Curriculum & Assessment Information

Dr. Emma C. Rainforth

Acting Vice Provost for Curriculum and Assessment

January 14, 2010

Syllabus Templates

• Published by Academic Review Committee (ARC)

– http://ww2.ramapo.edu/facultystaff/fa/arc/index.aspx?id=4599

• Course description can be found on the Course Catalog page

• The convening group may have specified Student Learning Outcomes for the course

– The outcome is specified… but how you get there is (generally) up to you!

• If it is a Gen Ed course, include this information.

– Gen Ed category descriptions are at http://www.ramapo.edu/catalog_09_10/general-education.html

• Other features: need statements on Academic Integrity Policy, Students with Disabilities

Academic Integrity

• http://www.ramapo.edu/catalog_09_10/academic-policies.html

• Any incident (cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, academic misconduct) should be referred to Dr. Emma Rainforth - x7532, erainfor@ramapo.edu

• Submit syllabus, student work, assignment instructions, source material that was plagiarised, etc.

• If the occurrence is at the end of semester and can not be resolved before grades are due, Emma will assign a ‘Z’ grade. Once the case is resolved, you will be notified that you can do a grade change to the appropriate grade

– If the grade is not changed within one calendar year the Z reverts to an F.

‘Experiential Learning Component’

• Why? – Students receive 4 credits for 3.6 credits worth of contact time.

– Experiential learning is one of our pillars

• Five hours (over the semester) worth of unmonitored experience relating to the course– E.g. attending lectures, going to a museum, play, etc.

– It is suggested that the student rings that experience back to the classroom in some form

• Some programs may specify the ELC - check with your Convener

• Lecture/lab courses do not need the 5 hours - students are receiving 4 credits for 7.2 credits worth of contact time

Registration Issues

• Capacity overrides - at your discretion– Lab / computer classrooms - ensure there are enough seats!

• Add/drop deadline - Jan 26– This is the last day to adjust schedules ‘for free’

– After Jan 26 a student may withdraw from a class (and receive 50% refund thru Feb 9), but may not add a class

• Withdrawal deadline - March 23– Please remind students of the deadline before Spring Break

– If you are not around on the 23rd, ensure your students know. You can opt to have the Unit Secretary sign W forms on your behalf (just make sure they and the students know this!)

– If a student wishes to withdraw for medical reasons after this deadline, refer them to Counseling & Health Services. There is a procedure for Medical Withdrawals. (The student must W from all courses.)

Incomplete Grades

• In extenuating circumstances

• 2/3 of course work must have been satisfactorily completed

• Student must initiate the request, and take the form (signed by you) to the Registrar’s office

– If it is not possible for the student to do so - e.g., it is the day of the deadline and the ‘extenuating circumstance’ is dire (e.g. hospitalization), please submit a written (email) authorization from the student along with an Incomplete form completed by you on the student’s behalf.

– Ensure the form lists the work which needs to be completed

• Deadline to request - May 11

Students with Disabilities

• In order to be eligible for accommodations, students must be registered with the Office of Specialized Services

• OSS will send you a list of any students in your classes that are registered with them, and the accommodations that they may request

• Students must initiate requests for accommodations (e.g. extended testing time, alternate testing location).

Writing

• Writing assistance: Center for Academic Success (E-wing)

• Writing Intensive courses

– College English, Readings in Humanities, and other designated courses

– Writing is infused through the course. Students receive feedback on writing throughout the course

– Students will submit drafts and revisions for at least two papers

– Minimum 10 pages of writing

Assessment

• ‘Are our courses / programs doing what we say they should be doing?’

• Programs, as well as courses, have measurable learning outcomes which can be assessed

– We are assessing whether students are accomplishing the outcome - we are not assessing faculty!!!

• Unless your convener indicates otherwise, if your course is selected for assessment, the assessment tool is up to you (e.g. a test, a paper, a lab report, etc.)

General Education

• http://www.ramapo.edu/catalog_09_10/general-education.html

• If your course fulfills a Gen Ed category, please refer to the category description on the web.

• Gen Ed pilot assessment will be conducted in Spring 2010 - please comply with any requests for assessment in your courses

Additional Information

• Academic Media Services - x7400, media@

• Registrar’s office

– Add/drop ends Jan 26

– Withdrawal deadline March 23

– Incomplete request deadline May 11

– Complete academic calendar: http://www.ramapo.edu/academics/calendars/index.html

• Print shop

– Submit print requests through Unit Secretary

– Allow at least 15 business days lead time

– Small jobs - use your Unit’s photocopier!

– Use moodle or email to distribute items to students if it is ‘crunch time’