Preparing and Conducting Your Class
Curriculum Course Outline
You should have a copy of the official course outline, which is available from your division dean and in SOCRATES, the web-based curriculum management system. The course outline contains the basic course structure that must be followed. This ensures that individual courses are consistent with the course standards approved through the Curriculum process, regardless of which faculty member teaches the course. Your course syllabus should be written to provide the complete listing of course requirements, expectations, and outcomes, along with the schedule for your class meetings and detailed descriptions of major assignments, and ongoing homework assignments.
Office Hours
Holding office hours is part of the contractual obligation of all full-time faculty and should include five hours per week and an additional 11 hours to be included throughout the semester. Faculty who teach a minimum of .2 FTE online are eligible to hold a minimum of one office hour per week online, and can hold up to a maximum of two office hours online per week for online classes over a .2 FTE load.
Adjunct faculty who teach a .2 to .39 FTE load are eligible for compensation for 9 or 18 office hour per semester. Adjunct faculty who teach a .4 FTE or higher load are eligible for compensation for 18, 27, or 36 office hours per semester. More detail is available on the Adjunct Faculty page of this guide.
All faculty must submit their office hours schedule to the division office and list it on each class syllabus. All faculty should post their weekly schedule, including office hours on or near their office doors.
Finals Week Office Hours
According to the LRCFT Contract, you are not obligated to hold office hours during finals week on days you are not scheduled to hold a final exam. However, you are obligated to hold your normal number of required weekly office hours (for example, if you normally have five office hours per week, then you need to hold five office hours during finals week). During finals week, you are obligated to come to campus each day of finals, unless you meet the exceptions for a four-day week in Article 4.7 in the LRCFT contract. This "on campus" obligation includes neither a time-specific nor location-specific requirement.
In addition to classroom-based and online classes, there are several alternative means of instruction. See the official catalog page Credit for Prior Learning and Alternative Study Options for more information.
Individualized Instruction through Independent Study
An Independent Studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. The student requests an opportunity to set up an Independent Study project with a faculty member. The faculty member assumes responsibility for supervising the work as an extra voluntary assignment. If the study is not completed by the end of the semester, a new application is not required if the unit(s) are to be granted in a subsequent semester.
To set up an independent study class for one or more of your students, please contact your Division Dean who will begin the process of establishing the class. Your Dean has a copy of the CRC 'Special Studies Project Petition' which is completed by the student, signed by you and your Dean and is then taken to the Admissions Office in the College Center so an Independent Studies class can be created.
Students may petition to enroll in one to three units in a single department per semester, with a maximum of six (6) units of Independent Studies allowed per semester. A maximum of nine (9) units of Independent Studies is allowed toward graduation requirements. Anyone may apply for permission to pursue an Independent Studies project that is designed to foster special knowledge, skills, and experience not available in any one regularly scheduled course. It is the student’s responsibility to develop a program of study and evaluation approved by the supervising instructor. Petitions should be filed prior to the end of the eighth week of classes.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad provides a unique opportunity to students in good academic standing with 12 college units, in non-performance classes, completed by the time they go abroad, with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in their college classes. Study Abroad provides learning through a 13-week semester program, where students take 12 units in either the Fall or Spring semesters. A shorter program is also available in the summer.
Honors Program
Cosumnes River College offers a unique and innovative Honors Program modeled on the seminar experience at the University of California and many liberal arts colleges. These honors seminars provide a challenging opportunity for students and a faculty member to work closely and explore in greater depth a scholarly topic of mutual interest.
Credit by Examination
Credit by Examination is a process by which students may earn credit in recognition of knowledge and skills gained from previous experience or training when such knowledge and skills are deemed to be substantially similar to the student learning outcomes of the course for which credit is being sought. A student who wishes to challenge a course by examination must have successfully completed a minimum of 12 units at CRC with have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better grades of “C” or better. It is the responsibility of the student to find an instructor who is wiling to administer the exam. The examining faculty will be responsible for determining the scope and form of the examination. Paperwork to be completed by students interested in this option are available at the Admissions Office.
Advanced Placement Tests (CEEB)
Students enrolling at CRC may be awarded units of credit for each Advanced Placement examination they have passed with scores of 3, 4, or 5 given the course work is compatible with the college’s curriculum. After successfully completing 12 units at CRC, a student in good standing may submit their Advanced Placement test scores to the Admissions Office for evaluation of college credit. A maximum of 15 units may be earned by examination. Credit/units posted will only be used when evaluating an A.A. or A.S. degree or certificate but grades are not awarded. Credit may not be earned for courses which duplicate credit already allowed for Advanced Placement examinations. Students should be referred to Admissions and Records for this process.
