Syllabus Policies and Statements | Potomac State College - Teaching & Learning Commons

Academic Policies and Syllabus Statements

Academic policies presented here are those that are at the institutional level and exist in the WVU Catalog. Syllabus statements are Faculty Senate approved and provide guidance to students in negotiating other aspects of course experience.

Students are responsible for reviewing and understanding these polices if they are referenced in the syllabus.

These syllabus statements are optional. However, if a statement is used, it must appear in the syllabus exactly as it is listed below (unless otherwise indicated).

Academic Integrity Statement

The integrity of the classes offered by any academic institution solidifies the foundation of its mission and cannot be sacrificed to expediency, ignorance, or blatant fraud. Therefore, instructors will enforce rigorous standards of academic integrity in all aspects and assignments of their courses. For the detailed policy of West Virginia University regarding the definitions of acts considered to fall under academic dishonesty and possible ensuing sanctions, please see the West Virginia University Academic Standards Policy. Should you have any questions about possibly improper research citations or references, or any other activity that may be interpreted as an attempt at academic dishonesty, please see your instructor before the assignment is due to discuss the matter.

Academic Standards Policy, including Academic Dishonesty

The WVU Catalog contains the full Undergraduate Academic Standards Policy and Graduate Academic and Professional Standards Policy.

Resources for Faculty and Students for Reporting and Appealing Violations of Academic Standards

Adverse Weather Statement

In the event of inclement or threatening weather, everyone should use his or her best judgment regarding travel to and from campus. Safety should be the main concern. If you cannot get to class because of adverse weather conditions, you should contact your instructor as soon as possible. Similarly, if your instructor(s) are unable to reach the class location, they will notify you of any cancellation or change as soon as possible, using agreed upon methods to prevent students from embarking on any unnecessary travel. If you cannot get to class because of weather conditions, instructors will make allowances relative to required attendance policies, as well as any scheduled tests, quizzes, or other assessments. [adopted 9-8-2014]

Appropriate Use of Technology Statement

Use of technology in the classroom should always be directly related to class activities and/or course learning outcomes. Inappropriate technology use can be an impediment to learning and a distraction to all members of the class. As such, inappropriate use of technology in the classroom may be considered a disruption of the class and constitute a violation of the WVU Student Conduct Code and could potentially result in a referral to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Use of technology in the classroom when specifically prohibited by the instructor may also constitute a violation of WVU’s Academic Integrity policy.

Attendance Policy

The WVU Catalog contains the full Attendance Policy.

Campus Safety Statement

The WVU Police are committed to creating and maintaining a safe learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Part of this mission includes educating the campus community on how to respond to potential campus threats, such as the threat of an active shooter on campus or other suspicious behaviors. Fortunately, WVU Police offer training - both online and in-person - on how to handle a variety of campus safety scenarios. All students are encouraged to visit the WVU Police webpage, in particular the content under the Active Shooter training program. Students are also encouraged to report any suspicious behaviors on campus using the Report a Threat portion of the webpage. Additional materials on campus safety prepared by WVU Police, including special safety tips and training, will also be provided on our eCampus page. [adopted 10-2-17]

Notice of Class Recording Policy

Meetings of a course at West Virginia University (WVU), whether online or in-person, may be recorded. Recordings are not guaranteed, and are intended to supplement the planned class session. Recordings will be made available to class participants, which may include students, assistants, guest lecturers, and co-facilitators. Recordings may be shared by the instructor or institution in accordance with WVU Rules and policies. The Recordings are owned by and contain intellectual property of WVU. The Recordings may not be shared, copied, reproduced, redistributed, transferred, or disseminated in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of authorized officials of WVU.

COVID-19 Syllabus Statement

WVU is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Should campus operations change because of health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic or other campus-wide emergency, it is possible that this course will move to a fully online delivery format. If that occurs, students will be advised of technical and/or equipment requirements, including remote proctoring software.

In a face-to-face environment, our commitment to safety requires students, staff, and instructors to observe the social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines set by the University at all times. While in class, students will sit in assigned seats when required and will wear PPE according to current University guidelines. Students who fail to comply may be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for sanctions.

COVID related absences fall under the University attendance policy found here: attendance. As detailed in the policy, a student who becomes sick or is required to quarantine during the semester should notify the instructor. The student should then work with the instructor to develop a plan to complete the course learning outcomes while he or she is absent.

Inclusivity Statement

The West Virginia University community is committed to creating and fostering a positive learning and working environment based on open communication, mutual respect, and inclusion.

If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in your classes, please advise your instructors and make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Accessibility Services.

More information is available at the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website as well. [adopted 2-11-2013]

Incomplete Policy

The WVU Catalog contains the full Incomplete Policy.

Mental Health Statement - Main Campus *

Mental health concerns or stressful events can adversely affect your academic performance and social relationships. WVU offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns that you may be experiencing. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus at the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCCPS) website: https://carruth.wvu.edu/.

If you are in need of crisis services, call the CCCPS main number 24/7: (304) 293-4431.

