ATTENDANCE:

Regular class attendance is an essential part of a student’s educational experience and a requirement for student learning and academic progress. If a student has an unexcused absence, instructors have the discretion to determine if make-up assignments are appropriate. Consideration will be given to students in the case of illness, emergency, or when acting as a representative of MWSU which necessitates the student missing a class session. It shall be the responsibility of the student to notify the class instructor prior to the absence and if possible, meet the instructor upon the student’s return to discuss the material missed. If an extended absence from class is anticipated or additional support may be required, please complete the Disrupted Attendance Form and the Dean of Students will provide assistance.

PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY:

Safety is the responsibility of each and every person at Missouri Western. All members of the University community are individually and collectively the owners of safety and share the responsibility to provide and maintain a safe environment.  Each individual is expected to comply with health and safety regulations and University policies, programs and procedures; perform work in a safe and sensible manner and to act to ensure the health and safety of self, coworkers, fellow students and all others at the University.

Our goal is to provide every student with an engaging, on-campus experience in a safe environment. Everyone in the campus community can assist by self-monitoring for symptoms of any illness each day. If symptoms occur, the individual is strongly encouraged to stay at home. Due to the rapidly changing conditions related to COVID-19, all students are expected to review the Missouri Western COVID-19 response and safety protocols on the website for the most up-to-date information and policy. The website is available at: https://www.missouriwestern.edu/covid-19/.

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES:

When students choose to accept admission to Missouri Western State University, they accept the rights and responsibilities of the University’s academic and social community. As members of the University community, students are expected to uphold the University’s values of service, quality, freedom, enthusiasm, respect, responsibility, and courage by maintaining a high standard of conduct. Faculty, administrators, staff, and students all have responsibility to take care of the intellectual, social, emotional, psychological, and physical conditions of this community we share.

As a member of this community, you are expected to abide by all University policies, rules, regulations, and procedures. This includes but is not limited to the Student Code of Conduct and Missouri Western COVID-19 response and safety protocols. In the midst of this global pandemic, it is extremely important that all members of our campus community abide by public health regulations and recommendations, and Missouri Western health standards and guidelines. These rules and protocols have been developed to protect the health and safety of all community members. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a student not being permitted to attend class in person, removal from residential housing, being unable to participate in activities and events, and potentially other forms of discipline contemplated under the Student Code of Conduct.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT:

Students interested in free tutoring for math, writing, and specific courses can contact the Center for Academic Support: https://www.missouriwestern.edu/cas/.  Students needing research assistance can contact MWSU Library: https://www.missouriwestern.edu/library/.

 FINAL EXAM POLICY:

The final exam schedule will be published by the Registrar’s Office prior to each semester and the designated period will be used either for administration of a final exam or for other appropriate course terminating activities. All face-to-face courses will have final exams in their regular classrooms during final exam week according to the published schedule. Blended classes, which have weekly meeting times, will hold final exams in their regular classrooms according to the published schedule. Blended classes (online 70%-99%) and 100% online classes will hold final exams online during the final exam week according to the course syllabus. It is the responsibility of both students and faculty to comply with the final exam policy.

 STUDENT CONDUCT:

A positive learning environment depends upon mature behavior.  Among other things, this means arriving for class on time, listening quietly and respectfully when someone else is speaking, and using socially acceptable business language at all times. Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure a positive learning environment. Classrooms are considered public spaces that are shared with others. Please take the necessary measures to ensure appropriate attire and hygiene.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

(From the MWSU Policy Guide, Page 44, Section II. A.)

Academic Honesty Policy and Due Process

Academic honesty is required in all academic endeavors. Violations of academic honesty include any instance of plagiarism, cheating, seeking credit for another’s work, falsifying documents or academic records, or any other fraudulent classroom activity. Violations of academic honesty may result in a failing grade on the assignment, failure in the course, or expulsion from school. When a student’s grade has been affected, violations of academic honesty will be reported to the Provost or the designated representative.

Violations of Academic Honesty

Violations of academic honesty include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

  1. Copying another person’s work and claiming it as your own;
  2. Using the work of a group of students when the assignment requires individual work;
  3. Looking at or attempting to look at an examination before it is administered;
  4. Using materials during an examination that are not permitted;
  5. Allowing another student to take your exam for you;
  6. Intentionally impeding the academic work of others;
  7. Using any electronic device to transmit portions of questions or answers on an examination to other students;
  8. Using any electronic device to improperly store information for an exam;
  9. Knowingly furnishing false information to the University or its representatives.
  10. Assisting other students in any of the acts listed above.