All other tests must be submitted to the area dean by petition for consideration of credit allowance.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - General Examinations
After completing 12 units at Cosumnes River College, a student in good standing may submit scores on General Examinations from the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) to the Admissions and Records Office for college credit evaluation. A maximum of 24 units of credit may be granted toward completion of the general education requirements with the exception of the English requirement. No credit is granted for CLEP Subject Examinations. Scores must be at least in the 50th percentile.
Instructional Support for Students
When students struggle and need help, several resources are available to which they can be referred:
- Reading Writing Center at CRC
- Reading Writing Center at Elk Grove Center
- Math Center
- Disability Support Programs & Services (DSPS)
Additional Tutoring Resources (free tutoring assistance for students):
- Accounting Lab
- Business English Help Line at (916) 691-7444
- Computer Information Science (CIS) Lab
- Digital Media Lab
- Language Lab (ESL, Spanish and Vietnamese classes)
- Tutoring Center (for many courses across the disciplines)
Class Rosters
Faculty are responsible for checking their class rosters to ensure that they are accurate. Class Rosters are available using the College and District Intranets website. You will be able to create an intranet account to access your class rosters as soon as you have been assigned a Los Rios e-mail account.
Students whose name do not appear on the on-line class roster or who do not have documentation from the Admissions Office indicating proper enrollment are not officially enrolled in your class. Students whose names are not listed on the class roster should be directed to the Admissions Office to ensure proper enrollment into your class. Auditing is not permitted.
Class Enrollment
Your division dean will be checking with you during the first two weeks of instruction to monitor enrollment progress. Decisions regarding the cancellation of sections with inadequate enrollments will be made as soon as possible, but typically not after the end of the second week of classes.
Adding Students to Your Class
Students who enroll online can choose to put themselves on a Wait List for a class which is already full. Before a course has started:
- Up to 20 students can add themselves to the Wait List.
- The system will let students know their position on the Wait List.
- Before the first day of class, if a space in the class becomes available because someone drops the class, the first student on the Wait List is automatically added to the roster.
- Before the first day of class, print out the add slips to give to students not yet enrolled who wish to enroll in your class.
On the first day of class:
- Students who are still on the Wait List MUST come to the first class meeting and ask to add the class.
- If a student who is already enrolled does NOT attend the first meeting, an instructor can choose to drop them from the course and add a student from the Wait List. (NOTE: Check with your dean to see if your department has a different policy.)
- The first student added (by providing the first add slip that you printed) should be the first student on the Wait List who also attends the first class meeting.
- If the person who is first on the Wait List, does not attend the first class meeting, the instructor should instead take the next person on the Wait List who HAS come to the first meeting.
Student Preparation
Students should have certain skill levels before they can enroll in some classes or programs. Students are not blocked from registering for classes if they have not met prerequisite or co-requisite requirements. Please refer to the section of this Faculty/Staff Resource Guide called 'Prerequisite Checking' for details on assessing student preparation.
Classroom Changes
Classroom assignments are considered carefully when the class schedule is prepared. Requests for room changes must be made through the area/division dean. These changes include building, room, meeting days, as well as start and end time of classes. The division office submits a completed Schedule Change Form to the Scheduling Office for processing. A master list of classroom use is kept by the Scheduling Office. Under no circumstances is a class to arbitrarily move to another room without the permission of the Division Dean.
After a college semester/term has begun, the inventory of available rooms is assigned to Campus Operations. If an instructor wishes to move a class on a temporary basis, this must be approved by the Division Dean, who will be responsible for coordination with Campus Operations. A notice of the new location should be posted by the instructor.
Classroom Emergencies
A condensed form of the College's emergency procedures is posted in every classroom and other public areas. Please read and become familiar with the procedures so you are better prepared, should an emergency arise. For additional help in handling emergencies and urgent first aid, please contact Campus Health and Safety or call (916) 558-2221.
Classroom Temperature
Classroom and office temperatures are controlled at a central location. Problems with room conditions should be reported to Campus Operations.
Multimedia Classrooms and Multimedia Equipment
A number of classrooms on campus are equipped with instructor computer stations, VCRs, and ceiling-mounted projectors to allow instructors to add multimedia to their classroom presentations. To obtain a key for the multimedia cabinet in these rooms you must first go through a short orientation, and then you will be able to check out a key from Campus Police. Orientation sessions are scheduled during staff development days before classes start or you can schedule a training session by contacting Media Services. If you are of additional equipment, then you can make reservations through Media Services.