Crisis services are also available through text: Text WVU to 741741 for support 24/7 from a trained Crisis Counselor.

A longer version of this optional statement is available for reference.

Mental Health Statement - Health Sciences Campus *

Mental health concerns or stressful events can adversely affect your academic performance, social relationships and quality of life. WVU’s BeWell office offers free, confidential counseling services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns that you may be experiencing. You can schedule an appointment in the HSC BeWell clinic by calling 304-293-1292 or 304-293-1353. You can also email the BeWell Coordinator, Layne Hitchcock, at layne.kehl@mail.wvu.edu or request an appointment online at health.wvu.edu/bewell.

BeWell is an extension of the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, and you can learn more about mental health resources on their website at carruth.wvu.edu.

If you are in need of crisis services, call the Carruth Center’s main number 24/7: (304) 293-4431. You can also text WVU to 741741.

A longer version of this optional statement is available for reference.

Sale of Course Material Statement

All course materials, including lectures, class notes, quizzes, exams, handouts, presentations, and other course materials provided to students for their courses are protected intellectual property. As such, the unauthorized purchase or sale of these materials may result in disciplinary sanctions under the Student Conduct Code. [adopted 5-11-2015]

Sexual Misconduct Statement

West Virginia University does not tolerate sexual misconduct, including harassment, stalking, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, or relationship violence [ BOG Rule 1.6]. It is important for you to know that there are resources available if you or someone you know needs assistance. You may speak to a member of university administration, faculty, or staff; keep in mind that they have an obligation to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator.

If you want to speak to someone who is permitted to keep your disclosure confidential, please seek assistance from the Carruth Center, 304-293-9355 or 304-293-4431 (24-hour hotline), and locally within the community at the Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center (RDVIC), 304- 292-5100 or 304-292-4431 (24-hour hotline).

For students at WVU-Beckley, contact the Women’s Resource Center at 304-255-1585 (toll-free at 1-888-825-7836) or REACH at 304-340-3676. For students at WVU-Keyser, contact the WVU-Keyser Psychological Counseling Services Office at 304-788-6976, and locally in Keyser, the Family Crisis Center, 304-788-6061 or 1-800-698-1240 (24-hour hotline).

For more information, please consult WVU's Title IX Office (https://titleix.wvu.edu/resources-offices).

Student Evaluation of Instruction Statement

Effective teaching is a primary mission of West Virginia University. Student evaluation of instruction provides the university and the instructor with feedback about your experiences in the course for review and course improvement. Your participation in the evaluation of course instruction is both strongly encouraged and highly valued. Results are strictly confidential, anonymous, and not available to the instructor until after final grades are released by Admissions and Records. Information about how you can complete this evaluation will be provided by your instructor. [adopted 4-14-2008]

* Statement may be altered at the instructor’s discretion.

COVID-19 Syllabi Statement

*On the Potomac State Campus PPE will be available at the following locations: Mary F. Shipper Library, Church McKee Art Center, Service Center located in the Administration Building, and the Student Union.

Mental Health

Mental health concerns or stressful events can adversely affect your academic performance and social relationships. The Mental Health and Counseling Services Center, located in Reynolds Hall 104A, offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns that you may be experiencing.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Michelle House, on campus Therapist, please call (304) 788-6976 or email mahouse@mail.wvu.edu. For more mental health resources and information, visit our website at: https://studentexperience.potomacstatecollege.edu/health-counseling-services/psychological-counseling-services.

Accessibility Services

The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) is dedicated to enhancing the educational opportunities for students with temporary or permanent disabilities at West Virginia University Potomac State College. To ensure access to University programs, specialists work individually with students to help them achieve academic success. Everyone is committed to creating a successful learning environment. After a student has registered with the Office of Accessibility Services and met with the Accessibility Specialist, accommodations will be assigned.

Instructors are notified of approved academic accommodations through email via their MIX accounts. Students assume the responsibility to meet with their instructor, at least one week in advance, and complete an accommodation agreement. Students or faculty who have questions or concerns should contact their Accessibility Specialist. On the campus of Potomac State College, Mary Connor, serves as the Accessibility Specialist. Her office is located on the ground floor of the Mary F. Shipper Library and she may be reached at (304) 788-7405. Additional information can be located at https://accessibilityservices.wvu.edu .

Writing Center Syllabi Statement

No one writes alone! The PSC Writing Center is here to help you with your writing assignments in any subject, at any stage of the writing process. Beyond assisting you with individual papers, we want to help you develop the writing skills that you’ll need to ace other assignments and succeed in your future career.

The Writing Center is located on the ground floor of the Mary F. Shipper Library. You can drop in just once, make an appointment in advance, or set up recurring appointments. While students generally find face-to-face sessions most helpful, we can also work with you by email or Zoom. All Writing Center services are free! You're also welcome to use the Writing Center as a quiet place to write or study.

Please visit the Writing Center’s website for up-to-date hours or email pscwritingcenter@mail.wvu.edu for more information or to make an appointment.