Syllabus Guide

We suggest all instructors include an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. There is no blanket AU policy regarding AI use in classes. For additional guidance around AI, please access the Academic Integrity Office’s resources on their SharePoint site (access for AU faculty with login), this PDF overview of AI, or review the sample AI policies on the syllabus template.

Sample:

Standards of academic conduct are set forth in the university’s Academic Integrity Code. By registering for this course, students have acknowledged their awareness of the Academic Integrity Code and they are obliged to become familiar with their rights and responsibilities as defined by the Code. Violations of the Academic Integrity Code will not be treated lightly and disciplinary action will be taken should violations occur. This includes cheating, fabrication, and plagiarism.

A short guide for students on how to meet the expectations of the AU’s Academic Integrity Code

Sample:

American University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy or parenting, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under applicable federal and local laws. The University expressly prohibits any form of discriminatory harassment including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and stalking.

As a faculty member, I am required to report discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct to the Office of Equity and Title IX if I witness it or become aware of it. There are four confidential resources on campus if you wish to speak to someone who is not required to report: Counseling Center, victim advocates in OASIS, medical providers in the Student Health Center, and the Chaplain in the Kay Spiritual Life Center. For more information or if you wish to directly make a report, please visit the Office of Equity and Title IX website.

Review the complete Discrimination and Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Sample:

In the event of an emergency, American University will implement a plan for meeting the needs of all members of the university community. Should the University be required to close for a period of time, we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of our educational programs will be delivered to our students. These may include altering and extending the duration of the traditional term schedule to complete essential instruction in the traditional format and/or the use of distance instructional methods. Specific strategies will vary from class to class, depending on the format of the course and the timing of the emergency. Faculty will communicate class-specific information to students via AU email and Canvas, while students must inform their faculty immediately of any emergency-related absence. Students are responsible for checking their AU email regularly and keeping themselves informed of emergencies. In the event of an emergency, students should refer to the AU Student Portal, the AU website, and the AU information line at (202) 885-1100 for general university-wide information, as well as contact their faculty and/or respective dean’s office for course and school/college specific information.

Sample:

Students will be provided the opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirements that may be missed due to a religious observance, provided they notify their instructors before the end of the second week of classes. Please send this notification through email to the professor. For additional information, see American University’s religious observances policy.

Sample:

The central commitment of American University is the development of thoughtful, responsible human beings in the context of a challenging yet supportive academic community. The Student Code of Conduct is designed to benefit the American University community and to assist in forming the highest standards of ethics and morals among its members. By registering for this course, students have acknowledged their awareness of the Student Code of Conduct and they are obliged to become familiar with their rights and responsibilities as defined by the Code.

Sample:

Students are not permitted to make visual or audio recordings, including live streaming, of classroom lectures or any class related content, using any type of recording devices (e.g., smart phone, computer, digital recorder, etc.) unless prior permission from the instructor is obtained, and there are no objections from any of the students in the class. If permission is granted, personal use and sharing of recordings and any electronic copies of course materials (e.g., PowerPoints, formulas, lecture notes and any classroom discussions online or otherwise) is limited to the personal use of students registered in the course and for educational purposes only, even after the end of the course.

Exceptions to allowable class recordings will be made for students with official disability accommodations allowing class recordings, and in those circumstances, recordings are limited to the personal use of students as described herein.

To supplement the classroom experience, lectures may be audio or video recorded by faculty and made available to students registered for this class. Faculty may record classroom lectures or discussions for pedagogical use, future student reference, or to meet the accommodation needs of students with a documented disability. These recordings are limited to personal use and may not be distributed (fileshare), sold, or posted on social media outlets without the written permission of faculty.

Unauthorized downloading, file sharing, distribution of any part of a recorded lecture or course materials, or using information for purposes other than the student’s own learning may be deemed a violation of American University’s Student Conduct Code and subject to disciplinary action (see Student Conduct Code VI. Classroom Behavior and Academic Dishonesty).

Sample:

If you wish to receive accommodations for a disability, please notify me with a memo from the Academic Support and Access Center. As accommodations are not retroactive, timely notification at the beginning of the semester, if possible, is strongly recommended. To register with a disability or for questions about disability accommodations, contact the Academic Support and Access Center at 202-885-3360 or asac@american.edu. For more information, visit AU’s Disability Accommodations web page.

