Universal Student Policies

Attendance Policy

(***Instructors may specify a more stringent standard depending upon the structure of the course – see any supplemental language in your course syllabus):

Students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions for courses in which they are enrolled and to be responsible for all coursework. The only recognized absences are those that are the consequence of family or personal emergencies, or extended illness that results in confinement or hospitalization. Proof of the validity of a particular class absence may be required of a student by an instructor. The decision as to whether or not a student may make up class work, quizzes or examinations missed while absent is exclusively that of the course instructor.

Husson University policy requires that faculty keep attendance records. When students are absent from either more than 15% of the scheduled class meetings for a semester or more than the number of absences allowed per the syllabus for a specific course, faculty may award the grade of “X” and deny course credit for excessive absences. It is recommended that faculty inform students when they are in danger of losing credit due to excessive absences.

Attendance in online courses is demonstrated in a variety of ways such as by submitting academic assignments, taking exams, engaging in interactive tutorials or computer-assisted instruction, participating in online discussions about academic matters, or initiating contact with the faculty members to ask questions about the academic content of the course.

Students must log in at least once a week at a minimum but multiple logins are highly recommended to satisfy academic obligations. Any students who begins active participation but does not log in to their course(s) for 7 consecutive calendar days, or as outlined in the course syllabus, may be assigned a grade of "X" (Failure for excessive absences).

Please note: Absences do not constitute a withdrawal. Students formally withdraw from classes only by submitting a Course Withdrawal Form available from the Registrar’s Office or at go.husson.edu.

Adverse Weather

Husson recognizes that storms and other adverse weather conditions can be an impediment to conducting physical classes on some days. In the event of physical class meetings being canceled due to inclement weather, classes will be conducted online via Zoom at their scheduled time. Students are expected to join the class in that manner. If the weather prevents students from attending via Zoom, the class recording will be made available on Canvas

Academic Honesty

Students and faculty in colleges and universities seek new knowledge and insights. There is so much to learn and know that we must build on the work of each other. Academic integrity is essential to that building process. We rely on each other, therefore, to specify what we know, how we know it, or where we found it. Underlying this reliance is an obligation to be honest, forthright, and civil in all dealings with fellow student, staff, and faculty. Behavior inconsistent with these obligations in the context of this course will not be tolerated.

Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, collusion, and assaultive, demeaning or disruptive behavior are all examples of behavior that fall below the norms of academic integrity. [Optional: A student who engages in any such behavior will receive, at a minimum a grade of “F” in the pertinent assignment. The student may also have his or her final grade reduced by one or more grade points or be immediately dismissed with a failing grade from the course. Such behavior may also result in additional penalties, including suspension or dismissal from the student’s program, School, or the University, and may delay or prevent professional licensure.]

If the instructor for this course determines that a violation of academic integrity has occurred, the instructor will record the finding in a report and meet with the student to discuss the findings and proposed sanctions. The student may appeal the findings to the Dean of [according to the course] within 10 business days of the scheduled meeting with the instructor. Uncontested sanctions or those supported by the Dean will become a matter of record on the student’s file and be retained for the duration of the student’s attendance at Husson.

Students with Disabilities

Husson University reasonably accommodates those who request accommodations and provide evidence of a disability. Such efforts are in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. In order to request disability-related services at Husson, students must self-identify to the Disability Services office within the Center for Student Success, and they must provide appropriate and up-to-date documentation to verify their disability or special needs. Notice to other departments, faculty or staff, does not constitute self-identification to the University.

After the accommodations have been approved, the student must notify the instructor by providing the accommodation plan. Depending upon the nature of the request, the instructor may then coordinate with Center for Student Success to fulfill the plan. If you have any questions regarding reasonable accommodations or need to request disability-related services, please contact the Center for Student Success, located in Peabody Hall room 208, or call (207) 992-1934, or e-mail studentsuccess@husson.edu.

Sexual Assault / Misconduct

Administration, faculty and staff at Husson University are interested in the intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being of its students. At the University faculty members are considered “responsible employees” under the regulations of Title IX and are therefore required to report incidences of sexual assault and/or misconduct. This reporting obligation pertains to incidents that have been observed as well as those that have been heard. Because advisors, faculty, and staff must report such matters, the ability of these individuals to maintain the confidentiality of information provided is limited. Confidentiality can be maintained through Husson University Counseling Center. The Husson University community encourages students to advance a culture of safety and concern for others.

For further information regarding resources available to students and policies regarding sexual misconduct, please visit: http://www.husson.edu/title-ix

Non-Discrimination

Husson University is committed to maintaining an environment that is free from unlawful harassment and discrimination of all kinds and prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any individual or group on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected status in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services in the educational programs or activities it operates. Consistent with this commitment, as well as federal and state laws, Husson University does not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment in any form.

Religious observance policy

Husson University recognizes that the student body includes adherents of many faiths, and that observance of religious holidays is an important part of religious practice. In support of this sentiment, any student who is unable to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or course requirements on a day of observance because of his or her religious belief, shall be provided with an opportunity to make up the course requirements so long as the effort to do so does not create an unreasonable burden upon the instructor, department or the University. The student must provide advanced notice as established in the syllabus such that the instructor has adequate opportunity to prepare for a makeup. At the discretion of the instructor, the occasion for making up coursework could occur prior to the examination or due date of the assignment. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to a student’s grade for the examination, study, or course requirement on the day of religious observance because he or she relies upon these provisions. In the case of an internship or clinical, students should refer to the applicable policy in place by the employer or site.