Faculty Attendance and Arranging for Substitutes
Faculty are expected to meet with their assigned classes on each day of the academic semester. If you cannot meet your assigned class due to illness, an emergency, or other circumstances, you must call the division office as soon as you know, in order to make arrangements with your dean for a substitute, special outside assignment or coverage by a colleague. This should be arranged by mutual agreement between you and the Dean. District guidelines for assigning substitutes will be followed. All substitutes must be: a) in the Faculty Service Area (FSA) of the class for which he/she is substituting; b) on the district’s approved list; and c) processed by the district office before they can be hired and paid. Failure to notify the division dean of an absence may result in loss of pay.
Record Keeping and Student Attendance
Record keeping is an important faculty responsibility. It is required that accurate and complete student attendance and grade records are kept for a period of three years. Attendance records are especially important if it is necessary to drop a student for non-attendance.
Student attendance is governed by LRCCD Board Regulation and by Title 5 of the CA Code of Regulations, which states that students who fail to attend the first class may be dropped by the instructor. Students who have not attended at least one of the first three sessions of a class must be dropped as a 'No Show', following the third session of the class. If a class is scheduled for only one session per week, then students who have not attend at least one of the first two session of a class must be dropped as a 'No Show' following the second session of the class.
Students can also be dropped for excessive absences (when a student absence exceeds at least 6% of the total hours of class time). To implement this practice, an instructor must state what constitutes excessive absence in the course syllabus. Additionally, the state monitors whether students who receive financial aid are attending classes.
To drop a student, use the process that is provided on the eServices faculty roster. The on-line roster of active students and dropped students will reflect students still actively enrolled and those that have been dropped.
Please use discretion in excusing student absences, for extenuating circumstances. Documented illness and official college field trips should be excused and the students granted an opportunity to make up the work missed.
The attendance accounting period is the third week of instruction for full-term classes. Attendance accounting for shorter and Odd Term classes is 20% of class time.
Dismissal of Classes
Faculty shall arrange their coursework in such a way that each full class session will meet at scheduled times. Care must also be exercised not to hold students beyond the scheduled time, in order that students have time. Such considerations impact both the district’s ability to claim apportionment for all class meeting times and the students’ rights to breaks during classes of extended duration. In addition, classes that meet beyond a specified number of minutes must have a break built into each class session.
Student Waiver
Each student in class that has activities beyond the lecture (e.g., use of tools, equipment, physical activity, etc.) must complete the Student Waiver form. This form must also be completed and signed for each field trip. This form has fill-in blanks so that instructors can input the class name/number or field trip name and print them out for students to sign. The waivers must be kept for two years. This form may not be changed without prior approval by the Los Rios CCD District General Services Department.
Final Exams
Los Rios policy requires that final projects, portfolios, performances, examinations, or other assessments must be completed by students enrolled in all courses. Grading principles are that every student be required to participate in the final course assessment. In addition, faculty members must meet their classes during the time scheduled for final assessment or examination, as the hours allocated for such activities are a portion of the total instructional hours for the course. Faculty should plan their final course assessments or exams so they have sufficient time to submit their final grades in accordance with the deadlines established by the District.
Children in the Classroom
It is a faculty member’s prerogative to allow or not allow children in class. While Los Rios policy does not prohibit this, parents must be made aware that if their children are allowed in class, they must not disrupt the class or be left out in the hall or in other rooms. The parent is responsible for the child’s behavior and should provide some quiet, non-disruptive activity. The college strongly recommends that children only be brought to class under exceptional circumstances and not on a regular basis.
Guidelines for Writing Your Course Syllabus
During the first meetings of the class, instructors shall provide course information to each student on the Course Syllabus. This information should include but not be limited to: course SLOs and objectives, grading procedures and requirements, class assignments, instructor office hours, and schedule of events.
Title V requires that college-level courses be of sufficient scope and intensity to require students to study outside of class time. A minimum of three hours of work per week per unit of credit, including class time, is required. This is pro-rated for short-term and lab classes. In addition, the course must require students to engage in critical thinking. Furthermore, there must also be an essay, written component, or skills demonstration. Often the critical thinking component can be combined with the written component by having the student submit a written report as a critical thinking assignment.
