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Section 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Nondiscrimination Statement
Every University staff member,
faculty member and student has the right to work and study in an environment
free from discrimination and harassment and should be treated with dignity
and respect. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment against
applicants, students, faculty or staff on the basis of race, religion, national
or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, status as a veteran
or any classification protected by local, state or federal law.
1.2 Educational Objectives
of the University
To cultivate in students the
interest, capacity, and skills necessary for independent intellectual inquiry
and lifelong learning.
·
To convey to students a representative portion of that body
of knowledge that has accumulated and endured through the history of cultures.
·
To encourage and aid students in the development of basic beliefs,
values and attitudes, including those of cooperation and tolerance.
·
To assist students in selecting and preparing for careers and
for study in graduate and professional schools.
·
To foster in students personal habits that contributes to health
and physical fitness.
1.3 History of the University
The University of Richmond began in 1830 as the Virginia Baptist Education Society to
help young men prepare for the ministry. By 1840, the Society secured a charter
from the General Assembly of Virginia that transformed the seminary into Richmond College. By the mid-1840s a four-year liberal arts curriculum was
adopted and Richmond College awarded its first baccalaureate degree in 1849.
The outbreak of the Civil War
forced the college to suspend classes. The trustees invested most of the
endowment in Confederate securities, and the campus was used by Louisiana troops as a hospital. At the end of the war the buildings
were plundered and the library was dispersed.
In 1866, classes were resumed
under the Presidency of Rev. T. G. Jones who
served until 1869. For the next
25 years, an administrative officer elected by the faculty ran the college.
F. W. Boatwright was chosen as President in 1894. In
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1898, women were admitted as
day students and by 1910 a separate liberal arts school for women, Westhampton
College, was begun on land west of the city. By 1914, with additional construction,
the new campus was occupied and is the current site of the University.
Key dates:
1830 - Beginnings of Richmond College
1870 - Start of Law School
1914 - Westhampton
College
1920 - Charter of University of Richmond
1921 - Graduate School
1924 - Evening School of Business
1949 - School of Business Administration
1962 - University College
1975 - Merger of Richmond
College and Westhampton
College
1988 - Jepson School of Leadership
1994 - University College renamed School of Continuing Studies (SCS)
1.4 Brief History of
the School of Continuing Studies
The origin of the School of Continuing Studies may be traced
back to 1920 when the Department of Economics of Richmond College was formed, eventually to become the Department of Economics
and Applied Economics. In 1924 the Evening School of Business Administration
was organized as a separate division of the University of Richmond. In 1949 the department
of economics and applied economics in Richmond
College was combined with the Evening School of Business
Administration with both day and evening classes. In 1962 the Evening Division
was separated from the School of Business Administration to form the nucleus of University College. From 1964 until 1974 University
College offered a full-time freshman and sophomore
daytime liberal arts program in addition to its full-time Evening School program.
On July 1, 1974 the Summer School,
founded in 1920, became part of University College. In keeping with the University’s
tradition of residential colleges and academic schools, University
College became the School of Continuing Studies in October 1994.
The School is one of the five
academic units at the University of Richmond
and is organized into three divisions: the Evening School, the Summer School and the
Office of Community and Professional Education (OCPE). The Evening School offers credit bearing courses,
certificates, and associate and bachelor’s
degrees for adults. Courses
are offered in the evening and on weekends. The Summer School serves both
traditional age and non-traditional students and includes an extensive study
abroad program. The OCPE offers non-credit
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courses for professional and
personal enrichment and includes the Community and Technology Learning Center, the Governor’s School for
the Performing Arts and for the Humanities, and a separate department offering
specialized computer technology programs.
1.5 Mission of the School
of Continuing Studies
The mission of the School of
Continuing Studies is to serve the continuing education needs of the greater
Richmond community and beyond by providing exemplary educational opportunities
for non-traditional students through degree, certificate, and non-credit programs.
The School if one of the five
academic units at the University of Richmond
and is organized into three divisions: the Evening School, the Summer School, and the
Office of Community and Professional Education (OCPE). The Evening School offers credit bearing courses,
certificates, and associate and bachelor’s degrees for adults. Courses are
offered in the evenings, on weekends, and through on-line programs. The Summer
School serves both traditional age and non-traditional students and includes
an extensive study abroad program. The OCPE offers non-credit courses for
professional and personal enrichment. The SCS also hosts the Governor’s Schools
for the Performing Arts and for the Humanities each summer.
1.6 Governance Document
The School of Continuing Studies offers courses and programs for credit and non-credit,
day and evening, in the summer and regular school year. The major divisions
of the School of Continuing Studies are the Evening
School, the Summer School, and the Office of Community and Professional
Education. Its primary mission is to serve the continuing education needs
of the non-traditional student; that is, students who are not of traditional
college age or who are not pursuing degree programs on a full-time basis.
The School of Continuing Studies offers courses
through the Summer School for the purpose of assisting regular day school
students in making progress toward the completion of their degrees. In addition,
the School of Continuing
Studies currently offers bachelor and associate degrees as well as certificates
in applied studies or liberal arts. Certificates of Completion and Continuing
Education Units (CEUs) are awarded for successful completion of non-credit
courses and seminars. The Dean of the School, who reports to the Provost,
administers the programs.
Academic Council
There shall be a single Academic Council for the School
of Continuing Studies for all School programs composed and charged as
follows:
§
Membership shall come from the Academic Councils of Arts and
Sciences (3), The E. Claiborne Robins School of Business (1), and the Jepson
School of Leadership Studies (1) along with one faculty representative from
The T. C.
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Williams School of Law. The associate dean plus all full-time faculty members
of the School of Continuing
Studies shall also be included. The dean is both a member and Chair of the
Council. The Provost and the Registrar are ex officio members.
