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Ohio University Syllabus Guidelines: 5. Course Policies and Guidelines

The Ohio University Faculty Handbook requires specific information to be made available to students on or before the first day of class. This section lists and describes required and recommended information given to students on or before the first day of class.

5.1 University Required Information

Per university policy and practice, course policies and guidelines should include the following elements.

5.1.1. Course Meeting Times and Locations

This information should provide the days, times, and physical or online location(s) where the course is scheduled to meet. As examples:

  • Mondays & Wednesdays, 2:00–3:20 PM, Copeland Hall 201 
  • Online (synchronous): Tuesdays, 6:00–8:00 PM, via Microsoft Teams

5.1.2. Office Hours and Instructor Contact Information

This information should provide the times and methods by which students may meet with or contact the instructor for academic support. For example:

  • Tuesdays, 10:00–11:30 AM, Copeland 312, or by appointment 
  • Email: smithj1@ohio.edu; Office Phone: 740-593-0000

Note: While instructors must provide office hours and contact details, personal privacy should be protected (e.g., use institutional email rather than personal accounts; use MS Teams phone or office phone rather than a cell phone).

5.1.3. Intended Learning Outcomes or Objectives

This information should describe what students should know or be able to do by the end of the course. Statements should be drawn from the published learning outcomes in the Ohio University Undergraduate Catalog. For example:

Learning Outcomes: 

  • Students will be able to identify the rhetorical context and purpose for writing in academic and other settings.
  • Students will be able to use appropriate, relevant, and compelling concepts and terms from composition studies to illustrate their understanding of writing and shape their work.
  • Students will be able to use formal and informal rules (such as genre or disciplinary conventions) that guide formatting, organization, and stylistic choices for specific audiences to analyze particular kinds of texts and/or media.
  • Students will be able to find, evaluate, use, and source texts to extend, argue with, develop, define, or shape their own positions in writing.
  • Students will be able to use conventions (for example, formatting, syntax, etc.) appropriate to the rhetorical context to communicate ideas.

5.1.4. Grading Basis

This information should explain graded components (assignments, exams, projects, participation, etc.), their relative weights, and the grading scale. For example:

  • Exams (2) – 40% 
  • Group Project – 25% 
  • Weekly Quizzes – 20% 
  • Class Participation – 15% 
  • Grades will be assigned according to the University’s standard grading scale.

5.1.5. Detailed Class Schedule

This information should provide specific dates, times, topics, corresponding readings (when appropriate), and assignments (when appropriate). The schedule may be presented in a table or as a bullet list.

Note: Unlike the course calendar required per Ohio Revised Code, §3345.029(A)(2)(b), the detailed class schedule should provide information specifically for students, such as specific class meeting times and dates, course relevant academic calendar dates (e.g., Fall/Spring Break, final exam date/time, etc.), alternate meeting locations (when different than normal), what faculty expect students to prepare prior to the class meeting, due dates for assignments, etc.

5.1.6. Attendance and Absence Policy

This information should provide expectations for student attendance, aligned with university regulations and course modality. This should also include guidelines on excused and unexcused absences, consistent with university regulations. This may also include participation and/or etiquette guidelines. For example:

  • Regular attendance and participation are expected in this course. You are responsible for being present, on time, and prepared for each class meeting. Because much of the learning happens through discussion and in-class activities, frequent absences or late arrivals may affect your performance and final grade.
  • Excused Absences. Certain absences are recognized by the University as legitimate, including illness, death in the immediate family, jury duty, religious observance, and participation in university-sponsored activities. If you must miss class for one of these reasons, please notify me as soon as possible and provide appropriate documentation when available. I will make reasonable efforts to help you make up missed work or materials, consistent with the limits of the course.
  • Make-Up Work. Students are responsible for contacting me promptly after a legitimate absence to discuss options for completing missed work. In some cases—such as exams, field trips, or guest speakers—make-up opportunities may be limited or unavailable.

