Academic Misconduct

This Student Honor Code [the "Honor Code"] is a commitment by students of Northern Kentucky University, through their matriculation or continued enrollment at the University, to adhere to the highest degree of ethical integrity in academic conduct. It is a commitment individually and collectively that the students of Northern Kentucky University will not lie, cheat, or plagiarize to gain an academic advantage over fellow students or avoid academic requirements.

Students, faculty, staff, and administrators at NKU strive to achieve the highest standards of scholarship and integrity. Any violation of the Student or Graduate Student Honor Codes is a potentially serious offense because it threatens the quality of scholarship and undermines the integrity of the community. All NKU faculty members are asked to report incidents of academic misconduct to the office of Student Conduct Rights and Advocacy. While academic in scope, a violation of the NKU Honor Code may be considered a violation of the NKU Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and will follow the adjudication processes described therein.

Through the NKU Honor Code, students who are responsible for academic dishonesty may receive sanctions, including, but not limited to, a final grade of “F,” or removal from the course in which the violation occurs. Repeated violations of the NKU Honor Code, or when suspension or expulsion from NKU may be a possible outcome of the violation, the incident will be referred to the office of Student Conduct, Rights and Advocacy.

Additional information is available at: https://inside.nku.edu/scra.html#policies

Accessibility Policies and Services

The following are Northern Kentucky University's accessibility policies and services:

Policy for Digital Accessibility for Online Courses: https://inside.nku.edu/content/dam/policy/docs/Policies/DigitalAccessibility.pdf
Policy for ADA Accommodation: https://inside.nku.edu/content/dam/policy/docs/Policies/ADA_Accommodation.pdf
Website Accessibility Statement: https://www.nku.edu/accessibility.html
Vender Accessibility Statements: https://nku.instructure.com/courses/29780/pages/module-1-accessibility-and-privacy-policies?module_item_id=816850

Changes in the Syllabus

The syllabus is a projection of what the instructor anticipates for the course. The instructor has the right to modify the syllabus in order to adjust to changing circumstances.

Class Workload

You cannot learn by simply being a spectator – it is not enough to watch and listen in class. You must invest time and effort outside of class in studying the material and, most importantly, in working on assigned readings, exercises, projects, research, and papers. For most three credit courses in the program, a typical student will need to spend nine hours per week studying outside of class. Some students will require more time than this; very few can get by with less. Students must take this out-of-class study time into account when developing course schedules. If you are unable to make the needed commitment of time for both class attendance and out-of-class study, then you should consider taking the course some other time when your schedule will allow you to devote sufficient time to the material. Success in our courses requires students to read assigned material carefully and to do the assignment, projects, and papers on a regular basis.

Credit Hour Policy

In accordance with federal policy (34 CFR § 600.2), NKU defines a credit hour as the amount of work represented in the achievement of student learning outcomes (verified by evidence of student achievement) that reasonably approximates one hour (50 minutes) of classroom instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work. For every course credit hour, a typical student should expect to spend at least three hours per week of concentrated attention on course-related work including, but not limited to, class meeting time, reading, reviewing, organizing notes, studying and completing assignments. At least an equivalent amount of time is expected for other academic activities such as online courses, laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

The following are estimates of the minimum time required for a typical student to complete expectations for specific courses. Estimates for individual course sections may vary; if a different estimate appears in the syllabus for a particular section of a course, then that estimate takes precedence over the ones below.

For three-credit hour face-to-face courses meeting for 150 minutes per week for 15 weeks, plus a final class period in week 16:

In-class: 150 minutes per week × 15 weeks = 37.5 hours
Readings, assignments, and review: 6.5 hours per week x 15 weeks = 82.5 hours
Final review and exam, or final project = 15.0 hours
Total = 135.0 hours

For three-credit hour online courses for 15 weeks, plus a final week 16:

Assignments, review, and exams: 8 hours per week × 15 weeks = 120 hours
Final review and exam, or final project = 15 hours
Total = 135 hours

For independent study courses from one to six-credit hours:

Research, writing, and reporting: 3 hours per week per credit hour × 15 weeks = 45 hours per credit hour
Total = 45 hours for a one-credit course, 90 hours for a two-credit course, 135 hours for a three-credit course, 180 hours for a four-credit course, 225 hours for a five-credit course, 270 hours for a six-credit course

For three to four-credit field method courses for three to four weeks, credit hours are figured as laboratory [one credit hour equals two hours of class time] not seminar hours [one credit hour equals one hour of class time]):

Fieldwork, writing, and reporting = 60 hours per credit hour
Total = 180 hours for a three-credit course, 240 hours for a four-credit course

Disability Disclosure

The University is committed to making reasonable efforts to assist individuals with disabilities in their efforts to avail themselves of services and programs offered by the University. To this end, Northern Kentucky University will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. If you have a disability and feel you need accommodations in this course, you must present a letter to me from the Disability Programs and Services Office (SU 303), indicating the existence of a disability and the suggested accommodations. More information can be found at http://disability.nku.edu.

