Syllabus Statements

The University of Kentucky is guided by its core values: Integrity, Excellence, Mutual respect and human dignity, Diversity and inclusion, Academic freedom, Personal and institutional responsibility and accountability, Shared governance, A sense of community, Work-life sensitivity, Civic engagement, and social responsibility. By incorporating these values into our classroom actions, we cultivate an optimal learning environment that fosters a sense of comfort and encourages active engagement with challenging tasks and ideas. In addition to shared values, students are also expected to be familiar with the Standards of Conduct outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. If you have concerns about the Core Values or see anyone in class, including the instructor, struggling to uphold them, you are encouraged to share your concerns with through an appropriate person or system so those concerns can be addressed.  

Netiquette refers to the set of guidelines and rules that govern respectful and appropriate behavior when interacting with others online. As members of the University of Kentucky community, we recognize the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive online environment, including but not limited to email, discussion boards, digital chat and video platforms, etc. In this digital age, practicing good netiquette is essential for effective communication and collaboration. Please familiarize yourself with the following netiquette guidelines: 

1. Respectful Communication: Students are encouraged to engage in polite and respectful communication, treating others with courtesy and avoiding offensive or inflammatory language. 

2. Use of Proper Language: Students should use appropriate language and grammar, refraining from using excessive capitalization, slang, or text-speak that may impede understanding. 

3. Active Listening and Constructive Feedback: Students should actively listen to others, showing respect for diverse opinions, and providing constructive feedback that promotes thoughtful discussions. 

4. Mindful Posting and Reply Etiquette: Students should think before posting or replying, ensuring their contributions are relevant, substantive, and contribute positively to the conversation. 

5. Consideration of Privacy and Confidentiality: Students should respect the privacy and confidentiality of others, refraining from sharing personal information without consent or discussing private class-related matters outside designated platforms. 

6. Academic Integrity: Students should uphold academic integrity by giving proper credit to sources, avoiding plagiarism, and adhering to the institution's policies on academic honesty. 

7. Professionalism: Students are encouraged to maintain a professional demeanor in online interactions, keeping in mind that their conduct reflects their personal and academic reputation. 

If you encounter any instances of inappropriate behavior or violations of netiquette, promptly report them to the appropriate university channels, such as the instructor or other designated staff. By following these netiquette guidelines, we create an online learning environment that promotes respectful and effective communication.  

At the University of Kentucky, we believe in fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue, critical thinking, and respectful engagement even when discussing challenging topics. Students should maintain civility and respectful discourse when engaging in challenging conversations within academic settings, including this class.If you have any concerns about an idea that a peer has shared or feel unsafe in the classroom, promptly report them to the appropriate university channels, such as the instructor or other designated staff.  

To cultivate a productive and respectful learning environment, all University of Kentucky students are accountable to the guidelines outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Behavior in the classroom that does not line up with our Code of Student Conduct not only impedes the individual learning experience but also undermines the integrity and effectiveness of the educational setting. By upholding the Code of Student Conduct in the classroom, we create an environment conducive to learning, growth, and meaningful engagement for everyone involved. 

The Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) can provide a guide or consultations for developing co-created community guidelines for your classroom. Community guidelines can set the tone for the classroom environment. Working with students to create a robust set of guidelines can clarify expectations of collaboration and mutual accountability. Try not to think of them as a hard and fast list of rules that cannot be broken, but rather a document that illuminates the ways you and your students will support each other in learning. Starting the semester with a guideline-building activity can get everyone off to a great start! All members of the UK teaching community are welcome to reach out to CELT at celt.uky.edu.