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Suggested Syllabus Policies & Notices

Below are some suggested standard policies and notices that faculty members may want to include in their course syllabi. These suggestions are meant to highlight some potential problems or issues that might arise in today's classroom as well as notifying students about resources available to them.

By including policies in the syllabus, faculty members can clearly state their expectations for classroom behavior, and students will be duly notified of those expectations at the outset of the course. In addition, including informational notices in the syllabus is an effective way to communicate with students about campus resources and assistance.

Scroll down to see the following categories below:

  • General Academic Policies
  • Policies Related to Academic Integrity
  • Policies Related to Online or Hybrid Courses, Exams, or Exercises
  • Suggested Notices

NOTE: The list of suggested policies and notices below is not exhaustive, but it is intended to serve as a good starting point for faculty members to develop the classroom environment they wish to achieve. If you have suggestions for other syllabus policies or notices that you have found helpful or effective, and you would like to add them to this page, please contact the Office of Legal Affairs. 

Updated July 25, 2024

General Academic Policies

To clearly notify students of classroom expectations:

This syllabus contains the policies and expectations I have established for [COURSE NAME]. Please read the entire syllabus carefully before continuing in this course. These policies and expectations are intended to create a productive learning atmosphere for all students. Unless you are prepared to abide by these policies and expectations, you risk losing the opportunity to participate further in the course.

To permit changes to the syllabus:

The standards and requirements set forth in this syllabus may be modified at any time by the course instructor. Notice of such changes will be by announcement in class [or by written or email notice][or by changes to this syllabus posted on the course website at (URL)].

To encourage orderly and productive classroom conduct:

I will conduct this class in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I encourage your active participation in class discussions. Each of us may have strongly differing opinions on the various topics of class discussions. The conflict of ideas is encouraged and welcome. The orderly questioning of the ideas of others, including mine, is similarly welcome. However, I will exercise my responsibility to manage the discussions so that ideas and argument can proceed in an orderly fashion. You should expect that if your conduct during class discussions seriously disrupts the atmosphere of mutual respect I expect in this class, you will not be permitted to participate further.

To clearly state a policy on attendance (including use of Attendance with Poll Everywhere)

Attendance Generally: Students are expected to attend every class and remain in class for the duration of the session. Failure to attend class or arriving late may impact your ability to achieve course objectives, which could affect your course grade.  An absence, excused or unexcused, does not relieve a student of any course requirement. Regular class attendance is a student’s obligation, as is a responsibility for all the work of class meetings, including tests and written tasks. Any unexcused absence or excessive tardiness may result in a loss of participation points.

Attendance with Poll Everywhere: The instructor may use the Poll Everywhere Attendance Management Tool to verify students' in-person attendance in the classroom or class location of record. Students will need to “check in to your presenter's location” on their devices before taking an attendance poll.

Students will need to set their devices to “Allow” Poll Everywhere to know their location in order to be checked-in for attendance. To be sure location is turned on for the device:

  • If students are using a VPN - they will need to turn it off to complete attendance polls.
  • If students have Location Services turned off - they will need to turn it on to complete attendance polls. 

If a student is unable to "register their location" on their device, they are responsible for alerting their instructor so an alternate way of confirming their attendance can be arranged.

Students are required to verify only their own attendance through Poll Everywhere. It is a violation of this syllabus policy and the Code of Student Responsibility for a student to verify attendance for another student or for a student to request that another person verify their attendance. 

For more information, see guidance for Poll Everywhere.

 

To clearly state a policy on absences:

Class Absence(s): The instructor has the authority to excuse a student’s class absence(s) and to grant a student an academic accommodation (turn in a late assignment, provide extra time on an assignment, reschedule an exam, etc.).  However, under Academic Affairs Policy on Course Attendance and Participation, University-sanctioned events or activities are considered excused absences.  A University-sanctioned event or activity is one in which a student formally represents the University to external constituencies in athletic or academic activities. This policy does not supersede individual program attendance and/or participation requirements that are aligned with accreditation or licensure. For more information and student responsibilities to account for such an absence, see provost.charlotte.edu/policies-procedures/academic-policies-and-procedures/course-attendance-and-participation.

