Spring 2021
Covid-19 statement:
Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, and consistent with the State of Michigan* requirements and the WMU Safe Return plan (https://wmich.edu/safereturn), safety requirements are in place to minimize exposure to the Western Michigan University community. These guidelines apply to all in-person or hybrid classes held either inside or outside a WMU building.
Facial coverings (masks), over both the nose and mouth, are required for all students while in class, no matter the size of the space. This includes outdoor class settings where social distancing is not possible (i.e., at least six feet of space between individuals). Following this recommendation can minimize the transmission of the virus, which is spread between people interacting in close proximity through speaking, coughing, or sneezing. During specified classes in which facial coverings (masks) would prevent required class elements, students may remove facial coverings (masks) with instructor permission, in accordance with the exceptions in the Facial Covering (mask) Policy** ("such as playing an instrument, acting, singing, etc.").
Facial coverings (masks) must remain in place throughout the class. Any student who removes the mandatory facial covering (mask) during class will be required to eave the classroom immediately.
Facial coverings (masks) are not a substitute for social distancing. Students shall observe current social distancing guidelines in all instructional spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Students should avoid congregating around instructional space entrances before and after class sessions. Students should exit the instructional space immediately after the end of class to help ensure social distancing and to allow for those attending the next scheduled class session to enter.
Students who are unable to wear a facial covering (mask) for medical reasons must contact Disability Services for Students (https://wmich.edu/disabilityservices) before they attend class.
These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of all students, faculty, and staff ring the pandemic. Noncompliance is a violation of the class requirements and the Student Code of Honor ( https://wmich.edu/conduct/expectations-students).
For current State of Michigan Executive orders, see: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705---,00.html
For the WMU Facial Covering (Mask) Policy, see: https://wmich.edu/policies/facial-covering-mask
Student Conduct:
Students are responsible for making themselves aware of and understanding the University policies and procedures that pertain to Academic Honesty. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. The academic policies addressing Student Rights and Responsibilities can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog and the Graduate Catalog. If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s) and if you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with your instructor if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.
Students and instructors are responsible for making themselves aware of and abiding by the “Western Michigan University Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Violence, Intimate Partner Violence, and Stalking Policy and Procedures” related to prohibited sexual misconduct under Title IX, the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Campus Safe. Under this policy, responsible employees (including instructors) are required to report claims of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator or designee (located in the Office of Institutional Equity). Responsible employees are not confidential resources. For a complete list of resources and more information about the policy.
In addition, students are encouraged to access the Code of Conduct, as well as resources and general academic policies on such issues as diversity, religious observance, and student disabilities:
· · · ·Disability Services for Students
Accommodation for disabilities:
Students with a documented disability (e.g., physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who need to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact Disability Services for Students located at Woodlawn Place, at the beginning of the semester. A disability determination must be made by this office before any accommodations are provided by the instructor. For more information, contact DSS (269) 387-2116.
Incomplete grades:
This is a temporary grade, which the instructor may give to a student when illness, necessary absence, or other reasons beyond the control of the student prevent completion of course requirements by the end of the semester or session. The grade of "I" (Incomplete) may not be given as a substitute for a failing grade.
A student has one year from the time the incomplete is given to make up the work and have the grade of "I" replaced. The instructor can designate a shorter time than one year if desired. After one year, the incomplete grade will be converted to an E for undergraduate students and an X for graduate students. Students who receive an incomplete grade a course must not re-register for the course in order to remove the "I."
Jay Treiman: jay.treiman at wmich.edu