Syllabus Guidelines

L3 decorative image

Home / Students / Syllabus Guidelines and Resources

Academic Integrity

Students in this course will be expected to comply with the University of Pittsburgh’s Policy on Academic Integrity. Any student suspected of violating this obligation for any reason during the semester will be required to participate in the procedural process, initiated at the instructor level, as outlined in the University Guidelines on Academic Integrity. To learn more about Academic Integrity, visit the Academic Integrity Guide for an overview of the topic.

For hands-on practice, complete the Academic Integrity Modules.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The use of Generative AI tools (including but not limited to Claude for Education, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft CoPilot) will be permitted only at the discretion of your instructor(s) and their individual courses. If your instructor allows Generative AI use within the course, you will be informed as to when, where, and how these tools are to be used, along with guidance for attribution. Any use outside of this permission constitutes a violation of Pitt’s Guidelines on Academic Integrity.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is "presenting as one's own, for academic evaluation, the ideas, representations or works of another person or persons without customary and proper acknowledgment of sources" (Faculty development/TA Handbook, p. 15). Plagiarism is a violation of both the University of Pittsburgh's standards on academic honesty (AC 39: Guidelines on Academic Integrity - Student and Faculty Obligations and Hearing Procedures) and those of the School of Nursing Policy No. 307, Academic Integrity: Student Obligations.

Students are not allowed to use generative artificial intelligence tools on their assignments unless authorized by the instructor. If used, generative artificial intelligence tools should be cited. Students are expected to complete their assignments without substantive assistance from others unless authorized by the instructor.

Violations of these policies are taken seriously. Any student suspected of violating this obligation for any reason during the semester will be required to participate in the procedural process, initiated at the instructor level, as outlined in the University Guidelines on Academic Integrity.

Simulation-Skills Lab Guidelines

Those utilizing the Simulation and Skill Lab should review and abide by these guidelines in continuing to support a safe environment for all.

Disability Services

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to inclusive and accessible education experiences for all students. If you have a disability for which you are, or may be, requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS), 140 William Pitt Union, (412) 648-7890, drsrecep@pitt.edu, as early as possible in the term.

DRS will engage in a review process with you to determine eligibility and reasonable accommodations. If you are already registered with DRS, please complete the necessary steps on the DRS Student Portal to utilize your accommodations this term. A separate request for accommodations in a clinical course can be initiated by students each academic term through DRS.

If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Disability Resources and Services (DRS), 140 William Pitt Union, (412) 648-7890, drsrecep@pitt.edu, (412) 228-5347 for P3 ASL users, as early as possible in the term. DRS will verify your disability and determine reasonable accommodations for this course. A separate request for accommodations in a clinical course can be initiated by students each academic term through DRS.

Accessibility

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to providing equal access by making all electronic and information technology accessible to all users. This includes instructional materials and the Canvas LMS platform.

  • If you experience accessibility issues regarding course-specific material, please reach out to the instructor.
  • If you experience a University-wide or other large-scale accessibility issue, please report the digital accessibility barrier to the Digital Accessibility Coordinator.
  • If you are registered with Disability Resources and Services and experience issues with approved accommodations, you may contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS), 140 William Pitt Union, by calling 412-648-7890, or emailing drsrecep@pitt.edu.

Religious Observances

The University of Pittsburgh strives to foster a supportive environment and to respect the beliefs and values of all community members. Accordingly, recognizing that certain students may observe religious holidays (activities observed by a religious group of which a student is a member) and cultural practices that conflict with scheduled class activities, instructors will work with students to try to make reasonable accommodations in the event of such a conflict. At the beginning of the semester, you should review the course requirements to identify foreseeable conflicts with assignments, exams, or other required attendance. If you identify a conflict, please contact your instructor (or your course coordinator/s), ideally within the first two weeks of the first class meeting, to allow time to discuss and attempt to make fair and reasonable adjustments to the schedule and/or tasks.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The University of Pittsburgh does not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability, or status as a veteran or other factors as stated in the University’s Title IX policy. The University also prohibits and will not engage in retaliation against any person who makes a claim of discrimination or harassment or who provides information in such an investigation. Further, the University will continue to take affirmative steps to support and advance these values consistent with the University's mission. For more information about policies, procedures, and practices, visit the Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance ;web page.

