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Syllabus Policies and Statements

Academic Policies and Syllabus Statements

Academic policies presented here are those that are at the institutional level and exist in the WVU Catalog. Syllabus statements are Faculty Senate approved and provide guidance to students in negotiating other aspects of course experience.

Students are responsible for reviewing and understanding these polices if they are referenced in the syllabus.

These syllabus statements are optional. However, if a statement is used, it must appear in the syllabus exactly as it is listed below (unless otherwise indicated).

  1. Academic Integrity Statement
  2. Academic Standards Policy, including Academic Dishonesty
  3. Accessibility Statement (see Inclusivity Statement)
  4. Adverse Weather Statement
  5. Appropriate Use of Technology Statement
  6. Artificial Intelligence Syllabus Statement
  7. Attendance Policy
  8. Campus Safety Statement
  9. Class Recording Policy
  10. Inclusivity Statement
  11. Incomplete Policy
  12. Mental Health Statement - HSC Campus
  13. Mental Health Statement - Main Campus
  14. Mental Health Statement - PSC Campus
  15. Sale of Course Material Statement
  16. Sexual Misconduct Statement
  17. Student Evaluation of Instruction Statement

Academic Integrity Statement

The integrity of the classes offered by any academic institution solidifies the foundation of its mission and cannot be sacrificed to expediency, ignorance, or blatant fraud. Therefore, instructors will enforce rigorous standards of academic integrity in all aspects and assignments of their courses. For the detailed policy of West Virginia University regarding the definitions of acts considered to fall under academic dishonesty and possible ensuing sanctions, please see the West Virginia University Academic Standards Policy. Should you have any questions about possibly improper research citations or references, or any other activity that may be interpreted as an attempt at academic dishonesty, please see your instructor before the assignment is due to discuss the matter.

Academic Standards Policy, including Academic Dishonesty

The WVU Catalog contains the full Undergraduate Academic Standards Policy and Graduate Academic and Professional Standards Policy.

Adverse Weather Statement

In the event of inclement or threatening weather, everyone should use his or her best judgment regarding travel to and from campus. Safety should be the main concern. If you cannot get to class because of adverse weather conditions, you should contact your instructor as soon as possible. Similarly, if your instructor(s) are unable to reach the class location, they will notify you of any cancellation or change as soon as possible, using agreed upon methods to prevent students from embarking on any unnecessary travel. If you cannot get to class because of weather conditions, instructors will make allowances relative to required attendance policies, as well as any scheduled tests, quizzes, or other assessments. [adopted 9-8-2014]

Appropriate Use of Technology Statement

Use of technology in the classroom should always be directly related to class activities and/or course learning outcomes. Inappropriate technology use can be an impediment to learning and a distraction to all members of the class. As such, inappropriate use of technology in the classroom may be considered a disruption of the class and constitute a violation of the WVU Student Conduct Code and could potentially result in a referral to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Use of technology in the classroom when specifically prohibited by the instructor may also constitute a violation of WVU’s Academic Integrity policy.

Artificial Intelligence Syllabus Statement

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can create and develop academic content are not allowed unless permission is given by an instructor. Students must receive instructor permission prior to utilizing AI tools. Unauthorized use of AI tools may result in academic dishonesty charges.

Note: Additional example statements that clearly allow or disallow the use of AI can be found on the TLC Artificial Intelligence Syllabus Statements webpage. We highly encourage having a conversation with students early in the semester to articulate expectations, especially if some tools are acceptable and others are not (e.g., Grammarly).

Attendance Policy

The WVU Catalog contains the full Attendance Policy.

Campus Safety Statement

The WVU Police are committed to creating and maintaining a safe learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Part of this mission includes educating the campus community on how to respond to potential campus threats, such as the threat of an active shooter on campus or other suspicious behaviors. Fortunately, WVU Police offer training - both online and in-person - on how to handle a variety of campus safety scenarios. All students are encouraged to visit the WVU Police webpage, in particular the content under the Active Shooter training program. Students are also encouraged to report any suspicious behaviors on campus using the Report a Threat portion of the webpage. Additional materials on campus safety prepared by WVU Police, including special safety tips and training, will also be provided on our eCampus page. [adopted 10-2-17]

Notice of Class Recording Policy

Meetings of a course at West Virginia University (WVU), whether online or in-person, may be recorded by the instructor or institution. Recordings are not guaranteed, and are intended to supplement the planned class session. Recordings may be shared by the instructor or institution in accordance with WVU Rules and policies, which may include, but is not limited to, sharing with students, assistants, guest lecturers, and co-facilitators. The recordings are owned by and contain intellectual property of WVU. The recordings may not be shared, copied, reproduced, redistributed, transferred, or disseminated in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of authorized officials of WVU. Students seeking a recording for reasons of academic accommodation must contact WVU’s Office of Accessibility Services.

