MCC Recommended Syllabus Statements

The following are Mesa Community College’s recommended syllabus statements and are automatically included in syllabi created in the Simple Syllabus. These are specific to MCC, they are recommended to include, in addition to the required statements of the administrative regulation. Please note these do not include the required admin regulation statements, only the MCC recommended statements are below, you may remove MCC recommended statements from your syllabi or you can add them if you created your syllabus outside of the syllabus software. Following statements have been updated and vetted by the authors and the MCC Syllabus Committee: Updated Spring 2024

Academic Integrity & Conduct

Learning requires honesty, responsibility, and professional behavior. It is college policy to respond to academic misconduct and dishonesty whether it was committed intentionally or not.

Academic Misconduct Policy https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/section-2/2-3#11

Code of Conduct  https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/section-2/2-5#2

Note to Faculty about Academic Integrity & Conduct Recommended Section:

This is an important section to include details in the event a student challenges a grade. If you want, you may customize your conditions and expectations regarding academic expectations. Make it as clear as possible. Delete and Adjust bullets as needed for your course.

We recommend that you specify examples of how to maintain integrity for this course, keeping in mind that students often need additional guidance in identifying actions considered to be misconduct such as plagiarism, cheating, etc. and that student grievance reviews will look first to your syllabus policies. Here are some examples you can use:  

  • Students should be aware of the Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity expectations and possible disciplinary actions.
  • Students must do their own work. Both giving and receiving help on an assessment are forms of academic dishonesty.
  • Behavior and language should be appropriate to a collegiate environment.
  • While some activities are collaborative in nature, each student is responsible for contributing to and understanding the material by completing their own coursework–activities, projects, observations, summaries, and other assessments.
  • Allowing any person other than the student enrolled in the course to access or submit work in a course is considered a violation of course policies and a serious infraction of FERPA.
  • Data, facts, or information must not be fabricated. 
  • Some assignments/assessments may require written responses. Plagiarism (including verbatim copies, word reorganization, and rephrasing) from a published source, internet source, or a student (current, past, or otherwise- even if that student is oneself) will result in a zero for the entire assignment or assessment.
  • Use of the images, words, or text of others without acknowledging the source is a form of plagiarism. Sources should be validated and the work of others properly credited – ownership should be attributed to the correct/original source!
  • Use of ANY unauthorized electronics or resources during quizzes/exams will be considered a violation of academic honesty policies. This includes textbook, notes, and web searches.
  • Students should be open to the views of people different from themselves, respect the opinions of others, and refrain from personal attacks, demeaning comments of any kind, and abusive or profane language or actions.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Below are some syllabus statements to consider. The first is a generic Opening Statement that could be used with the three levels of allowed usage of generative AI (none, some, and full usage).

Opening Statement Regarding Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The World Economic Forum defines generative AI as “a category of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that generate new outputs based on the data they have been trained on. Unlike traditional AI systems that are designed to recognize patterns and make predictions, generative AI creates new content in the form of images, text, audio, and more.”

Some examples of generative AI tools include but are not limited to: ChatGPT, Google Bard, Microsoft Copilot, Stable Diffusion, GrammarlyGo, and Adobe Firefly.

Select the option that best matches your course:

No Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Allowed

In this class, all work submitted must be your own. The use of generative AI tools will be considered academic misconduct (see Administrative Regulation 2.3.11 1.B(b)) and will be treated as such. If you are unsure if the tool or website you are using is a generative AI tool, please contact the instructor for further clarification before using the tool or website.

Some Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Allowed in Specific Circumstances

There are situations and contexts within this course where you may be permitted to use generative AI tools. In these cases, specific guidelines will be provided in the assignment details. If you are unsure if the tool or website you are using is a generative AI tool or if it is permitted on a specific assignment, please contact the instructor for further clarification before submitting your work.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Allowed in All Contexts

In this class, you are permitted to use generative AI tools to complete your assignments. When submitting work that incorporates generative AI content, please clearly indicate what content was generated by AI tools. In such cases, no more than XX% of your work should be generated by a generative AI tool. If any part of this is confusing or uncertain, please reach out to me for a conversation before submitting your work.

Attendance Policy

Active participation and engagement is important in the learning process. The knowledge and skills to be gained in this course are dependent on attending and/or participating in class.

Select the option that best matches your course modality. Please edit to align to your courses. 

In-Person/Live Online: Therefore, attendance and participation are required to be successful. Students who must be absent because of an emergency or illness should make every effort to speak with the instructor about it beforehand, if possible, or after the next class. 