A student accused of academic dishonesty will first meet with the faculty member who made the allegation of academic dishonesty. If the faculty member decides academic dishonesty occurred, consequences could include giving the student a zero on the assignment, asking the student to rewrite the assignment, or failing the student in the course. If the student’s grade is affected, the faculty member must file a MWSU Academic Honesty Violation Report. If the student disagrees with the faculty member’s decision, the student may submit a written appeal of that decision within 10 working days to the department chairperson and request a meeting with the department chairperson. The department chairperson will inform the faculty member that an appeal has been 2 made, and the faculty member will have the option to submit a rebuttal form to address the student’s appeal. In the event there is no assigned chairperson, the request should be made to the college or school dean. The chairperson’s decision shall be provided in writing to the student and to the faculty member within 30 calendar days of the chairperson’ receipt of the written appeal. If the student chooses to continue the appeal process, the appeal may be made within 10 working days to the provost or designated representative to present the case to the Academic Regulations, Standards & Honesty Committee. The provost or designated representative will present the case to the Academic Regulations, Standards & Honesty Committee within 10 working days of receipt of the appeal. If the appeal is made during the summer semester or intersession, it will be presented to the Committee within 10 working days from the beginning of the next regular academic semester. The Committee will base its decision on the written statements and evidence submitted by the student and the faculty member. The Committee’s decision, which must be made within 30 calendar days from the date on which the committee receives the appeal, is final. The Committee will notify, in writing, the student and the faculty member of its decision. If it is determined that no violation of academic honesty has occurred, the student’s alleged violation will be removed from his or her record. Any student who has been found guilty of violating the academic honesty policy a second time will be reported by the Provost to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action.

 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

Missouri Western respects and welcomes students of all backgrounds and abilities. In the event a student encounters any barrier(s) to full participation in this course due to the impact of a disability, please contact the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) at arc@missouriwestern.edu. The ARC will meet with the student to discuss the barriers the student is experiencing and explain the eligibility process for establishing academic accommodations or the provision of auxiliary aids.

In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, a student with a disability must contact the ARC, participate in an intake interview, and provide appropriate documentation. Students are strongly encouraged to contact the ARC within the first two weeks of classes to allow for time for approved accommodations to be put into place. Approved accommodations are not retroactive.

Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with faculty and the ARC staff. For more information about the ARC, please visit the following website: https://www.missouriwestern.edu/arc/.

NONDISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT:

Missouri Western State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex* (including gender), pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. Discrimination includes any form of unequal treatment such as denial of opportunities, harassment, and violence.

*Sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and any other nonconsensual behavior of a sexual nature) and sex discrimination violate University policies. Students experiencing such behavior may obtain confidential support from the University’s Title IX Office at (816) 271-4432, Counseling Center (816) 271-4327, and Esry Health Center (816) 271-4495. To report sexual misconduct or sex discrimination, contact the Title IX Coordinator (816) 271-4432 or MWSU Police Department (816) 271-4438.

Disclosure to University faculty or instructors of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, or sex discrimination occurring on campus, in a University-sponsored program, or involving a campus visitor or University student or employee (whether current or former) is not confidential under Title IX. Faculty and instructors must forward such reports, including names and circumstances, to the University’s Title IX officer. Although faculty must make that notification, the student who makes the report will control how the case will be handled, including whether or not the student wishes to pursue a formal complaint. Our goal is to make sure students are aware of the range of options available to them and have access to the resources they need. Please also be aware that retaliation for making or supporting a report of discrimination or harassment is also prohibited. For more information about policies and resources or reporting options, please visit the following website: https://www.missouriwestern.edu/student-services/titleix/.

Missouri Western encourages anyone experiencing unlawful discrimination or harassment to contact an individual from the Campus and Local Resources.

CLASSROOM RECORDER POLICY:

The content of any lecture/class presentation remains the intellectual property of the person delivering the session. Students may make audio or video recordings of course activity only with permission of the faculty member conducting the course. If the student believes it is necessary to record sessions due to a disability or needs additional assistance, the student must first contact Missouri Western’s Accessibility Resource Center to establish such need. By virtue of this policy, all students and attendees in any classroom setting or university presentation are placed on notice that they may be recorded or taped, both photographically or audio based.