Syllabus Checklist
Course Information
- Course Name and Number
- Course Title
- Class Meeting and times
- Units of Credit
- Prerequisite/Advisory as listed in the College Catalog and official course outline from SOCRATES (you should verify each student's documentation; see the section of this Faculty/Staff Resource Guide called "Prerequisite Checking" for more detail)
- Materials Needed – required textbook(s); supplemental and optional materials
Instructor Information
- Instructor Name
- Office Location
- Contact Information (office phone #; voice mail phone #; web page information, e-mail address)
- Office Hours
Student Learning Outcomes/Course Objectives
- Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)/Course Objectives -- list the SLOs from the course outline. These should remain the same as those listed on the official Course Outline in Socrates.
- Optional Objectives --In addition to the SLOs and objectives listed on the official course outline, what additional objectives (if any) do you have for your students?
Course Requirements
- Nature of the Course -- Describe the scope of the course and the need for a student to study outside of class. Keep in mind that Title V requires that the course be of sufficient scope and intensity to require students to study a minimum of 3 hours per week for each unit of credit (including lecture and lab time).
- Critical Thinking -- A statement about this component of the course, including terms such as analyze, evaluate, synthesize, etc. (Title V requires critical thinking. Often the writing assignment and critical thinking requirements can be combined.)
- Reading Assignment(s) -- In addition to the textbook, do you require supplemental reading?
- Writing Assignment(s) -- Describe your requirements; i.e., term paper, book review, lab reports, problem-solving exercises, etc.(Title V requires written work).
- Assignments Outside of Class Time -- Describe homework assignments; i.e., workbook, journal, group, computer assisted activities, web-based research, making sure that assignments are clear, so that students understand what is expected of them.
- Attendance -- A statement of your attendance policy is important. Note: See college/district policy in the Catalog or Class Schedule.
- Supplemental Items -- Does your class include tutorial services, lab availability, web page support?If so, tell your students how to access these services?
Evaluation
- What combination of quizzes, exams, writing and reading requirements determines a student's final grade?
- What effect, if any, does attendance have on the student's final grade?
- Describe your grading policy. What scale will you use? If the final examination, alone, can result in passing or not passing, are there sufficient points assigned to it so that this part of your policy is not in conflict with your general scale?
- What is your policy regarding cheating?
- What constitutes proof of cheating?
- How will you apply your cheating policy? For example, does cheating result in a student's failure of a particular assignment or the entire course?
- What is your policy regarding make-up examinations/assignments?
Methods of Instruction
- Describe your present course structure; i.e., lecture/discussion, group discussion, guest speakers, distance education (TV, interactive TV, asynchronous web based, synchronous web, combinations of multiple modes of distance education).
- Distance Education:Under Title V, the use of distance education must be approved by the college Curriculum Committee.
Schedule of Events
- List is chronological order the dates for reading assignments, tests, term papers, etc.
- Include the date of the final examination.
Basic Needs Support and Student Services
- What do you want your students to know about the services that are available to help them be successful on campus?
- For basic needs, consider a statement like the following: "If you have difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or lack a safe and stable place to live, and believe this may affect your performance in this course, I urge you to visit The Hawk CARES Center (P48) for support. Furthermore, please notify me if you are comfortable so that I can provide support within our class. It's okay to ask for help."
Miscellaneous Policies
- Use of Cell Phones – If you plan to enforce a "turn cell phones off during class policy", it is helpful to include a statement of such on your syllabus.
- Other Expectations – Other policies you plan to enforce should be stated.
Field Trips
Field trips are permitted if they are planned to support the regularly scheduled educational program of a specific class and relevant to the fulfillment of stated course objectives on the Curriculum Course Outline. Required field trips must be in the course description, which appears in the catalog and the schedule of classes.
A faculty member who plans a field trip must complete a "Travel Authorization Request and Faculty Advisory" form and submit them to the division dean with a list of the names of students who will participate. These forms are available in the division/area office and on the forms page.
Advance approval is required for all student travel including field trips. Students must complete an "Agreement to Participate and Waiver/Assumption of Risk” form to participate in a class field trip. Copies of these forms must be filed in the division/area office before the field trip takes place. Students may be charged a transportation fee for non-required field trips.
Non-required field trips should not be counted toward a student’s grade, unless an alternate assignment is provided as an option. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor regarding the absence and missed work prior to the event.
Student Waiver
The Student Waiver form must be completed and signed by all students for each field trip that they take. This form has fill-in blanks so instructors can input the class name/number or field trip and print them out for students to sign. The waivers must be kept on file for two years. This blank form may not be changed without prior approval by the Los Rios CC District General Services Department.
