Syllabus Policy

Before the first day of classes each semester, all full-time and part-time faculty are required to submit to the Department Chair for review and assessment one electronic copy of the syllabus for each class taught that semester.  This should be emailed as an attachment directly to the Chair. The Department Chair will be responsible for submitting to the Liberal Arts Office an e-copy of each faculty member's syllabus.

All instructors must distribute to their students during the first day of classes a syllabus that contains at least the following:

  1. Class name, number, section number, semester, and year
  2. Meeting time and place
  3. Instructor name and contact information, including e-mail address
  4. Office hours
  5. Required and recommended textbooks
  6. List of any materials on reserve
  7. Required materials (computer disks, folders, etc.)
  8. Description of course and objectives/student outcomes
  9. Attendance policy, including policy on excused and unexcused absences
  10. Late paper policy
  11. Plagiarism policy
  12. Racist/Sexist/Homophobic language policy
  13. Students with disability statement
  14. Format of papers
  15. Grading methods, rationale, and percentages
  16. Due dates of major assignments
  17. Day-to-day reading and assignment planner (mandatory)
  18. Statement concerning the major portfolio requirement, the need for English majors  to collect essays and leave them on file with their advisers
  19. Statement stressing the importance of students' doing course evaluations
  20. Tutoring requirements for English 130, when applicable, and/or statement about the availability of the Writing Center for students at all levels.
  21. Writing Center/Writing Program URL (<ids.udmercy.edu/twc>)

Note: Endnoted items can be consulted for examples.

Non-Discriminatory Language (Non-Sexist and Non-Racist Language)
The use of non-discriminatory language (ie language that avoids stereotyping or offending readers in relation to their gender or ethnicity) is important in two ways. Firstly, it avoids irritating and distracting readers and, secondly, it focuses attention on the content of the reading rather than diverting attention to sexual or ethnic bias. If the aim of writing is to communicate effectively, it would seem reasonable to aid that communication by using non-discriminatory language. For example, use of the terms "man," "woman," "he," and "she" need only be used when specific reference to the gender of the person is necessary to the sense of the statement. Similarly, reference to ethnic origin should only be made when it is relevant to the sense of the work. 
Accordingly, the use of non-discriminatory language is required by students in their written and oral assignments. If you have any questions, please ask me. (Note: This statement was adapted from <www.usq.edu.au/education/policies/acmanual>). [Hill-Vásquez] 

Students With Disabilities
If you need accommodations because of a documented disability, and/or if you have medical information to share with me, please discuss this with me before our second class meeting. If you have not already obtained proper documentation from Disability Support Services, I will be happy to direct you to the appropriate office. Please feel free to e-mail me as well.  [Hill-Vásquez] 

Major Portfolios - A Reminder
All English majors are required to submit a "Major Portfolio" (or "Senior Portfolio") before they graduate. All English Majors (and those planning on majoring in English) should be saving all writing assignments (including drafts, applicable writing assignments, and any other related materials) from your courses in order to prepare your required Major Portfolio. The requirements for the Portfolio may be found at http://liberalarts.udmercy.edu/english/english_portfolio.html. [Hill-Vásquez] 

Course Evaluations 

While student course evaluations are used in the faculty promotion and tenure process and in the Department and College accreditation processes, their primary purpose is to improve the design of courses and instructors’ teaching. After each semester the English Department and I carefully review your comments re: what works well and what can be improved in my courses. Past student comments in ENL 236 have led to changes in paper due dates, texts taught, types of assignments, etc. The bottom line: although it might be a bit of a pain to complete evaluations, I and the Department very much appreciate your willingness to do so and the time you put into the process.  [Weatherston]

The Writing Center
A wonderful resource for all students engaged in writing projects, The Writing Center is located in Briggs 225 (across from my office). Please use it. You may find more information about The Writing Center at <ids.udmercy.edu/twc>. You may also phone them at (313) 993-1022. Better yet, stop by.  [Weatherston]