Syllabus Policy Language

Millikin University Syllabus Student Guidelines
for All Courses

TECHNICAL, CLASSROOM, AND COLLEGE POLICY INFORMATION

University Commitment to Student Success

Millikin University is committed to the success of all students. As such, the University provides a variety of services devoted to academic support of both undergraduate and graduate students, although some service provision may vary by degree level. The Student Success Center serves as the hub for these services. Services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Tutoring
• Supplemental Instruction
• Study Skill Assistance
• One on One Advising 
• Major Change Assistance
• Development of Personalized Academic Growth and Success Plans
• Support of Exploratory Studies majors
• Support for students on Academic Probation or Progress Warning 
• Accommodations for Students with special learning needs
• Online Resource Library
• Career Closet, which provides free professional clothing for students 

In addition to Student Success Center, the University Writing and Math Centers offer students intensive support in these subject areas.

Academic Integrity Standards

The intellectual and moral integrity of an academic community depends upon an uncompromising commitment to honesty which guides the actions of all its members. Any disregard for this threatens the unrestricted and honest exchange of knowledge. The Faculty has the right and the responsibility to hold students to high ethical standards in conduct and in works performed, as befits a scholar at the university. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to:

• Cheating
• Collusion
• Electronic Dishonesty
• Grade Falsification
• Plagiarism

Faculty members have the responsibility to investigate all suspected breaches of academic integrity that arise in their courses and shall have the authority to decide whether the student(s) has violated the Academic Integrity Policy. If it is determined that the violation occurred, the faculty member will decide the consequences, taking into account the severity and circumstances surrounding the violation, and will inform the student in writing, forwarding a copy of the letter to the Registrar and to the Dean of Student Development.

Consequences to an academic integrity violation include, but are not limited to:

• A letter in the student’s academic file
• Failure on assignment(s)
• Failure in the course
• Issuance of an XF for the course
• Conduct hearing with Student Development

If a student received an XF, this remains as a permanent grade and cannot be removed from the official transcript. Some programs and majors have more explicit ethical standards, which supersede this Policy, and violation of which may result in dismissal from some programs or majors within the University. The complete policy may be found at https://millikin.edu/about/administration/student-affairs/student-handbook.

Millikin acknowledges that generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging tool in the academic world. The use of generative AI in coursework must be pre-approved by the instructor of the course. It is up to the student to receive pre-approval to use generative AI technologies on any assignment, project, or exam in advance. Unapproved uses of generative AI are considered a violation of academic integrity.

Disruptive Behavior Policy

Students who exhibit behaviors that are considered to obstruct or disrupt the course goals or learning environment are subject to student conduct action per the University Standards of Conduct.  Behaviors that are considered disruptive include, but are not limited to: tardiness, sleeping, inappropriate use of mobile or electronic devices, use of language that is offensive or discriminatory, excessive interruption, and/or repeated violation of faculty or classroom expectations which are stated in the course syllabus.  Students who exhibit such behavior may be dismissed from the class and referred to Student Development.

Distance Delivery Components

Millikin University is committed to providing support for students using technology resources in pursuit of academic success.  The Department of Information Technology resides in Shilling Hall and offers walk-in support. Please visit https://millikin.libguides.com/ed-tech/Ed-Tech-for-students for link, resources, and additional information that aid in the use of technology in distance/hybrid delivery and technology policies.

Dropping a Course and the University Withdrawal Policy

There is an add/drop deadline for each academic term. During the allowed period, students may elect to add or drop courses through the online course registration system. After the initial course registration period, students will need a new time ticket assigned by their academic advisor to withdraw from a class. Courses dropped during the appropriate period result in a W on the student transcript. Courses dropped after this period will result in the earned grade at the time of drop. 

Students who leave the University during or at the end of the semester must report to the Registrar’s Office to complete the necessary procedures and forms. Students who withdraw from the University may be eligible to receive a refund of charges assessed by the University in accordance with the refund schedules (undergraduate traditional, accelerated, or graduate) posted in the Academic Bulletin.  Students may also be involuntarily withdrawn if they engage or threaten to engage in behavior which poses a danger of causing physical harm to self or others. The Involuntary Withdrawal Policy may be found in the Student Handbook.

Course Evaluations

Millikin University utilizes online course evaluations which are available beginning in the last week of each course term. Students may log into their MyMillikin portal to complete course evaluations. Evaluations are considered an important part of the teaching and students should feel comfortable giving thoughtful, honest feedback. 