Students are encouraged to work directly with their instructors regarding class absences for medical appointments, military/court orders, and/or personal and family emergencies, such as a death in the immediate family, where a student is able to provide an instructor with appropriate supporting documentation of the absence. The final decision for approval of absences and missed work or make-up work is determined by the instructor.

If a religious accommodation is needed, students are expected to communicate directly with their faculty regarding the related need. The request should be made in writing and should state (i) the specific accommodation being requested, (ii) the religious practice or belief the student holds, (iii) how the requested accommodation enables the student to participate in their religious practice or belief, and (iv) the date(s) and/or frequency of the requested accommodation. The request should be submitted as far in advance as possible. The length of time between when the request is submitted and the date of the requested accommodation may affect the reasonableness of the requested accommodation. The instructor and the student will then discuss what a reasonable accommodation should be in the given case and then document this agreed-upon accommodation. University Policy 409 provides more details about this procedure. The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX is available as a resource if students or faculty have questions about the process.
 

The Office of Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS) can provide notification to faculty of emergency situations, when a student is unable to do so and when the office has been made aware of such emergencies. In such situations, the SASS office may also be able to assist with verification of such emergencies, once a student is able to return to classes. The SASS office does not provide verification of absences for car trouble, weather issues, personal activities, work, weddings, vacations, or University-sponsored events. Absences related to such activities should be discussed directly with the faculty member.

Should a student need assistance from the SASS office in verifying an emergency situation, they can submit an online request form (sass.charlotte.edu/services/absence-verification) and attach supporting documentation. Please note that students are not required to go through the SASS office at any time regarding absence verification, and the SASS office does not have the authority to excuse absences, allow for make-up work, or provide other academic accommodations.

In cases of absence due to pregnancy or parenting (pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions), students should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX to obtain absence verification by completing the online form at http://bit.ly/332eaGd.

To clearly state a policy on the instructor's absence or tardiness:

If I am late in arriving to class, you must wait a full 20 minutes after the start of class before you may leave without being counted absent, or you must follow any written instructions I may give you about my anticipated tardiness.

To clearly state the policy on credit hours and student work for a course:

This [NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS FOR COURSE]-credit course requires [NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS FOR COURSE] hours of classroom or direct faculty instruction and [NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS FOR COURSE X 2] hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks.  Out-of-class work may include but is not limited to: [REQUIRED READING, LIBRARY RESEARCH, STUDIO WORK, PRACTICA, INTERNSHIPS, WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS, AND STUDYING FOR QUIZZES AND EXAMS]. 

EXAMPLE: 1 CREDIT COURSE

“This 1-credit course requires one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks.  Out-of-class work may include but is not limited to: required reading, library research, written assignments, and studying for quizzes and exams.”

To clearly state the policy on credit hours and student work for a lab:

This [NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS FOR COURSE]-credit lab requires ______ hours of direct faculty instruction and ______ hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks.  Out-of-class work may include but is not limited to: [REQUIRED READING, LIBRARY RESEARCH, WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS, AND STUDYING FOR QUIZZES AND EXAMS]. [REFER TO Carnegie Units at:]

EXAMPLE: LAB WITHOUT  HOMEWORK

“This 1-credit lab requires three hours of direct faculty instruction for approximately 15 weeks.”

EXAMPLE: LAB WITH  HOMEWORK

“This 1-credit lab requires two hours of direct faculty instruction and one hour of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks.  Out-of-class work may include but is not limited to: required reading, library research, written assignments, and studying for quizzes and exams."

To describe grading policies:

[Describe your learning objectives, grading policies, methods of evaluation, and performance expectations. Include grade percentages for class participation, reports, papers, assignments, labs, quizzes, exams, final exam, etc.

