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).
- Academic Integrity Statement
- Academic Standards Policy, including Academic Dishonesty
- Accessibility Statement (see Inclusivity Statement)
- Adverse Weather Statement
- Appropriate Use of Technology Statement
- Artificial Intelligence Syllabus Statement
- Attendance Policy
-
Campus Carry Syllabus Statement
- Campus Safety Statement
- Class Recording Policy
- Inclusivity Statement
- Incomplete Policy
- Mental Health Statement - HSC Campus
- Mental Health Statement - Main Campus
- Mental Health Statement - PSC Campus
- Sale of Course Material Statement
- Sexual Misconduct Statement
- Student Evaluation of Instruction 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.
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 are also provided . 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).
The WVU Catalog contains the full Attendance Policy.
Campus Carry Syllabus Statement
Consistent with BOG Finance and Administration Rule 5.14, Deadly Weapons, Dangerous
Objects, & W. Va. Campus Self-Defense Act, this statement serves as notice
that my office is a
sole occupancy office, and concealed pistols and revolvers are prohibited in it.
Students visiting
my office, whether scheduled or unscheduled, are required to appropriately secure
any firearms
in their possession before entering the office premises. For more information about
Rule 5.14,
please see https://safety.wvu.edu/campus-carry.
Approved May 6, 2024
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 Student Accommodations.
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 Student Accommodations .
More information is available at the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website as well. [adopted 2-11-2013]
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
* Statement may be altered at the instructor’s discretion.
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
* Statement may be altered at the instructor’s discretion.
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
For 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
* Statement may be altered at the instructor’s discretion.
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]
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]
Additional Sample AI Statements
Sample Permissive Syllabus Statement One:
Forms of coding and/or problem-solving assistance that use generative artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance or refine a student’s own work are permitted in this course. However, the use of such tools must be documented and clearly cited in all submitted work. Students must talk with their instructor prior to using such tools and be prepared to explain/answer any questions about the work submitted.
Sample Permissive Syllabus Statement Two:
In this course, content-generating AI may be used in assignments, but proper citations must be given. Students must clearly identify writing, text, or media generated by AI and show how AI tools were used in the process of creating a final product. Not acknowledging AI-generated work will be treated as academic dishonesty. Students should think critically about the appropriate use of AI to achieve learning goals.
Sample Restrictive Syllabus Statement One:
Unless notified otherwise, content-generating AI is not to be used in this course. The instructor will clearly state when and how it is permissible for students to use these tools. When allowed, students must clearly identify writing, text, or media generated by AI and show how AI tools were used in the process of creating a final product. Any attempt to treat AI output as a student’s own work or failing to identify AI-generated work will be treated as academic dishonesty. Students should think critically about the appropriate use of AI to achieve learning goals.
Sample Restrictive Syllabus Statement Two:
Forms of writing assistance that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to proofread a student’s own written work (such as spellcheck or Grammarly) are acceptable. However, tools that rely on generative AI (such as GPT-3, ChatGPT, and Bard) that actually “write” (or generate) text from a prompt are not to be used to generate drafts or written work for any assignment in this course. If students are unsure which AI tools are acceptable, they should consult the instructor prior to using them.
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Mental Health Statement - HSC Campus Extended
College students commonly experience difficulties 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, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Supportive, confidential resources are available on campus, and most are at no-charge. The BeWell office is the counseling hub for all Health Sciences students. BeWell offers short-term individual counseling, consultations and various other mental health services.
- You can schedule an appointment with BeWell by emailing the BeWell Coordinator, Layne Hitchcock, at Layne.kehl@mail.wvu.edu.
- You can also schedule by calling 304-293-1292 or 304-293-1353.
- You can request an appointment online at health.wvu.edu/bewell/request-an-appointment.
- Feel free to visit BeWell’s website for more information at health.wvu.edu/bewell.
BeWell is an extension of WVU’s main counseling center. Please note that if you or a friend is experiencing a more urgent or crisis situation, the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services at WVU provides crisis consultation and counseling during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) as well as after hours.
You can access these services by calling 304-293-4431. Crisis services are also available through text: Text WVU to 741741 for support 24/7 from a trained crisis counselor.
For more mental health resources and information, visit the Carruth Center website at carruth.wvu.edu.
Mental Health Statement - Main Campus Extended
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) are struggling, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Supportive resources are available on campus, and most are at no-charge. The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCCPS) offers consultations, short-term individual therapy, group therapy, and various mental health-related workshops. Virtual and in-person (outside of pandemic situations) services are available. Crisis services are also available 24/7/365.
- Please call (304) 293-4431 to schedule an appointment or speak to a professional for help in a crisis.
- For more mental health resources and information, visit the CCCPS website at: https://carruth.wvu.edu/
Crisis services are also available through text: Text WVU to 741741 for support 24/7 from a trained Crisis Counselor