Instruction Section V, Page 63
Revised September 1994.
INSTRUCTION
University Calendar
The University academic year (approximately nine months) is divided into two semesters. The fall semester begins in midAugust and terminates in December. The spring semester starts in January and ends in May. The calendar for the school year is published in The Undergraduate Bulletin and The Graduate Bulletin. The latter includes not only the basic outline of the semester schedule but also pertinent deadlines for graduate exams, theses, dissertations, and applications.
Teaching Loads
The number and type of courses taught by faculty members each semester, and the times at which they are taught, are set at the department or school level.
Memoranda on Administrative Procedures
Because of the large number of students and the complexities of the many schools and departments on campus, it is necessary that the faculty and students comply with certain uniform, standard administrative procedures. Many of these are stated in a numbered series of University Registrars Procedures memoranda. Topics covered (1984) include: Inter-Institutional Registration (#3); Standard Course Numbering System (#4); Registration, Preregistration and Drop-Add (#5); Intra-University Transfer (#6); Cancellations, Withdrawals and Suspension (#7); Examinations and Grading System (#8); Auditing Courses (#9); Identification Numbers for Non-U.S. Citizens (#10); Authorized Courses (#11); Tuition Waiver for Older Students (#12); Authorized Degrees, Major Fields in Each Degree and Assigned Code Numbers (#13); Administration of "Year Abroad" Programs (#14); Administration of "Exchange" Programs (#15); and Leave of Absence for Undergraduate Students (#16). Each department and school has a set on file for faculty use.
Other procedural matters involving, or of interest to, faculty members are
found in the "Academic Procedures" section of the Record of The
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: The Undergraduate Bulletin and
the "Graduate Degree Requirements" section of the Record of the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: The Graduate School.
The former includes coverage of such matters as registration, auditing, class attendance, examinations, course load, grades, grade protests, academic eligibility, student leave policy, student withdrawal, transcripts, and inter-institutional registration.
Drop-Add Policy
Undergraduate students are expected to carry a full academic load (fifteen course hours per semester is normal, twelve course hours per semester is the minimum load) in residence except in cases where illness or physical handicap, family emergency, or
Instruction Section V, Page 64
substantial employment justify a reduction. Such reductions may be authorized only by the dean or his/her representative in the student's college or school. Instructors should not recommend to students that they attempt to drop a course simply because they are not doing well.
Undergraduate students may add classes without record during the first five regular class days of each term and during the first two days of each summer session with the approval of the appropriate academic advisor. Instructors should specify course goals, content, means, and requirements early in the semester so that the student knows the nature of his commitment.
During the first two weeks of classes, students may drop a course using telephonic registration (CAROLINE); however, they are responsible for insuring that any registration schedule changes do not result in less than 12 academic hour semester registration (one-hour Physical Education Activity (PHYA) courses are not counted as academic hours). After the second and before the end of the sixth week of classes, students may drop courses only with the approval of their academic adviser or dean. If permission is granted, the academic adviser or dean will complete an official Registration/Drop/Add Form which must be submitted by the student to the Registrar's Office (Hanes Hall) on the day of issuance. After the sixth week of classes, students must petition to drop courses through the dean's office in the school in which they are enrolled.
If a student drops the only course he or she is taking, this constitutes a withdrawal from the University. A student is not officially dropped from a course (or added to a course) unless the aforementioned procedures are completed. The notation of W (withdrawn passing) is not employed for course drops made before the end of the sixth week of classes.