§
The Council shall recommend to the Provost for approval all
new offerings of the School, shall conduct periodic reviews of its various
programs and report its findings and recommendations to the Provost.
§
The Academic Council shall meet regularly and report relevant
actions to the faculties of the University for information or approval as
appropriate.
1.7 Evening School
Decisions about faculty hiring
rest in the office of the dean, who will consult with the program director
as part of the hiring process. The dean, or associate dean, may also choose
to consult with faculty or deans from across campus, as deemed necessary or
appropriate. Ultimately, the dean is responsible for maintaining compliance
with SACS regarding faculty hires.
Decisions related to course additions or new programs
or degrees rest with the Academic Council. Courses may be offered twice under
the special topics designation without review by the Council.
1.8 Summer School
Arts and Sciences, the Jepson
School of Leadership Studies and The E. Claiborne Robins School of Business
courses to be offered by the School of Continuing Studies through the Summer
School should be approved by the dean and the department chairman of the appropriate
school. In addition, the deans of the respective schools should be apprised
of the salaries of the instructors of such courses. Courses in The T. C.
Williams School of Law and The E. Claiborne Robins School of Business M.B.A.
programs are not offered through the School
of Continuing Studies.
1.9 Organizational Structure
The School of Continuing Studies
currently employs 17 full-time and 3 part-time staff members, six full-time
faculty (who serve as program directors), and a number of work-study students.
All staff members serve all School of Continuing Studies clients although
specific duties vary.
In terms of University governance,
the Dean reports to the Provost and is chair of the Academic Council, which
provides academic oversight for the School of Continuing Studies programs and
faculty and has the following composition:
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Six School of Continuing Studies
Faculty*
Teacher Licensure/Teacher Recertification
Program
Emergency Services Management
Paralegal Studies
Liberal Arts
Information Systems
Human Resource Management
SCS Associate Dean
Three Arts and Sciences Representatives
One Law School Representative
One Business School Representative
One Leadership School Representative
Resource/Ex Officio Members
SCS Assistant Dean
Assistant to the Dean
Librarian
Registrar
Director of Student
Services
Director, Center
for Teaching, Learning & Technology
Head, Media Resource Center
*
The six School of Continuing Studies faculty are appointed
by the dean and serve as Program Directors for the areas noted above. Normally,
these are full-time School of Continuing Studies faculty. In addition to serving on the Academic
Council, each program director is charged with advising the dean on curricular
and faculty matters as they impact their respective area, convening meetings
of faculty in their area, and handling other administrative duties as needed.
1.10 Portrait of the Evening
School Students
Each semester, the School
of Continuing Studies enrolls more than 800 students. More than half
of the students are pursuing a certificate or degree. Total enrollment in
all courses is now over 1300 per semester and the average course load is approximately
1.5 classes/per student. Some additional characteristics of the typical student
population include:
·
Two thirds of the students are women
·
90% are employed full or part-time
·
Average age is in the 30s
·
Majority are funded by their employer
While motivations for attendance
vary, students and prospective students perceive the University of Richmond and the School
of Continuing Studies as the quality choice in the Richmond market.
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Our competitive advantages include:
·
Programs and services designed exclusively for an adult audience
·
An exceptional group of faculty composed of “scholar practitioners”
·
Competitive price (comparable to all but community colleges
in metro Richmond)
·
Access to the incomparable resources of the University
NOTES
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Section
2
CONDITIONS
OF EMPLOYMENT
2.0 The Hiring/Employment
Process: New Faculty
All new faculty must go through
an application process at the School of Continuing Studies before their
appointment becomes official. Following approval, there are other responsibilities
faculty must fulfill. Please note the following steps.
§
Interview with academic program director
§
Academic director approves adjunct faculty member and arranges
an appointment with Associate Dean or Dean, who approves candidate. Candidates
receive an application packet.
§
Applicant completes application form, attaches a vita and returns
documents to the administrative assistant who serves as a faculty coordinator
in the Dean’s office.
§
Applicant requests copies of transcripts from ALL universities
and colleges attended, and has them sent directly to the Associate Dean’s
office. Note: This is a requirement of the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools, the accrediting body for the University of Richmond.
§
Assistant Dean creates a file on applicant in Human Resources
§
Applicant is sent forms from Human Resources and applicant’s
materials are sent to appropriate academic department on campus for review.
§
Applicant turns in all HR forms to Sharon Riggs (804/289-8877).
Appointment is made with HR to complete application process and complete those
items that require a notary seal (provided free by HR).
§
Applicant receives contract, signs and returns to SCS immediately.
§
Faculty member obtains the following:
- One Card at One Card Office (289-8476)
- E-mail account activation at Help Desk in basement of Jepson Hall
(287-6400)
- Parking Decal
at Campus Police (289-8703)
§
Faculty member contacts Ms. Kay Robertson, Administrative Assistant,
to order desk copies of texts. (289-6364)
§
Faculty member obtains classroom keys from Ms. Barbara Weisenberger,
Operations Assistant. (287-6860)
§
Faculty member orders textbooks from bookstore via on-line
process.
§
Faculty member submits course syllabus to Administrative Assistant
BEFORE classes begin.
§
Faculty member attends special new Faculty Orientation Meeting
(Time/date TBA).
§
Faculty member attends fall and spring all-faculty meetings
(Times/dates TBA).
§
Faculty member attends SCS Night (Time/date TBA).
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§
Faculty member attends SCS commencement ceremonies, unless
excused by Dean’s office.
§
Faculty member attends occasional department meetings.
§
Faculty member reads and becomes familiar with Faculty Handbook.
