Writing Program Course Policies
To support the best learning and teaching conditions, the Writing Program has adopted a minimal number of policies that govern all of its General Education Writing courses. Individual faculty may revise these policies for tone, style, and degree of explanation, and some policies provide a range of supported options. Any revisions shall appear on the syllabus for a particular section of the class. However, all modifications shall be consistent with the policies below. Alternatively, a syllabus may simply inform students that "General Education writing course policies pertain to this class" and direct students to the Writing Program course policies webpage. [Rev. January 2021]
Below, you will find a list of those policies, along with accompanying syllabus language that can be revised according to faculty preferences.
Accessibility Services
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy. Students with disabilities who seek reasonable accommodations in the classroom or other aspects of performing their coursework must first register with the UNF Student Accessibility Center (SAC) located in Building 57, Room 1500. SAC staff members work with students to obtain required documentation of disability and to identify appropriate accommodations as required by applicable disability laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). After receiving all necessary documentation, the SAC staff determines whether a student qualifies for services with the SAC and, if so, the accommodations will be provided to the student. SAC staff then prepares a letter for the student to provide faculty advising them of approved accommodations. For further information, contact the SAC by phone at 904-620-2769, by email at SAC@unf.edu or visit the SAC website.
Our courses are inclusive environments, organized in the spirit of Universal Design. We are committed to helping all students engage with every aspect of our courses. Please talk with your instructor early in the semester so that they can resolve any access needs and design accommodations to help you succeed in your course.
Service Animals and Technology Policy
Disabled students, faculty, and staff often employ assistance in the form of wheelchairs, canes, technology, and service animals. Please recognize that these technologies are an extension of the disabled person, and do not interact with these technologies without the disabled person's permission. In particular, please refrain from petting or talking to service animals unless the handler has given you permission.
Civility and Tolerance Statement
The Writing Program affirms the UNF Student Conduct Code: "The Student Conduct Code is designed to promote responsible behavior for all students consistent with the welfare of the UNF community."
- Because writing courses rely on interaction, civility and tolerance are vital to foster productive classroom and learning environments. Instructors will act to reduce behaviors that may compromise such environments. These actions may range from informal conversations, to formal communications, to requested action by the Division of Student Affairs, or in the case of extreme classroom disruption, to contact with the University Police for assistance.
- By definition, education depends on encountering new ideas and information. Some of these new ideas may conflict with an individual's existing knowledge or perspective. The Writing Program expects students to engage such materials thoughtfully, in ways that reflect the values and mission of the University of North Florida.
- Students shall refrain from any activity that disrespects the classroom environment and learning conditions for others.
- Students should use professional email etiquette in communications with faculty and peers. [See Purdue OWL for information on email etiquette]
Late Assignment Policy
Assignments are due when they are due. Late work will be accepted only at the discretion of the instructor, and work based on in-class participation cannot be made up. The Writing Program supports the following range of options concerning late work: a lowered grade, delayed instructor evaluation or response, no credit.
Violation of Academic Integrity
The University of North Florida's Academic Integrity Code "expects all members of the academic community to respect the principle of academic freedom and to behave with academic integrity." Each student is responsible for reading and understanding this policy.
Violations of the Academic Integrity include, among others:
- Cheating: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials in any academic exercise.
- Fabrication: Alteration or invention of any information, including citations, in an academic exercise.
- Multiple submissions: submitting substantial portions of the same academic work (including oral reports) more than once without authorization.
- Plagiarism: Presenting someone else's language, ideas, or other original (not common-knowledge) material without acknowledging its source. This definition applies to texts published in print or online, to manuscripts, and to the work of other student writers.
See the UNF Student Handbook for the complete listing of academic integrity violations.
Students who violate the academic integrity code will receive an F on the specific assignment and may receive an F for the course. The instructor will inform the Director of the Writing Program of violations of academic integrity.
Continuity of Instruction Plan
In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency such as hurricane, pandemic or other unforeseen event or combination of events, the format of this course may be modified in order to enable completion of the course requirements. In that event, you will be provided an addendum to this syllabus that will supersede this version. It is your responsibility as a student participant to be proactive during any emergency to find instructions that your instructor will post via email or Canvas, which you should check daily.