Consent to use data for research

Your assessment data, which can include exams, quizzes and other assignments, may be used for research on how students learn, and how to improve instruction. Consent to use your course data is not required for:

· Internal use for purposes such as assessment validation or course improvement.

· Research where only class aggregate data are collected and presented.

· Research where only de-identified individual data are collected and presented.

If identifiable individual data are to be collected, the research study will be explained by the instructor. No identifying information including names would be used in presentations but if you have questions or concerns, or do not want your coursework used, please contact your instructor.

Instructors Discretion to Modify the Syllabus

The instructor has the authority to modify the syllabus based on (her/his) determination that such changes would better meet the learning objectives of the course. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain awareness of those modifications and note them as necessary. The instructor also has full discretion to determine the extent to which (if at all) technology will be used and/or available within the classroom. Such determination could be based on technology as a learning tool or simply to minimize distractions among students.

Netiquette

Face-to-Face versus Online Communication

When communicating face-to-face with someone, we are used to having facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice to communicate with and convey meaning. However when communicating online, all we have are words on the screen (which can be very easily misinterpreted!). So remember that you are talking to another human being when typing a message in a forum or email. Common courtesy, politeness, and appropriate behavior can be easily overlooked online, so always ask yourself if you would say what you are typing to that person face-to-face before you hit send!

Workshop Professionalism

There is a difference to how you communicate with your friends and family versus how you communicate with your fellow students and instructors. Remember that we are all professionals learning together in this space. Treat your fellow students and instructors with the same level of respect that you would like to receive.

Respect for Time

One of the benefits of online communication is that it can be instantaneous. However in an asynchronous (i.e., not occurring at the same time) workshop environment, you may not be working online at the same time as your colleagues and facilitator. So when replying to someone in the discussion forums or asking a question, remember that, like you, they may have other things going on in their lives that prevent them from replying right away.

Please allow your instructor up to 24 hours to respond to any messages; see class grading policies regarding turnaround time for grading.

Quality and Content

Much like online communication etiquette and professionalism within a workshop, how you portray yourself online matters. Pay attention to the quality of your writing (such as grammar, spelling, punctuations, and not using texting language) as well as the content of what you write. People often overlook simple proofreading and fact-checking steps before posting something online.

Be Forgiving

Remember that everyone was once new to online, so think twice before reacting to someone else’s mistake. If you feel strongly about the need to point out a mistake, be polite when informing the person (private email is better than a public forum). Consider as well that pointing out netiquette violations are often an example of poor netiquette behavior.

Adherence to Guidelines

Please note, Husson University strives to provide high-quality courses in a positive learning environment, and failure to adhere to the guidelines stated here may result in the removal of the student from the course.

Additional Resources

• The Core Rules of Netiquette

• 15 Rules of Netiquette for Online Discussion Boards

Zoom Etiquette

PREPARING FOR THE MEETING

1. Be on time. You should sign into the meeting at least a minute or two prior to the start of the meeting.

2. You may dress casually, but clothing seen in the video camera should be appropriate attire for a meeting.

3. Use your real name when signing in.

4. Close unneeded applications on your computer to keep the video optimally functioning.

5. Focus on the meeting by turning off notifications, closing or minimizing running apps, and muting your phone. Turning off your cell phone is encouraged unless it is needed for in-class participation.

6. Avoid multi-tasking. Refrain from replying to emails or text messages during the meeting. You will retain the discussion better.

7. You might want to use a headset with an external mic for best hearing and speaking capabilities.

8. Position your camera properly and turn on your video. If you choose to use a web camera, be sure it is in a stable position and focused at eye level, if possible. Doing so helps create a more direct sense of engagement with other participants.

9. Be mindful of your background lighting. If you are sitting in front of a window, you may be completely darkened by the light coming through the window. Your overhead light also may need to be off or dimmed.

10. You may use a virtual background to help block your actual background. There are several pre-set options available through Zoom or a downloaded option that is appropriate for the meeting is also possible.

11. Prepare materials in advance. If you will be sharing content during the meeting, make sure you have the files and/or links ready to go before the meeting begins.

12. If you have to leave the meeting early, please make sure to inform the host in advance.

DURNG THE MEETING

1. Be sure to mute your mic (lower-left corner of your screen) as soon as you sign on and whenever you are not speaking to avoid background noise and distractions for others.

2. When your microphone is not muted, avoid activities that could create additional noise, such as shuffling papers.

3. Avoid eating, drinking, talking with someone else in the room, texting, interacting with pets or anything else (e.g., cars or people going by in the background) that might be visually distracting to others.

4. If you want to speak, physically raise your hand or use the “raise hand” feature that is available at the bottom center of your screen.

5. If you do have any technical issues in the class, please use the chat function to reach out to either “Everyone” or your instructor only to address the issue.

6. When you are speaking, let others know that you are finished by saying one of these sign-offs: “That’s all”, “I’m done”, “Thank you” so that everyone knows you have finished your comments.

7. You can ask questions and make comments silently if desired using the “Chat” feature (also on the bottom and center of your screen). Only post chat messages relevant to the meeting and to “everyone.”

8. If you have technical difficulties during the meeting, send a chat message (or email if the chat is not working for you) to the host that you will sign off and sign back on to try to correct the problem

9. Remember to sign out or “leave the meeting” when the session is finished.

Participants that do not follow these guidelines could be removed from the Zoom meeting, counted as absent or face other ramifications as outlined in the syllabus.