2.1 Southern Association
Academic Standards
The Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools (SACS), which reviews the academic programs of the University
of Richmond and serves as the accrediting body, has established certain minimum
standards for faculty credentials to which we must adhere. Key issues are:
·
Faculty transcript records must be on file at all times. The
minimum to teach a university-level course normally is to hold a master’s
degree with at least 18 graduate hours in the field taught.
·
Current syllabi/course outlines must be on file for all courses
taught.
·
There must be sufficient contact hours between faculty and
students. The minimum standard is defined as 12 hours of contact per credit
hour awarded.
2.2 Initial
Appointment, Promotion, and Compensation
2.2.1 Initial Appointment
- All adjunct faculty without the terminal degree start at the rank of adjunct
instructor. Those with the terminal degree are appointed at the rank of adjunct
assistant professor.
2.2.2 Promotion –
Faculty are reviewed for promotion at the end of each academic year. This
review takes place during the summer term and, if promotion is granted, it
will take effect with the start of the fall semester. Generally, after seven
(7) semesters of teaching service to the SCS in-rank, promotion will be granted
to the next academic rank.
2.2.3 Compensation
– Compensation for courses taught in the SCS is determined by academic qualifications
and by length of service to the SCS. Compensation, at rank, is established
annually by the Dean, School of Continuing Studies.
The Dean, with the approval of
the President, can make exceptions to these guidelines.
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2.3 Contracts
Teaching assignments are made
by the Program Director. Assignments for the upcoming academic year are typically
made in the late spring/early summer of the year with contracts issued by
the Dean prior to each semester.
Faculty must return signed contracts
to the assistant dean and may request desk copies of textbooks at the same
time. Textbook orders for the bookstore are also due at the same time. All
course assignments depend upon sufficient registrations (usually six or more
students). Small classes may be held upon the mutual agreement of the instructor
and the program director, and contingent on a renegotiation of the contract
terms.
2.4 SCS Policy on Adjunct
Teaching Load
Adjunct faculty teaching load
may not exceed 12 semester credit hours in any given semester (fall or spring
terms), and may not exceed a total of 18 semester credit hours in any given
academic year (fall and spring terms inclusive). A statement waiving any
rights to full-time benefits will be included in the contract of adjunct faculty
teaching 9 or 12 credits in any given semester. This policy does not affect
summer school employment.
2.5 Adjunct Faculty
Benefits
Adjunct faculty are eligible
for the benefits outlined below:
·
Reduced faculty rates to on-campus events such as plays and
sporting events;
·
Full library privileges;
·
Optional membership in the University Club (fee involved);
·
Use of the exercise/athletic facilities of the Robins Center (limited hours; see http://www.richmond.edu/~recreat/);
·
Free admission to select University cultural events and faculty
workshops;
·
Food discounts at the Heilman
Dining Center;
·
One free graduate/undergraduate class per semester (after 24
semester hours of teaching). Class must be taken in the term in which the
instructor is teaching and is on a seat-available basis. (At the time of
this publication, Human Resources was reviewing the policy on free tuition
for non-credit classes. Please contact Human Resources 289-8168 about the
policy if you are interested in taking a class from our Think Again brochure.);
and,
·
Access to the following special funds:
- $100/year professional development
and/or teacher’s fund;
- $50 per class
social fund; and,
- $50 honorarium
per class for guest lecturers. (See Faculty Resources)
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2.6 Compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act
The University has an obligation
to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus
Crime Statistics Act, and the attending Code of Federal Regulations. Each
institution of higher education in the United
States that participates in federal student aid programs
must produce and distribute an annual report containing crime statistics and
statements of security policy. Statistics include information on the following:
murder; sex offenses, forcible or non-forcible; robbery; aggravated assault;
burglary; motor vehicle theft; manslaughter; arson; and hate crimes by category
of prejudice. Reports from the most recent three years (current data are
available at the following campus Web site: http://oncampus.richmond.edu./administration/police/ccra/
Further, this act requires that
all faculty and staff who interact significantly with students (to whom students
may report crimes) or university employees who take “disciplinary actions
against students,” are to be aware of their role in the University of Richmond’s compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act. Faculty
and staff members who are involved in disciplinary actions concerning liquor
law violations, drug law violations and illegal weapons possessions must report
these statistics to the University Police Department (289-8715).
NOTES
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Section
3
EXPECTATIONS
OF FACULTY
3.1 Standards of Excellent
Teaching
The School of Continuing Studies prides itself on the excellence of its faculty.
Faculty members provide a balance between theory and real-world application
and are expected to excel in communicating that knowledge in the classroom.
Along with the free exchange of ideas and the freedom of discussing their
subjects, which is granted to faculty members, comes the responsibility of
being representatives of the University.
One of the primary responsibilities
of an educator of adults is to aid students in developing the attitude that
learning is a lifelong process. It is also expected of our instructors that
when a specific course is completed, students leave with a heightened sense
of curiosity and with an increased ability to carry out their own learning.
There are many ways to teach,
and while standards of excellence can be identified, instructors may be strong
in many of the standards but not necessarily all of them. The ultimate outcome—student
learning—can be achieved through a variety of approaches. Nevertheless, an
excellent instructor should demonstrate all or most of the following:
·
Communicates high expectations and provides an academically
rigorous learning experience. Encourages and challenges students to do their
best. (Note: It is reasonable to expect 2 – 3 hours of outside work weekly
for each semester hour of credit.)
·
Uses the first night of class to become acquainted with students,
set the tone for the semester, explain the syllabus, communicate expectations
concerning attendance, grading, class structure, participation, the honor
code, plagiarism, etc., as well as teach.
