Course Syllabus: course name

Term, Section number

Title, Instructor
Kent State University
School, College, and Department
Office Phone:
Email:

Delivery: 100% Web-Based, Asynchronous change for hybrid or synchronous

Dates:

Course Information

Course Description
Provide a brief overview of the course including:

 How it fits into the curriculum of the program.

 Why this course is relevant to students’ course of study, and how the skills learned
in this course will transfer to the work setting or contribute to their development as
life-long learners.

 Describe the conceptual structure of the course and its weekly / modular folder
organization, i.e. why or how the order is a logical progression toward achieving
course goals and learning objectives.

Be sure to acknowledge whether or not the course meets or fulfills specific program or
university requirements, such as Kent CORE courses, and include any mandated
language describing requirement fulfillment.

Course Times and Location

This is a fully online course. There will be no face-to-face meetings. All assignments have
due dates; please refer to the course schedule located within the course.

EDIT THIS LANGUAGE AS NEEDED FOR A HYBRID COURSE.

Prerequisites
List any and all course prerequisites such as specific skills, knowledge or courses that are
required. Make sure to include banner course number and title for required courses. If
there are NO course prerequisites, the following statement might be included:

This course has no prerequisites and does not assume any previous knowledge of [the
subject matter, etc. of your course.]

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Course Goals
By the end of this course, you will:

1.
2.
3.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

1.
2.
3.

Learning Materials
List all required, recommended or supplemental course materials:

 Clearly identify which materials are required, recommended or supplemental.

 List all required textbooks, workbooks, websites, etc.
 Be sure to include specific details such as title, author, ISBN #.
 Include links to any supplemental materials that accompany required textbooks
such as a companion website, ePUB digital textbook, etc.
 Direct students to sources where they can purchase required course materials.

Some of the materials in this course are stored in Course Reserves. These materials will
not be available to you through Course Reserves after the course ends. It is
recommended that you download and save these materials for future reference.

Access to the required textbook may be available through Flashbooks at a discounted

rate applied to your account, and no additional purchase is needed. You may manage
your options and access the e-book within your course. For additional information,
please see the Flash Books Student FAQ.

Technology Requirements and Skills

Computer Hardware and Software

Review the Technology Requirements section of the Getting Started in Your Online
Course site (located within your course) for important information including links to free
or discounted versions of required software.

A personal computer with consistent, reliable Internet access is required:

1. A DSL or cable connection to the Internet; dial-up is not sufficient.

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 2. Laptop or desktop computer with a minimum of a 2 GHz processor and a
recommended 8GB of RAM (minimum of 4GB of RAM)

You should have the following software installed on your computer:

1. An actively supported and fully updated version of a current OS, such as

Windows 11 or macOS 12 or later.
2. Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
3. Antivirus for Windows OS, Microsoft Security Essentials OR Antivirus for Mac OS,
Sophos
4. A compatible browser, such as the latest version of Firefox, Chrome, or Safari.

Technology Skills
List all the technology skills students will need to be successful. This might include:
navigating a computer operating system, launching and quitting applications, connecting
to the Internet, using a web browser to search the World Wide Web, downloading,
saving, and uploading files, and sending and replying to email. It might also include basic
skills in MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and any other software applications that the course
will be using.

In order to be successful in this course, you must be able to: navigate a computer
operating system, launch and quit applications, connect to the Internet, use a web
browser to search the World Wide Web, download, save, and upload files, and send and
reply to email. You must be proficient in MS Word.

Canvas
This class will use Canvas, the official learning management system (LMS) used by Kent
State University to deliver course materials to university students. ALL course materials
and activities will take place in Canvas.

In order to login to the online Canvas LMS, you will need a Kent State FlashLine User
Name ID and password.

 You can login to Canvas either through FlashLine or via a direct link to the login
page: https://kent.instructure.com/login

For help using the LMS, use the “Canvas Student Guides” link in your course.

In general, Canvas works best using the latest version of most major web browsers,
including Firefox, Chrome, and Safari.

Technology Help Guidelines

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A. 30-Minute Rule: When you encounter struggles with technology, give yourself 30
minutes to ‘figure it out.’ If you cannot, then post a message to the discussion board;
your peers may have suggestions to assist you. You are also directed to contact the
KSU Helpdesk 24/7. As a last resort, contact me. However, do not expect an
immediate reply, and I cannot guarantee that I will be able to help with any and all
technology issues.