Be very clear about policies on late assignments; what the process is for requesting to be re-graded; how group work will be assessed; etc.

Consult with the Center for Teaching and Learning for advice on assessment and feedback.]

To notify students of their rights and responsibilities in obtaining disability accommodations:

Students in this course seeking accommodations to disabilities must first consult with the Office of Disability Services and follow the instructions of that office for obtaining accommodations.

To notify students about non-discrimination in the classroom:

All students and the instructor are expected to engage with each other respectfully.  Unwelcome conduct directed toward another person based upon that person’s actual or perceived race; color; religion (including belief and non-belief); sex; ​sexual orientation; gender identity; age; national origin; physical or mental disability; veteran status; genetic information; or for any other reason, may constitute a violation of University Policy 501, Nondiscrimination. Any student suspected of engaging in such conduct will be referred to the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX.

To notify students of University reporting expectations re: incidents of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual and interpersonal misconduct:

UNC Charlotte is committed to maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students and a professional workplace for all employees. The University takes active measures to create or restore a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for community members that is free from discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and interpersonal violence. If you (or someone you know) has experienced any of these incidents, know that you are not alone. UNC Charlotte has staff members trained to support you in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing accommodations, helping with civil protective orders, and more.

Please be aware that all UNC Charlotte employees, including faculty members, are expected to relay any information or reports of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual and interpersonal misconduct they receive to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.  This means that if you tell me about a situation involving these matters, I am expected to report the information.  Although I am expected to report the situation, you will still have options about how your case will be handled, including whether or not you wish to pursue a formal complaint.  Our goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options available to you and have access to the resources you need.

If you wish to speak to someone confidentially, you can contact the following on-campus resources, who are not required to report the incident to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX: (1) Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (caps.charlotte.edu, 7-0311); or (2) Student Health Center (studenthealth.charlotte.edu, 7-7400).  Additional information about your options is also available at civilrights.charlotte.edu under the “Students” tab.

To notify students about use of preferred gender pronouns:

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.

To explain University policy on withdrawals:

Students are expected to complete all courses for which they are registered at the close of the add/drop period.  If you are concerned about your ability to succeed in this course, it is important to make an appointment to speak with me as soon as possible. The University policy on withdrawal allows students only a limited number of opportunities available to withdraw from courses.  It is important for you to understand the financial and academic consequences that may result from course withdrawal. See: provost.charlotte.edu/policies-procedures/academic-policies-and-procedures/withdrawal-and-cancellation-enrollment-policy 

To notify students about the record of their last date of attendance (for financial aid purposes) when a student fails to earn a passing grade in a course:

If regular attendance IS taken:

The United States Department of Education requires UNC Charlotte’s Office of Financial Aid to determine if a student who receives financial aid and fails to earn a passing grade in a course has actually attended and/or completed the course. If you earn an F or U grade, your last date of attendance will be reported to the United States Department of Education. This may require you to pay back any financial aid funds received for this course.

(For additional information, see Last Date of Attendance FAQs on the Registrar's website.)

If regular attendance is NOT taken:

The United States Department of Education requires UNC Charlotte’s Office of Financial Aid to determine if a student who receives financial aid and fails to earn a passing grade in a course has actually attended and/or completed the course. Because I do not take regular attendance for this course, the date I will report as your last date of attendance will be the latest of the following:

  • The date you last participated in an online discussion or activity;
  • The date you last submitted an assignment/project/test/tutorial/quiz; or
  • The date you last initiated contact with me to ask a question about the course or course content.

If you earn an F or U grade, your last date of attendance will be reported to the United States Department of Education. This may require you to pay back any financial aid funds received for this course.

(For additional information, see Last Date of Attendance FAQs on the Registrar's website.)