Grading System
Two grading systems are used; one (A,B,C,D,F) is for undergraduate and professional students and the other (H,P,L,F) is for graduate students. By action of the Faculty Council (April 23, 1976), the letter grades for undergraduates represent the following levels of achievement:
A - Highest level of achievement
B - Strong performance
C - Totally acceptable performance
D - Marginal performance
F - Unacceptable performance
Instruction Section V, Page 65
Faculty members may assign plusses and minuses to grades on official grade sheets and these will be recorded on the student's transcript with quality point value assigned to them, as follows:
|
A |
= |
4.0 |
|
B- |
= |
2.7 |
|
D+ |
= |
1.3 |
|
A- |
= |
3.7 |
|
C+ |
= |
2.3 |
|
D |
= |
1.0 |
|
B+ |
= |
3.3 |
|
C |
= |
2.0 |
|
F |
= |
0 |
|
B |
= |
3.0 |
|
C- |
= |
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
There is often confusion concerning the Work Incomplete (IN) and Absent from Exam (AB) grades that are used in both systems. IN is for the student who took the final examination in a course but did not complete some other course requirement or sign the honor pledge and who might pass the course if the missing work is completed. Unless removed within eight weeks of the beginning of the next regular semester (fall or spring), an IN converts to an IN/F* on the student's academic transcript. AB is recorded for the student absent from the final examination, whatever the reason.
If a student cannot pass the course regardless of a final examination performance, the grade of FA is to be reported. An absence from the final exam may be excused only by the student's dean or the University Student Health Service. The deadline for clearing an AB grade is the end of the next regular semester (fall or spring). Unless removed by then, an AB converts to an AB/F* on the student's academic transcript.
The temporary grades of "IN" and "AB" will be removed from a student's permanent record after the student goes through the appropriate channels to have the work or the examination completed and the instructor awards the permanent grade.
Once reported, permanent grades may not be changed except for clerical or arithmetical error or by a successful student appeal made through established procedures. The former change and the latter appeal must be made not later than the last day of classes of the next succeeding regular semester.
Pass-Fail Grading System
Regulations governing the "pass-fail" grading system, under which a student may register for a restricted number and range of courses on a pass-fail basis rather than for a normal letter grade, are found in The Undergraduate Bulletin (under "Grading System" in the chapter, "Academic Procedures").
Students taking a course pass-fail are to comply with the regular examination and attendance requirements. Faculty members will set the same requirements and use the same evaluation standards for pass-fail students as for offiers. Students will be well-advised to avoid the pass-fail option in courses that might prove relevant
Instruction Section V, Page 66
to plans for future education or career.
The
The
Tutorials: Rather than simply correcting, proofreading, or editing
papers,
Referrals: Teachers or advisors may refer students to the
Instructors who plan to make visiting the Writing Center a requirement of the course should notify the Center to stagger visits so students do not arrive in large groups.
Other Writing Center Services: The Writing Center focuses on undergraduates, but many graduate, professional, international, and non-traditional students, visiting scholars, staff members and faculty make use of Writing Center services. Although tutors usually work with papers, the Center offers help with other written work such as cover letters, application essays, resumes, essays, and take-home exams (with the instructor's permission).
Center staff members are available for class and program presentations about the Writing Center and college level writing. Each semester, the Writing Center conducts three or four campuswide workshops to help students improve their writing skills.
Schedule: The Writing Center schedule varies each semester depending on the availability of tutors and funding. When classes are in session, the Center is generally open 9:00-4:00 Monday through Friday for hour or half-hour appointments. The Writing Center is located at Phillips Annex, Lower Level, 962-7710 or the Undergraduate Library, Lower Level, 962-4060. The Center's Grammar Hotline can be reached at both locations and numbers.
Honor System
The University has a long tradition of student self-governance in matters of
student conduct, including academic dishonesty. The rules of student conduct
are based on the Honor Code and the Campus Code, which all students agree to
accept upon enrollment.
Instruction Section V, Page 67
The Honor Code
It shall be the responsibility of every student at The University of North Carolina to obey and to support the enforcement of the Honor Code, which prohibits lying, cheating, or stealing when these actions involve academic processes or University, student, or academic personnel acting in an official capacity.
The Campus Code
It shall be the further responsibility of every student to abide by the Campus Code, namely to conduct oneself so as not to impair significantly the welfare or the educational opportunities of others in the university community.
