Syllabus
General Education Requirements
Undergraduate Research
Service-Learning
Grading
Student Academic Evaluation Grievance Procedure
Academic Honesty/Plagiarism
University Sponsored Activities Policy
ADA Statement
Academic Freedom & Responsibility
Curriculum Changes/Course Changes
Disruptive Behavior
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
Final Exam Policy
Office Hours
Office Supplies
Ordering Books
Printing Services
Sick Days/Absence from Class
Special Courses
Web Course Management
Syllabus: The framework for the syllabus has been established as a system wide mandate of the Academic Affairs Officers. A syllabus is required for each course that must be distributed to the students during the first week of classes. A copy must also be submitted to the appropriate dean’s office. The format for the syllabus is outlined below:
Format for Course Syllabus
University Name
Course Prefix, Number, Title, Credit Hours
University Name
Academic Term, Year
Course Meeting Time and Location
Instructor’s Contact Information
Name
Office location
Office hours
Office phone number
Email address
Course Description
Catalogue description
Additional course description (optional)
Course Prerequisites
Previous courses/experience
Technology skills
Description of Instructional Methods
Course Requirements
Required textbook(s) and other materials
Supplementary materials
Class attendance policy
Cheating and plagiarism policy
Make-up policy
Course Goals
BOR System General Education Goal(s), as required.
Institutional General Education Goal (s), when applicable.
Writing Intensive Goal, when applicable.
Global Issues Goal, when applicable.
Student Learning Outcomes in measurable terms.
Evaluation Procedures of Learning Outcomes
Assessments - Tests, projects, assignments, etc.
Performance standards/grading policy
ADA Statement (verbatim quote must be included in each course syllabus)
Reasonable accommodations, as arranged through the Disabilities Services Coordinator, will be provided for students with documented disabilities. Contact the BHSU Disabilities Services Coordinator at 642-6099 for more information.
Academic Freedom and Responsibility (verbatim quote must be included in each course syllabus)
Freedom in learning. Under Board of Regents and University policy student academic performance may be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards. Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. Students who believe that an academic evaluation reflects prejudiced or capricious consideration of student opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards should contact their college dean to initiate a review of the evaluation.
Tentative Course Outline/Schedule of Leaning Activities
General Education Requirements & Goals:
Effective Fall 1999, the System General Education Requirements were established by the SD Board of Regents.
These require all students to successfully complete a total of 30 credit hours across the liberal arts curriculum. In addition, BHSU determined 11 credits as Institutional General Education Requirements. Consequently, all degree programs require a total of 41 credits of general education. In the fall of 2005, BHSU added an intensive writing requirement, a global awareness requirement for graduation in each undergraduate degree program.
Likewise, all syllabi for system general education courses must include the applicable general education goals. General education goals and qualifying general education classes can be found in the 2009-2010 Academic Catalog, pages 96-117 and on the BHSU website www.bhsu.edu/catalog.
Undergraduate Research
Black Hills State University values and supports undergraduate research and creative activity. Faculty in all disciplines, are encouraged to involve students whenever appropriate in inquiry-based learning in and out of the classroom.
Through the challenge of conducting mentored research or creating art uniquely their own, undergraduates learn how new ideas are developed and tested in their respective disciplines to gain confidence in their own knowledge and ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
The Black Hills Research Symposium is an annual campus event that showcases the faculty-mentored scholarship of BHSU students. Usually held in late March, the symposium is open to those in all disciplines.
Black Hills State University is also a member of the National Council on Undergraduate Research. Students who have completed or are presently conducting faculty-mentored scholarship can apply to present at this organization’s annual conference. Those who are chosen through NCUR’s competitive selection process can receive financial support to attend. Contact the Black Hills Research Symposium Committee for more information on both of these events.
Service-Learning
Black Hills State University is a member of the Midwest Consortium for Service-Learning in Higher Education. As such, it values and supports service-learning as an integrated form of experiential education in which students engage in activities that address human and community needs together with structured opportunities for reflection to achieve desired learning outcomes. Faculty members are encouraged to use academic service-learning as a pedagogy that integrates service in the community with academic courses to meet specific learning goals for students. AmeriCorps*VISTA supports academic service-learning through mini-grants for faculty to apply for funds to integrate community service across the curriculum. Their office is located on the third floor of the Student Union 223. Call 642-6471 for more information about the Community-University-Resource-Exchange (C-U-R-E) grant to support the integration of service-learning across the academic curriculum and the university campus.
Grading
For a full description of grading see the 2008-09 Academic Catalog on the BHSU website www.bhsu.edu/catalog.