To notify students of copyright ownership in course materials:

1. Faculty members should include a statement about copyright ownership of course materials in their course syllabi. The statement should state that the faculty member holds copyright in the course materials they create and, as a result, students are not allowed to reproduce, distribute, or publicly post their course materials without express written permission. To ensure lectures are protected by copyright, faculty members should either record them or deliver them from written notes. A suggested syllabus statement:

"My lectures and course materials, including presentations, tests, exams, outlines, and similar materials, are protected by copyright. I am the exclusive owner of copyright in those materials I create. I encourage you to take notes and make copies of course materials for your own educational use. However, you may not, nor may you knowingly allow others to reproduce or distribute lecture notes and course materials publicly without my express written consent. This includes providing materials to commercial course material suppliers such as CourseHero, Chegg, and other similar services. Students who publicly distribute or display or help others publicly distribute or display copies or modified copies of an instructor's course materials may be in violation of University Policy 406, The Code of Student Responsibility, or University Policy 407, Code of Student Academic Integrity.  Similarly, you own copyright in your original papers and exam essays. If I am interested in posting your answers or papers on the course web site, I will request your written permission."

2. Faculty members may also want to include a copyright notice on the course materials themselves to emphasize that they are protected. The notice should contain

  1. the word copyright or then © symbol,
  2. the year the materials were created (multiple years may be listed when new material is added in different years), and 
  3. the name of the faculty member.

The faculty member may want to add notations to the notice such as "All rights reserved" or "Authorization is given to students enrolled in the course to reproduce this material exclusively for their own personal use." Note: Copyright protection is not contingent on including a copyright notice on your course materials. The materials are protected as soon as they are created. However, including a notice reminds students of faculty copyright ownership and of students' obligations to respect those rights.

To prevent use of cell phones or other mobile communication devices in the classroom:

The use of cell phones, smart phones, or other mobile communication devices is disruptive, and is therefore prohibited during class. Except in emergencies, those using such devices must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

To regulate computer use in the classroom:

Students are permitted to use computers during class for note-taking and other class-related work only. Those using computers during class for work not related to that class must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

Policies Related to Academic Integrity

To address academic integrity violations, including plagiarism:

NOTE: See below for suggested syllabus policies addressing the use of plagiarism detection services.

All students are required to read and abide by the Code of Student Academic Integrity. Violations of the Code of Student Academic Integrity, including plagiarism, will result in disciplinary action as provided in the Code. Definitions and examples of plagiarism are set forth in the Code and on the Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution website. The Code is available from the Dean of Students Office or online at legal.charlotte.edu/policies/up-407.  Additional resources are available on the Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution website.

Faculty may ask students to produce identification at examinations and may require students to demonstrate that graded assignments completed outside of class are their own work. 

 

To distinguish violations of syllabus policies from academic integrity violations:

Violation of these syllabus policies may result in appropriate academic penalties, including reduction of grade in the relevant assignment, project, test, or exam. If violation of these syllabus policies also implicates the Code of Student Academic Integrity because of alleged academic misconduct, I will follow the process outlined in the Code to address such cases.

 

Policies on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

As a best practice, faculty members should notify students how and when generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) may be used in their assignments, exams, and other course work. Below are two suggested syllabus policies that may be used or adapted, depending on the level of generative AI use the faculty member wants to permit.

Syllabus Policy Option 1: Permitting generative AI use in all assignments, with the requirement that students disclose any AI assistance.

Generative AI Permitted in this Course, with Attribution

In this course, students are permitted to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT to support their work. To maintain academic integrity, students must disclose any AI-generated material they use and properly attribute it, including in-text citations, quotations, and references (see, for example, https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/how-to-cite-chatgpt). Be aware that students are responsible for any errors or information that is misrepresented or inaccurate (i.e. hallucinations) that generative AI tools produce when submitting work that includes AI-generated material.

Students should also include the following statement in their assignments to indicate use of a generative AI tool: “The author(s) acknowledges the use of [generative AI tool Name] in the preparation or completion of this assignment. The [generative AI tool Name] was used in the following way(s) in this assignment: [e.g., brainstorming, grammatical correction, citation, which portion of the assignment].”