As a public institution, the University must provide a student with a fair hearing before imposing any sanctions for suspected Honor Code or Campus Code violations. Because of this, faculty members must report suspected violations of the Honor Code or the Campus Code to either the Office of the Student Attorney General, located in the Frank Porter Graham Student Union, or the Office of the Dean of Students, located in the basement of Steele Building. It is recommended that the faculty member notify the student that the suspected violation is being reported.
If the Attorney General finds that there is enough evidence to show that a probable violation occurred, then the case is heard by a five person student court. The court's job is to decide whether the accused student is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In cases of academic cheating, the normal sanctions are suspension from the University for the remainder of the semester and a grade of "F" in the course involved. A complete account of offenses and procedures is contained in the Instrument of Student Judicial Governance; for a copy, call 966-4041, or stop by the Office of the Dean of Students.
Faculty Responsibility in the Honor System
The following resolution was adopted by the Faculty Council on January 20, 1978:
Academic work is a joint enterprise involving faculty and students. Both have a fundamental investment in the enterprise and both must share responsibility for ensuring its integrity.
Therefore, the specific actions enumerated below are declared to be those which are included in, but do not exhaust, the responsibility of the faculty in relation to the Honor Code.
Instruction Section V, Page 68
1. To inform students at the beginning of each course and at other appropriate times that the Honor Code, which prohibits giving or receiving unauthorized aid, is in effect. Where appropriate, a clear definition of plagiarism and a reminder of its consequences should be presented, and the extent of permissible collaboration among students in fulfilling academic requirements should be carefully explained.
2. To identify clearly in advance of any examination or other graded work the books, notes or other materials or aids which may be used; to inform students that materials or aids other than those identified cannot be used; and to require unauthorized materials or aids to be taken from the room or otherwise made inaccessible before the work is undertaken.
3. To require each student on all written work to sign a pledge when appropriate that the student has neither given nor received unauthorized aid. Grades or other credit should not be awarded for unpledged work.
4. To take all reasonable steps consistent with existing physical classroom conditions - such as requiring students to sit in alternate seats - to reduce the possibility of cheating on graded work.
5. To exercise caution in the preparation, duplication and security of examinations (including make-up examinations) to ensure that students cannot gain improper advance knowledge of their contents.
6. To avoid, when possible, reuse of instructor-prepared examinations, in whole or in part, unless they are placed on reserve in the Library or otherwise made available to all students.
7. To exercise proper security in the distribution and collection of examination papers; and to be present in the classroom during an examination when the instructor believes that his or her presence is warranted or when circumstances, in his or her opinion, make his or her presence necessary.
8. To report to the Office of the Student Attorney General or the Office of Student Affairs any instance in which reasonable grounds exist to believe that a student has given or received unauthorized aid in graded work. When possible, consultation with the student should precede reporting.
Instruction Section V, Page 69
Private action as a sanction for academic cheating, including the assignment for disciplinary reasons of a failing grade in the course, is inconsistent with faculty policy and shall not be used in lieu of or in addition to a report of the incident.
9. To cooperate with the Office of the Student Attorney General and the defense counsel in the investigation and trial of any incident of alleged violation, including the giving of testimony when called upon.
Class Attendance
The following regulations on a student's class attendance were adopted by the Faculty Council (1957):
Regular class attendance is a student obligation, and a student is responsible for all the work, including tests and written work, of all class meetings.
No right or privilege exists which permits a student to be absent from any given number of class meetings.
Instructors will keep attendance records in all classes. If a student misses three consecutive class meetings, or misses more classes than the instructor deems advisable, the instructor will report the facts to the student's academic dean for appropriate action. The appearance of a student's name on the Infirmary list constitutes an excuse for the student for absences from classes during the period the student is in the Infirmary. This list is circulated to all deans of colleges and schools having undergraduate students. In case of doubt the instructor may check with the office of the student's dean.
Students who are members of regularly organized and authorized University activities and who may be out of town taking part in some scheduled event are to be excused during the approved period of absence. Notification of such an absence must be sent by the responsible University official to the office of the student's dean where instructors may, should they be in doubt, consult the list.