Hybrid: Therefore, attendance and active participation are essential for a successful academic experience. Students should attend all scheduled class meetings, commit to time outside of class for other required assignments, and notify the instructor of planned absences; missed assignments translate to absences.

Online On Your Own Time: Therefore, engagement in course activities and submitting assignments provides instructors the opportunity to provide feedback that guides learning. Attendance will be measured by consistent assignment submissions. Students who cannot complete assignments in Canvas by scheduled due dates should reach out to the instructor. Missed assignments translate to absences and missing two due dates in a row may result in withdrawal from the course.

Note to Faculty:
The policy should include information on acceptable absences (beyond those officially recognized in the district), any tardiness policies, and information on when a student will be withdrawn for non-attendance. You may want to refer students to your Grading Policy. 

Course attendance policies must comply with section 2.3.2 of MCCCD Administrative. Be aware that the Online (On Your Own Time) statement should be guided by the federal requirements and must include the minimum outside-of-class time expectations. 

Excused Absence (Under Attendance Policy)

MCC’s policies excuse absences due to college sanctioned events, death of an immediate family member, jury duty, subpoenas, short-term military service, or religious holidays. Signed absence verification forms or accommodation forms are required prior to absence. https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/section-2/2-3#2

Withdrawal Policy (Under Attendance Policy)

There are two kinds of withdrawal, student initiated withdrawal and instructor initiated withdrawal. Find the specific withdrawal information in the District Administrative Regulation 2.3.6 and Appendix S-7.

https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/section-2/2-3#6

https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/appendices/students/s-7

Classroom Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Administrative Policy

https://district.maricopa.edu/mandatory-drs-title-ix-syllabus-statements

Eligibility for Accommodations & Required Documentation

https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/section-2/2-8

Please request your accommodations through the MCC Disabilities Resources and Services Office at 480-461-7447 (Southern & Dobson) or  480-654-7771 (Red Mountain) or email drsfrontdesk@mesacc.edu.

Note to Faculty About the Classroom Accommodations for Students Disabilities Statement:

While this is a required statement, you can include the above or the entire statement. If you prefer to display the entire mandatory statement. Please note, alterations to the official statement are not permissible. 

Class Recordings

Maricopa Community College District has a policy regarding recording faculty lectures: Recording Faculty Lectures https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/section-3/3-4 

MCC CARES

Mesa Community College is committed to providing a personal education for each of our students, and the Care Team is a key part of this vision. When parents, faculty, or staff members are concerned about the physical, emotional, academic or personal health of a college student, the Care Team can assess the situation, offer support, and provide referrals to the breadth of resources on-campus. https://www.mesacc.edu/employees/student-affairs/care-team

Tuition Charges and Refunds

Please see the Course Details section of this syllabus for the refund dates of this course:

District Refund Policy

https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/section-2/2-2#10

Note to Faculty about Tuition Charges and Refunds:
We recommend that you consider adding an “Important Dates & Deadlines” section and including refund and withdrawal deadlines in addition to course milestones. 

Canvas: Learning Management System

MCC and other Maricopa Colleges use Canvas, an online learning management system. Whether the class is face-to-face, hybrid, or entirely online, course materials should be accessed by students in Canvas.

Student Email

All students are provided with an institutional email account (MEID@maricopa.edu). This account assures a student’s identity and privacy, so students should communicate with instructors through this email account or Canvas messaging.

To access this email account click here: http://mail.maricopa.edu 

For technical support with your student email account click here: https://www.maricopa.edu/students/technical-support/student-email 

Tutoring & Academic Support

LEARNING ENHANCEMENT CENTER

Student success is important at MCC, and we encourage students to use all available resources. In addition to meeting with their instructor, students are encouraged to seek FREE tutoring and other on campus support services to reinforce their understanding of course concepts and improve performance in their course(s). 

  • Live Help – Receive instant support for various subjects
  • Writing Lab – Have written assignments reviewed by a tutor
  • Offline Questions – Send a tutor an academic question.
  • And More!

There are nine on-campus (7 at the Southern and Dobson campus, 2 at the Red Mountain campus) and a virtual option for accessing MCC Tutoring Services. For more information: https://www.mesacc.edu/students/tutoring

ONLINE TUTORING

All MCC students have access to 10 (ten) hours of free online tutoring by Brainfuse in multiple sessions throughout the semester.

https://www.mesacc.edu/students/tutoring/brainfuse

Help Text: If your course uses an embedded peer tutor, please include a statement to that effect in your syllabus. Here is a suggested statement: 

Peer Embedded Tutoring

This class has an embedded peer tutor available to assist students with questions and support related to course material, assignments, and resources. The tutor offers one-on-one and small group support, as well as workshops.