B. When posting or sending email requesting help with technology issues, whether to
the Helpdesk or me, use the following guidelines:

1. Include a descriptive title for the subject field that includes 1) the name of
course 2) the issue. Do NOT just simply type “Help” into the subject field or
leave it blank.
2. List the steps or describe the circumstance that preceded the technical issue
or error. Include the exact wording of the error message.
3. When possible, always include a screenshot(s) demonstrating the technical
issue or error message.
4. Also include what you have already tried to do to remedy the issue
(rebooting, trying a different browser, etc.).

Policies and Expectations

Online Attendance Policy

Online courses are conducted on the premise that regular attendance requires students
to log into the learning management system (LMS). Attendance is measured both by
virtual presence in the online course and student interaction with course learning
materials and assignments. Students are expected to check their Kent State e-mail and
to log into the system multiple times (at least every other day) during the week.

All actions by students in the LMS can be tracked. At any time during the course, an
instructor may generate a report that indicates when and how long individual students
have been logged into the LMS, or engaged with course materials or course tools.

Students who anticipate an absence from the online course due to technical or medical
reasons should consult with the instructor individually. An absence due to illness or
injury requires verification from a medical professional and should be presented to the
instructor.

Citation Policy
This course uses the American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines for
citations. All written work should comply with the Publication Manual of the APA.

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Communication Policy
1. Email course questions and personal concerns, including grading questions, to
me privately using your @kent.edu email. Do NOT submit posts of a personal
nature to the discussion board.
2. Email will be checked at least twice per day Monday through Friday; Saturday
and Sunday, email is checked once per day. During the week, I will respond to all
emails within 24 hours; on weekends and holidays, allow up to 48 hours. If there
are special circumstances that will delay my response, I will make an
announcement to the class.
3. For questions related to technology, please contact the KSU Helpdesk for 24/7
support.

Online Student Conduct and (N)etiquette

Communicating appropriately in the online classroom can be challenging. In order to
minimize this challenge, it is important to remember several points of “internet
etiquette” that will smooth communication for both students and instructors:

1. Read first, Write later. Read the entire set of posts/comments on a discussion
board before posting your reply, in order to prevent repeating commentary or
asking questions that have already been answered.
2. Avoid language that may come across as strong or offensive. Language can be
easily misinterpreted in written electronic communication. Review email and
discussion board posts BEFORE submitting. Humor and sarcasm may be easily
misinterpreted by your reader(s). Try to be as matter-of-fact and professional as
possible.
3. Follow the language rules of the Internet. Do not write using all capital letters,
because it will appear as shouting. Also, the use of emoticons can be helpful
when used to convey nonverbal feelings. J
4. Consider the privacy of others. Ask permission prior to giving out a classmate's
email address or other information.
5. Keep attachments small. If it is necessary to send pictures, change the size to an
acceptable 250kb or less (there are several programs you can use to do this such
as: Photoshop, Paint, GIMP, and picresize.com).
6. No inappropriate material. Do not forward virus warnings, chain letters, jokes,
etc. to classmates or instructors. The sharing of pornographic material is
forbidden.

NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to remove posts that are not collegial in nature and/or do not
meet the Online Student Conduct and Etiquette guidelines listed above.

University Use of Electronic Email

A university-assigned student e-mail account is the official university means of
communication with all students at Kent State University. Students are responsible for
all information sent to them via their university-assigned e-mail account. If a student
chooses to forward information in their university e-mail account, he or she is
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responsible for all information, including attachments, sent to any other e-mail account.
To stay current with university information, students are expected to check their official
university e-mail account and other electronic communications on a frequent and
consistent basis. Recognizing that some communications may be time-critical, the
university recommends that electronic communications be checked minimally twice a
week.

Assignments and Grades

A detailed breakdown of course assignments and due dates by lesson module is

available as a separate .pdf document that can be accessed in Canvas by clicking on the
Syllabus link in the course menu.

Writing Assignments
Students should submit all writing assignments via Canvas using the following
guidelines:

Make sure to clearly state how students are required to format, cite, and submit their
written work for your online course. The following should be included:

 Style manual for formatting and/or citation (MLA/APA); Instructions / directions

for locating, using the style manual or link to appropriate documentation in your
online course.
 Specific style requirements: name in header, line spacing, page numbers, min
font size, font family.
 Will assignments use plagiarism checking software? Provide information and
instructions.
 Specify what tool(s) will be used to submit written work.
 Naming convention for files (e.g. LastnameFirstname-AssignmentTitle.docx).
 Protocol for subject of message when submitting via email (e.g. Smith, J. Psych
101 Assignment 1).