5.1.7. Academic Misconduct Policy

This information should provide a statement consistent with university policy, including definitions, potential sanctions, and appeals processes. For example:

  • The Ohio University Student Code of Conduct prohibits all forms of academic misconduct/dishonesty. These include but are not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and self-plagiarism; forgery; furnishing of false information to the university; and alteration or misuse of university documents, records, or identification. If a student engages in course-related academic misconduct, the instructor may lower their grade on the work in question or in the course. Any student wishing to protest the instructor's action has recourse to the established grievance procedures, starting at the department level.
  • Instructors may report cases of academic dishonesty to the Office of Community Standards for further action; however, by so doing, an instructor does not in any way relinquish the right to assign a grade in a course. Any student accused of academic dishonesty by the Office of Community Standards is entitled to notice of charges being made and to a full hearing. If suspension or dismissal is recommended, the student is further entitled to appeals procedures and will not be suspended or dismissed from the university while appeals are in process. 

5.1.8. Accessibility Accommodations Statement

This information should provide the language to refer students to the Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for accommodations. For example:

  • If you are a student with a disability who will need academic accommodations, please contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to make appropriate arrangements. SAS is located in Alden Library, Room 348, 740-593-2620, or accessibility@ohio.edu.

5.2. Recommended Components

In addition to the university-required components, Ohio University strongly encourages faculty to include the following elements in their course policies and guidelines. While not mandated by law or University policy, these elements promote clarity, inclusivity, and student success.

5.2.1. Required and Recommended Technology

This information explains the technology needed to participate effectively in the course. This may include hardware, software, and connectivity requirements for course participation. As examples:

  • Required: Microsoft Excel (desktop or online version) 
  • Recommended: Access to the Statista database for market research
  • Students will need a laptop or desktop computer, reliable internet access, and the ability to use Microsoft Teams for synchronous class sessions.

5.2.2. Course Learning Management System (LMS) Information

This information provides guidance about the course LMS (e.g., Canvas) and where students can find course content, assignments, and announcements. For example:

  • All course announcements, readings, and assignments will be posted on Canvas. Please check the course site daily for updates.

5.2.3. Policies on Late Work, Make-Up Exams, and Class Participation

This information provides clear expectations for deadlines, extensions, and participation. For example:

  • Late assignments will be accepted up to 48 hours after the due date with a 10% deduction. Make-up exams will be given only in cases of documented emergencies. Active participation in class discussions is expected and will count toward the participation grade.

5.2.4. Intellectual Property Statement

This information explains ownership and any permitted use of instructor materials shared in the course. For example:

  • Course materials (including slides, assignments, and recordings) are the property of the instructor and are provided solely for use in this class. Redistribution without permission is prohibited.

5.2.5. Resources for Student Support

This information shares academic, advising, and wellness resources available to students. For example:

  • Students are encouraged to use the Academic Achievement Center (Alden Library, 1st floor), the Writing Center (Alden Library, 2nd floor), and Counseling and Psychological Services (Hudson Health Center, 3rd floor) for academic and personal support.

5.2.6. Inclusive Teaching Statements or Classroom Engagement Guidelines

This information shares norms and expectations for respectful dialogue and engagement. For example:

  • This course values the contributions of all students. We will maintain a respectful classroom environment in which differences of opinion are expressed thoughtfully, and ideas are debated rather than individuals.

5.2.7. Generative AI Policy

This information shares a statement regarding appropriate student use of generative artificial intelligence (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Adobe Firefly) as part of the course or to complete course assignments and assessments. Curated examples from multiple disciplines and course types are available online. 

5.2.8. Ohio University Statement of Commitment

This information replicates Ohio University’s statement of commitment (available online):

  • As required by the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, Ohio University declares: that it will educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; that its duty is to equip students with the opportunity to develop the intellectual skills they need to reach their own, informed conclusions; that it is committed to not requiring, favoring, disfavoring or prohibiting speech or lawful assembly; that it will create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth, and tolerates the differences in opinion that naturally occur in a public higher education community; and that its duty is to treat all faculty, staff, and students as individuals, to hold them to equal standards, and to provide them equality of opportunity, with regard to those individuals’ race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.