Classroom Activities

A syllabus guide will be provided from the Plainview Campus, and it must be used to develop your syllabus. A copy of your course syllabus must be provided to the Campus Dean or Virtual Campus Coordinator prior to the beginning of the term, and to each student at the first class meeting. Syllabi for online classes will be provided on the schedule in advance. Students are encouraged to study the syllabus for a particular class before registration. Each syllabus will require students to use the approved textbooks for the course. The Division Chair must approve any deviation from the approved textbook.

You are free to teach your classes in the way you deem most effective within the bounds of acceptable educational practice and adopted curriculum. You should refer to the syllabus, which is on file for the course you are teaching. Such freedom carries with it full responsibility for what happens as the result of your methodology. The instructor is in charge of the classroom and is accountable to the university administration, the students, and the community. If you have any questions about teaching methodology, consult with your Division Chairperson or Campus Dean. One small, but important reminder, may be in order. Be on time for your class meetings and end the classes on time. If you are teaching an online class, it is important for the students to know that you exist. It is a good idea to respond every time you receive something from the student. This keeps students from becoming panicky/worried. If an emergency arises which will necessitate your late arrival, please try to call you Campus Dean so that word may be relayed to the students. Classes are scheduled to meet 4 hours and 10 minutes each week during the regular 11-week terms, and 4 ½ hours for campuses offering 10-week courses. If you must be absent for any reason, make arrangements with the Campus Dean in advance so that your class can be covered. Students and instructors are expected to put in 38 hours of actual classroom instruction for every 3-hour course. Standards of teaching worthy of accreditation must be maintained.

There will be no smoking or use of alcoholic beverages, or drugs in classrooms and laboratories either by staff members or students.