Useful Student Resources
Many students experience stress while adjusting to college. UNF has a wide variety of resources that are available free of charge to all students. Contacts for each office follows-their staffs include trained, caring professionals who have experience helping students deal with specific academic, security, psychological, and emotional issues.
Below you will find a list of resources available to students, along with sample syllabus language that can be revised according to faculty preferences.
Writing, Research, and Academic Support
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The University Writing Center
All students, regardless of their own perceived writing abilities, are strongly urged to seek help from the University’s Writing Center. Part of the UNF Writing Program, he Writing Center is in Room 2501 of Skinner-Jones Hall (Buidling 4). To find them, look for the spiral staircase at the back of the Bamboo Garden. Take the staircase (or the elevator inside of Building 4) to the second floor, and the entrance is right across from the top of the staircase.
They offer students appointments, drop-in hours, and regular writing workshops. All services are offered in multiple modalities--in-person, online via Zoom, and online via Microsoft Teams. If you have an accessibility need that these modalities do not support, please contact them for more options.
Writing Center staff can help you with brainstorming, outlining, organizing your ideas, syntax, grammar, style and rhetoric, literature reviews, references, marshaling evidence, drafting, and editing. They also offer feedback on presentations. Schedule an appointment or see their drop-in hours on their website here!
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Student Academic Success Services (SASS)
Office of Undergraduate Studies provides a variety of Student Academic Success Services (SASS). The SASS office is located in the same suite as First-Year Advising, which is in Founders Hall (Building 2), Suite 1200.
SASS offers a multitude of resources for students of all disciplines--from accounting to economics to physics to history and more--in the form of supplemental instruction, individual and group tutoring, and academic coaching/peer mentoring.
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The SMART Center
Having trouble in a mathematics or statistics class? If so, the SMART Center has got you covered. With three different locations on UNF's campus, the SMART center offers math and stats students individual and group tutoring sessions, PASS sessions, study groups, a study lounge, and a variety of summer programs (to help prevent brain dumping between terms).
They are available by appointment or by drop-in, and offer their services both in-person and online via Microsoft Teams and/or Zoom. Learn more about them, view their locations and hours, and make an appointment on their website here!
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Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Students are encouraged to utilize the many resources available to them in the Thomas G. Carpenter Library. The Librarians at the UNF Library 1.) offer one-on-one consultations with students to assist them in research projects, and 2.) consult with you on finding/accessing materials, citing sources appropriately, and other scholarly activities.
The library also has an impressive variety of resources available to students. First, they have a Virtual Learning Center that offers students the opportunity to explore virtual reality technology. Also, they house one of the IT Services locations, so if you are in need of IT help, they've got you covered. They also offer workshops on topics students care about and they have a recording studio for students to use.
The library also rents out A/V equipment to students doing multimedia projects, and they have quiet study spaces you can reserve ahead of time. View all of these resources and more on their website here!
Health & Wellness Support
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Student Counseling Center
The UNF Student Counseling Center offers a wide range of counseling, consultation, training and educational services in an effort to support students' academic success and personal development.
From do-it-yourself resources to improve your mental health literacy to individual and group counseling sessions to art therapy and psychiatry services, the Student Counseling Center has something for everyone. They also have a 24/7 crisis help line available for emergencies and after-hours support (listed below). To see a comprehensive overview of their resources, see their website here!
- For after-hours support, please call the 24/7 help line (904) 620-2602 - select option 2
- Students can book a counseling appointment by either calling (904) 620-2602 or emailing counselingctr@unf.edu
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Student Health Services
UNF Student Health Services offers a wide range of acute and preventative healthcare services, outreach and educational programs, immunization programs, and health insurance programs in an effort to support the health and well-being of UNF students and of the greater Jacksonville community.
To see a comprehensive overview of their services, learn how to make an appointment, and/or contact their staff, see their website here!
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Lend-A-Wing Pantry
Founded in 2012 by UNF students, for UNF students, Lend-A-Wing Pantry is a Student Government Executive Agency designed to combat food insecurity on campus by providing students, free, anonymous access to food, hygiene items, and school supplies. We strive to create a safe and comfortable environment where students feel welcome, and we are dedicated to selfless service and fighting the stigma of college campus food insecurity.
