weight of each course requirement in the final grade;

•  your examination schedule and any make-up or rescheduling policies;

•  your policies on academic honesty (e.g., attribution and collaboration between students);

•  the location of your office and mailbox, and your office phone.

Try to avoid major changes as the semester progresses.

2.Since grading policies often tend to be a focus of confusion or misunderstanding, take special care to articulate your grading criteria and invite students to discuss related questions with you early in the course.

3.Avoid further misunderstandings by reminding students of their responsibilities in your course. For instance, remind them that it is their responsibility to take exams at the scheduled times and to know the location of their exams, to make alternative arrangements in advance if they have a legitimate reason for not being able to take an exam, and to provide appropriate explanation and documentation if they miss an exam without making prior arrangements. Remind students also of your policies and official University policy on makeup exams.

4.Announce field trips and other special meetings, preferably in class and in writing. If these require activity on holidays and/or weekends, state this clearly.

5.Unless it is your custom to return exams, lab reports, papers, and projects, retain all your grading materials for timely review with students both during the semester and after final grades. Students have the right to discuss their grades with faculty. They should be apprised of your grading policies, see their work, and hear your evaluation of their work directly.

s. Guidelines for Classroom Civility and Respect
The University of Massachusetts Amherst strives to create an environment of academic freedom that fosters the personal and intellectual development of all community members. In order to do this, the University protects the rights of all students, faculty and staff to explore new ideas and to express their views. A necessary condition for these pursuits is an acceptance of the spirit of inquiry and a respect for diverse ideas and viewpoints. For true academic freedom to exist, this acceptance and respect must exist in both the overall campus environment and in the classroom.

While the principle of academic freedom protects the expression and exploration of new ideas, it does not protect conduct that is unlawful and disruptive. The University preserves a high standard for members of the community in terms of mutual respect and civility. While each member of the community holds a number of rights, privileges and responsibilities, those individuals who disrespect the rights of others or who act in a ways that discredit themselves or the University may forfeit privileges or receive sanctions. As members of an academic community, we are obligated to be exemplary, both in our behaviors and in our attitudes. This obligation is especially important within the classroom context since this is one of the primary ways that learning and growth are fostered. For procedures related to disruptive classroom behavior, please consult the Dean of Students office.
See the full text at: http://www.umass.edu/dean_students/rights/guide_civil.html