·
Provides a clear, concise, comprehensive syllabus the first
night of class and discusses expectations and grading criteria. (See Syllabus
Preparation Handbook and applicable sections of this handbook.)
·
Is available to students by providing telephone numbers, e-mail
addresses and opportunities to meet with students before or after class.
Responds to student messages within 24 hours whenever possible.
·
Projects a professional, respectful and approachable image.
·
Learns and uses the names of students quickly.
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·
Respects that students are adults with commitments outside
of the classroom.
·
Serves as a resource to students, stays current in the field
and provides a bridge for students between theory and real-world application.
·
Is open to support students with employment opportunities when
available. (For specific policy on serving as a reference, see applicable
section of this handbook.)
·
Prepares effectively for each class and is organized.
·
Meets with the class each week for the specified time but remains
flexible based on student needs.
·
Strives for a mutual learning experience. Focuses on student
learning, using actual student needs as a baseline for course development.
·
Recognizes that students learn in a variety of ways. Provides
a variety of learning experiences including lecture, group work, independent
research, simulations, discussions, etc.
·
Encourages active learning. Provides students the opportunity
to talk or write about what they are learning, relate it to past experiences
and apply it to their world.
·
Tests appropriately with objective grading criteria and gives
prompt feedback.
·
Returns papers and exams at the next class meeting with written
comments as applicable along with the grade. Provides class time to review
exams.
·
Emphasizes the importance of clear, grammatically correct writing
in all assignments and in all disciplines. (Discusses writing concerns with
the director of composition and refers students to the Writing Center as appropriate.)
·
Advocates the use of current technology as a means to communicate
with students and as a rich learning resource.
·
Demonstrates a desire for continual improvement through participation
in such activities as the peer review program, reading professional articles
or books, attending teaching workshops and participating regularly in academic
area meetings.
·
Is willing to try new techniques and incorporates new material
each semester.
·
Encourages student feedback and uses faculty evaluations to
make course or teaching style adjustments.
·
Is familiar with University policy on academic freedom, sexual
harassment, the honor code, etc. as presented in this handbook.
·
Exhibits commitment to student life by participating in SCS
night, graduation, and other special activities.
3.2 Academic Areas
All School of Continuing Studies faculty are assigned to one or more academic areas
based on their teaching assignments. These areas are chaired by the Program
Directors who are appointed by the Dean and who sit on the School of Continuing Studies Academic Council.
Area meetings are held several times
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throughout the academic year
and are scheduled in the evening or morning hours so as not to interfere with
other professional responsibilities. Meetings are held to review curricular
matters and to serve as an alternative means of communication between the
faculty and the administration of the School of Continuing Studies. Attendance
is strongly encouraged.
3.3 Attendance
Faculty are required to keep
accurate attendance records for all of their classes. Although the extent
to which attendance and participation count toward a grade is left to the
discretion of the faculty member, excessive absence is clearly unacceptable.
The School of Continuing Studies attendance policy
is: A student may be absent no more than 25% of class meetings, including
absences due to late enrollment. If a student has more than the maximum number
of absences, whether excused or unexcused, a grade of V (failure due to excessive
absences) will be recorded. The instructor may set a more rigorous attendance
policy, or with the approval of the Dean or Associate Dean, waive the attendance
policy for a student demonstrating sufficient course knowledge and just cause.
3.4 Availability to
Students
Although it is understood that
adjunct faculty are part-time employees with other professional responsibilities,
it is expected as part of the contractual agreement that faculty will make
themselves available to students for individual consultation and assistance.
This help may take the form of brief scheduled meetings either before or after
class, by telephone consultation, or through e-mail. Faculty are expected
to give students a phone number where they may be reached, and make clear
when they are available for conferences.
A social fund of $50 per class
has been created to support interaction with students outside the classroom.
Requests for funds must be made to the Dean or Associate Dean in writing in
advance of the event with reimbursement made based on submission of receipts
for expenses. Reimbursement requests submitted without prior approval will
not be honored.
3.5 Class Rolls
Class rolls will be sent automatically
by e-mail or can be accessed only through BannerWeb. Paper copies of class
rolls are no longer distributed by the University prior to the first class
session. (UR e-mail may be forwarded
to your work or home e-mail addresses, see E-mail Account Activation
in this handbook.) Drops and Adds may change the enrollment in the early
weeks of the semester. A final class roll is generally available by the third
week of class. Please check your roll carefully and report immediately any
student who is on the roll but not attending and any student attending your
class who is not on your roll. Access to
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on-line changes and student information
is available via BannerWeb (https://bannerweb.richmond.edu/).
3.6 Class Size
The Program Directors determine
maximum class size. Instructors, however, are urged to communicate the ideal
class size to their Program Director based on the subject matter and instructional
technique to be used. The School of Continuing Studies has the right
to cancel any course that is not economically feasible.
3.7 Employee Communications
3.7.1 SCS Mailbox.
Each adjunct faculty member is provided with a mailbox in the office of the
School of Continuing Studies
in the Special Programs Building for the semester in which
they are teaching. This mailbox serves the dual purpose of allowing a drop-point
for messages from students, as well as a mechanism for the instructor to receive
information from the Dean, the University and the School. Faculty are encouraged
to check their mailbox on a regular basis.
3.7.2 US Mail. Faculty
will routinely receive Interaction, the campus-wide newsletter (also available
on the university’s website), the employee newspaper, the SCS newsletter,
correspondence from the Program Director, and other memoranda from the dean’s
office. The University of Richmond Magazine is mailed to the faculty
members’ home, as are paychecks. Note: As the primary means of communicating
with you, please check your faculty mailbox and University e-mail site at
least weekly.
