Syllabus Statements

Academic Misconduct Statement      
Academic integrity is essential to maintaining an environment that fosters excellence in teaching, research, and other educational and scholarly activities. Thus, The Ohio State University and the Committee on Academic Misconduct (COAM) expect that all students have read and understand the University's Code of Student Conduct (https://studentconduct.osu.edu/for-students/understanding-the-student-c…), and that all students will complete all academic and scholarly assignments with fairness and honesty. Students must recognize that failure to follow the rules and guidelines established in the University's Code of Student Conduct and a course syllabus may constitute Academic Misconduct.

The Ohio State University's Code of Student Conduct (Section 3335-23-04) defines academic misconduct as: Any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the University or subvert the educational process. Examples of academic misconduct include (but are not limited to) plagiarism, collusion (unauthorized collaboration), copying the work of another student, and possession of unauthorized materials during an examination. Ignorance of the University's Code of Student Conduct is never considered an excuse for academic misconduct.

If your instructor suspects that a student has committed academic misconduct, they are obligated by University Rules to report suspicions to COAM. If COAM determines that you have violated the University's Code of Student Conduct (i.e., committed academic misconduct), the sanctions for the misconduct could include a failing grade in this course and suspension or dismissal from the University.

If you have any questions about the above policy or what constitutes academic misconduct in this course, please see https://oaa.osu.edu/academic-integrity-and-misconduct or contact COAM at (614) 292-7262 or coam@osu.edu. Instructors shall report all instances of alleged academic misconduct to the committee via the above website. The Mansfield campus Associate Dean of Faculty Enrichment can also assist faculty and students.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Academic Integrity     
There has been a significant increase in the popularity and availability of a variety of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT, Sudowrite and others. These tools will help shape the future of work, research and technology but when used in the wrong way, they can stand in conflict with academic integrity at Ohio State.

All students have important obligations under the Code of Student Conduct to complete all academic and scholarly activities with fairness and honesty. Our professional students also have the responsibility to uphold the professional and ethical standards found in their respective academic honor codes. Specifically, students are not to use unauthorized assistance in the laboratory, on field work, in scholarship or on a course assignment unless such assistance has been authorized specifically by the course instructor. In addition, students are not to submit their work without acknowledging any word-for-word use and/or paraphrasing of writing, ideas or other work that is not your own. These requirements apply to all students undergraduate, graduate, and professional.

To maintain a culture of integrity and respect, these generative AI tools should not be used in the completion of course assignments unless an instructor for a given course specifically authorizes their use. Some instructors may approve of using generative AI tools in the academic setting for specific goals. However, these tools should be used only with the explicit and clear permission of each individual instructor, and then only in the ways allowed by the instructor.

Class Cancellations      
In the event that class must be cancelled, your professor will notify you with information about alternative methods of teaching to ensure continuity of instruction for the class. This information will be conveyed via CarmenCanvas, email, or another mode of communication designated by your professor.

Content warning    
Some content in some courses may involve media that may elicit a traumatic response in some students due to descriptions of and/or scenes depicting acts of violence, acts of war, or sexual violence and its aftermath. If needed, please take care of yourself while watching/reading any class material that disturbs you (leaving classroom to take a water/bathroom break, debriefing with a friend, contacting a confidential Sexual Violence Advocate at the Domestic Violence Shelter in Mansfield at 419-774-5840, or New Directions at 419-529-9941 and contacting the instructor if needed). Expectations are that we all will be respectful of our classmates while consuming this media and that we will create a safe space for each other. Failure to show respect to each other may result in dismissal from the class.

Copyright    
The materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright protection and are only for the use of students officially enrolled in the course for the educational purposes associated with the course. Copyright law must be considered before copying, retaining, or disseminating materials outside of the course.

Counseling and Consultation Services / Mental Health  
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student’s ability to participate in daily activities. The Ohio State University offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing.

