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New Faculty Resources

This guide is a "One-Stop Shop" for new full-time and adjunct faculty, providing a snapshot of what they need when starting at Marian.

Classroom Observation Form

Both formal and informal observations play a vital role in professional development. Encourage your fellow faculty members to attend your class to identify which strategies work well and which do not during your lesson. It can be particularly advantageous to have colleagues from various disciplines observe, as this provides a fresh perspective. These observations can yield valuable feedback that underscores your strengths and highlights areas for improvement. Following the observation, it's crucial to participate in a reflective discussion with the observer to exchange insights and experiences. This conversation can inspire innovative teaching approaches and nurture a collaborative culture among educators. Remember, the objective is not only to enhance your teaching abilities but also to build a supportive community that values continuous growth and excellence in education. By embracing these feedback and collaboration opportunities, educators can create a more dynamic and effective learning experience for their students.

The Center for Teaching and Learning can conduct classroom observations focused on identifying best teaching practices and exploring ways to improve the learning environment for student success.

Syllabus Policies

Marian Syllabus Policies

The policies underscore the significance of academic integrity, responsible course withdrawals, and the support services offered to students at Marian University. The Academic Integrity Policy stresses the importance of maintaining trust and credibility among peers, warning that infractions like cheating and plagiarism can result in serious repercussions, including possible expulsion. Students are urged to handle their course withdrawals with care, as faculty members are not responsible for this process, and any withdrawal will be recorded on transcripts, potentially impacting financial aid. The university is dedicated to ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities, encouraging the early initiation of the accommodation process and necessitating a Course Accommodation Letter for its implementation. Health and wellness services are easily accessible, featuring a Student Health Center and Counseling Services that provide complimentary support for personal and academic issues. The Academic Commons acts as a resource hub for tutoring and workshops, while Knightro’s Pantry tackles food insecurity by allowing students to access food items at no cost. Furthermore, there are resources for reporting discrimination and harassment, with faculty required to report such incidents and offering confidential assistance through specialized services.

For pertinent student information, include a link to Marian Syllabus Policies.

Marian Syllabus Sections

The syllabus provides students with essential information on grading policies, course schedules, required materials, and key assignments. It serves as a contract between instructors and students, ensuring transparency and clear expectations. It also includes office hours and contact information to promote communication and support, helping students navigate their academic journey confidently. A syllabus at Marian University serves as a vital document outlining crucial elements for a successful academic experience. It defines the course objectives, which clarify the anticipated learning outcomes for students. Various departments may utilize different templates, which can include additional sections relevant to their specific focus.

  • Date Submitted
  • Department
  • Course Number/Title
  • Course Location/Times: Room, time, days of meeting, semester, year
  • Instructor Name
  • Credit: Includes semester hours of credit, number of lecture and lab periods per week.
  • Text: Including lab manuals or suggested references when applicable; a lengthy bibliography is not needed here.
  • Course Description: Must correspond to that given in the catalog.
  • Learning Outcomes: Learning outcomes of the course which should include some assessable outcomes.
  • Methods, Procedures, and Performance Criteria Expected:
  • Specific topics, experiments, study projects, and level of performance expected
  • Prerequisite skills or knowledge assumed
  • Outline of assignments
  • Note: A copy of the text's table of contents does not provide the same type of information and is not satisfactory as an explanation of performance expectations.
  • Course Requirements: Identify the type and number of activities required of students in the course, for example: book reviews, quizzes, class presentations, unit or term paper(s), performance, skill acquisition, class or seminar participation, and other appropriate activities.
  • Attendance Policy for the Course: A clear statement of whether/how attendance will be considered for determining adequate learning; this policy may vary across course formats. For example, classes using group work (English composition, acting, etc.) are ineffective without regular attendance by all members. It is generally accepted practice that absences in excess of 20% of total semester class hours would result in failure/unofficial withdrawal. The policy that best facilitates the learning objectives is set by the instructor and must be clearly stated on the syllabus.
  • Assessment Procedures: The criteria for judgment and the means proposed to assess student learning and performance.
  • Testing Program and Criteria for Grading: The criteria for grading should follow from the objectives of the course; that is, indicate the specific learning, laboratory, performance, or research outcomes that are essential for a student's work to be judged adequate or superior.
  • Course Outline: Day/week listing of topics, assignments, tests, evaluations for the semester. This may be a general overview of expected progress. However, "due dates" for specific projects, term paper(s), and major tests serve as helpful guides to students.
  • ADA Statement: The Center for Personalized Learning has created an ADA statement to include in your syllabus.