3.7.3 E-mail/Web Account
Activation. Each faculty member is also provided a university e-mail
account. Faculty should activate their web-mail accounts in person at the
Information Services Help Desk on the ground floor of Jepson Hall. Activation
of e-mail accounts may also be completed online at (www.oncampus.richmond.edu/is/account).
Faculty are requested to activate their accounts as a means of communication
with the dean’s office, program director, registrar’s office, colleagues and
students. For your convenience, UR
e-mail may be forwarded to your existing address at work or home using the
Information Services and (www.oncampus.richmond.edu/is/account).
Account maintenance can be performed on-line using this site. Please check
this mailbox on a regular basis.
3.8 Faculty Evaluation
All School of Continuing Studies faculty will be evaluated on a regular basis by
their students. These formal evaluations provide information that assists
the
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instructor on the improvement
of instruction, and gives the Dean direction on faculty selection.
Each semester the faculty member
is provided with an informal, first-level evaluation form. This evaluation
is provided early in the semester to give the faculty member initial feedback
from the students in order to make adjustments to the course structure or
instructional style. First-time faculty will review their midterm student
evaluations with their Program Director and/or Program Coordinator. Thereafter,
these evaluations are seen only by the faculty member and are not submitted
to the Program Director or the Dean’s office.
Late in the semester, a formal
evaluation is required, and students are asked to respond to a series of questions
about whether the instructor met their academic expectations. A student,
another faculty member, or the Program Director submits these evaluations
to the Dean’s office in a sealed envelope. They are then computer-scored,
reviewed by the Dean and Program Director, and returned to the faculty member.
A personal appointment with the Program Director and/or Program Coordinator
to review evaluations is required for all faculty members.
A peer assessment system has
been implemented and all faculty are required to participate once every year.
A handbook to guide you through the process is available in the Dean’s office.
In addition, HRM / Leadership / Management faculty will have the opportunity
for observation and feedback by a senior member of the faculty each academic
year.
3.9 Graduation
The School of Continuing Studies holds a separate commencement exercise on the Saturday
of Commencement weekend. Faculty are expected to participate. Souvenir academic
regalia is available for a nominal fee. Faculty are contacted by the SCS
office concerning ordering regalia several months prior to Commencement.
3.10 Inclement Weather
Classes are rarely canceled for
weather-related reasons. Announcements concerning the status of evening classes
are made on WRVA (1140 FM) radio and most other radio and television stations.
The university also has an Inclement Weather Hotline, 289-8760, that provides
up-to-date closing information. In addition, Campus Police can be reached
at 289- 8715. If students show up, class should be conducted as normal.
In the event that you are unable to meet your class, please follow the Medical/Personal
Emergency policy stated on the following page. Arrangements need to be made
to conduct a makeup class.
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3.11 Independent Study
Students who have completed at
least 60 semester hours of academic work may elect to take a course through
Independent Study. These courses must be used only in the Distribution and
Elective areas. No more than twelve semester hours may apply to the baccalaureate
degree, and no more than six semester hours may apply to the associate degree.
Prior permission of the Dean or Associate Dean is required. A copy of the
Independent Study Learning Contract is included at the end of this handbook.
The Dean, Associate Dean, or
Program Director may ask adjunct faculty to supervise an independent study
project. Faculty are responsible for meeting with the student to establish
a program, to assign reading and written work, to be available to the student
for regular consultation, to provide evaluation of progress and design tests
and quizzes as necessary. Faculty are paid 60% of the normal tuition rate
to oversee an independent study project.
3.12 Make-up Exams
Faculty members are encouraged to administer tests to all
the students in the same class period. Allowing students to take missed exams
later should be agreed upon in advance of the original test date and be the
exception, not the rule. Make-up exams can be supervised in the School
of Continuing Studies office under the following
conditions:
3.12.1 Exams will be administered only during regular
business hours Monday through Friday, starting no earlier than 8:30 a.m. and
ending no later than 5:00 p.m.
3.12.2 Exams can be administered by appointment only.
If the exam requires a proctor, the student must call Lois Willis at 289-8133
and schedule a day and time to take the exam. An appointment can be confirmed
only when a room has been reserved. (Space is our major problem.)
3.12.3 Exams left in faculty mailboxes to be picked up
by the student and taken at-will must be completed at home or in the lobby
area and returned. No classroom or office space can be provided unless by
appointment as in 2 above.
Please be sure your students are aware of this policy when
a make-up exam is agreed upon.
3.13 Medical/Personal
Emergency (Class Cancellation)
Should the faculty member experience
a medical or personal emergency, he or she should contact the dean’s office
immediately. If class needs to be canceled
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for that night, the dean’s office
will assist the faculty member in contacting the students at home or work.
(Faculty are strongly encouraged to get current day and evening phone numbers
and/or e-mail addresses for every student and to use this information to establish
a telephone tree to facilitate this process. Class time missed needs to
be made up—either by scheduling an extra class session, or adding minutes
to remaining sessions.
At the faculty member’s discretion,
he or she may ask a qualified colleague to substitute for him or her. If
this alternative is chosen, any financial remuneration is between the faculty
member and the colleague. The University will not authorize additional compensation
over and above the agreed upon contract.
3.14 Political/Commercial Activity
It is considered inappropriate
for a faculty member to use her or his classroom to espouse any type of personal
agenda. While the classroom is the forum for the exchange of various, diverse
points of view, the faculty member should take caution to identify personal
opinion from factual content. At no time should a faculty member use the
classroom to promote a particular religious group, political party, social
movement or ideological theme. It is also inappropriate for the faculty member
to attempt to sell either a product or professional service to the students.