If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus via the New Directions at 419-529-9941 or https://www.newdirectionsforlife.com/sap/. You can reach an on-call counselor when New Directions  is closed at 614­-292-­5766 or https://ccs.osu.edu/services/on-demand-services and you can reach the Richland County Helpline for 24/7 emergency help by dialing 419‑522‑HELP (4357).

Creating an Environment Free from Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct  
The Civil Rights Compliance Office coordinates the university’s response to all complaints of harassment and discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other bases under the law. Members of the university community also have the right to be free from all forms of sexual misconduct: sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation. 

To report harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, or retaliation and/or seek confidential and non-confidential resources and supportive measures, contact the Office of Civil Rights Compliance: Online reporting form at https://civilrights.osu.edu/; Call 614-247-5838 or TTY 614-688-8605; Email civilrights@osu.edu 

The university is committed to stopping sexual misconduct, preventing its recurrence, eliminating any hostile environment, and remedying its discriminatory effects. All university employees have reporting responsibilities to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance regarding sexual misconduct, to ensure the university can take appropriate action:

  • All university employees, except those exempted by legal privilege of confidentiality or expressly identified as a confidential reporter, have an obligation to report incidents of sexual assault immediately.
  • The following employees have an obligation to report all other forms of sexual misconduct as soon as practicable but at most within five workdays of becoming aware of such information: 1. Any human resource professional (HRP); 2. Anyone who supervises faculty, staff, students, or volunteers; 3. Chair/director; and 4. Faculty member.

For local support, the Domestic Violence Shelter of Richland County (800-931-7233) and New Directions (419-529-9941 or https://www.newdirectionsforlife.com/sap/) provide confidential services. You can also get assistance from Sgt Don Wallis (419-755-4156) or campus security (419-565-2432), but these services may not be confidential. Information will be shared only as necessary with investigators, witnesses, and the accused individual.

Disabilities Services – Student Learning Accommodations      
The university strives to maintain a healthy and accessible environment to support student learning in and out of the classroom.  If you anticipate or experience academic barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic, or temporary medical conditions), please let your instructor know immediately so that you can privately discuss options.  To establish reasonable accommodations register with Student Life Disability Services.  After registration, make arrangements with your instructor as soon as possible to discuss your accommodations so that they may be implemented in a timely fashion. Local SLDS contact is Kodey Kreglow (kreglow.11@osu.edu; 419-755-4174).

If you are ill and need to miss class, including if you are staying home and away from others while experiencing symptoms of viral infection or fever, please let your instructor know immediately. In cases where illness interacts with an underlying medical condition, please consult with Student Life Disability Services to request reasonable accommodations. You can connect with them at slds@osu.edu; 614-292-3307; or slds.osu.edu.

Drop/Withdrawal Statement      
It is the student’s responsibility to know the deadlines for dropping a course or withdrawing from the University. Term drop and withdrawal deadlines can be found at registrar.osu.edu/registration (click on the current term under “Important Dates” and scroll down to ADD/DROP/WITHDRAW DEADLINES). There are different drop/withdrawal dates for the various shortened sessions and full-semester classes. If you receive financial aid, you should always talk with a financial aid specialist prior to adjusting your schedule. If you stop attending a course but do not drop it, you risk receiving a failing grade which could negatively affect your GPA and your financial aid status. You can call 419-755-4317 to set up an appointment with an academic advisor or a financial aid specialist.

Grievances and Solving Problems  
A student who encounters a problem related to his/her educational program has a variety of avenues available to seek resolution. (Note: the procedures for grade grievances are explicitly covered in the faculty rules) Typically, a student is advised to resolve any dispute, disagreement, or grievance as directly as possible, engaging with the person or persons most closely involved. The faculty and staff on campus are available to work with students in this regard. If this step does not produce acceptable results, the student should follow a logical stepwise progression to address the academic concerns.

According to University Policies, if you have a problem with a course or faculty member, you should seek to resolve the grievance concerning a grade or academic practice by speaking first with the instructor. Then, if necessary, take your case to the Senior Associate Dean and/or the Dean/Director. Specific procedures are outlined in Faculty Rule 3335-8-23.

