Be aware of the norms that course policies are based on and the norms they will reinforce. For example, some students thrive in a quiet, orderly learning environment. Others thrive in a boisterous, spontaneous environment. Classroom norms often favor one and leave very little space for the other. 

Policy Review Questions, Jeff Bonfield (Document)

Avoid policies which assume students have access to certain resources (for example, requiring medical documentation).

Have a suggested deadline, with no late penalty for submission after the deadline.

Use an attendance contract where students can decide individually whether they would like a portion of their grade to depend on attendance. For example: 

• Avoid policies that require attendance (without alternative assignment) for events outside of regular class hours.
• Provide information on resources that support attendance, such as information on low-cost parking and transit.

Some examples of policies that could have unequal impact include:

• A policy against eating in class might affect a student who works full-time differently from a student who does not work.
• A policy against use of cell phones might affect students who have dependents or caregiver responsibilities differently from those who do not.

Strict Attendance Policies Adversely Impact Students, Sarah Bond, The Daily Illini (Article)

Time to Make Your Mandatory Attendance Optional?, Joe Gerald and Benjamin Brady, Chronicle of Higher Education (Article) (access via Rowan Libraries)

Limit the use of proctoring software that may disadvantage neurodivergent students and students of color and contribute to a stressful assessment experience.

Reflect on how your own biases may come into play in detecting and reporting academic integrity violations.

Consider how your policy may focus on policing student behavior, instead of creating educational opportunities.

Proctoring Software, Mozilla (Video)

Bias in Plagiarism Accusations, Tiffany Martínez (Blog)

Faculty Information on Academic Integrity at Rowan, Rowan Academic Affairs (Website)

For online and hybrid courses, omit a “camera on” policy. Students may not be in an environment in which they feel safe or comfortable showing their physical environment. 

When using digital platforms and tools (e.g., Canvas, e-texts, publisher content),  inform students to the best of your ability about what data is collected and, if available, their options for limiting data collection. 

Encourage students to consider the privacy implications of any digital platforms and tools that they use in and outside of the classroom.

10 Principles for Student Data Privacy and Equity, Student Privacy Compass (Article)

Data Privacy in Higher Education: Yes, Students Care, Educause Review (Web article)

5 Reasons to Let Students Keep their Cameras Off During Zoom Classes, The Conversation (Web article)

Provide opportunities for students to privately (voluntarily) disclose accommodation needs and honor them.

Anticipate and build common accommodations into the fabric of the course.

Invisible Disabilities and Postsecondary Education, Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology, University of Washington (Web page)

College Students with “Hidden” Disabilities, Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA (Research brief)

Enhancing Engagement of Students with Invisible Disabilities: Rowan University Faculty Knowledge and Awareness and Student Perspectives, Shariese Abdullah (Dissertation on study of Rowan University)

Do not apply or enforce unwritten policies in the classroom, what often amounts to a "hidden curriculum."

“Teaching the Hidden Curriculum Inclusive Teaching Guides & Tips,” Boston University (Web)

Rowan Recommended Syllabus Statements, linked to from the Rowan Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (Document)

Consider whether the primary purpose of a given course policy is to improve student learning. Sometimes the desire to simplify instructor workload can lead to policies which are detrimental to student learning.

Consider whether a policy such as a late work policy is meant to improve student learning or enforce a behavior expectation.

Coming Soon!