Important Note on Data Protection and Privacy: When using generative AI tools, it is important to be aware that the data you supply might be used for training AI models or other purposes. Consequently, there is no guarantee that the information you provide will remain confidential. You should exercise caution and avoid sharing any sensitive or private information when using these tools. Examples of such information include personally identifiable information, protected health information (PHI), financial data, intellectual property, original research, and any other data that might otherwise be legally protected.

Syllabus Policy Option 2: Permitting generative AI use in specific designated assignments, but not all. Students must disclose any AI assistance. Faculty members should specifically indicate on each assignment whether generative AI is permitted, and the way in which it may be used.

Generative AI Permitted in this Course Only as Designated, with Attribution

In this course, students are permitted to use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT only for specific assignments, and only as designated by the instructor. To maintain academic integrity, students must disclose any AI-generated material they use and properly attribute it, including in-text citations, quotations, and references (see, for example, https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/how-to-cite-chatgpt). Be aware that students are responsible for any errors or information that is misrepresented or inaccurate (i.e. hallucinations) that generative AI tools produce when submitting work that includes AI-generated material. In addition, use of a generative AI tool that is not specifically authorized by the instructor may constitute a violation of the Code of Student Academic Integrity.

Students should also include the following statement in their assignments to indicate use of a generative AI tool: “The author(s) acknowledges the use of [generative AI tool Name] in the preparation or completion of this assignment. The [generative AI tool Name] was used in the following way(s) in this assignment: [e.g., brainstorming, grammatical correction, citation, which portion of the assignment].”

Important Note on Data Protection and Privacy: When using generative AI tools, it is important to be aware that the data you supply might be used for training AI models or other purposes. Consequently, there is no guarantee that the information you provide will remain confidential. You should exercise caution and avoid sharing any sensitive or private information when using these tools. Examples of such information include personally identifiable information, protected health information, financial data, intellectual property, original research, and any other data that might otherwise be legally protected.

If you plan to use a plagiarism detection service or generative AI detection tool in your class:

Plagiarism Detection: UNC Charlotte has contracted with SimCheck for plagiarism detection services. Use of SimCheck (or another plagiarism detection service) is entirely in the discretion of the instructor, but use of such services requires:

  1. that you provide advance notice (via syllabus) to your students that you are using such services and
  2. that you obtain a signed consent form from each student.

Generative AI Detection: It is important to obtain a signed consent form when submitting student work to a generative AI detection tool. Note that while the use of generative AI detection tools is not prohibited by the University, such tools are not necessarily accurate and should not be relied on as presumptive of the use of generative AI in completing an assignment.

The consent form is necessary because both copyright rights and FERPA rights of students may be violated by disclosure and use of their works by submitting them to plagiarism detection services or AI detection tools. For more information, see University Policy 402, Student Records, and University Policy 315, Copyright Policy.

The consent form must be signed voluntarily, or it is ineffective. If a student elects not to sign a consent form, it is not advisable to submit their work to a plagiarism detection service or generative AI detection tool but instead to offer alternatives, such as (i) requiring a short reflection paper on research methodology; (ii) requiring a draft bibliography prior to submission of the final paper; or (iii) requiring the cover page and first cited page of each reference source to be photocopied and submitted with the final work. 

In order to assist you in the correct use of plagiarism detection services or generative AI detection tools, below are several suggested syllabus policies. Note that you are not required to use such suggested syllabus policies, but if you plan to use SimCheck or another plagiarism detection service, or if you plan to use a generative AI detection tool, you are advised to at least notify the students in advance and obtain signed consent forms from the students, as noted above.