To briefly summarize, the University uses the BOR system of an A through F structure with the following criteria:
A: Exceptional
B: Above Average
C: Average
D: Lowest Passing Grade
F: Failure
Incomplete (I) or In progress (IP): An incomplete or in progress grade can only be assigned when a number of conditions are met, see the 2008-2009 Academic Catalog. A “Notice of In Progress or Incomplete Form” must be prepared by the faculty member and submitted to the Records Office. Contact April Meeker, Registrar at 642-6567 if you have questions.
Assigning Grades: All grades are assigned on-line using WebAdvisor. The Records Office provides training for faculty to enter their grades online through Web Advisor. A deficient academic progress report is done at Midterm. Faculty are responsible for assigning a “DEF” to those students no later than three working days after the Midterm date for Fall and Springs semesters. Final grades are due on the third day following the last final exam.
Changing a Grade: Grades may be changed if a student has completed an “In Progress,” or when an error has been made by the faculty member in assigning the initial grade. Forms are available in the Records Office or in the Deans’ Offices.
Student Academic Evaluation Grievance Procedure: BHSU has established the following procedure to review student allegations that an academic evaluation was tainted by prejudiced or capricious consideration of student opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. This process shall prohibit retaliation against persons who initiate appeals or who participate in the review of appeals. All parties will adhere to the provisions for confidentiality required in such a process.
Step 1 -- The student should first attempt to resolve the problem with the instructor involved.
Step 2 -- If the problem is not resolved by the action taken in Step 1, the grievant must present a written grievance at the lowest administrative level having authority to dispose of the grievance (usually the department chair). The grievance must be filed within 10 working days of the date on which the incident, situation, or circumstance occurred. The administrator upon receiving the grievance will investigate the matter in a thorough and appropriate manner and respond to the grievant within 10 working days.
Step 3 -- If the grievance is not resolved at Step 2, the grievant may formally grieve to the administrator at the next level (usually the college dean). That administrator will conduct an appropriate and thorough investigation of the alleged incident, situation, or circumstance, and prepare a decision on the grievance within 15 working days of the date of receipt of the Step 3 grievance. The grievant may be notified in person or by certified mail regarding this decision.
Step 4 -- If the grievance is not resolved at Step 3, the grievant may formally grieve to the BHSU Academic Standards Committee within 10 working days of the notification to the student as to the decision rendered in the previous step. The Committee will conduct an appropriate and thorough investigation of the alleged incident, situation, or circumstance and prepare a recommendation for the Vice President of Academic Affairs within 20 working days of the receipt of the Step 4 grievance. Within twenty days after the recommendation, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall notify the grievant in person or by certified mail regarding his/her decision. Adopted by BHSU 6-7-2006; and Amended 7-27-06
Academic Honesty/Plagiarism
Each faculty member needs to establish a policy for cheating or plagiarism on his or her syllabus. When cheating or plagiarism has occurred, the faculty member should report the incident in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs’ office. Formal procedures for filing a complaint for academic misconduct are in the Student Conduct Code in the Student Handbook. Cheating and plagiarism are defined in Section II, Part B, 1. Disciplinary sanctions are outlined in Section III, Judicial Policies.
To control plagiarism, the university subscribes to “turnitin.com,” which allows faculty to check student writing assignments. The Director of the Writing Center is responsible for administering the program on campus.
University Sponsored Activities Policy
Faculty who desire to take students on a university sponsored activity must obtain the sponsored student activity form from the dean’s office and give one to each student who is involved in the university sponsored activity. The student must take it to each class he/she will miss to notify the instructor. The instructor of the missed class will inform the student of the missed assignments. Students may not be penalized for missing activities or assignments during the university sponsored activity. The faculty member is responsible to collect all student forms and keep them on file for the term for accountability purposes.
ADA Statement
The syllabus must inform students with documented disabilities that accommodations will be made for them. Refer the students to the Disability Services Advisor in Student Union #022, 605-642-6099. Full details are available in the Academic Catalog for 2008-2009.
Academic Freedom and Responsibility - BOR Policy 1:11(2)
To secure student freedom in learning, faculty members in the classroom and in seminars should encourage free and orderly discussion, inquiry and expression of the course subject matter. Student performance may be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.
A. Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.
B. Each institution shall establish an academic appeals procedure to permit review of student allegations that an academic evaluation was tainted by prejudiced or capricious consideration of student opinions or conduct unrelated to academic standards. These procedures shall prohibit retaliation against persons who initiate appeals or who participate in the review of appeals.
C. Students are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.
Curriculum Changes/Course Changes
Because BHSU is one of six public universities governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents, courses that are common among two or more of South Dakota’s public universities have common course numbers and descriptions. However, each campus has the flexibility to offer unique courses to design their majors and minors.
A curriculum process exists which allows faculty to make desired changes. The curriculum forms are available at the Board of Regents Web Page: click on Academic Information, then on AAC Council, then on AAC Guidelines --http://www.ris.sdbor.edu/services/academics/index.htm.
