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Course and University Policies

This section provides you with all the necessary information about my and the University’s policies for disability accommodation, Title IX reporting, plagiarism and attendance.

Attendance

All students are expected to be in class every session; however, I understand that life happens and sometimes you just cannot make it in. For pre-planned absences, please let me know at least 2 business days beforehand via email. For illness or unexpected absences, please contact me as soon as you are able. I will also allow 1 “freebie” absence without notifying me or needing an excuse. Keep in mind, though, that your attendance will be part of your participation grade and that recurring unexcused absences will result in a penalty.

Plaigarism

In this class, we will adhere to the Spartan Code of Honor. The code states that “practices that maintain the integrity of scholarship and grades include providing accurate information for academic and admission records, adherence to unit-approved professional standards and honor codes, and completion of original academic work by the student to whom it is assigned, without unauthorized aid of any kind.” This includes not using AI to generate your work, cheating off of a classmate, pulling work from online, and any other reasonable example of cheating you can think of. You can find the rest of the honor code
. Please do not cheat; if you are struggling with content or meeting a deadline, please reach out to me instead and we will work together to find a better solution to the problem. All incidents of plagiarism will result in a 0 on the assignment. In serious or repeated cases, the student may receive a failing grade for the course.

Disability Statement

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Requests for accommodations by persons with disabilities may be made by contacting the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities at 517-884-RCPD or on the web at rcpd.msu.edu. Once your eligibility for an accommodation has been determined, you will be issued a verified individual services accommodation (“Accommodation Letter”) form. Please present this form to me at the start of the term and/or two weeks prior to the accommodation date (test, project, etc). Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible. If there is an accommodation the University has not yet issued you a letter for, please reach out to the RCPD or myself so that we can help you create the best academic environment we can.

Mental Health Statement

College students often experience issues that may interfere with academic success such as academic stress, sleep problems, juggling responsibilities, life events, relationship concerns, or feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, or depression. If you or a friend is struggling, I am here to support you. Helpful, effective resources are available on campus, and most are free of charge.
If you are struggling with this class, please check-in during office hours or contact me at
Check-in with your academic advisor if you are struggling in multiple classes, unsure whether you are making the most of your time at MSU, or unsure what academic resources are available at MSU.
Access CAPS Services for new counseling and psychiatric services by
CAPS is providing remote crisis services 24/7/365. Students can call us at 517-355-8270 and press “1” at the prompt to speak with a crisis counselor. Other prompt options are available for those not in crisis.
Visit for additional information and resources.

Title IX, Discrimination, RVSM, and Reporting Policies

Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy

We value all voices in this class equally so as to provide a safe and suitable atmosphere for learning and growing as scholars. Michigan State University ("MSU" or the "University") prohibits discrimination and harassment non the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, gender, gender identity, genetic information, disability, height, marital status, political persuasion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight in its programs and activities. MSU also prohibits retaliation against those who report discrimination or harassment, or who participate in the University's investigation and handling of such reports. Title IX prohibits retaliation against reporters of sex discrimination, including reports of sex discrimination against administrators and other employees. MSU independently investigates allegations of retaliation and will take strong responsive actions if retaliation occurs.

Title IX and Reporting Policy

The University's Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy provides the grievance process for complaints alleging sexual harassment as defined by Title IX, as well as prohibited relationship violence, sexual misconduct, stalking and retaliation. The Anti- Discrimination Policy and the Anti-Discrimination Policy User's Manual provide the grievance procedure for complaints alleging all other forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. OCR is responsible for receiving reports of discrimination, harassment or retaliation, and facilitating the filing of complaints under these policies, connecting affected individuals with supportive measures, accommodations, interim measures and other assistive resources, and for conducting investigations of alleged violations of both policies. MSU is committed to conducting prompt and equitable investigations and will appropriately address violations of University policy. Upon completion of an investigation, students and employees found to have engaged in acts of harassment, discrimination or retaliation will be promptly disciplined. If circumstances warrant, discipline may include suspension, expulsion, or termination.
Any person may report discrimination, harassment or retaliation in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the links and contact information listed below. Reports may be made at any time (including during non business hours) by using the telephone number, email, online reporting form, or by mail to the OCR address, listed below. Reports may be submitted in person at the OCR Office during business hours or by appointment if after business hours. University community members may report allegations of harassment, discrimination or retaliation to OCR via the Public Incident Reporting Form or by calling OCR at (517) 353-3922.

RSVM and Mandatory Reporting Policy

As your instructor, I am considered by the university as a “responsible employee”, which means I am required to report and disclose all information given to me about a situation where a student may be in danger. If you or someone you love is experiencing a situation like this, I am here to be a trusted advocate and resource to you and want to help.
Those impacted by relationship violence, sexual misconduct, or stalking may: 1) reach out to a confidential resource (listed below) to learn about options; 2) report to local police or the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (MSU DPPSDPPS); and/or 3) report to the Title IX Coordinator through the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Those impacted may choose to report to law enforcement, to the University, to both, or to neither as the individual may choose.

.To discuss options, the formal complaint process, resources, and supportive or interim measures in a confidential setting, contact:
MSU Center for Survivors, (https://centerforsurvivors.msu.edu/)
MSU Safe Place (http://safeplace.msu.edu)
MSU Employee Assistance Program (http://eap.msu.edu)oUniversity Ombudsperson (https://ombud.msu.edu/)
MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) (http://caps.msu.edu/)
MSU Sexual Assault Health Care Program (https://centerforsurvivors.msu.edu/msu-sexual-assault-healthcare-program/)

A conversation or contact with a confidential resource generally will not result in a report to the University. Anyone who becomes aware of prohibited conduct is encouraged to immediately report to the MSU DPPS and to the Title IX Coordinator through OCR. Reporting obligations for employees under the Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence, Sexual Misconduct, and Stalking Policy are described briefly in Section VI. Reports may be submitted in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the links and contact information listed below. Reports may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number, email, online reporting form, or by mail to the OCR address, listed below. Please visit OCR’s website for additional details regarding time and hours for reporting: civilrights.msu.edu.

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