Diversity

Diversity describes an inclusive community of people with varied human characteristics, ideas, and world views related, but not limited, to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, color, creed, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, geographical region, or ancestry. Institutions that value diversity provide a supportive environment that respects those human differences. It is our responsibility as citizens of the NKU community to promote and value a campus environment and classroom climate that is safe, fair, respectful, and free from prejudice.

Allied Zone

I am a member of the Allied Zone community network, and I am available to listen and support you in a safe and confidential manner. As an Ally, I can help you connect with resources on campus to address problems you may face that interfere with your academic and social success on campus as it relates to issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. My goal is to help you be successful and to maintain a safe and equitable campus.

Name/Pronoun

I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name and/or gender pronouns from what is contained in NKU’s student records. Please advise me of these early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records.

Grade Appeal

Please see the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities Section V: Academic Policies & Processes for any final grade appeal. The specifics of the process are detailed in subsection G: Student Academic Grade Appeal. https://inside.nku.edu/scra/information/students/rights-responsibilities.html.

Incomplete Policy

The grade of "I" (incomplete) may be assigned at the request of the student where a portion of the assigned or required class work, or the final examination, has not been completed because of a documented serious illness and/or extreme personal circumstance not caused by the student’s own negligence.

An incomplete will only be issued when the following conditions are met:

the quality of work is satisfactory (passing), but some essential requirement has not been completed;
evidence of a serious illness and/or extreme personal circumstance not caused by the student’s own negligence has been presented to the professor; and
the student has developed a plan with the professor outlining the requirements and specific deadlines for completion of the missed work.

An incomplete grade must be made up by the middle of the next regular semester in which the student is enrolled. The grade for any course not completed by this deadline will be converted to the grade of "F".

Inclement Weather Policy

If NKU is open, classes will meet. For information on NKU closings, you may:

sign-up for Norse Alert (http://norsealert.nku.edu/);
call the university/weather closings hotline (859) 572-6165 or 6166;
check the Northern Kentucky University web site (http://www.nku.edu/); and/or
listen to local media (WNKU 89.7 FM will have the most complete and timely announcements about the University's status during questionable weather conditions although information will be provided to all area radio and television stations).

Inclusive Excellence

At NKU, we believe that our individual differences can deepen our understanding of one another and the world around us rather than divide us. I, as the instructor of this class, value people of all races and ethnicities, genders and gender identities, religions and spiritual beliefs, ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, regions, and nationalities. As the instructor, I strongly encourage everyone to share their rich array of perspectives and experiences, but to do so in a way that is respectful of others. Our discussions are opportunities for each of us to challenge underlying assumptions about our beliefs as we advance our knowledge, skills, and dispositions as professionals in our chosen discipline. I reserve the right to intervene in discussions/communication between and among students if the atmosphere begins to appear hostile or aggressive in any manner. My role as instructor is to ensure a classroom environment that is optimal for the learning of all students. If you feel your differences may in some way isolate you from our class community or if you have a need for any specific accommodations, please speak with me early in the semester about your concerns and what we can do together to help you become an active and engaged member of our class and community.

Instructor and Course Evaluations

Northern Kentucky University takes Instructor and Course Evaluations very seriously as an important means of gathering information for the enhancement of learning opportunities for its students. It is an important responsibility of NKU students as citizens of the University to participate in the instructor and course evaluation process. During the two weeks* prior to the end of each semester classes, you will be asked to reflect upon what you have learned in this course, the extent to which you have invested the necessary effort to maximize your learning, and the role your instructor has played in the learning process. It is very important that you complete the online evaluations with thoughtfully written comments.

Student evaluations of courses and instructors are regarded as strictly confidential. They are not available to the instructor until after final grades are submitted, and extensive precautions are taken to prevent your comments from being identified as coming from you. Students who complete an evaluation for a particular course (or opt out of doing so in the evaluation) will be rewarded for their participation by having access to their course grade as soon as that grade is submitted by the instructor. On the other hand, any student who does not complete the course evaluation (or opt out of doing so in the evaluation) should expect to incur a two-week delay in access to his or her course grade beyond the university's official date for grade availability. To complete online evaluations, go to http://eval.nku.edu. Click on "student login" and use the same USERNAME and PASSWORD as used on campus.

In addition, you should be aware that:

Evaluations can affect changes in courses. Evaluations without comments are less valuable and less credible than those filled out thoughtfully. Comments that are expressed well are more effective than those that are not.
Positive feedback is just as important as criticism. Moreover, negative evaluations without any explanation and specifics are not especially useful.
Once grades are submitted, all evaluations are read not only by the instructor, but also by the instructor’s department chairperson.
Evaluations not only provide feedback to your instructor, but also provide information to the department chair for use in performance evaluations. This information affects reappointments, promotions, salaries, and teaching assignments.

Learning Management Software

Blackboard (https://learnonline.nku.edu/) and Canvas (https://nku.instructure.com) are integral components of our courses. Most of the course materials (e.g., syllabus, schedule, readings, and movies) are only available on Blackboard or Canvas. If you have any questions or problems with the these sites, bring it to the professor’s attention as soon as possible.