Lend-A-Wing offers a wealth of information on budgeting, community resources, and other UNF resources. They also offer opportunities for students to volunteer and earn hours for scholarships, extracurriculars, etc. To read more about Lend-A-Wing, sign up to volunteer, and/or find their contact information, see their website here!
Professional Support
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Academic Advising
At UNF, our Academic Advisors are here to guide you in selecting the right major and charting a clear path to earning your degree. We assist with building your academic schedule, completing necessary forms and connecting you with the resources you need to achieve your goals.
To make an appointment with your assigned Advisor, log into your MyNest account and select a day and time that works for you. Advisors are available every weekday for in-person, virtual, and phone call appointments, as well as in-person and virtual drop-ins.
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Career Services
UNF's Career Services office offers many different kinds of professional support. From career readiness trainings to job fairs to internships for credit, Career Services is the premiere location for all your professional development and career needs. They can also help you find opportunities, refine application materials, prep for interviews, and even help you find a major and career path that suits your interests and skills.
To learn more and see their list of upcoming events, as well as how to access your student Handshake account, see the Career Services website here!
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Military and Veterans Resource Center
The Military & Veterans Resource Center assists military members, veterans, and dependents with a variety of issues. Whether it is certifying your coursework with the VA, helping you take advantage of your family's GI bill benefits, or just providing a space where you can study, the MVRC is here to help you. Contact the Military and Veterans' Resource Center by phone (904) 620-5131 or email mvrc@unf.edu.
FERPA Policies
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guarantees students and their parents certain rights. In relation to those rights, our course policies include the following:
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Your instructor cannot discuss your grades with you via email.
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Your instructor cannot discuss your grades and/or progress with your parents or any third party unless you have signed a waiver of your FERPA rights with One Stop. Your instructor will require proof that the waiver has been signed before I discuss your grades or standing in the class with your parents.
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If you fail the course and you are on financial aid, your instructor is legally required to report your attendance record to the financial aid department.
Attendance Policy
First-day Attendance
UNF requires that all students attend the first class meeting for any course in which they are registered. Per UNF's official policy, If a student fails to attend this first class meeting, they may be dropped from the course. For online courses, all students must log into Canvas and evidence their participation by the end of add/drop deadline, or they may be dropped from the course for failure to satisfy the university's first-day attendance policy.
General Education Writing Courses
Because absences negatively affect student performance, the Writing Program requires that all students attend or tend to at least 80% of class-specific obligations. Any student who misses 20% or more of scheduled classes or deadlines will receive an F for the course.
| In-Person Courses | Online Courses |
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Students are expected to:
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Students are expected to:
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For online courses, instructors will, at a minimum, offer weekly assignments that document active student involvement within that course. These assignments may include, but are not limited to, discussion board postings, emailing with the instructor, and submitting or completing work in Blackboard.
This attendance policy will stand regardless of the quality of the student's work.
Generative AI/LLM Policy
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, including Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, is governed by the policies of the University, the Writing Program, and the specific guidelines of your courses.
Writing Program-Wide Policy
The UNF Writing Program & Center recognizes that AI/LLM tools are increasingly part of the academic and professional writing and that students arrive to classes with various conceptions of how and when AI/LLM use may be appropriate. One of our core tenets of writing instruction is to create opportunities for writers to develop careful, considered approaches to communicating their ideas based on, among other things, audience, purpose, and general context.
For this reason, faculty have the discretion to determine whether, how, and to what extent students may use these tools in their coursework in their courses. In this way, the Writing Program & Center supports faculty’s AI/LLM policies where they are:
- Explicit: Clearly stated in the syllabus or assignment guidelines
- Accessible: Understandable to students who may be unfamiliar with academic integrity, citation practices, or the values of academic discourse communities
- Aligned: Consistent with the principles of academic honesty, including proper attribution, ownership of ideas, and responsible engagement with sources (including AI-generated content)
Note: Failure to follow the course’s AI/LLM policy may be considered a violation of academic integrity.
Note: Not all faculty or sections will have exactly the same policy, and one of the objectives of our writing program courses is that writers build a practice-based decision-making process to determine the fitness of AI/LLM use, not least in terms of effectiveness and ethical use. It is the student’s responsibility to understand and abide the course-specific AI/LLM (i.e., genAI) policy.