POLICY 4.14.2.1 - Classroom Instruction

Faculty members may expect from students, both in and out of the classroom, the normal courtesies due their professional status. The teacher shall govern the classroom so as to provide academic freedom of expression for the student, but the teacher need not tolerate physical or verbal disturbances that disrupt teaching sessions. For justifiable cause, the teacher may dismiss a student from class because of detrimental behavior. The dismissal must be promptly reported in writing to the dean, the provost and the vice president for student affairs to determine whether further action is necessary.

The student dismissed from class may appeal to the teacher, the department/division chair, the dean, and the provost (in that order) for review of the incident and possible readmission to class. If the incident is of such a nature to warrant dismissal or suspension from Shenandoah, the matter will be governed by procedures published in the Student Handbook and administered by the vice president for student affairs.

The teacher shall meet all classes as scheduled, and on time.

The teacher shall not dismiss classes without the approval of the dean. This includes class periods before and after announced vacations.

The teacher must report, in advance if possible, justified absences to department/division chairs and their dean. Since Shenandoah does not have a staff of substitute instructors, the department/division chairs shall assist the instructors in arranging adequate coverage or make-up sessions. The teacher shall maintain timely institutional records of attendance using the Roll Call app within Canvas (the Shenandoah University learning management system).  The teacher shall also keep accurate records of student performance on examinations, papers, etc. The teacher need not return examinations and papers to the student for keeping, but the students are entitled to review their work and receive an explanation of their grades. Teachers shall keep any unreturned tests and assignments for at least four months. Teachers should keep grade records for three years. If a teacher leaves the employment of Shenandoah, the grade records should be given to the dean for safe keeping.

Final approval for addition, division, substitution or discontinuation of a course is reserved for the provost. The teacher shall not require students to attend special class meetings when such meetings conflict with the established schedule of classes, chapels or assemblies. Final examinations must be administered during scheduled examination times during final exam week. Exceptions must be approved in advance by the provost.

Revision Dates: Clarification language approved by President after Academic Cabinet review, April 2024

April 2024