Chapter 3339-5 | Responsibility of Academic Instruction

Rule 3339-5-04 | Statement of essential teaching practices.

• Effective: October 1, 2022
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

Every instructor is responsible for creating an informative syllabus and organizing an effective, equitable, and inclusive learning environment by:

(A) Providing a written syllabus to students on the first day of the course, inluding but not limited to learning outcomes class attendance policy (aligned with "class attendance" policy in the policy library), content, examinations and/or assignments (including due dates), policy on return of student work, required course materials and technology, and method of grade calculation.

(B) Adhering to the syllabus and communicating clearly any necessary modifications to the students;

(C) Maintaining and informing students of regularly scheduled office hours (see office hours for instructional staff policy in policy library);

(D) Ascribing to a standard of grading that follows the accepted practices within the discipline including providing and receiving feedback that is offered in a timely manner and is critical and respectful of others' views;

(E) Informing students of Miami's academic integrity policy and adhering to its principles;

(F) Utilizing a Miami university supported learning management system to communicate course information;

(G) Treating students with courtesy and respect at all times. Courtesy and respect do not prohibit strong criticism directed at the student's academic errors and scholarly responsibilities;

(H) Endeavoring to ensure that the classroom learning environment is free of discrimination and harassment based upon all forms of prejudice that negatively influence student learning, such as those based on age, ethnicity, gender, mental or physical impairment, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity and inclusive of all students;

(I) Following specific student accomodations received from student disability services;

(J) Adhering to the "statement on professional ethics" in the policy titled "professional ethics and responsibilities."

Last updated October 3, 2022 at 8:54 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3339.1
Amplifies: 3339.1
Prior Effective Dates: 9/30/1999

Rule 3339-5-05 | Student complaints about the quality of instruction.

• Effective: March 9, 2018
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

When a student wishes to make a compliant about the quality of instruction, the student should approach the administrator (e.g., chair, director) of the department or program located on the campus where the course is offered. Under ordinary circumstances, a student approaching an administrator to complain about a member of the instructional staff will be encouraged first of all to confer with the staff member and seek a resolution. When a student is unable to resolve a difficulty with an instructor to the student's satisfaction, there are two acceptable ways in which the student may lodge a complaint against a member of the instructional staff before an administrator or any individual who has administrative duties. The student may file a formal grievance or the student may submit a letter of complaint to the administrator. Anonymous or unsigned statements must be disregarded and destroyed. Formal letters of complaint are to be filed in the departmental student complaint file.

Upon receipt and before acting upon a letter of complaint, the staff member shall be informed of the complaint and given timely opportunity to rebut the accusations or explain the circumstances as viewed by the staff member. If submitted, documents presenting the staff member's position also are to be placed in the departmental student complaint file.

The student who files a complaint is entitled to know how the complaint was processed and what actions were taken in response to it.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3339.1
Amplifies: 3339.1
Prior Effective Dates: 10/1/1981

Rule 3339-5-07 | Office hours for instructional staff.

• Effective: March 9, 2018
• Promulgated Under: 111.15

Every member of the instructional staff is expected to establish and maintain regular office hours in order that he or she may be readily available to students and other staff members. These office hours should be announced to students in the staff member's classes near the beginning of each term, included in the instructor's course syllabi, posted on the office door and reported to the department chair. When a student or advisee has a class scheduling conflict or work conflict with the instructor's regular office hours, instructors should arrange an alternative meeting time or means of communication with the student.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3339.1
Amplifies: 3339.1
Prior Effective Dates: 9/30/1999