Any and all recordings of lectures or class presentations are authorized solely for the purpose of the student’s individual or group study with other students enrolled in the same class. Such recordings may not be reproduced or uploaded to public accessible web environments. Recordings of classes or course material may not be exchanged or distributed for commercial purposes, for compensation or for any other purpose other than study by students enrolled in the present class. Students must delete all recordings and tapes at the end of the course.

Please note that materials used in the classroom or online presentations (video, graphic, photographic, etc.), web-based and social media may also have their own copyright. While presentations and displays are generally allowed when reproduced in the classroom, copyright law does not extend the privilege to second-level reproductions. Any violation of this policy may subject a student to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook and result in disciplinary action by the University and/or punishment under Federal or State Privacy, Intellectual Property or Copyright Law.

MEETING BASIC NEEDS:

Any student who is experiencing personal issues that may affect course performance (food insecurity, lack of a safe and stable place to live, etc.), is urged to contact the Dean of Students for resources and support. If you are comfortable doing so, please notify the professor of any concerns. This will enable your professor to connect you with the resources you need.

The Campus Cupboard is a free resource with pantry and hygiene items, located in 214 of the Blum Student Union. The cupboard is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. when classes are in session and by appointment. Any Missouri Western student can use the Campus Cupboard, no proof of need necessary. Students may visit the cupboard up to twice a month. The maximum allotment per visit is two (2) plastic grocery bags. The student must present a valid student ID.

Contact Information:

Dean of Students
Blum Union, Suite 228
deanofstudents@missouriwestern.edu
(816) 271-4432

PREGNANCY:

Missouri Western State University does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy, parenting or related conditions. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy, and recovery from pregnancy, will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student’s healthcare provider. Students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Pregnant or parenting students needing assistance should contact the Title IX Coordinator at (816) 271-4432 in Blum Student Union 228.

DIGITAL EDUCATION CONTINGENCY PLAN:

As with any technology, Canvas, other Internet-based teaching tools, and email have the potential for technical problems.  To prepare for the possibility of course downtime or a performance issue that makes the MWSU system unusable, students are requested to please do the following:

  1. Save and /or print a copy of the course syllabus, assignment schedule, and relevant course materials, so class work may proceed—even if there are interruptions in Canvas access.
  2. Save the instructor’s telephone numbers, in order to be able to contact them, if necessary.
  3. If problems are experienced at any time during this semester, check to determine if the problem is with the Canvas course site and not with an individual Internet provider.
  4. Check for announcements about anticipated Canvas downtimes, and plan course work accordingly.
  5. In addition to saving assignments on a computer hard drive, please save all assignment files on a flash drive, CD, etc.—in case the computer freezes / malfunctions.  Please keep paper and / or electronic copies of all work submitted!

WEATHER OR PANDEMIC CONTINGENCY PLAN:

In the event that face-to-face classes are suspended due to weather or some sort of disease outbreak, etc., the instructor will strive to continue instruction to all students who are able to participate. Students are responsible for furnishing their own technology learning tools and off-campus internet access. If and when face-to-face classes are suspended or MWSU shifts to an alternative course delivery, all students will receive notification from the instructor (email / Canvas announcement / phone call) that details how communication will be maintained, where course information and materials can be located, and what students may expect during such a time period. Some students might be affected by the event and, therefore, unable to continue class participation; in these cases, individual arrangements will be made between the students involved and the instructor.

Tips for Learning during Disruption:

  1. Regularly check MWSU email and Canvas for important campus/course announcements and notifications. (MWSU email & Canvas)
  2. Increase communication with your professors.
  3. Familiarize yourself with online course resources. (Canvas tutorials & Library)
  4. Stay connected with students. (Engage with Zoom)
  5. If you need help, seek it immediately. (Remote Tutoring & Student Assistance)
  6. Be flexible and stay informed. (Student FAQ)
  7. Rest and stay healthy (Telecounseling & Health Center)

UNIVERSITY EMERGENCY NOTICES:

University emergency information can be found on the MWSU homepage. Notices regarding the campus being closed, classes canceled, or other emergencies will be made available through the Griffon Alert Emergency Notification System.