Discussion Boards
Clearly state your expectations for participation in the course discussion forums. If
discussions are an integral part of your course, clearly explain how students will be
graded for their participation in the online discussions. You might want to include the
following:

 Number of required posts, number of required replies.

 Recurring, scheduled due dates (and times) for posts and replies.
 Specific criteria that outlines satisfactory posts and replies (could be a mini-
rubric in the post directions or a rubric attached to a discussion forum topic).
 Any conventions for posting such as title of Subject line, attaching files, etc.

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  Any individual rules/policies about posting. For example, whether or not
students are allowed to edit their post once it’s been posted to the discussion
board, whether or not they should read other student’s posts or post first then
read and reply, etc.

Tests and Quizzes

For any quizzes, tests, or exams provide the information the students will need to know
in order to take and submit them in the way you would prefer.

 Provide links and instructions for any special software your exams use, such as
plagiarism checkers or proctoring services.
 Remind students to avoid refreshing their browser during a test and that only
Firefox, Chrome, and Safari are supported browsers.
 Give students information about the settings for your tests: if there is a timer,
how long it is, if the test is auto-submitted at the end of the time, how many
attempts are available, if there are multiple attempts if the highest or most
recent grade will be taken, etc.
 Tell students if the quiz or exam is open-book, open-note, etc. Also let them
know if there are any quizzes or exams where they may receive partial credit for
their answer.

Rubrics
A grading rubric is a list of specific and measurable criteria for evaluating course work.
Grading rubrics should be viewed prior to beginning work on a graded discussion or
assignment, to help guide the successful completion of the task, and again once a grade
has been posted to view instructor feedback.

To view grading rubrics for instructor feedback on scored assignments, click on the link
to Grades located in the main navigation sidebar in your course. On the Grades page, a
link to the rubric is displayed next to the total assignment points.

Late and Make-up Work Policy

Clearly state the university, department, and/or personal policy for late and make-up
work. Include specific criteria for designating work “late” or circumstances that qualify
for make-up work. State any reduction in points, etc. for late and make-up work and
how it might affect the final grade.

Grading and Feedback

Feedback on assessments is vital. It is important that students understand where, when,
and how they will receive feedback on all graded assessments. Include the following:

 Where do students find their grades and feedback?

 How often will grades be posted? How long after quiz, exam, assignments, etc.
can students expect feedback?
 What type of feedback is going to be provided (written, voice)?

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  Will assignments be returned to students?
 Is there an established process or policy for handling disputes or appeals of
students’ grades?
 Clearly state when you will have assignments graded with feedback. For a
typical, 15-week course, it is recommended to have an assignment graded within
one week of when learners turn it in; for shortened courses, this turnaround
time will also need shortened.
 Also consider when learners will need graded work returned in order to use the
feedback to improve their work on a future assignment. In these cases, the one-
week turnaround time may need to be shortened.

Assignment Distribution and Grading Scale

Method of Assessment Number of Assessments Total Points

Total Possible Points

Some instructors prefer to use a weighted grading system. Many students, especially
undergraduates, may not be familiar with this scheme. If you are NOT using a weighted
grading scale, delete the links below.

You can calculate your weighted average grade at any time during the course by using
one of the following online tools listed below:

 Blacks Domain Weighted Average Grade Calculator

 Mercer University Weighted Average Grade Calculator

Percentage of Earned
Earned Points Grade
Points

94% - 100% 940-1000 A

90% - less than 94% 900-929 A-

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 87% - less than 90% 870-899 B+

84% - less than 87% 840-869 B

80% - less than 84% 800-839 B-

77% - less than 80% 770-799 C+

74% - less than 77% 740-769 C

70% - less than 74% 700-739 C-

67% - less than 70% 670-699 D+

64% - less than 67% 640-669 D

Under 64% 639 and under F

University Policies

Students are required to be aware of and follow all general and academic policies
established by Kent State University. A list of the general academic policies is listed on
the Kent State University Policy Register, which can be found in the University policies
section of the Getting Started in Your Online Course link within your course. Specific
policies related to the successful completion of this online course can be located and
reviewed in your course.

University policies are located in the University policies section of the Getting Started in
Your Online Course link within your course. [Include this only if you are using the Kent
State Online template, or include this information in your online course].

