Recommended Policy Statements for Syllabi
The following academic policies relate to specific aspects of teaching and learning. In addition to including a reference to these policies as part of the syllabus, instructors are encouraged to discuss elements of the policies particularly applicable to their courses.
Instructors may:
- Copy the exact language provided below, or
- Include references to the policies, or
- Include statements on the following policies in the syllabus.
Student Conduct Code
Appropriate classroom conduct promotes an environment of academic achievement and integrity. Disruptive classroom behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor's ability to teach, or student learning, is prohibited. Student are expected adhere to Board of Regents Policy.
Teaching & Learning: Instructor and Student Responsibilities
UMD is committed to providing a positive, safe, and inclusive place for all who study and work here. Instructors and students have mutual responsibility to insure that the environment in all of these settings supports teaching and learning, is respectful of the rights and freedoms of all members, and promotes a civil and open exchange of ideas. Reference the Teaching & Learning: Instructor and Student Responsibilities Policy.
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty tarnishes UMD’s reputation and discredits the accomplishments of students. Academic dishonesty is regarded as a serious offense by all members of the academic community. Reference the UMD’s Student Academic Integrity Policy
Final Exams
All 1xxx-5xxx courses offered for undergraduate credit should include a final graded component or end of term evaluation that assesses the level of student achievement of one or more course objectives. All final graded components are to be administered or due at the time and place according to the final exam schedule and not during the last week of class. Reference the Final Exam Policy.
Excused Absences
Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings. It is the responsibility of students to plan their schedules to avoid excessive conflict with course requirements. However, there are legitimate and verifiable circumstances that lead to excused student absence from the classroom. These are subpoenas, jury duty, military duty, religious observances, illness, bereavement, and NCAA varsity intercollegiate athletics. Reference the Excused Absences Policy.
Appropriate Student Use of Class Notes and Course Materials
Taking notes is a means of recording information but more importantly of personally absorbing and integrating the educational experience. However, broadly disseminating class notes beyond the classroom community or accepting compensation for taking and distributing classroom notes undermines instructor interests in their intellectual work product while not substantially furthering instructor and student interests in effective learning. Reference the Appropriate Student Use of Class Notes and Course Materials Policy.
Students with Disabilities
It is the policy and practice of the University of Minnesota Duluth to create inclusive learning environments for all students, including students with disabilities. If there are aspects of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or your ability to meet course requirements such as time limited exams, inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos, please notify the instructor as soon as possible. You are also encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Resources to discuss and arrange reasonable accommodations. Call 218-726-6130 or visit Disability Resources website for more information.
Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Relationship Violence
The University is committed to taking prompt and effective steps to end sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence, and related retaliation, prevent their recurrence and, as appropriate, remedy their effects. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment in any University activity or program. Students are encouraged to report incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and relationship violence, and to access UMD’s free and confidential support for students. Most University employees, including faculty, are mandated to report incidents that are shared with them to the University’s Title IX office. Some UMD employees are exempt from the reporting requirement because of the confidential nature of their work (see FAQ #6). For full details, please refer to the Board of Regents policy (definitions), the University of Minnesota administrative policy (resources, rights, reporting information), and UMD’s Responding to Sexual Misconduct website (Title IX Coordinator contact information, campus resources). See also: Board of Regents Policy.
Equity, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action
The University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs and facilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action and the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution are both available to all UMD employees, students, and participants in University-related activities to discuss issues or concerns regarding University policies or practices involving potential bias, discrimination, harassment or retaliation that an individual may have experienced or observed. Reference the Equity, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action Policy.
Mental Health and Stress Management
Feelings such as anxiety, anger, depression, low self-esteem, or tension are a normal part of being human and can affect anyone. Sometimes these feelings are temporary and can be eased by rest, relaxation, exercise, good nutrition and the support of trusted friends. At other times, stressors, relationships or past family experiences cannot be managed so easily and become overwhelming. If this happens, and you find it hard to function, you may want to seek professional help. Counseling Services are available at UMD Health Services to assist you. If you are in need of mental health support when Health Services is closed, or in case of an emergency, please contact The Birch Tree Center's Crisis line at 218-623-1800 or go to the emergency room/urgent care at either St. Luke's Hospital or St. Mary's Hospital. If an ambulance is needed, call 911. If the emergency is non-life-threatening and you do not have a means of transportation, call Campus Police at 218-726-7000. If you have needs that Counseling Services does not treat, they have a case manager who helps connect students to referrals as well as navigating issues with insurance. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus at UMD Health Services.
Academic Freedom and Responsibility
Thoughtful dialog is a cornerstone of higher education. This expectation is upheld in the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents Policy: Academic Freedom and Responsibility, which says in part:
SECTION II. ACADEMIC FREEDOM.
Academic freedom is the freedom, without institutional discipline or restraint, to discuss all relevant matters in the classroom, to explore all avenues of scholarship, research, and creative expression, and to speak or write on matters of public concern as well as on matters related to professional duties and the functioning of the University.
For a full overview see Board of Regents Policy: Academic Freedom and Responsibility.
Campus COVID Safety
Visit the the UMD Safe Campus website for up-to-date COVID information.
Basic Needs Security
Basic needs security is essential to student wellbeing and learning effectively. Examples of basic needs include accessing sufficient food to eat and having a safe and stable place to live. UMD supports students’ basic needs through on-campus resources located in the Office of Student Life, 245 Kirby Plaza, which is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Champ’s Cupboard is a free resource for students in need of food, and Champ’s Closet is a free resource for students seeking gently used professional clothing for interviews, internships, and field placements. Any student seeking further information regarding basic needs security may contact the Office of Student Life at [email protected] or 218-726-8501.
Additional optional statements
Tutoring Center
The Tutoring Center on the second floor of Martin Library offers free tutoring sessions for this course. Your tutor will be a high-achieving student trained to assist you. To learn more about the Tutoring Center, find the tutor(s) qualified for this subject area, or reserve a time with a tutor, please visit the Tutoring Center website. The tutors look forward to working with you!
Research Help
Research Help is a service where librarians provide guidance, support, and instruction on how to find and use information. You can meet with a librarian when you’re not sure how to get started with a research project, when you’ve hit a wall in your research, or your usual process isn’t working. You can chat with a librarian 24/7, schedule an appointment with a subject librarian, email, or drop-in during the day.
Writers' Workshop
The Writers' Workshop offers free one-to-one writing support to all members of UMD's campus community. Consultants are graduate students or faculty members trained to assist you with any writing project at any stage in the writing process. To make an appointment, visit d.umn.edu/writwork or stop by the Workshop’s front desk located in the Securian Learning Commons on the second floor of the Kathryn A. Martin Library.
UMD Land Acknowledgement
We collectively acknowledge that the University of Minnesota Duluth is located on the traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of Indigenous people. The University resides on land that was cared for and called home by the Ojibwe people, before them the Dakota and Northern Cheyenne people, and other Native peoples from time immemorial. Ceded by the Ojibwe in an 1854 treaty, this land holds great historical, spiritual, and personal significance for its original stewards, the Native nations and peoples of this region. We recognize and continually support and advocate for the sovereignty of the Native nations in this territory and beyond. By offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm tribal sovereignty and will work to hold the University of Minnesota Duluth accountable to American Indian peoples and nations.
Student Resources
Visit Resources for Current Students to learn more about resources available to you at UMD.