Final Examinations
Regular written examinations are required at the end of each term in all courses numbered below 200, except those whose nature makes written examination unnecessary. Exceptions must have advance approval of the Provost. For courses numbered 200 and above, final examinations, which may or may not be written, may be given at the option of the course instructor. A final examination schedule is announced each semester, and no examination (except for laboratory sections) may be held at any time other than specified. No instructor shall give a quiz or assign
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a paper that is not a part of the equivalent of a current daily recitation within one week (five class days) preceding the final examination period.
Final examinations for a full course should ordinarily cover two hours but should not exceed a period of three hours. Each student is required to subscribe his or her name to the following pledge or its equivalent on every paper: "I hereby certify that during this examination I have neither given nor received aid." The instructor will not report a grade for any student whose examination paper lacks this pledge. Instead, he or she will register "no pledge" on the class grade report that is sent to the Office of the University Registrar.
Papers written in final examinations are not to be carried away from Chapel Hill to be graded. Faculty legislation requires that grade reports be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar within seventy-two hours after the examination is given. It is advisable that the faculty member retain final examination papers on file for at least one year because of the possibility of grade appeals and in order to accommodate possible student removal of temporary grades. It is also desirable that a faculty member who leaves the University deposit his or her grade books for the last three years with his or her chair for reference purposes.
Emergency Procedures
Unfortunately, educational institutions are the prime receivers of bomb threats. While there are very few instances where bombs have actually been found, it is practically impossible to determine immediately whether a threat is real. The vast majority of bomb threats prove to be hoaxes.
The decision to evacuate for bomb threats rests with the Chancellor. The Chancellor has delegated this decision responsibility to the Director of University Police.
Each threat received will be evaluated independently, with the decision to evacuate given serious consideration as to the nature and circumstances of the threat. The safety of the University community will receive the highest priority. However, the normal academic process must not be jeopardized by hoaxes. The normal posture will be one of non-evacuation.
If a faculty member receives a threatening call, he or she should obtain as much information as possible from the caller. Ask the caller when the bomb is expected to explode, where it is located, the type of explosive, what it looks like, and why the caller is doing this. Immediately notify the University Police.
Instruction Section V, Page 71
Faculty members should develop procedures to relocate their classes if police decide to evacuate the building. When possible, classes should not be canceled.
Assigned Books and Readings
Well in advance of each semester, faculty members are requested by Student Stores to designate required textbooks so that they may be made available in their textbook division.
Assigned readings for undergraduate and graduate courses may be placed upon reserve in the Undergraduate Library and branch libraries, but not in Davis Library or Wilson Library. Details on request deadlines, Xerox copies of assigned journal articles, and ordering of new books may be obtained by phone or campus mail from the Reserve Reading Collection Librarian at the Robert B. House Undergraduate Library, or the branch library involved.
New Courses
New courses require official approval. New course proposals must be approved by the department and the administrative board of the school or college involved. The College of Arts and Sciences also requires an intermediate step approval by the course committee of the appropriate academic division. Beyond the school or college level, course proposals numbered in the 100-399 range must be approved by the administrative board of the Graduate School.
Courses in the 100 range, which include undergraduate and graduate students, must be approved by the administrative boards of both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School. Results are transmitted to the units involved in the review process and the Registrar. A new course should not be listed in the catalogue until approved.
Student Evaluation
By Faculty Council legislation (November 21, 1975), "All departments and schools should provide for a periodic and systematic student evaluation procedure for all teaching faculty over the entire range of courses offered." These evaluations are to be used in connection with appointments, promotions, and awards of tenure.
Extension Activities
Faculty members may be interested in teaching in the varied programs of the Division of Continuing Education. The Division extends the special resources of the University to the public by developing and managing outstanding programs, efficiently running the Friday Center, and providing high quality student services. Specific programs of interest include:
Instruction Section V, Page 72
Continuing Studies
Continuing Studies provides access to higher education for adult part-time students. Local residents and University employees who are admitted to Continuing Studies may register for evening or day courses in accord with space limitations and departmental restrictions. Faculty for the evening classes scheduled by Continuing Studies are recommended by the appropriate department chairperson. Full-time faculty may, at the discretion of their chairperson, teach in Continuing Studies as part of their regular teaching load.