3.15 Special Seminars/Faculty
Development
Throughout the course of the
academic year, the Dean or the Program Director may offer seminars and/or
workshops designed specifically for the unique needs of the School of Continuing Studies faculty. These workshops deal with the range of
issues surrounding adult education and the non-traditional student. Faculty
are under no obligation to attend, but are strongly encouraged to do so to
continue their professional growth, and to develop more collegial relationships
with other faculty.
The University also offers a
full range of guest speakers, visiting scholars and cultural events which
offer faculty a broad opportunity for personal development.
3.16 Syllabus
All faculty are expected to construct
a syllabus for each course they teach. Copies of each syllabus need to be
sent to the dean’s office, and if required, the Program Director’s office,
and must be updated each semester. These copies may be sent as an
attached document via email. A copy of the syllabus should be available to
students and in the dean’s office by the first class meeting.
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The syllabus should include:
o Learning
goals and outcomes
o A
brief description (overview) of the course
o Course
title, number, dates, classroom assignment and assigned day
o Course
objectives
o Instructor’s
name, title, email address, and phone number
o Instructor’s
biography
o Text
assigned
o Description
of the grading process
o ADA statement and suggestions for contacting the
study, writing, and speaking skills centers
o A
paragraph on “Writing Across the Curriculum”
o A
list of “Teacher/Student Accountability” statements
o Statement
concerning plagiarism
o Detailed
weekly breakdown of subject material to be covered with assigned readings
and papers
o Dates
of tests or other evaluated projects or assignments
o Any
other information concerning course structure or requirements
While the syllabus may change
somewhat over the course of a semester, it is expected that the faculty member
will use the syllabus as a serious outline of mutual expectations. A more
detailed handbook on syllabus construction is also available from the dean’s
office.
3.17 Teaching Assignments
Faculty may be asked to oversee
independent study projects, serve as reviewers on prior learning portfolios,
or perform duties as requested by the Associate Dean or Program Director in
addition to their teaching assignments.
3.18 Tests
Faculty are encouraged to use appropriate tests,
exams, and quizzes in order to provide academic rigor to their courses. Tests
and other graded assignments should be evaluated in a timely way with feedback
provided to students about their performance. Students have both a vested
interest and a right to know how they are doing academically, and students
learn better with quick feedback. Faculty should be prepared to explain to
students how they were evaluated, and what they might do to improve their
academic performance. If at all possible, graded work should be returned
by the following class period. Note: Faculty are responsible for keeping
adequate records of student performance in their class.
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3.19 Textbooks and Course
packs
3.19.1 Textbooks.
Textbook orders are placed on-line at the university bookstore’s website (www.oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/bookstore/reqform.html).
All orders should be placed a minimum of eight weeks prior to the start of
a new semester in order to allow sufficient time for the order to be generated
and shipped.
Faculty seeking desk copies of
textbooks should do so through the office of the administrative assistant
to the associate/assistant deans. Adjunct faculty should not contact publishers
directly. Faculty needing help determining an appropriate text should seek
the help of the Program Director or dean.
3.19.2 Course packs*.
Faculty may consider use of course packs in addition to or in lieu of textbooks.
Deadlines are July 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester.
Initial contact should be made
with the bookstore (289-8493). They will obtain information and authorize
a purchase order. All articles to be included in the course pack should than
be taken to the University Print Shop. They will obtain copyright clearances,
determine binding needs and ascertain total cost of the package. It may take
up to 30 days to determine final cost of the course pack, so faculty are advised
to await final decisions on its uses until cost is determined.
*
Course packs are collections of articles, book chapters, and sections from
other printed material. Course pack materials may require the author’s permission
to reprint.
To ensure conformance with current
copyright laws, all course pack materials to be used during the school year
should be handled as follows.
§
Contact our bookstore (289-8493), as to your course pack material
needs for the fall. This contact is necessary so that they can answer initial
questions that you might have, plan room in the bookstore for the sale of
your course pack during book rush, and authorize printing of it at the University
Print Shop through the use of a purchase order. They will need at the time
of this contact the:
a.
Number of course packs required
b.
Description or title of the material
c.
Delivery date expectations
d.
Class the pack will be utilized in
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To ensure that your course pack
materials are available when needed, the bookstore needs the above information
by July 1 (1st semester) and November 1 (2nd semester) due to the time that
some copyright clearances can take to obtain.
After contacting the bookstore,
you will be asked to take your course pack materials to the Print Shop to
discuss pertinent printing directions such as the type of paper needed, setup,
binding instructions, etc. The Print Shop will obtain copyright clearance
from the Copyright Clearance Center before printing the course
pack.
While the processing fee by CCC
is minimal (min. $1.00/max. $6.50), the cost of producing your course pack
materials will vary depending on the:
·
Copyright holder’s charge for use of their materials
·
Number of pages
·
Type of paper used
·
Type of binding
Determining the cost of reproducing
your course packs might take up to 30 days due to the research that Copyright
Clearance Center needs to
do in obtaining copyright permission. Course packs with many different articles
and/or different sources take much longer to price than one with fewer original
sources.
Course packs that were developed,
printed and sold to students utilizing this procedure in this past semester
ranged in price from $6.50 each to $43.00 each. In two other cases, however,
professors decided against the use of course packs because the cost of copyright
approval alone exceeded $35.00.
This process that is being suggested
is a variation of models used on other campuses. This will be evaluated after
using it for a semester or two and revise it if the need arises.
By following the above, we will
be in compliance with the copyright laws. This procedure should also make
it easier for you since sale of course packs will be handled through the store
and not between the professor and the student.
