Date: December 15, 2023
To: Southeastern Faculty
From: Tena L. Golding, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
RE: Spring 2024 Semester Informational Memo
Let’s Get Ready for Spring 2024!
As you make final preparations for your classes, the information below is provided to help ensure you include the required information on your course syllabi, are aware of major deadlines, and remind you of some of the University policies relevant to the management of your courses.
Please be reminded of the following.
Important Dates
The Spring 2024 Academic Calendar is available at:
https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/registrar/dates/calendar/spring-2024/index.html
Please ensure that your course syllabi correspond to the pertinent dates listed in the Academic Calendar (first and last day of classes; drop/add period; withdrawal and resignation deadlines; holidays; rental textbook return deadline).
The important dates listed below are also provided in the Course Tools and Information module of your Canvas Course. You should include deadlines specific to the type of class you are teaching (Term I, Regular Session, or Term II) on course syllabi.
For Term I Classes
For Regular Session Classes
For Term II Classes
Grades and Academic Checkpoints
Grades provide important feedback to students regarding their academic progress. While faculty are expected to post all grades in Canvas in a timely manner, Academic Checkpoints serve as an early alert and intervention strategy and are an essential component in our efforts to improve student success and student retention rates. These Checkpoints occur around the 1/3 and 3/5 points of the semester and provide students with meaningful assessment of their academic progress.
Faculty are required to report grades in Canvas by Academic Checkpoints I and II as described below.
Please note that these checkpoints are the minimum. Students should have sufficient feedback (i.e., graded homework, assignments, tests, etc.) throughout the entire semester to know how they are progressing in the course. The more, the better.
Mid-Term Grades
While Academic Checkpoints are required in all courses (including dual enrollment), mid-term grades must be entered into LEONet for students in the following courses (including dual enrollment):
The mid-term grade deadline and other related information will be explained in a later memo from the Records Office.
Submission of Course Grades: Grades will be due as indicated in the Academic Calendar and will be submitted according to the procedures described in a later memorandum.
COURSE INFORMATION
The Syllabus section of your Canvas course contains the course syllabus, while the Course Tools and Information module of the Academic Course Template used in Canvas contains a Course Syllabus and the University Policy Statements Validation quiz that contains all policy statements. Students are required to complete the Course Syllabus and Policy Statements Validation quiz in Canvas.
Course Syllabus
Instructors should post the course syllabus in Canvas by the first day of class. The following elements are required.
Additionally, a current knowledge base for each course (i.e., a reference list of books, journals, manuscripts, and other scholarly materials used as the foundation in teaching a course) needs to be on file in the office of the department head.
** Class Attendance: Regular and punctual class attendance should be expected. Faculty may base students’ grades partly on activities and assignments that require the students’ presence in class, but keep in mind that a component of a course grade based solely on student attendance and not on the quality of work performed while in attendance is problematic. Also, keep in mind it is difficult to defend policies that fail to provide students with opportunities to make up missed assignments or exams when feasible and when a student’s absence results from a valid reason (e.g., documented illness, death of a family member). If valid student absences are so numerous that it is not feasible to make up the work or exams, students should be advised of any available and appropriate alternatives given their particular circumstances (e.g., request to resign from the university for serious medical reasons).
In addition, please note the following:
Academic Continuity Plan
The Academic Continuity Plan is an action plan to continue meaningful academic instruction in the event of a disruption to normal class schedules. There are three phases – Monitor, Remote and Closure. The key element in all phases is to communicate with students and let them know what to expect. There is a page in the Course Tools and Information module of the Academic Course Template labeled “Academic Continuity Plan” that links directly to the plan.
To ensure the continuity of courses in the event of a natural disaster or similar emergency, the following course information is required to be posted in Canvas for each course by the first day of class:
Policy Statements
As indicated above, the Course Tools and Information module of the Academic Course Template used in Canvas contains a Course Syllabus and University Policy Statements Validation quiz that contains the following:
Academic Continuity Plan
The Academic Continuity Plan is an action plan to continue meaningful academic instruction in the event of a natural disaster or similar emergency. There are three phases – Monitor, Remote and Closure. When implemented, the course format, or the format of instruction, may be modified to enable completion of the course through other means. Refer to the University’s emergency banner on the main webpage to determine the status of the Academic Continuity Plan (Monitor, Remote, or Closure).
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. Behavior that violates these standards is not acceptable. Examples are the use of unauthorized material, communication with fellow students during an examination, attempting to benefit from the work of another student, and similar behavior that defeats the intent of an examination or other classwork. Cheating on examinations, plagiarism, improper acknowledgment of sources in essays, and the use of a single essay or paper in more than one course without permission are considered very serious offenses and shall be grounds for disciplinary action as outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy.
Accommodations for Disability
If you are a qualified student with a disability seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to self-identify with the Office of Student Accessibility Services, Tinsley Hall 102. No accommodations will be granted without documentation from the Office of Student Accessibility Services. Additionally, accommodations are not retroactive. Please contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services as early as possible to get your accommodations in place for the semester. (985-549-2247 [email protected])
Children in Classroom
The classroom is not a place for children or other family members, and students are not to bring their family members for daycare or babysitting. For more information, please see the Casual Visitors Policy.
Collegiate Recovery Program
Southeastern Louisiana University LION UP Recovery is a community for students in or seeking recovery from substance use disorders and process addictions. To learn more about LION UP Recovery, go to Southeastern.edu/Recovery or email [email protected].