Lyft      
Although we do have Lyft in Mansfield, we suggest you book well in advance as there are limited availability. Additionally, Ohio State Mansfield does not offer this as a service so students must arrange for pick up and pay for this service on their own. The area also has many taxi companies and a bus comes to campus at https://mansfield.osu.edu/transportation.

Name and Identity Affirmation     
It is our intent to honor your name and pronouns if they differ from your legal or academic record. To display your pronouns across a variety of Ohio State online systems, students, staff, and faculty can indicate their pronouns through my.osu.edu and the Ohio State app.

Student-identified pronouns appear in class and advising rosters and student information system screens, which are visible to advisors, instructors and staff. The purpose of selecting your personal pronouns is to notify faculty and staff of your preferences when engaging in conversations. A formal name change request can be made through Buckeyelink.

Religious Beliefs Statement      
Ohio State has had a longstanding practice of making reasonable academic accommodations for students' religious beliefs and practices in accordance with applicable law. In 2023, Ohio State updated its practice to align with new state legislation. Under this new provision, students must be in early communication with their instructors regarding any known accommodation requests for religious beliefs and practices, providing notice of specific dates for which they request alternative accommodations within 14 days after the first instructional day of the course. Instructors in turn shall not question the sincerity of a student's religious or spiritual belief system in reviewing such requests and shall keep requests for accommodations confidential.

With sufficient notice, instructors will provide students with reasonable alternative accommodations with regard to examinations and other academic requirements with respect to students' sincerely held religious beliefs and practices by allowing up to three absences each semester for the student to attend or participate in religious activities. Examples of religious accommodations can include, but are not limited to, rescheduling an exam, altering the time of a student's presentation, allowing make-up assignments to substitute for missed class work, or flexibility in due dates or research responsibilities. If concerns arise about a requested accommodation, instructors are to consult their tenure initiating unit head for assistance.

A student's request for time off shall be provided if the student's sincerely held religious belief or practice severely affects the student's ability to take an exam or meet an academic requirement and the student has notified their instructor, in writing during the first 14 days after the course begins, of the date of each absence. Although students are required to provide notice within the first 14 days after a course begins, instructors are strongly encouraged to work with the student to provide a reasonable accommodation if a request is made outside the notice period. A student may not be penalized for an absence approved under this policy.

If students have questions or disputes related to academic accommodations, they should contact their course instructor, and then their department or college office. For questions or to report discrimination or harassment based on religion, individuals should contact the Office of Civil Rights Compliance - civilrights@osu.edu.

Policy: Religious Holidays, Holy Days and Observances

Student Conduct and Non-Academic Behavioral Concerns      
The code of student conduct is established to foster and protect the core missions of the university, to foster the scholarly and civic development of the university's students in a safe and secure learning environment, and to protect the people, properties and processes that support the university and its missions. Students who violate faculty expectations may be subject to the code of conduct. For behavioral-related concerns, contact Student Success at 419-755-4317 and ask for an appointment with the Assistant Dean, Student Success. As a responsible community member, do not allow others to act inappropriately and impact the community. Reports can be made at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?OhioState...

Student Success/Retention      
The Ohio State University-Mansfield is committed to the success of students. If you are having academic or personal difficulties, you can contact your Academic Advisor for an appointment through OnCourse or send an email to put you in touch with campus resources including study skills, mental health, financial aid, or emergency services, including community referrals, emergency grants, food insecurity, etc. You can also reach out for free appointments (in person, remote, or recorded) to get writing help or tutoring in math and other subjects from the Conard Learning Center.

Technology and Online Help      
If you have difficulties with technology (including Outlook/email, devices, Carmen Canvas, Carmen Zoom, Teams, OneDrive, Duo Mobile, etc) please try one of the following:

Weather/Short-term Closures    
https://mansfield.osu.edu/about-ohio-state-mansfield/weather-information