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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.

Syllabus Format

The information in this section is summarized from the Faculty Handbook. The syllabus is a key communication tool that provides students with essential course information. Faculty must provide a syllabus to all students during the first week of class and upload the syllabus to the faculty activity reporting system by the third week of the semester. Per the Faculty Handbook, required syllabus components include the following:

1. Course Information

  • Date Submitted
  • Department
  • Course Number & Title
  • Room, Meeting Days & Times
  • Semester & Year
  • Instructor Name & Contact Information
  • Credit Hours (include lecture and lab periods per week)
  • Required Texts & Materials (include lab manuals or references as applicable)
  • Course Description (must match the catalog description)

2. Learning Outcomes & Expectations

  • Student Learning Outcomes:
    • Clearly state assessable learning outcomes.
    • Indicate assessment methods (e.g., exams, papers, presentations, etc.).
    • If applicable, align course outcomes with program or general education learning outcomes.
  • Methods & Procedures:
    • Describe topics covered and teaching methods (e.g., lectures, discussions, labs, experiential learning).
    • Specify required assignments or deliverables.
    • Note any prerequisite knowledge or skills.
  • Course Requirements:
    • Outline the type and number of activities (e.g., book reviews, quizzes, presentations, projects, etc.).
    • Explain grading weight for each assignment type.

3. Attendance Policy

  • Clearly state whether attendance impacts grades.
  • Explain how absences affect learning and course progress.
  • Generally accepted practice: Students missing more than 20% of class hours may fail or be withdrawn.

4. Assessment & Grading Criteria

  • Assessment Procedures:
    • Detail how student learning will be evaluated (e.g., rubrics, exams, peer reviews).
  • Grading Policy:
    • Outline grading criteria and weight distribution.
    • Ensure alignment with course objectives.

5. Course Outline

  • Provide a weekly or daily schedule of topics, assignments, and assessments.
  • Include due dates for major assignments and exams.
  • If applicable, reference additional details on the Learning Management System (LMS, currently Canvas).

6. Syllabus Policies Link

To shorten your syllabus, keeping it focused on your own classroom policies, a link to Marian University Syllabus Policies can be included: Marian Syllabus Policies (https://www.marian.edu/center-for-teaching-and-learning/resources-for-student-success/marian-syllabus-policies/)

Training Requirements

To successfully complete the training outlined below, please ensure that you have your tech sheet and Marian credentials prepared with assistance from the IT department. A number of the training sessions will require you to log in to Marian's Canvas or Human Resources software. Be sure to test your login details beforehand to avoid any technical difficulties during the sessions. Additionally, it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with the interface and navigation of these platforms.

FERPA Training

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that sets forth requirements regarding the privacy of student records.  It prevents school officials from disclosing personally identifiable information from a student's education record without written consent.  Keep an eye out for an invitation to complete FERPA training in your email from our HR office.  This training will be completed in the UKG HR system.  

Should you need help accessing the UKG system, please get in touch with Human Resources by emailing HR@marian.edu.

Title IX & Mandatory Reporting Training

Title IX is part of the Education Amendments of 1972 and is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education. This federal law prohibits favoritism in education programs or activities operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. Keep an eye out for an invitation to complete Title IX and Mandatory Reporting training in your email from our HR office.  This training will be completed in the UKG HR system.  

Should you need help accessing the UKG system, please get in touch with Human Resources by emailing HR@marian.edu.

Harassment Prevention Training

Harassment training is conducted through the Human Resources UKG Pro Learning system, and you will receive an email invitation to complete it. All required training is automatically assigned to every individual enrolled in the payroll system (UKG).

Should you need help accessing the UKG system, please get in touch with Human Resources by emailing HR@marian.edu.

Credit Hour Requirements

Higher education rigor is guided by standards from the department of education, necessary for public financial aid eligibility. Universities must meet benchmarks related to course lengths and credit hours while ensuring curricula equip students with essential skills. Instructors are vital in maintaining academic rigor through effective teaching strategies that promote critical thinking. Periodic reviews assess compliance with standards, evaluating course materials, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes, driving program improvements. Institutions should also foster academic excellence through resources and opportunities for research and experiential learning. The ultimate goal is to create a strong educational framework that meets regulatory requirements and encourages lifelong learning.

Time required by law: 3 credits = 135 hours. 16 weeks = 8.4 hours per week. 8 weeks = 16.8 hours per week. 5 weeks = 27 hours per week.

 

 

Time required by law:
3 credits = 135 hours
16 weeks = 8.4 hours per week
8 weeks = 16.8 hours per week
5 weeks = 27 hours per week

 

 

The PDF provided serves as a resource for implementing legal rigor in education, specifically for non-traditional settings such as labs, clinical experiences, and internships. It encourages educators to be flexible in their teaching approaches to suit different learning environments and highlights the necessity of fostering a supportive atmosphere for all students while ensuring compliance with legal standards.

The Excel document is a valuable tool for tracking course elements and estimating time spent throughout the course. It features individual weekly sheets for easy input of lecture topics, assignments, and activities, automatically calculating hours dedicated to each task. The totals page aggregates data and visualizes it with charts, helping educators manage time effectively and optimize course structure for better student engagement and learning outcomes. Overall, it supports refined course planning, making it essential for academic success.

Copyright Information

The LibGuide from Marian University Library offers essential insights into copyright, including fair use and relevant scenarios. Students, educators, and content creators need to understand these principles in navigating intellectual property. The guide provides practical examples, guidelines, and resources for further reading, along with expert contact information for support. Overall, it serves as a valuable tool for enhancing knowledge and protecting creative work.