FSD 20-04 Faculty Control of their Syllabus

Faculty Senate Document 20-04:  Faculty Control of their Syllabus

PURDUE UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST FACULTY SENATE

Committee:  Educational Policy Committee

Discussion Date:  August 28, 2020

Action Date: September 11, 2020

Tabled/Approved/Rejected

Whereas: FSD 19-28:  COVID19 Revision to FSD 16-32: Faculty Syllabus Template established “recommended” language for faculty to use in the syllabi template to include statements about COVID19 Preparedness, Zoom Etiquette, Proper Face Mask Covering and Course Engagement during COVID19;

And Whereas: These are recommendations only and do not apply to all situations,

And Whereas: The Senate recognizes that the individual faculty member is the best judge of what language needs to be included in their syllabi,

Therefore, be it resolved: Faculty are not required to adopt all of the language in the Faculty Syllabus Template COVID 19 Revision to FSD 16-32 but have been provided approved recommended language to use in their syllabi as they see fit. However, any language in syllabi should not contradict policies and protocols contained in the Safe Return to Campus website https://www.pnw.edu/pnw-and-coronavirus-covid-19/safe-return-to-campus/

Be it Resolved: Faculty should not be told by their respective departments or colleges that they have to adopt all of the recommended language in the in the Faculty Syllabus Template COVID 19 Revision to FSD 16-32

And, further, Be it Resolved: That while the Senate recognizes that staff can record whether an instructor has or has not submitted their syllabus by department or college timelines, the final say of the content of the course syllabus is in the hands of the faculty member designated to teach each course.

EPC vote count = 8 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions

Approved:

Ralph Cherry

Cheryl W. DeLeón

Anne Edwards

Shoji Nakayama

Diane Spoljoric

Shengyong Zhang

Hairong Zhao