Suggested Syllabus Policy Option 1: If you plan to use SimCheck or another plagiarism detection service and/or a generative AI detection tool for ALL work/papers submitted in your class, you should include the following (or your own variation thereof) in your syllabus:

As a condition of taking this course, all required work/papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to SimCheck (or another plagiarism detection service) for the detection of plagiarism and/or a generative AI detection tool for detection of unauthorized use of generative AI. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the SimCheck (or other plagiarism detection service) reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. No student papers will be submitted to a plagiarism detection service or a generative AI detection tool without a student’s written consent and permission. If a student does not provide such written consent and permission, the instructor may: (i) require a short reflection paper on research methodology; (ii) require a draft bibliography prior to submission of the final paper; or (iii) require the cover page and first cited page of each reference source to be photocopied and submitted with the final paper. 

Suggested Syllabus Policy Option 2: Alternatively, if you do NOT plan to submit all papers to SimCheck (or another plagiarism detection service) or to a generative AI detection tool but plan to submit ONLY papers that you SUSPECT contain plagiarized works or unauthorized use of generative AI, you should include the following (or your own variation thereof) in your syllabus: 

As a condition of taking this course, all work/papers that the instructor in good faith suspects are in whole or in part plagiarized may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to SimCheck or another service for the detection of plagiarism. Such works will be included as source documents in the SimCheck or other plagiarism detection service reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. No student papers will be submitted to SimCheck or other plagiarism detection service without a student’s written consent and permission.  

Likewise, as a condition of taking this course, all work/papers that the instructor in good faith suspects are in whole or in part created with the unauthorized use of a generative AI tool are subject to submission to a generative AI detection tool. If a student does not provide such written consent and permission, the instructor may: (i) require a short reflection paper on research methodology; (ii) require a draft bibliography prior to submission of the final paper; or (iii) require the cover page and first cited page of each reference source to be photocopied and submitted with the final paper.

To prohibit the use of unauthorized materials (including AI tools, Chegg, etc.):

Faculty are encouraged to include language in their syllabi addressing if and how the use of certain materials, including generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, are permitted. See suggested syllabus policies specifically about the use of generative AI above for more detailed guidance. The following language may be adapted to particular circumstances:

The following materials, equipment, websites, or tools are prohibited for completing course assignments, quizzes or examinations, or other academic exercises unless I explicitly permit such use for legitimate pedagogical purposes: [list unauthorized materials, which may include ChatGPT or other generative artificial intelligence tools, online course material suppliers like CourseHero or Chegg, etc.]

Policies Related to Online or Hybrid Courses, Exams, or Exercises

To notify students that you will be recording class sessions:

Class sessions will all be audio- and/or video-recorded for the purposes of student-participant reference and access by other students enrolled in the same course (including students enrolled in different class sections or break-out groups). Student consent to being recorded during class is a condition of class participation. If you do not consent to being recorded during class, you will need to deactivate your video camera, keep your mute button activated, and participate only via the chat feature, but please note that such actions may have a negative impact on any portion of your grade that is based on class participation. Students are not permitted to make their own recordings of class sessions or to share or distribute University recordings of class sessions. NOTE: Students with specific electronic recording accommodations authorized by the Office of Disability Services may record classes; however, the instructor must be notified of any such accommodation prior to recording. Any distribution of such recordings is prohibited.

To prohibit student recording in the classroom (in person or online):

Electronic video, image capture, and/or audio recording is not permitted during class, whether conducted in person or online, unless the student obtains permission from the instructor. If permission is granted, any distribution of the recording is prohibited. Students with specific electronic recording accommodations authorized by the Office of Disability Services do not require instructor permission; however, the instructor must be notified of any such accommodation prior to recording. Any distribution of such recordings is prohibited.

To notify students that you will require webcam use in class:

This course may require you to use a webcam for class sessions and/or assessments. Classes and assessments may be conducted using Zoom or other technology selected by your instructor which may use your computer’s webcam or other technologies to communicate, monitor, and/or record classes, class activities, and assessments. Assessments may also be conducted using proctoring software, which may listen to you, monitor your computer screen, view you and your surroundings, and record (including visual and audio recordings) all activity during the proctoring process. Please contact your instructor if you are unable to comply or have any questions or concerns. 