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(Revised 11.12.03)
3.20
Visitors to Class
In an effort to ensure a classroom
environment that is conducive to quality instruction and learning, faculty
should discourage any visitation to class sessions by those not enrolled in
the course. This includes children, other relatives, friends, and colleagues
of students enrolled in the course and of the instructor. In the event
of an isolated emergency (such as a home crisis, absence of child care, etc.),
the instructor may grant an exception to this policy for a single class session,
provided that any disruption is dealt with promptly and effectively by the
student to whom an exception has been granted. Faculty members have the exclusive
authority to provide for a classroom atmosphere that ensures maximum learning
potential.
NOTES
Page 4.1
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Section 4
IMPORTANT FACULTY ITEMS NEEDED EACH SEMESTER
4.1 Textbooks
Order student textbooks from the bookstore by going on line
to the UR home page. Click “Academics,”
then “Academic Support,” next click “Bookstore,” then “Textbooks,” and finally
“Textbook Requisition Form.” Note that your books need to be ordered by 15
April for the fall semester, 15 October for the spring semester, and 15 March
for the summer semester. Ordering textbooks for your class is your
responsibility, not Kay Robertson’s; however she will be glad to help
you if you run into trouble.
4.2 Syllabi
Please ensure that Kay Robertson has your syllabus on file
on or before the first day of your class. It can be sent directly to her
as an attached electronic document, or simply put a hard copy in her mailbox.
Your program director may also require a copy for his or her files.
4.3 Contracts
Return the signed copy of your contract to Ms. Kay Robertson, Administrative
Assistant to the Associate and Assistant Deans, Extension 6364.
4.4 Number of Students
Check the enrollment for your class or classes on BannerWeb. If the number
of student is less than six, give some thought to how you want to handle the
situation. In order to provide guidance for you, our policy at SCS is to
run classes that have six or more students and pay our instructors full fees
for doing so—even though the university normally looses money with only six
students. If there are less than six students, we leave it up to the instructor
whether or not the class is conducted, and he or she is paid 100% of the fees
collected (not to exceed the amount of the instructor’s normal pay). For
example, if there were four students, the amount paid the teacher would be
4 X $744 = $2,976.
4.5 Your Classroom
It may sounds silly to ask that classroom locations be double-checked; however,
each semester, one or more of our teachers show up at the wrong room or in
the
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wrong building. This not only causes havoc with our personal
teaching schedule, it causes great consternation on the part of the student
(many angry phone calls to the office). The “Schedule of Classes” newspaper
that is put out each semester is accurate as possible when it is published—usually
far in advance of the first day of class. Therefore, check your class on
BannerWeb to ensure that you have the correct location. BannerWeb is the
most up-to-date and accurate source of all course schedule changes, including
room locations.
NOTES
Page 5.1
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Section 5
UNIVERSITY RESOURCES FOR FACULTY
5.1 Access to Library Databases
The University of Richmond Libraries have made it easy for members of the University
community who live off-campus to access library databases. Students, faculty
and staff who use Internet service providers (ISP) such as American Online,
Earthlink, etc. can connect to any online database listed on the library web
pages. Clicking on one of the databases will bring up a pop-up window that
will ask for a NetID and a password*; after providing these, you will be able
to use the database selected. The online database pages are found at:
(http://oncampus.richmond.edu/is/library/social_sciences/databases.html)
To gain access to these databases
in the past, off-campus users had to dial into the university’s model pool,
often incurring long distance charges. This arrangement permits a local call
to an ISP. This is especially useful to the School of Continuing Studies students who live off-campus, and faculty who live
outside the local calling area.
*Faculty who have not activated their computer account
or who have forgotten their NetID/password should contact the Information
Services Help Desk at 287-6400 for assistance.
5.2 Alumni Discount
for Credit Courses
Alumni who received a bachelor’s
degree from the University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies, University
College, Jepson School of Leadership, Robins School of Business, and School
of Arts and Sciences are eligible for a 50% discount in under-graduate credit
classes (except for summer school courses/programs or already-discounted courses/programs)
in the School of Continuing Studies. Registration is on a space-available
basis. Contact the School of Continuing Studies at 289-8133 for details before registering for the
course(s).
No alumni discount will be granted
for the Teacher Licensure Program.
5.3 Audiovisual Equipment
Certain items of audiovisual
equipment are available from the Telecom/Media Support Services division of
Information Services. The following items are available by calling Extension
6500 (287-6500) at least 24 hours in advance of the class session:
Data projectors
and laptops
Video conferencing equipment
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Over-head projectors (usually
provided in each classroom)
Slide projectors
VCR’s
DVD’s
TV’s
NOTE: Please do NOT expect this
service to provide equipment on short notice; however, with reasonable requests
(sufficient time) this is a wonderful resource to enhance the classroom environment.
Technicians are available to assist with the operation of this equipment,
prior to the start of the class.
5.4 Boatwright Memorial
Library
Hours of Operation for the 2003-2004 Academic Year
August 25, 2003 – May 4, 2004
REGULAR
LIBRARY SERVICE HOURS*
Monday - Thursday
8:00 A.M. - 1:00 A.M.
Friday
8:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Saturday
11:00 A.M.- 9:00 P.M.
Sunday
11:00 A.M.- 1:00 A.M.
*Library is also open 1 AM
– 8 AM, Sunday – Thursday, for UR students, staff and faculty.
FALL
BREAK
Friday, October 10, 2003
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 11, 2003
CLOSED
Sunday, October 12, 2003
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday, October 13, 2003
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Midnight
THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 27, 2003
CLOSED
Friday, November 28, 2003
CLOSED
Saturday, November 29, 2003
CLOSED
Sunday, November 30, 2003
2:00 p.m. - 12:00 Midnight
FALL
2003 EXAM SCHEDULE
Saturday, December 6 – Monday, December 15 8:00
a.m.. - 2:00 a.m.