The forms should be completed and given to the appropriate department chair to start the process for consideration by the college and then the university curriculum committees. Contact Ms. Dawn Kennedy at 642-6289 for assistance in completing the form.
Disruptive Behavior
If a student is disruptive, a faculty member may ask them to stop the behavior; may warn them that they will be asked to leave; and/or may tell a student to leave a classroom.
If there is a greater threat, call security: Mr. Myron Sullivan – at 642-6297 or call 911.
For additional information on the Disruptive Behavior Protocol, contact Dr. Lois Flagstad, Vice President of Student Life at 642-6599.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The US Department of Education encourages parent involvement in their children’s education. While the privacy rights of all parents and adult students are very important, there are clear and straightforward ways under FERPA that institutions can disclose information to parents and keep them involved in the lives of their sons and daughters at school. BHSU follows these federal guidelines and supports faculty interaction with concerned parents. For additional information, please visit their website www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/hottopics/ht-parents-postsecstudents.html.
In brief this law provides that only directory information, as defined in the FERPA legislation will be released to organizations, agencies, or individuals, other than university officials, officials of other schools, certain federal officers, state educational Finance, the Vice President of Student Authorities, accrediting agencies, or in connection with applications for financial aid. A judicial order or subpoena is also grounds for such release. (BOR Policy Manual Section 10.01:12, PL 93-380). Students have two weeks at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters to notify the Office of Student Life to withhold their directory information from published rosters, phone directories, etc. that are available to university personnel and students. This notification appears in the Student Handbook and is advertised on campus at the beginning of the each Fall and Spring semester. Further, the law provides that students have the right to inspect and review their own official university records and the right to a hearing regarding possible inaccurate or misleading data.
Final Exam Policy
End of semester exams, whether comprehensive or unit exams, must be given according to the final exam schedule during “Final Exam Week.” Exceptions must be approved in writing by the appropriate college dean.
Consolidated exams for multiple sections of classes must be approved by the dean of the appropriate college (or department chair) and scheduled through the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Ordering Books
The university bookstore is the sole vendor of textbooks and related supplies on campus. Faculty select their textbooks and teaching materials. The Bookstore emails faculty to alert them as to when text orders are due:
Fall Semester – late March
Spring Semester – late October
Summer – late March
Questions on ordering books should be directed to Mr. Dennis Walkins: 642-6287.
Special Courses
Internships: A student can earn from 1 to 16 hours by interning in the work environment. This course requires the permission of the instructor and the dean of the college. The internship generally has set guidelines for faculty involvement and student work. Each college has internship programs. Check with the college secretary for academic guidelines. In addition, the Career Center identifies and supports student internships across the disciplines. To enrich university teaching and learning with such experiential opportunities, contact them at 642-6238.
Independent Study: Individual plans of study can be developed between a faculty member and a student. The course requires the permission of the instructor and the dean of the college. The supervising instructor will not be paid unless special circumstances warrant it.
Extended Learning Courses: A faculty member may develop a correspondence course or a special class by working the Educational Outreach office for approval. Their phone number is 642-6407.
Office Hours
Faculty members will schedule a formal office hour on a minimum of four days during the regular academic week. Office hours will not be less than 50 minutes. These hours, as well as class hours, will be posted at the faculty member’s office so students can see when a faculty member is available. Faculty are encouraged to be available to our students to establish strong mentoring relationships.
Office Supplies
Faculty members are given a departmental BUZZ card which can be used to purchase items at the bookstore. Items not available at the bookstore must be ordered by requisition through the department chair, and/or college secretary. Ink cartridges for printers are available through the Printing Center in the basement of Jonas Hall.
Printing Services
Classroom materials may be printed at the University Printing Center in the basement of Jonas Hall. Bulk material should be submitted there with at least a two day lead time. A Duplicating Order Form must be completed with your printing account number. The account number is on the departmental BUZZ card issued to faculty. Faculty are allotted a printing budget for the academic school year. If you should overcharge your allocated budget, contact your college secretary.
Sick Days/Absence from Class
Inform the college office of any absences, including sick leave, attendance at conferences, and absences for personal reasons. Benefit-eligible faculty earn 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, which accumulates without limit. In case of illness requiring special arrangements for covering or cancellation of classes, please notify the college secretary as soon as possible in order that appropriate arrangements can be made. A University “Request for Leave” form can be obtained from the BHSU HR web page and must be completed as soon as the faculty member returns to work. In addition, the appropriate leave must be recorded on the employee leave report available through SNAP.
Web Course Management
Currently, BHSU faculty members teach internet courses using Desire2Learn. Training for the platform is offered by the Instructional Technology department and the Educational Outreach program. For more information with electronic instructional support, contact Mr. Terry Hupp at 642-6038. For assistance in developing an online course, contact Mr. Andy Stanfield, Instructional Designer at 642-6771.