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Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
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Some Syllabus Language
A syllabus is a critical tool in any college course as it serves as a roadmap for both students and instructors. It outlines the course objectives, expectations, grading policies, and schedules, helping students understand what is required for success. A well-structured syllabus also provides clarity on important deadlines, reading assignments, and assessment methods, fostering better time management and accountability. For instructors, it helps maintain consistency and fairness throughout the course. Moreover, it sets a professional tone, aligning the learning experience with institutional goals and standards.
One request I have received from several faculty is for standard "boilerplate" additions to the syllabus for various aspects of Knox life. Here are a few. Note that there is no requirement that you use these examples. Your syllabus is between you and your students.
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Generative AI is increasingly important to teachers as it offers innovative ways to enhance teaching and learning experiences. AI tools can assist educators by automating administrative tasks like grading or creating personalized learning resources, allowing more time for student interaction and lesson planning. They also enable teachers to offer differentiated instruction, as AI can generate tailored practice problems or study guides to meet individual student needs. Additionally, generative AI can serve as a powerful tool for sparking creativity, providing dynamic content such as simulations, interactive exercises, and adaptive assessments. When used responsibly, AI can enhance educational outcomes while making teaching more efficient and impactful.
Generative AI. In this course, we will explore the capabilities and limitations of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools and their potential applications within the subject matter. While these tools, including text, image, and code generators, can assist in the learning process, it is crucial to understand how to use them ethically and responsibly.
Students are encouraged to experiment with GenAI to enhance their learning experience but must adhere to the following guidelines:
Academic Integrity: Any use of GenAI in assignments must be disclosed. While AI can help with brainstorming or drafting, all submissions must represent the student's original work and understanding of the course material. Copying or heavily relying on AI outputs without proper attribution is considered plagiarism.
Proper Attribution: If AI tools contribute to the completion of an assignment, students must provide proper citations indicating how and where the tools were used. Failure to do so may result in academic penalties.
AI Limitations: Be aware that while GenAI tools can produce text, code, or images, they are not infallible. Their outputs must be critically evaluated and should not replace deep engagement with course content, critical thinking, or original analysis.
Tool Restrictions: Certain assignments may explicitly forbid the use of AI tools. Always refer to individual assignment instructions for specific guidelines.
The goal is to ensure that GenAI supports, rather than undermines, the development of critical skills in this course.
You are free to determine what your policy will be. Some faculty do not require attendance at all. Others require it and allow only a limited number of unexcused absences. Still others require students seeking “excused" absences to provide documentation ("a doctor's note") of visits to physicians or to our own Health Services Office. There are always other situations — death or illness of a family member, mental health stresses, etc. — that can be verified through the Associate Dean of the College (Mary Crawford). Whatever your policy, announce it at the beginning of the term — and also put it in writing.
In the age of CoViD-19, there are all sorts of reasons why you might not be able to be with us in class. If you can’t make the class meeting, then you should come see me as soon as possible so that we might discuss what happened in the class that you missed. You should also contribute to the notes, chat boards, and other materials that we are creating as we work through the materials of this class. My aim is to permit everyone in this class to participate and learn in the way that works for them.
If you don’t make it to class, plan to catch up with any material that we covered in class as soon afterwards as possible.
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You must attend all classes and you must complete all work. You are expected to engage with the ideas presented in class. This means that you must come to class and be prepared to discuss the readings assigned for that day. The effort to engage with and debate ideas must come from you. In most matters we discuss, there are not “right” and “wrong” answers – however, you must learn how to back up your opinion with reasoned argument drawn from the material being studied, an essential life skill. If you cannot be in class, I require you to inform me as soon as possible. If you would like this to be considered an “excused absence,” I require documentation of the reason for your absence -- for example, a doctor’s note indicating that you were seen at the campus Health Services.
Students need to work with the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) to receive academic accommodations. They need to sign up every term and provide DSS with the proper documentation. The DSS office will then contact professors to let you know that a student has academic accommodations with which we must comply under federal law.
These academic accommodations must be honored with the guidance of DSS but you should not give any accommodations until your receive notification from DSS. If you have any questions, reach out to Stephanie Grimes (sgrimes@knox.edu).
Knox College abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which stipulates
No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 7(20) shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance or under any program or activity conducted by any Executive agency or by the United States Postal Service.
Disabilities covered by law include, but are not limited to, learning disabilities, psychological disabilities, health impairments, hearing, and sight or mobility impairments.
If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in class and for which you may require accommodations, please contact the awesome Stephanie Grimes in the Office of Disability Support Services (ODSS information; office: SMC E-115; email: sgrimes@knox.edu) so that such accommodations may be arranged. Note that the accommodations are not retroactive; adjustments cannot be made until ODSS contacts me to let me know what I can do. Also note that accommodations must be renewed each term.
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Learning Accommodations. If you know that you are differently-abled, then you should contact Stephanie Grimes (sgrimes@knox.edu) as soon as possible. Together, we can craft a class experience that will help you learn better. My goal is that you will successfully complete this class. Learning accommodations can be key to do so successfully. However, I cannot support you until I have the correct information from the Office of Disability Support Services. Help me help you by making sure that you get that process rolling as soon as possible!
Title IX is a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational institution receiving federal funding. Enacted in 1972, it ensures equal access to educational opportunities for all students, regardless of gender. Title IX plays a crucial role in promoting gender equity in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. It also addresses issues related to sexual harassment, assault, and violence, fostering safer learning environments. Understanding and upholding Title IX is essential for creating inclusive spaces where every student can thrive academically and personally without facing discrimination.
Knox College values a culture of respect. If you have encountered any form of discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to report it
https://www.knox.edu/about-knox/our-values/culture-of-respect/report-it
As a faculty member, I am required to disclose to the Director of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance any information I receive about discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and other forms of interpersonal violence. This includes information shared in class assignments, discussions, emails, and/or shared conversations outside of class. If a disclosure is received, she will reach out to you. You are not required to respond to this outreach.
If you wish to speak with a confidential resource (not required to report to Title IX), Please contact:
Pregnancy and/or Pregnancy Related Conditions
Faculty members are required to inform a student who is pregnant or experiencing a pregnancy related condition (including termination) that the Director of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance is available to provide support by helping you to understand your rights/options and provide supportive measures. You can contact Jennie Hemingway, the Director of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance, at cultureofrespect@knox.edu.
Our current Director of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance, Jennie Hemingway, also suggests the attached for Title IX information in your syllabus. You may want to just link to it in your syllabus.
https://www.knox.edu/offices/faculty-affairs/teaching-commons/syllabus-language
Printed on Wednesday, December 25, 2024