Other qualified persons, upon recommendation by the department chairperson and approval by the appropriate dean, may receive stipends for Continuing Studies teaching. Students can earn degree credit for all work. Continuing Studies undergraduates who meet rigorous standards may transfer into a degree-granting program; post-baccalaureate students must make separate applications for admission to the Graduate School, but may transfer six hours of applicable graduate credit toward fulfillment of degree requirements.
Independent Studies
Independent Studies is a joint activity involving eight institutions of the University of North Carolina. These institutions offer college-level correspondence courses and other opportunities for individualized study for persons at a distance from university campuses. Independent Studies courses parallel campus courses in content and credit. Instructors and course study guide authors are appointed by their department chairpersons and receive compensation for these activities.
The course study guides may be listed as departmental publications in the University's compendium of faculty research. Students may complete up to 30 semester hours toward a degree through Independent Studies.
Off-Campus Credit Studies
Off-Campus Credit Studies administers receipt-based graduate and undergraduate courses and lull degree programs at off-campus locations or in time frames that may not follow the University's calendar. Faculty are appointed by the appropriate UNC-Chapel Hill school or department. Faculty members engaged for off-campus instruction may earn extra income in addition to their academic salary. The maximum teaching assignment is one course per semester or summer term. A complete range of University courses available to the general public is not offered off campus. Curriculum offerings are generally initiated at the request of a large group or agency, or by the sponsoring academic unit. Students earn degree credit appropriate for professional credentialing and, in the case of off-campus degree programs, undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Instruction Section V, Page 73
Conferences and Institutes
Conferences and institutes provide a wide variety of short term learning opportunities which are not degree oriented. They typically serve the adult population and may be conducted on the Chapel Hill campus or off campus throughout the world. Many activities are career oriented, while others are of general interest. Program ideas are generated by faculty members, the general public, and Division staff members.
Faculty members generally work with Conferences and Institutes programs on an overload basis and are modestly remunerated in compliance with state and University policies and regulations. Conferences and Institutes staff members are available to assist faculty members in program planning, development and management.
Elderhostel
Elderhostel allows persons over the age of 60 to take week-long courses taught by University faculty. Topics are wide-ranging, but have a liberal arts focus. Faculty members who teach Elderhostel courses do so on an overload basis and receive remuneration. Most faculty who teach in the Elderhostel program also enjoy the intrinsic rewards of working with mature, invigorated learners who bring a variety of life experiences to the classroom. Elderhostel programs typically take place during the summer months.
The William and Ida Friday Continuing Education Center
The Friday Center is located about three miles from the center of campus. It is an ideal location for continuing education activities of all descriptions. The Friday Center was designed for adult learners, and features state-of-the-art technology such as teleconferencing capabilities, video recorders, videodisk players, laser pointers, and rear-screen projectors.
The Center has a 425-capacity auditorium, a formal boardroom, a computer with IBM and Macintosh systems, a seminar room with tiered seating, and a 400-seat dining room in addition to several classrooms with a variety of seating capacities and configurations. Friday Center staff are available to assist program planners in using the facility.
Faculty members who are interested in working with any of these programs should contact the Division of Continuing Education.
Student Services
The General College and College of Arts and Sciences each has a staff of advisors who are also full time faculty members. At the student's request, his or her advisor will review the student's record and prepare a worksheet showing his or her status in his or her degree program. In addition, the advisors are available for consultation on any matter pertaining to the student's academic program. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences who are
Instruction Section V, Page 74
working toward a four-year baccalaureate degree also have a major department advisor.
Faculty members should note the different areas of responsibility in the latter dual advising system. The department advisor is concerned primarily with the student's major and related work and assisting the student with registration and pre-registration. The college advisor is concerned with the student's entire four-year record and determines whether or not all graduation requirements have been met.