Sample:

Academic Coaching offers free one-on-one meetings where learners work with an academic coach to identify and enhance academic strategies. Students may schedule one 30-minute academic coaching session per week. Sessions are interactive and learners can expect to leave with a strategic action plan. Our year-round services are open to all degree-seeking American University students, undergraduate and graduate. Students may select to meet with an academic coach either in-person in Butler Pavilion, 300, or remotely through the Microsoft Teams platform. Sessions are available Monday-Friday. Students can self-schedule an appointment through our YouCanBookMe. Any community member can use our digital resources found online in our Resource Library.

Get Help from a Research Librarian: A research librarian can help you find high-quality information for your research projects and can save you time. For a quick question, librarians are available on chat 24/7. You can also request a personal meeting with a subject specialist librarian at: https://www.american.edu/library/ask/ .

Sample:

International Student & Scholar Services provides immigration services and cultural guidance to students and the university community by educating, advocating, and training while complying with federal regulations governing international education exchange.

Sample:

The Mathematics & Statistics Tutoring Lab provides free drop-in tutoring and scheduled one-on-one tutoring appointments to American University students for exam review, homework assignments, and understanding concepts. The Lab tutors Mathematics concepts up to Calculus II and Statistics concepts up to Intermediate Statistics. (Drop-in to Don Myers Building Room 103, Schedule tutoring appointments on WC Online, or reach out to quantsupport@american.edu).

Sample:

The Peer-Assisted Student Support (PASS) Program provides free in-person and online, one-on-one tutoring in over 30 courses and expands throughout the academic year. In 30-minute or 60-minute appointments, Peer Tutors can assist with understanding course content, providing opportunities for hands-on practice, and discussing academic strategies and study skills. (Butler Pavilion, 300 – Schedule tutoring appointments on WC Online) (tutoring@american.edu).

Sample:

The Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program provides free, group tutoring in historically challenging courses in disciplines such as accounting, biology, chemistry, economics, public health, and several others. SI Leaders facilitate weekly group review sessions that reiterate course content. In one- or two-hour sessions throughout the week, SI Leaders can assist with learning course concepts, facilitating group learning, and sharing best strategies for studying and note taking (tutoring@american.edu).

Sample:

The Writing Center offers free, individual coaching sessions to all American University students. In your 45-minute session, in-person or online, Writing Consultants can help you address your assignments, understand the conventions of academic writing, and learn how to revise and edit your own work. (Butler Pavilion, 300 – Schedule tutoring appointments on WC Online) (writingcenter@american.edu).

Sample:

The Center for Student Belonging (CSB) is dedicated to enhancing LGBTQ, multicultural, first-generation, and women’s experiences on campus and to advancing AU’s commitment to respecting and valuing diversity by serving as a resource and liaison to students, staff, and faculty on issues of equity through education, outreach, and advocacy. It is located on the 3rd floor of Mary Graydon Student Center (202-885-3651, MGSC, 329).

Sample:

The Center for Well-Being Programs and Psychological Services is here to meet the wellness needs of the American University student population. It is comprised of staff that previously worked in the Counseling Center and the Health Promotion and Advocacy Center. The Center provides American University students with a range of wellness related services. These services include: individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, victim/survivor advocacy services, crisis intervention through AUProtoCall Services (202-885-7979), alcohol and other drug education and consultations and wellness related programing. To schedule an appointment with a clinician, call 202-885-3500. For more information please visit our website https://www.american.edu/student-affairs/counseling/.

Sample:

The Office of the Dean of Students offers individual meetings to discuss issues that impact the student experience including academic, social, and personal matters. Staff work with students and make referrals to appropriate campus resources for resolution.

Additionally, while academic regulations state that medical absences are to be excused, if faculty require correspondence to verify the student’s significant medical concern, medical documentation should be submitted by the student to the Office of the Dean of Students (“DOS”). The DOS staff will review the documentation and verify the medical excuse. Faculty have the discretion to approve absences and do not need permission from the Office of the Dean of Students to excuse absences. Students should be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students only if faculty require further proof of a significant medical concern or if they have concerns about the impact of absences on the student’s ability to succeed (202-885-3300; Butler Pavilion, 408; www.american.edu/dos).

Sample:

Students facing challenges securing food or housing should be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students (www.american.edu/dos or 202-885-3300) for support and referral to resources.

AU has partnered with Mantra Health to provide students with mental health resources, virtual coaching and teletherapy, referrals, and on-demand clinical support. Mantra health can be located online at MantraHealth.com/American or download the free app which is available on all platforms. Create a profile to access your resources today.