To require remote class participants to use neutral video backgrounds:

For remote class participants, video backgrounds must be neutral, and cameras should be positioned in a manner that prevents the introduction of distracting objects, messages, symbols, or other people. Alternatively, students may choose to blur their background, utilize one of the default Zoom virtual backgrounds, or use one of the UNC Charlotte branded backgrounds.  Students who do not abide by this policy will be removed from the Zoom session [and counted absent or receive a reduction in their participation grade] and will be referred for potential disciplinary action under the Code of Student Responsibility.
 

To notify students that you will be monitoring their analytics on Canvas:

This course uses Canvas, which provides the instructor with analytics and data on student engagement with the Canvas page, including page views, participation, submissions, timeliness, etc. I will be monitoring student activities on Canvas to ensure successful engagement and participation in the course. If I notice that a student's activities on Canvas indicate issues with pedagogically appropriate engagement, I may reach out to the student to discuss improving course engagement and participation.

To notify students that you will use Respondus LockDown Browser and/or Respondus Monitor for exams and assessments:

Instructors use a number of strategies for ensuring academic integrity in courses, whether in-person or online, and a variety of technologies may be applied. This course may use LockDown Browser with Monitor for online exams and assessments. While there is no cost to you to use the software, you are required to have a webcam, which may be built into your computer or may be an external camera. Use a Mac or PC computer; Chromebooks are not compatible. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the Monitor webcam feature.

During remote course exams or assessments, your participation may be video-recorded with your webcam using Respondus Monitor.  Respondus Monitor is a companion product for LockDown Browser that enables students to record themselves with a webcam and microphone during an online exam. These video recordings may be submitted to Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution as evidence in suspected cases of violations of the Code of Student Academic Integrity. 

The Respondus system allows access to your webcam only while the exam/assessment is in progress. UNC Charlotte and its faculty do not have access to your webcam at any  point outside of the assessment setting. You are responsible for obtaining an external webcam with microphone if no functioning built-in camera is available on your device. Students may borrow laptops and webcams from Atkins Library.

Download and install LockDown Browser to your Mac or PC computer. 

For information about checking LockDown Browser and webcam setup, test-taking guidelines, webcam video tips, as well as security and privacy information, please review Online Testing Guidance from the Center for Academic Excellence.

If you are not comfortable being recorded or monitored through a webcam during an assessment, you may request an alternative monitoring method prior to the scheduled assessment, such as using a testing center on campus, giving sufficient time for me to arrange alternate methods of proctoring the assessment. Students with academic accommodations may use the Disability Services testing center.

To prevent sexual harassment in web-based or web-assisted courses:

All students are required to abide by the UNC Charlotte Title IX Grievance Policy, Sexual Harassment Policy, and the policy on Responsible Use of University Computing and Electronic Communication Resources. Sexual harassment is prohibited, even when carried out through computers or other electronic communications systems, including course-based chats, breakout rooms, or message boards. 

Suggested Notices

Disability Accommodations

[It is important to provide a clearly welcoming environment so that students understand they can come forward with accommodation requests. 

  • Encourage students with disabilities to approach you early in the semester by placing a statement on your syllabus such as the one below
  • Be available for accommodation conversations with students during office hours or scheduled appointments

For more information, see the Faculty Responsibilities page on the Disabilty Services website.]

Suggested syllabus language:

UNC Charlotte is committed to accessibility in education. If you have a disability and need academic accommodations, send me your Accommodation Letter through the DS Portal as early as possible. I encourage you to meet with me to discuss the accommodations outlined in your letter. For more information about accommodations, contact the Office of Disability Services at 704-687-0040 or disability@charlotte.edu.