Tuesday, December 16
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WINTER BREAK
Wednesday, December 17 – Friday, December 19, 2003 8:30 a.m.
– 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 & Sunday, December 21, 2003
CLOSED
Monday, Dec. 22 – Tuesday, December 23, 2003 8:30
a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 24 – Thursday, January 1 CLOSED
Friday, Jan. 2, 2004
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 3 & Sunday, Jan.4, 2004
CLOSED
Monday - Friday, January 5 – 9, 2004
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11, 2004
CLOSED
Page 5.3
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SPRING
BREAK
Friday, March 5, 2004
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 6, 2004
CLOSED
Sunday, March 7, 2004
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, March 8 – Friday, March 12, 2004
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 13, 2004
CLOSED
Sunday, March 14, 2004
2:00 p.m. – 12:00 Midnight
SPRING
2004 EXAM SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 24 – Monday, May 3
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Tuesday, May 4
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
NOTICE: All service desks
will close 15 minutes prior to building closing. Reserves must be returned
and materials checked out 15 minutes before closing.
(Revised 6/03)
5.5 Computer Help Desk
Information Services provides
Help Desk service hours for the University of Richmond community. User Services
staff are available according to the following schedule:
| |
| Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
| Phone
Support 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
8:30
AM -
9:00 PM |
8:30
AM -
9:00 PM |
8:30
AM -
9:00 PM |
8:30
AM -
9:00 PM |
8:30
AM -
9:00 PM |
Phone
Support 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
**When students are on Break and no classes are being conducted, the
Help Desk closes at 5PM. We also have special hours during the summer.
8:30 AM to 6:30 PM Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM on Friday.
Weekend Phone Support
- Please call the Help Desk x6400 (287-6400 off campus) and leave
a voice mail message. A technician will check the voice mail hourly.
If it is an emergency please use the pager number supplied. |
| |
|
|
5.6 Center for Teaching,
Learning & Technology
The Center for Teaching, Learning
& Technology is a resource for assisting others in the design, creation,
and evaluation of innovative learning experiences. Center resources include
people, equipment, skills, and ideas for partnering with members of the University
community to improve the educational experience of our students.
5.7
The Technology
Learning Center
The Technology Learning Center is designed to meet the high-end
multimedia
Page 5.4
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needs of the University community.
In the TLC, you will have access to web development software, desktop publishing
and business applications, 3D modeling software, and high quality printers
and scanners. There is also a complete audio-video suite where you can check-out
cameras, record and edit both video and audio, and consultant with experts
in developing projects.
The TLC is located on the 3rd floor
of the Boatwright Library and is open from 8:30am-12midnight weekdays, with
weekend afternoon and evening hours. The TLC is open to the entire University
community – faculty, staff and students. People may stop in anytime to use
the equipment, have a tour or ask additional questions. If you have a special
project that you would like to discuss with our staff, please call 289-8772
for an appointment.
5.8 Copy Cards
Copy cards are provided in the
SCS office for use by faculty in making photocopies for instructional use.
Faculty are reminded that usage of the photocopy machine increases later in
the day prior to the start of evening classes. Please plan ahead to avoid
delays in this process.
5.9 Copying Materials
for Class Distribution (Online Courses)
Recent changes in copyright laws
have an impact on teaching materials that can be transmitted for online courses.
Please refer to the article listed in the following website:
http://www.ericit.org/digests/EDO-IR-2002-10.shtml
Additionally, the University of Richmond Libraries has issued the following publication entitled Copyright
Questions and Answers for Faculty:
5.9.1 Course Reserves
Placing a journal article on
reserve for student’s academic work is permitted under the “fair use” provisions
of copyright law. However, if an article is placed on reserve perpetually
or recurrently, in most cases the University must pay a fee to the copyright
holder. To protect yourself and the University, work with Boatwright Library’s
Access & Delivery Services staff to place items on reserve. This includes
scanned images of articles. These should go through the library; library
staff will provide a URL for each article a faculty member wants to make accessible
through Blackboard. The library will assume responsibility for payment of
copyright fees. Call 8876.
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5.9.2 Copying of Books
It is a violation of copyright
law to reproduce a copyrighted book in full unless it is done for narrowly
defined preservation purposes. Rarely will any member of the University community
other than a member of the library’s preservation staff have justification
to reproduce an entire book. If the portion of a book to be copied (either
by photocopying or by digitization) for reserve reading exceeds a single chapter
of the book, it cannot be copied. Instead the physical book itself must be
placed on reserve at the library.
5.9.3 Photocopies of Articles
for Class Distribution or Course Packs
Planned replication of full articles
rarely falls under the “fair use” provisions. Unless the decision to make
copies for each student in a class is “spontaneous” (i.e., very last minute),
faculty should make readings available through the library’s reserve system.
Copyright fees apply to material reproduced in course packs. Printing Services
will compile course packs and include copyright fees in their price. Call
8526
5.9.4 Multimedia Presentations
Students and faculty may incorporate
copyrighted materials into multimedia presentations for face-to-face presentation
or in distance education classes. Limits on copying are:
Motion media—10% of whole or 3 minutes, whichever is less
Text materials—10% of whole or 1000 words, whichever is less
Music lyrics or video—10%, but never more than 30 seconds
5.9.5 Images Downloaded
from Web Sites
Copyrighted images downloaded
from Web sites may be reproduced on other Web sites in other media with the
express permission of the copyright holder. Web surfers are advised to check
carefully for copyright statements on Web sites. All should assume that images
of cartoon characters, corporate logos, are protected by copyright and should
not be reproduced without permission. Copyright holders normally charge a
fee for use of these images; payment for such fees is the user’s responsibility.
5.9.6 Additional
Useful Sources of Copyright
Copyright Information for t