Bus Requests
If a bus is needed for a field trip, performance, athletic or other event, one "Bus Request" form must be submitted for each event. All requests must be completely filled out and signed by the division/area dean or supervisor. The Bus Oversight Task Force Committee (BOT) meets and prioritizes funding requests for any bus trips for each fiscal year.
Out-of-State Travel
A travel request for out-of-state must be submitted four weeks prior to the travel date to allow time for both the College President and the Chancellor to approve the request prior to traveling. A memo from the area dean to the College President supporting and explaining the purpose of the travel must be attached when the form is submitted.
Student Participation in Field Trips or Athletic/Sports Events
Students who are absent from class because they are participating in a campus sponsored field trip or athletic event shall not be penalized for their absence. Students shall be allowed to make up missed work without penalty in a timely manner as specified by the instructor.
The Online Grading System (OGS) is a service within the Intranet that allows faculty at all Los Rios colleges to manage class rosters and submit grades. Roster information is downloaded daily from the district student information management system (PeopleSoft). Professors can access lists of students for each class that they are teaching and perform standard enrollment management functions such as giving out permission numbers and submitting withdrawal requests. Class rosters also include drop lists and wait lists, and there is a contacts page with student information.
At the end of the class session, professors use the OGS to submit final grades, incompletes, and positive attendance information. This information is stored in an Intranet database table and uploaded to the district's student information management server (PeopleSoft) daily. Once uploaded into the PeopleSoft server, this information becomes part of students' academic records and transcripts.
Grading
The specific policy and regulations on grading practices and standards can be found within the Los Rios District Policies and Regulations 7250 Grading Practices and Procedures.
Grade Posting in the PeopleSoft Student System
Students are assigned a unique student identification number. When posting student grades to the PeopleSoft Student System, this identification number is used to maintain privacy of student records. In no case, should grades be posted publicly using students' names and/or social security numbers. The Online Grading System Interface with PeopleSoft is used to post your students' grades.
Changing Grades
Only an instructor can change a student's grade. The two most common reasons for changing grades are removal of incompletes and correction of an error in computing or reporting the original grade. In order to accomplish the change, an instructor must complete a "grade change" form available from the Admissions & Records Office.
Incomplete Grade Report
The Incomplete Grade Report is a companion service to the OSG. When submitting final grades, professors may enter an incomplete for certain students in certain circumstances. Incomplete grades must be made up by students within one year. The Incomplete Grade Report provides tools for storing incomplete grade information for faculty.
Miscellaneous Grade Reports
Once grades are submitted, administrators and counselors can access various reports about submitted grades. Here is a brief description of some of the services available:
- Class Rosters for Administrators: Division deans and Records/Admissions employees can access rosters of any scheduled class and see if grades have been submitted.
- Grading for STAFF Classes: Records/Admissions staff can submit grades on behalf of contract education professors in certain circumstances using this tool.
- Grade Non-submission Reports: This report allows administrators to monitor class sections in which grades have not been turned in.
Grades and Grade Points
| Symbol | Definition | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|
|
A
|
Excellent
|
4
|
|
B
|
Good
|
3
|
|
C
|
Satisfactory
|
2
|
|
D
|
Passing, Less Than Satisfactory
|
1
|
|
F
|
Failing
|
0
|
|
CR
|
Credit (At least satisfactory. Units awarded not counted in GPA.)
|
N/A
|
|
NC
|
No Credit (Less than satisfactory or failing. Units not counted in GPA.)
|
N/A
|
For more information regarding grading, please contact the Admissions & Records Office.
Textbooks
The Hawks Nest Bookstore at CRC has many resources available to faculty for reviewing and selecting textbooks, as well as procedures for ordering textbooks and classroom supplies in a timely fashion, copyright procedures for instructional packets, and other important information about bookstore orders. These resources and procedures are available to you at the following link: Bookstore Guidelines for Faculty
Reserve Books in the Library
The CRC Library has established 'Library Liaisons' to assist you with ordering new books and reserving books for your classes, as well as media or periodical order requests, inter-library loans, research lists for your class, specialized library handouts, library research instructional sessions for your class, private instructional session for yourself on advanced searching techniques, how to use the library catalog, a specific research database, or Internet resources in your discipline. To contact your Library Liaison, please click on the following link: Faculty Library Liaisons.
Guidelines for Duplicating Copyrighted Materials
Los Rios District Policies and Regulations R-8333 provides the following guidelines for the use of copyrighted materials in compliance with Federal law.
