Common & Uncommon Classroom Scenarios

Action Steps for Medical Emergencies

Above all, make sure to call 911or 740-593-1911 IMMEDIATELY. If you are not properly trained in CPR or emergency resuscitation practices, do not attempt until the proper authorities arrive. Please reference the link above for more in-depth practices and guidelines.

Teaching Assistants that are considered Instructors of Record are held to the same standard as faculty members. If you are unable to teach a class session, and classes have not been cancelled university-wide, your first step should be to attempt to find a substitute instructor, as well as informing your teaching supervisor and department chair.

In the event that all options for substitute instructors have been exhausted, and you or the substitute are unable to offer a virtual, or asynchronous, option for the session, an email must be sent to all students in the session as soon as possible, informing them of the cancellation and when classes will resume. Inform your teaching supervisor and your department chair of this update.

It may also be wise to attempt to have a colleague post a physical sign on the door of the classroom. 

The basis of avoiding potential student grad complaints is to ensure that all guidelines and directions given to the student are clear, both in writing and what is verbally communicated in class. Specifically, informing the student of how assignments will be graded is essential. Student grade complaints are often initiated via email, so allow the student to explain their grievance and then proceed accordingly.

Attempt to also meet with the student in person if complaints persist. If you are feeling uncomfortable with meeting/continuing to meet with the student, inform your teaching supervisor and department chair.

A student is unable to formally file an appeal, through the university, for a specific assignment. However, they do have the ability to formally file an appeal for a overall letter grade for the course. 

The general Ohio University grade appeals process can be found here. For CHSP students, refer them here.

If a student, or group of students, come forward with concerns about the course, make sure to hear them out and not dismiss them. Sort out the concerns based on what you can feasibly take on and amend.

For example, a student may express concern that they are unable to keep up with the pace of the class, that the assignments are too challenging for them based solely on the content of the assignment, or they are unable to determine what your feedback is trying to tell them. These are concerns that you could work with your teaching supervisor, as well as other faculty members, to seek insight on.

Remember to not take it personally, and that every opportunity is one to grow as a professional. In the "Working with Faculty Teaching Supervisor" section of this handbook, more will be discussed.

Students engaging in academic misconduct, which includes things such as cheating and plagiarism, can be reported using the form below.

Academic Misconduct Report Form

There is an entire process once this is initiated, one which students have the ability to appeal as well. More information can be found here.

Ohio University adheres to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974). This essentially means educational records such as grades cannot be shared with anyone other than the student. If a student fills out a Consent to Release form (also known as a FERPA form), the designated people the student names on the form can request access to records.

Essentially? If anyone calls or emails you asking about someone's academic progress or related matters to academia, refer them to your department chair.

At your discretion, a student may be asked to drop a class from their schedule if they miss the first two meetings of a class without notifying and obtaining approval from the instructor in cases when each class meeting is less than 80 minutes of actual instructional time. 

If the class meetings are 80 minutes or more, the student may be asked to drop if they miss the FIRST meeting of the class without notifying the instructor and obtaining approval.

Departments are most likely to have their own discretionary policies in cases where the students consistently misses class, including reaching out to the student to see what is going on and having discussion. Discuss with your teaching supervisor and department chair.

The schedule of final examinations is prepared by the Registrar and is posted on the Registrar's web site. Deviations from this schedule can be made only with prior approval of the dean of the college and must be cleared with the Scheduling Office.

For tests outside of the final exam period, consult with your teaching supervisor and department chair.