Inclusivity Statement

The West Virginia University community is committed to creating and fostering a positive learning and working environment based on open communication, mutual respect, and inclusion.

If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in your classes, please advise your instructors and make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Accessibility Services.

More information is available at the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website as well. [adopted 2-11-2013]

Incomplete Policy

The WVU Catalog contains the full Incomplete Policy.

Mental Health Statement - Health Sciences Campus *

Mental health concerns or stressful events can adversely affect your academic performance, social relationships and quality of life. WVU’s BeWell office offers free, confidential counseling services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns that you may be experiencing. You can schedule an appointment in the HSC BeWell clinic by calling 304-293-1292 or 304-293-1353. You can also email the BeWell Coordinator, Layne Hitchcock, at layne.kehl@mail.wvu.edu or request an appointment online at health.wvu.edu/bewell.

BeWell is an extension of the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, and you can learn more about mental health resources on their website at carruth.wvu.edu.

If you are in need of crisis services, call the Carruth Center’s main number 24/7: (304) 293-4431. You can also text WVU to 741741.

A longer version of this optional statement is available for reference.

Mental Health Statement - Main Campus *

Mental health concerns or stressful events can adversely affect your academic performance and social relationships. WVU offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns that you may be experiencing. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus at the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCCPS) website: https://carruth.wvu.edu/.

  • If you are in need of crisis services, call the CCCPS main number 24/7: (304) 293-4431.

Crisis services are also available through text: Text WVU to 741741 for support 24/7 from a trained Crisis Counselor.

A longer version of this optional statement is available for reference.

Mental Health Statement - Potomac State College Campus *

College students commonly experience issues that may interfere with academic success. Stress, sleep problems, relationship and social concerns, adjustment to college, financial problems, family issues, discrimination, or anxiety and depression all affect one’s ability to remember, learn, and perform. If you or a friend is struggling, support services are available 24/7.

  • In person counseling: available with Michelle House, Reynolds 104A at mahouse@mail.wvu.edu or 304-788-6976.
  • Virtual counseling: available through talkspace.com/wvu
  • Crisis/After hours: call 304-788-6977 or connect with a trained counselor by texting WVU to 741741
  • National Suicide Hotline: 988

Life Threatening Emergencies:

Call 911 or University Police at 304-788-6931

For more mental health resources and information, visit our website at: https://studentexperience.potomacstatecollege.edu/health-counseling-services/psychological-counseling-services

Sale of Course Material Statement

All course materials, including lectures, class notes, quizzes, exams, handouts, presentations, and other course materials provided to students for their courses are protected intellectual property. As such, the unauthorized purchase or sale of these materials may result in disciplinary sanctions under the Student Conduct Code. [adopted 5-11-2015]

Sexual Misconduct Statement

West Virginia University does not tolerate sexual misconduct, including harassment, stalking, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, or relationship violence [ BOG Rule 1.6]. It is important for you to know that there are resources available if you or someone you know needs assistance. You may speak to a member of university administration, faculty, or staff; keep in mind that they have an obligation to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator.

If you want to speak to someone who is permitted to keep your disclosure confidential, please seek assistance from the Carruth Center, 304-293-9355 or 304-293-4431 (24-hour hotline), and locally within the community at the Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center (RDVIC), 304- 292-5100 or 304-292-4431 (24-hour hotline).

For students at WVU-Beckley, contact the Women’s Resource Center at 304-255-1585 (toll free at 1-888-825-7836) or REACH at 304-340-3676. For students at WVU-Keyser, contact the WVU-Keyser Psychological Counseling Services Office at 304-788-6976, and locally in Keyser, the Family Crisis Center, 304-788-6061 or 1-800-698-1240 (24-hour hotline).

For more information, please consult WVU's Title IX Office (https://titleix.wvu.edu/resources-offices).

Student Evaluation of Instruction Statement

Effective teaching is a primary mission of West Virginia University. Student evaluation of instruction provides the university and the instructor with feedback about your experiences in the course for review and course improvement. Your participation in the evaluation of course instruction is both strongly encouraged and highly valued. Results are strictly confidential, anonymous, and not available to the instructor until after final grades are released by Admissions and Records. Information about how you can complete this evaluation will provided by your instructor. [adopted 4-14-2008]



* Statement may be altered at the instructor’s discretion.