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY WELL BEING GUIDELINES

Creating an Equitable and Inclusive Learning Environment

Dignity and respect for individuals, and dedication to a diverse and inclusive community are among the core values that shape the work we do at Millikin University including our work together in this class. All employees of the university strive to assure that we live by these core values and abide by the requirements of the law to protect people against discrimination or mistreatment. This requires active attention and involvement from every member of the Millikin community, and that all members of the community, especially students, are empowered and comfortable sharing information and reporting concerns. Faculty members work with students as teachers, mentors, and advisors, but there are also times when faculty members are required to report information that may be shared with them, especially if it involves gender-based violence and sexual misconduct or information about a crime that may have occurred on the Millikin campus. It is very important for you to know about the University policies and reporting mechanisms available to you help assure that Millikin is the best university community it can be. The following paragraphs detail specific information about university commitments and ways in which you can report problems of this type. 

Title IX, Sexual Misconduct, and Gender-Based Violence 

Complete policy can be found at:  https://millikin.edu/employment/acts-compliances 

Millikin University is committed to creating a campus culture of respect that is free from discrimination, sex discrimination and sexual misconduct of all forms. Sexual misconduct is unlawful and will not be tolerated. Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are subject to the same rights and support as other protected categories. Gender-based violence is defined by any action (sexual or not) that is motivated by the gender-identity of the victim. Gender-related violence 

includes domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The sexual misconduct guidelines in the student handbook govern these offenses as well. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct or gender-based violence, or you know of an alleged incident, you can speak to someone CONFIDENTIALLY by contacting Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center 217-428-0770, and can file a report directly to any one of the following: 

·  Todd Ray, Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator @ taray@millikin.edu ; 217-362-6416; 

·  Dr. Wallace Southerland, Vice President for Student Affairs/Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students @ wsoutherland@millikin.edu ; 217-424-6395; 

·  Electronic reports can be submitted confidentially to TitleIX@millikin.edu. Electronic reports will be responded to within 12 hours. 

·  Campus Conduct Hotline, an anonymous reporting line, 866-943-5787 or the online system: http://www.intouchwebsite.com/CCH1959

It is important to remember that all Millikin University employees are designated as mandatory reporters under Title IX. This means that if you share information related to an incidence of sexual misconduct or gender-based violence, any faculty member will be required to report that information to our Title IX coordinators. The University’s initial concern is for the survivor’s physical well-being. Students who have been victims of sexual misconduct or gender-related violence are strongly encouraged to seek medical treatment immediately at the emergency room at Decatur Memorial Hospital or St. Mary’s Hospital. Students may also seek support through our Student Mental and Behavioral Health Services staff at 217-424-6360. For more information and resources go to MyMillikin, and find the Title IX Resources icon under Tools or email TitleIX@Millikin.edu.

Disabilities Accommodations Policy 

Please address any special needs or special accommodations with your instructor at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you should submit your documentation to the Student Success Center, located in University Commons 312. 

Gender Expression and Identity 

At Millikin you have the right to define your own identity. You have the right to be called by the name you wish, and for your name to be pronounced correctly. You have the right to ask to be referred to by the pronoun that makes sense to you. You have the right to adjust those things at any point in your education. Students whose preferred names do not match their state issued identification may have their preferred name placed on their Millikin student identification card, their student email account, and diploma. Students must make these requests by contacting Student Affairs at 217-424-6395. If you find that there are aspects of course instruction, subject matter, or classroom environment that result in barriers to your inclusion, please contact your instructor privately without fear of reprisal.

Bias Incidents or Discriminatory Practices 

Millikin University respects and values diversity. At Millikin, diversity is understood in broad terms, including race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender, disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and age. 

Through ongoing efforts to recruit diverse students, staff, faculty, and administrators and by creating an environment that values diversity, Millikin seeks to provide an engaged learning community in which diversity enhances the total educational experience. 

Any student that feels belittled, disrespected, threatened, or unsafe because of their identity or background needs to report such incidents. Millikin’s response will include engagement in educational dialogue and constructive action to address bias incidents. Confidential reporting options include utilizing the Campus Conduct Hotline via toll- free phone (866) 943-5787 or the online system: http://www.intouchwebsite.com/CCH1959. In addition, for faculty/staff related complaints, students may file a grievance with Human Resources, 217-362-6416. For student related complaints, students may also contact the Vice President for Student Affairs, 217-424-6395. 

Student Well-Being 

As a student, you may experience a range of issues that can negatively impact your learning, such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal or sexual violence, difficulty eating or sleeping, loss/grief, and/or alcohol/drug problems. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance and affect your ability to participate in day-to-day activities. In order to support you during such challenging times, Millikin provides free and confidential counseling and resources to all enrolled students through Student Mental and Behavioral Health Services located in the Millikin health clinic, 217-424-6360. 

*Faculty may have additional language for specific policies and/or course-specific policies. Please consult individual course syllabi for more information.