To promote help-seeking behaviors:

A simple way to support both the mental health of students and University suicide prevention efforts is to include a brief statement on your course syllabus. This is a way to promote help-seeking behaviors and demonstrates that instructors care about students holistically, including their overall well-being. See also: Mental Health on the Syllabus from INSIDE HIGHER ED. This informative article talks about encouraging professors to put information about mental health services on their syllabi.

Below are options of statements that can be customized for use in your classes:

Option 1:  This version is designed for students new to UNC Charlotte

It is common for college students to experience challenges that may interfere with academic success such as academic stress, sleep problems, juggling responsibilities, life events, substance misuse concerns, relationship concerns, or feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, or depression. If you or a friend is struggling, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Helpful, effective resources are available on campus at no additional cost.

  • If you are struggling academically with this class, please visit me during office hours or contact me by email at xxxxxx@uncc.edu
  • Meet with your academic advisor if you are struggling academically in multiple classes, unsure whether you are making the most of your time at UNC Charlotte, or unsure what academic resources are available at UNC Charlotte.
  • Visit the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) website at caps.charlotte.edu for information about the broad range of confidential on-campus mental health services, online health assessments, hours, and additional information.
  • Call CAPS at (704) 687-0311 if interested in scheduling an appointment with a counselor. After-hours crisis support is also available through this phone number.
  • Contact the Center Wellness Promotion at (704) 687-7407, by email at wellness@uncc.edu or visit the website at wellness.charlotte.edu for more information on how to develop healthy attitudes and behaviors as it relates to relationships, mental health, alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs and sexual health.

Option 2: Focus on mental health services

It is common for college students to experience challenges that may interfere with academic success such as academic stress, sleep problems, juggling responsibilities, life events, substance misuse concerns, relationship concerns, or feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, or depression. If you or a friend is struggling, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Helpful, effective resources are available on campus at no additional cost.

  • Visit the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) website at caps.charlotte.edu for information about the broad range of confidential on-campus mental health services, online health assessments, hours, and additional information.
  • Call CAPS at (704) 687-0311 if interested in scheduling an appointment with a counselor. After-hours crisis support is also available through this phone number.
  • Contact the Center Wellness Promotion at (704) 687-7407, by email at wellness@charlotte.edu or visit the website at wellness.charlotte.edu for more information on how to develop healthy attitudes and behaviors as it relates to relationships, mental health, alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs and sexual health.

Option 3: Space conscious statement

  • Mental health concerns or stressful events may reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities or diminish academic performance. Services are available to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus via the Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) website at caps.charlotte.edu.

 

Basic Needs Statement

UNC Charlotte defines "basic needs" as those needs that, when unmet, can hinder students’ ability to focus on and successfully complete their academic studies. Basic needs include food security, housing security, transportation, health and wellbeing, technology, and child care. Any student who experiences difficulty in one or more of these areas is urged to contact the Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS) Office for support with navigating campus and community resources. Students can also consult the Niner Needs website for a list of helpful resources designed to address student needs.

Wellbeing Resources from the Center for Integrated Care (CIC)

The Center for Integrated Care (CIC) is a one-stop shop for referral and linkage to wellbeing resources both on and off campus. CIC is a front-facing clinical case management department providing coordination of care and continuity of care services, and follow-up for students. CIC provides outreach and programming to encourage and provide more access to care for students who may be ambivalent, unsure or do not have the desire to seek more formal wellness services. In addition, CIC serves as a triage department for faculty and staff to refer students who may not be experiencing crisis but instead may need clinical guidance and direction. Currently, CIC is housed in the Counseling and Psychological Services Building, occupying a dedicated corridor of offices.

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FERPA Notification

In establishing University Policy 402, Student Education Records, UNC Charlotte adheres to a policy of compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as FERPA, a federal law that affords students the following rights with respect to their education records. For details, see the FERPA Annual Notification posted on the Office of Legal Affairs website. All questions concerning this FERPA Annual Notification may be directed to the attention of the Office of the Registrar.