Single copies may be made of printed materials for purposes of criticism, comment, teaching, scholarship, or research as follows:
- A chapter of a book
- An article from a periodical or a newspaper
- A short story, a short essay, or a short poem
- A chart, a graph, a diagram, a drawing, a cartoon or a picture from a book, a periodical, or a newspaper
- A single copy of an entire performable unit of music that is confirmed by the copyright to be out of print or that is unavailable except in a larger work, when made for academic purpose other than performance and solely for the teacher's research or class preparation.
Multiple copies, not to exceed one copy per student, may be made for or by a faculty member for classroom use, provided that:
- Each copy carries the copyright notice
- The copying is not used to substitute for the purchase of printed materials
- The copying is not used to create or substitute for anthologies or other collective works
- The copying is not from works described as “consumable” such as workbooks, standardized tests, test booklets, answer sheets, etc.
- The copying meets the tests for brevity, spontaneity, and cumulative effect.
Guidelines are also available through Los Rios District Policies and Regulations R-8333 on copyright protecting your independent or district developed materials.
Printing Services at CRC
Basic, free (i.e., no charge to the department) services are available from campus Printing Services for black and white copies of standard class materials such as course syllabi, exams, and short handouts used to supplement instruction.
Canvas Learning Management System (LMS)
The Los Rios Community College District uses the Instructure Canvas LMS for online learning. Canvas can be accessed by logging into the Los Rios Single Sign On site.
California Virtual Campus - Online Education Initiative (CVC-OEI)
The Los Rios Community College District is a participating member of the CVC-OEI. Approved courses from the district are offered on the California Virtual Campus Exchange.
Faculty LMS Support
Faculty can get support from the Center for Instructional Innovation on the best use of Canvas, learn how to teach online, or get assistance incorporating innovative technologies into their courses.
Student LMS Support
Students can get assistance with the use of Canvas by contacting the Los Rios Information Technology Help Desk.
Checking a Student's Pre-Requisite or Co-requisite Documentation for Your Class
Ask that students bring one of the following forms of documentation to you during the first few days of class to verify that they meet prerequisites for your course:
- Assessment Placement Results (The report is from the Assessment Center, verifying that the student has tested at the course placement level appropriate for this course.) OR
- Transcripts showing that the student has taken the required course(s) at CRC, another community college or at a four-year college/university. (Students can print unofficial transcripts at the Admissions and Records Office.) OR
- A "Pre-Requisite Verification" or a "Multiple Criteria Course Placement" form signed by a CRC counselor, verifying the review of transcripts, assessment scores, and/or advanced placement tests that ensure the students has the required skill level to take your course.
If a student cannot provide one of these documents, you must drop him/her from your class. The student may challenge the prerequisite requirement through your division or the counseling office by completing the "Prerequisite Challenge" or the "Student Petition" form. Allow the student to attend class during the challenge process period.
When Controversial Issues Arise:
Presenting Information Openly and Fairly
- The individual faculty member who is discussing controversial issues should present the issues openly, with fairness and clarity.
- The faculty member should avoid imposing personal opinions by the pressure of authority in the classroom.
- Arguments should be presented from various points of view, taking care to distinguish between objective facts and personal opinions.
- Students should be encouraged to analyze issues impersonally, and to draw independent conclusions.
Freedom to Teach
- The faculty member occupies a position of trust in relation both to students and to the community. The freedom to teach like freedoms in other areas must be a responsible freedom which in no way implies the freedom to advocate overthrow of the government by force, or to mold student opinion in any illegal direction.
- The issues presented in the classroom should be related to the courses of study and to the general education program of the College. The method of presentation should encourage critical thinking by the students.
Faculty Member's Role Outside Classroom
- Outside the classroom, a faculty member speaks and acts as a private citizen. The role as a teacher is independent of religious and political affiliations and choice of community or private activities. He/she should be aware, however, that the public may judge the profession and institution by utterances.
- The faculty member should at all times exercise appropriate restraint and show respect for the opinions of others. Except on those occasions when he/she has been specially designated as the representative of the College, every effort should be made to indicate that he/she is not an institutional spokesperson when presenting a particular viewpoint.
Outside Speakers and Controversial Topics
- When controversial topics are presented on campus by outside speakers, it may be appropriate to take certain steps to expose deception or encourage clear thinking. Such action may take the form of requiring that time be reserved at the meeting for questions, selected rebuttal speakers or for free debate, or it may take the form of distributing written statements of alternative views. The objective in all such cases would be that of supporting the function of the College to develop in students an understanding of conflicting points of view, but not to indoctrinate.