Student Resource Referral Guide

If students need support with academic or basic needs at MCC, such as tutoring and transportation issues, there are resources available. MCC has compiled a list of them, which

can be found in the Student Resource Referral Guide.

https://www.mesacc.edu/get-help

Counseling Services

The Counseling Department at Mesa Community College provides a variety of counseling services to assist students in addressing their personal, academic, career development, prevention, and intervention challenges. Services are offered free of charge to students. Counseling faculty support and empower students in the process of setting and attaining their academic, career, and personal goals. To schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor call: 

  • MCC – S&D (480) 461-7588 
  • MCC – Red Mountain (480) 654-7720

https://www.mesacc.edu/departments/counseling

Recommendations for Academic Success

Note to faculty: We recommend that you outline positive examples of how students can succeed in your course. 

Institutional Learning Outcomes

MCC has identified learning goals integrated throughout the student experience: Communication, Critical Thinking, Cultural and Global Engagement, and Civic Engagement. Taken cumulatively, these goals are designed to provide an educational experience that reflects the college mission which includes academic and co-curricular programs. This course assesses at least one of these student learning goals and provides students, instructors, and the college with meaningful data on our effectiveness. Ideally, students progress toward these goals throughout their journey at the college. The course-level assessment of the learning goal associated with this course is a snapshot of students’ progress toward the learning goal.

Honors Program

Note to faculty: If your course is Honors-eligible, please select the statement that best applies.  

Option 1: This course may be taken for Honors credit through an Honors Contract (not available to first semester or second semester Presidents’ Honors Scholarship students). In addition, students taking this course for Honors credit may be eligible for a scholarship. Please see the instructor and the Honors program for details and requirements.

Option 2: This course is offered as Honors Credit. Traditionally, that means the course includes the “regular” course content, plus some combination of: enhancements to classwork that increases depth/breadth; varied modes of instruction, such as greater emphasis on Project-based learning or discussion; inclusion of material beyond competency requirements, such as research, writing, and presentation that addresses student interests.

Option 3: This section is not eligible for honors credit using an Honors Contract. However, another section of this course/similar course is offered for Honors Credit. Those who wish to earn honors credit and are eligible should consider transferring to the honors course.

Information for Students of Faith

Mesa Community College fosters an environment of religious inclusion where students of faith will be welcomed and supported. If you have religious practices and needs (as protected by Title IV of the Civil Rights Act) and would like to discuss possible accommodations, please review the Religious Accommodation Procedure and contact your instructor.

https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/appendices/non-discrimination/nd-4

Course Survey

Near the end of this course, students will receive an invitation to complete a course survey. Constructive feedback plays an important role in shaping quality education at MCC. All responses are completely confidential, and student names are not stored with answers in any way. Instructors will not see survey results until after final grades are submitted. Student participation is greatly appreciated.

Statement on Student Responsibilities

It is the student’s responsibility to understand the policies listed in this syllabus as these are the guidelines that the instructor will follow for grading, attendance, etc. It is also every student’s responsibility to read and understand the college policies included in the student handbook as they may apply in the case of an incomplete grade or withdrawal. In addition to this syllabus, all students should be aware of the district Administrative Regulations that articulate student rights and responsibilities.

MCC Student Handbook https://www.mesacc.edu/student-life/services-campus-resources

MCC College Catalog  https://www.mesacc.edu/catalog

MCCCD Administrative Regulations https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/section-2/2-3

Faculty Regular and Substantive Interaction Practices

In response to the US Department of Education’s requirement for regular and substantive interaction (RSI) for online courses, you can expect the following interactions in Canvas. Your instructor will:

  • Monitor your academic engagement and success and will contact you regarding your progress via the Canvas Inbox.
  • Regularly provide explanations, examples, or additional course content using Canvas tools to support your learning.
  • Provide detailed and personalized feedback via the Canvas gradebook on your assignments in a timely manner.
  • Respond to student questions via the Canvas Inbox within 24 hours with the exception of weekends and holidays.

Subject to Change

Syllabus policies and course schedule are subject to change to accommodate the needs of the course, by agreement between instructor and all students, or as needed by administration. Students will be notified of any changes in schedule, requirements or policies. Students are responsible for knowing and complying with syllabus information and all college catalog and student handbook policies. Continued enrollment is acceptance of this responsibility.

Note to Faculty about Subject to Change: The admin regulation states that this section be required in your syllabus, we are offering suggested language here but it can be edited to your preference. The admin regulations can be referenced here: https://district.maricopa.edu/regulations/admin-regs/section-3/3-6