Students with Disabilities

Kent State University is committed to inclusive and accessible education experiences for
all students. University Policy 3342-3-01.3 requires that students with disabilities be
provided reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to course content.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to connect with Student Accessibility Services
as early as possible to establish accommodations. If you anticipate or experience
academic barriers based on a disability (including mental health, chronic medical
conditions, or injuries), please let me know immediately.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Contact Information: University Library, Suite 100,
Email: sas@kent.edu, Phone: 330-672-3391; VP 330-968-0490, Web: www.kent.edu/sas

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The LMS accessibility statement can be found in the University policies section of the
Getting Started in Your Online Course link within your course.

Course Enrollment and Withdrawal

University policy requires all students to be officially registered in each class they are
attending. Students who are not officially registered for a course by published deadlines
should not be attending classes and will not receive credit or a grade for the course.
Each student must confirm enrollment by checking his/her class schedule (using Student
Tools in FlashLine) prior to the deadline indicated.

If registration errors are not corrected by this date and you continue to attend and
participate in classes for which you are not officially enrolled, you are advised now that
you will not receive a grade at the conclusion of the semester for any class in which you
are not properly registered. Also, it is your responsibility to check the withdrawal dates
for each semester.

Every class has its own schedule of deadlines and considerations. To view the add/drop
schedule and other important dates for this class, go to Student > Resources > Courses
and Registration in FlashLine. Choose View or Print Course Schedule and Purchase
Textbooks. To see the deadlines for this course, click on the CRN. The add/drop schedule
and important dates may also be found on the Drop or Add a Course link. Click on the
green clock next to the course under Registration Deadlines.

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity

Students enrolled in the university, at all its campuses, are to perform their academic
work according to standards set by faculty members, departments, schools and colleges
of the university; and cheating and plagiarism constitute fraudulent misrepresentation
for which no credit can be given and for which appropriate sanctions are warranted and
will be applied.

For more information see the Kent State policy on plagiarism in the University policies
section of the Getting Started in Your Online Course link within your course.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Kent State University is committed to the creation and maintenance of equitable and
inclusive learning spaces. This course is a learning environment where all will be treated
with respect and dignity, and where all individuals will have an equitable opportunity to
succeed. The diversity that each student brings to this course is viewed as a strength
and a benefit. Dimensions of diversity and their intersections include but are not limited
to: race, ethnicity, national origin, primary language, age, gender identity and
expression, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, mental and physical abilities, socio-
economic status, family/caregiver status, and veteran status.

Title IX statement

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Kent State is committed to fostering a safe, productive learning environment. As an
instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment in our
class. Kent State’s (and federal law Title IX) policy prohibit discrimination based on sex,
which includes sexual misconduct — (sexual harassment, domestic and dating violence,
sexual assault, and stalking). We understand that sexual violence can undermine
students’ academic success and we encourage students who have experienced some
form of sexual misconduct to talk to someone about their experience, so they can get
the support they need.

It is my goal that you feel able to share information related to your life experiences in
classroom discussions, in your written work, and in our one-on-one meetings. I will seek
to keep information you share private to the greatest extent possible. However, I also
have a responsibility to notify the Title IX Coordinator when I become aware of incidents
of sexual misconduct.

Students may speak privately (without disclosing name) to the Sexual and Relationship
Violence Support Services (SRVSS) 330-672-8016 or www.kent.edu/srvss.

Students may speak confidentially to Psychological Services 330-672-2487.

Request for Religious Accommodation

The University welcomes individuals from all different faiths, philosophies, religious
traditions, and other systems of belief, and supports their respective practices. In
compliance with University policy and the Ohio Revised Code, the University permits
students to request class absences for up to three (3) days, per semester, in order to
participate in organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious
denomination, church, or other religious or spiritual organization. Students will not be
penalized as a result of any of these excused absences.

The request for excusal must be made, in writing, during the first fourteen (14) days of
the semester and include the date(s) of each proposed absence or request for
alternative religious accommodation. The request must clearly state that the proposed
absence is to participate in religious activities. The request must also provide the
particular accommodation(s) you desire.

You will be notified by me if your request is approved, or, if it is approved with

modification. I will work with you in an effort to arrange a mutually agreeable
alternative arrangement. For more information regarding this Policy you may contact
the Student Ombuds.

Subject to Change Statement

The syllabus and course schedule may be subject to change. Changes will be
communicated via email or the course announcement tool. It is the responsibility of

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students to check email messages and course announcements to stay current in their
online courses.

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