In addition to downloading and installing Office 365 (free for NKU students, see https://oit.nku.edu/svccatalog/software/softwarecatalog/microsoft-stu.html), if you need access to MicroSoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint as well as Adobe Acrobat Pro and SPSS off campus, you may access NKU software and network drives from anywhere using NKU Virtual Desktop (VMWare View, https://oit.nku.edu/svccatalog/software/softwarecatalog/VPN.html).

Expect the unexpected. Power outages, computer crashes, Internet interruptions, and otherwise unavoidable problems will happen. You must take steps to ensure you can complete your work on time. Do not wait until the last possible moment to complete assignments. Have a backup plan (e.g., a second computer with an Internet connection from a friend, local public library, or college library).

All technology problems must be addressed directly to the NKU IT Help Desk (http://oit.nku.edu/help.html).

Mid-semester Grades

Midterm grades will be provided to all students in 100 - 400 level courses, except in cases where the Department Chair and Dean have waived midterm grade reporting for pedagogical reasons. Midterm grades are only an estimate of performance as of the middle of the semester and are not an absolute predictor of final performance. Mid-term grades will be posted in myNKU by the deadline established in the Academic Calendar (https://inside.nku.edu/registrar/calendars.html).

NKU Supports Students

Any student who has difficulty affording groceries is encouraged to contact FUEL NKU, the campus food pantry for students. FUEL NKU is located in University Center (UC) 142, and may be reached at fuel@nku.edu. Any student who is experiencing challenges with accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, is urged to contact the Dean of Students for support. Our Dean of Students is Arnie Slaughter, and he may be reached at slaughtera@nku.edu. Furthermore, please notify the instructor if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable them to provide any resources that they may possess.

Non-Attendance Policy (Face to Face Courses)

NKU students are expected to attend the first scheduled class session of each course for which they are enrolled. If a student does not attend the first day of class, the instructor may drop the student for non-attendance.

Students who know they will be absent must contact their instructor(s) prior to the first class meeting to explain their absence and request to remain enrolled in the course.

Non-Attendance Policy (Online Courses)

If the student does not log onto Canvas and access course materials or contact the instructor by Thursday at 5 PM of the first week of classes, the instructor is required to drop this student for non-participation (i.e., non-attendance).

Observance of Religious Holidays for Class Attendance

NKU values diverse religious perspectives and beliefs and recognizes that religious practice is for many individuals an important element of personal identity, intellectual development and psychological well-being, and, in many cases, is inseparable from cultural identity. As the diversity of our community has increased, additional religious holidays now affect a significant number of students. Consistent with our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community, Northern Kentucky University believes that every reasonable effort should be made to allow members of the NKU community to observe their holidays without jeopardizing the fulfillment of their academic obligations. NKU students who are unable to attend classes or participate in any examination, study or work requirement on some particular day(s) because of his or her religious belief must submit a formal request to the instructor within 3 weeks of the beginning of the semester so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Office Hours

The instructor's designated office hours are an indication of when he or she is usually available in the office for consultation. Other commitments will occasionally require an instructor to be away from the office during these times, so for important matters it is best to set up an appointment in advance. On the other hand, you should not feel restricted to seeing faculty only during office hours. The faculty is here to help you, and your instructor is the first person you should turn to for assistance in your class.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites for all courses are listed in the NKU catalog (https://inside.nku.edu/registrar/catalog.html). These are meant to convey the background knowledge expected of each student in the course. History indicates that students who do not meet the prerequisites for a course are unlikely to succeed in the course. Our program would like you to be successful in these courses; we think that it is imperative that you not take a course until you have mastered the prerequisites for that course. Prerequisites are typically one of two types: either (i ) completion of specific NKU courses, or (ii) placement by satisfactory performance on a standardized exam. Students are responsible for ensuring that they comply with the stated prerequisites. The department also checks prerequisites; students will be withdrawn from a course if they are found to have not met the course prerequisites.

Sexual misconduct

Northern Kentucky University is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive educational and work environment free from sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, non-consensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual intercourse, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, dating and intimate partner violence, relationship and domestic violence, stalking and gender-based bullying. For more information please see: https://inside.nku.edu/titleix/sexual-misconduct-policy.html.

Student Retention and Assessment

Students experiencing roadblocks (e.g., financial, personal, and social concerns) to academic success may seek assistance from Learning PLUS (https://inside.nku.edu/plus.html) who offer assistance in academic tutoring, developing success skills, a math center, and a writing center.

Withdrawing from a Class

The deadline for withdrawing from class with a grade of W is listed in the Schedule of Classes (https://inside.nku.edu/registrar/calendars.html) published for each semester. It is your responsibility as a student to be aware of this deadline. To withdraw from class, a student must process the request online via mynku.nku.edu. Students who stop attending class without officially withdrawing will receive a grade of F.

Students are generally not permitted to withdraw after the deadline; after that date they must either complete the course successfully or receive a failing grade. Exceptions are made only for very unusual extenuating circumstances involving some change in the student's situation after the deadline. This will require documentation and the permission of the department chair and the dean. Permission for late withdrawal will not be given to students who merely seek to avoid a poor grade.