TOP 10DO'S AND DON'TS

Ohio University LancasterJanet Becker

Top 10 Do’s

1. Distribute a well-constructed, clear syllabus to the class in the first week. Be sure to address topics required by the University. (see Reference Materials for sample syllabus)

2. Use your OHIO e-mail for communication with students, colleagues and staff. Check it regularly!

3. Use the final exam time allotted to your class at OU-L/P. (p. 5 & Reference Materials). Final exams should be during final exam week.

4. Give students adequate feedback to make a decision about withdrawing from the class by the withdrawal date. (p. 7)

5. Have a student volunteer proctor your student evaluations. Leave the room! (p. 4)

Top 10 Do’s (cont’d)

6. Help the students to understand common forms of plagiarism regarding class assignments. (p. 2)

7. Advise students that tutoring may be available in areas outside of math and writing. Math and writing labs take tutor referrals from professors. (p. 14)

8. Read the student complaint policy. Students normally need to address issues with the faculty member first. (p.11)

9. Contact Student Services with information regarding a problematic student situation.

10. Review the emergency procedures. Review list of important dates (see Reference Materials).

Top 10 Don’ts

1. Do not give inadequate feedback about graded assignments—common area of student complaint.

2. Do not make significant changes to the distributed syllabus except for clarification or extenuating circumstances.

3. Do not post class grade information in any fashion that could compromise students privacy or violate FERPA. Please use the Blackboard grade book environment. (p. 4)

4. Do not use the incomplete grade option except for highly extenuating circumstances. Please use the incomplete grade contract to record details of the agreement with the student. (See Reference Materials for contract).

5. Do not expect immediate service from faculty secretaries. Plan ahead; use OHIO e-mail to send copy requests.

Top 10 Don’ts (cont’d)

6. Do not change classrooms or rearrange equipment. Address needs with the Associate Dean’s Office (p. 3).

7. Do not cancel class without notifying University – use “Lancaster Cancelled Sections” email (p. 1 and handout).

8. Do not interact with students in any way that could be construed as “harassing.” (p. 6)

9. Do not forget to submit your final grades on time. (p. 6)10. Do not delay calling 9-911 in any sort of emergency

situation. Please locate the phone nearest to your classroom.

More considerations as the semester ensues…

1. Division Coordinator, Associate Dean, disciplinary colleagues, and Student Services are all resources for common problems that may arise.

2. Use the MyOHIO portal which integrates mail, Bb and other important sites. Encourage students to do so too.

3. Look for periodic reminders and other announcements by OHIO email. Check the mailroom mailbox assigned to you for important information as well.

4. Please become familiar with the summaries of important contacts in the Reference Material and Important Dates on p. 7.

5. Testing Center may be used for individual make ups or tests for online/blended classes—please review their hours of operation in Lancaster and Pickerington.

More considerations as the semester ensues…

6. Students with documented disabilities will inform you with a formal letter of permitted special provisions—please handle with discretion.

7. Park in the designated faculty/staff parking (south) lot if possible. Obtain a temporary tag from the Dean’s Office. Athens permit is OK.

8. First pay is normally on August 31st; last pay Dec. 31st for Fall Semester. Faculty paid 15th and end of month.

9. Enter textbook information in a timely fashion for next semester through the registrar’s site.

10. Review campus website on occasion. Much info for the greater campus/community.