Detection of Plagiarism
Students agree by taking this course that all required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity to Turnitin for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin reference database solely to detect plagiarism of such papers. Use of the Turnitin service is subject to the Terms of Use posted on the Turnitin website. (This statement may not apply if Turnitin will not be used.)
E-mail Communication
As per the University e-mail policy, only Southeastern’s email addresses can be used for course communications.
Lion Intervention Network (LINK)
Southeastern is committed to our students’ academic success and to providing the necessary resources to enhance the potential for their success. The Lion Intervention Network (LINK) was developed to identify students who are facing academic challenges and/or personal hardships (i.e. financial, homelessness/displacement, loss of loved one, car accidents, non-life threatening behaviors, etc.) that are hindering their academics. LINK can connect students with any extra help they might need along their educational paths to success. Reports can be submitted by students, faculty, or staff. To submit a LINK report, visit southeastern.edu/link.
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
If you would like to report an incident of sexual misconduct or power-based violence, call the University Police at 985-549-2222 or use this link http://selu.edu/reportit. Please be aware that the University Policy regarding Power-Based Violence & Sexual Misconduct is located online at: https://www.southeastern.edu/resources/policies/policy_detail/sexual_misconduct.html as well as the University Student Handbook at: https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/stu_affairs/handbook/index.html. The policy includes definitions of the various sexually oriented offenses prohibited by Southeastern as well as the reporting options for victims and the process of investigation and disciplinary proceedings of the University.
Southeastern faculty and staff are committed to supporting our students and upholding gender equity laws as outlined by Title IX. Please be aware that if you choose to confide in a faculty or staff member regarding an issue of sexual misconduct, dating violence, or stalking, we are obligated to inform the University’s Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator, who can assist you in connecting with all possible resources both on- and off-campus. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, the Student Counseling Center (985-549-3894) and the Student Health Center (985-549-2242) are both confidential resources.
Reporting Other Concerns
The Report It form is a vital tool that guides faculty, staff, and students through reporting incidents, observations, or concerns on campus using the appropriate reporting form (student code of conduct violations, LINK, etc.). You’ll be given the appropriate reporting form based on your answers. To submit a report, please visit southeastern.edu/reportit.
University Police (UPD) is dedicated to collaborating with our community to identify and address both crime and community concerns. Charged with law enforcement and emergency services, UPD is vital in ensuring campus safety. Should you have information regarding on-campus crimes or emergencies, contact UPD at 985-549-2222. Anonymous reporting options are available by completing the Anonymous Reporting Form.
Lion Safe App
University Police uses the Lion Safe App to help facilitate on-campus safety. The app has multiple virtual features, including safety walks, friend walks, and blue light phones. Also accessible are campus maps, support resources, the Lion Traxx tracker, a safety toolbox, emergency plans, and a section to report tips. The Lion Safe App is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. Download LION SAFE App Today
Student Behavior/Classroom Decorum
Free discussion, inquiry, and expression is encouraged in this class. Classroom behavior that interferes with either (a) the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or (b) the ability of students to benefit from the instruction is not acceptable. Examples may include routinely entering class late or departing early; use of communication devices, or other electronic devices; repeatedly talking in class without being recognized; talking while others are speaking; or arguing in a way that is perceived as “crossing the civility line.” Classroom behavior which is deemed inappropriate and cannot be resolved by the student and the faculty member may be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs for administrative or disciplinary review as per the Student Code of Conduct which may be found at http://www.selu.edu/admin/stu_affairs/handbook/.
Student Code of Conduct
The Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability (OSAA) is responsible for administering a campus-wide student disciplinary system that is student-centered and based on educational and developmental principles. OSAA strives to uphold community standards while respecting the rights of the individual.
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the Student Code of Conduct and University Policies and to conduct themselves in a manner that supports the educational mission of the University, as well as complies with University rules.
University Policy and Important Reminders
Fee Payment Deadlines and Drop/Add Period: Please become familiar with the University’s fee payment deadline and the impact of non-payment on students’ enrollment in classes.
Class Rosters: Class rosters will be accessible online to department heads and faculty on the first day of classes. Online rosters are updated as changes are made. Please report all discrepancies early in the enrollment period. Also, because federal regulations now require us to report for students receiving federal aid the date of last attendance, as established by university policy, it is very important that faculty comply with University policy to maintain accurate attendance records through the 14th class day.
Do not permit students to continue attending a class if they are not listed on the class roster. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that he/she is properly registered to receive credit for the course. The Official Class Roster with instructions will be provided after the 14th class day.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): All University employees with access to students’ educational records are responsible for being knowledgeable of FERPA and adhering to it. Individual employees can be held personally liable for violations of this federal law. In addition, violations can result in the loss of federal funds to the University and our students, including student financial aid and funds from federal granting agencies.
Lecture Capture and FERPA
Video and audio recordings of classes have many advantages. Students can watch missed or previously attended classes, and faculty can post them for use in future semesters. However, given the nature of the recording and its intended use, certain Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines must be followed. Please review the Online Learning Policies.
Other FERPA Guidance
Please read the following pages of the U.S. Department of Education website and learn and abide by the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
It is important for faculty to know all aspects of the law that apply to postsecondary education. It is particularly important for faculty to know that:
Thank you and have a wonderful semester!