We ask that everyone in the class strive to help ensure that other students can learn in a supportive and respectful environment. If there are instances of the aforementioned issues, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, by calling 412-648-7860, or e-mailing titleixcoordinator@pitt.edu. Reports can also be filed online through the Pitt Concern Connection.

You may also choose to report this to a faculty or staff member; they are required to communicate this to the University’s Office of Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing. If you wish to maintain complete confidentiality, you may also contact the University Counseling Center at 412-648-7930.

Statement on Classroom Recording

To ensure the free and open discussion of ideas, students may not record classroom lectures, discussion and/or activities without the advance written permission of the instructor, and any such recording properly approved in advance can be used solely for the student’s own private use.

Copyright Notice

These materials may be protected by copyright. United States copyright law, 17 USC section 101, et seq., in addition to University policy and procedures, prohibit unauthorized duplication or retransmission of course materials.

See Library of Congress Copyright Office and the University Copyright Policy.

Scholarly Work
Copyrightable works of authorship created by a University Member prepared in the course of research, scholarship, teaching, and/or other academic and educational responsibilities at the University outside of the terms of a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement. Scholarly Work shall include, but not be limited to: scientific or scholarly writings and/or papers; books, theses, and dissertations; poems and other literary works; musical works (including compositions, lyrics, performances, mixing, and recordings); architectural works; databases, datasets, collections or compilations of data; Software; and artistic works and sculptures. See Policy RI 10 Intellectual Property.

Classroom Conduct

In order to facilitate learning and minimize distractions to fellow students and faculty, students are expected to:

On Site:

  1. Turn cell phones and pagers to non-audible during class and lab; in the clinical setting, the use of cell phones must be consistent with the clinical facility's policies
  2. Report to class on time
  3. Refrain from individual conversation during class
  4. Be alert and attentive in class

Online:

  1. Communicate online in a professional manner
  2. Be the sole representative of their individual work

Online Etiquette

The following guidelines for Internet etiquette will enhance all course communication and your success in an online environment:

  1. Show professionalism and courtesy.
  2. Use correct spelling and grammar.
  3. Use a positive tone.
  4. Be brief and respectful of other’s time.
  5. Remember anything that you write in digital communication can be forwarded or copied.
  6. Avoid sarcasm.

Online Etiquette

The following guidelines for Internet etiquette will enhance all course communication and your success in an online environment:

  1. Show professionalism and courtesy.
  2. Use correct spelling and grammar.
  3. Use a positive tone.
  4. Be brief and respectful of other’s time.
  5. Remember anything that you write in digital communication can be forwarded or copied.
  6. Avoid sarcasm.

Sexual Misconduct, Required Reporting, and Title IX

If you are experiencing sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and stalking, please report it to me and I will connect you to University resources to support you.

University faculty and staff members are required to report all instances of sexual misconduct, including harassment and sexual violence to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX. When a report is made, individuals can expect to be contacted by the Title IX Office with information about support resources and options related to safety, accommodations, process, and policy. I encourage you to use the services and resources that may be most helpful to you.

As your professor, I am required to report any incidents of sexual misconduct that are directly reported to me. You can also report directly to Office of Civil Rights and Title IX by calling 412-648-7860, visiting in-person Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:00pm, or via the Pitt Concern Connection.

An important exception to the reporting requirement exists for academic work. Disclosures about sexual misconduct that are shared as a relevant part of an academic project, classroom discussion, or course assignment, are not required to be disclosed to the University’s Title IX office.

If you wish to make a confidential report, Pitt encourages you to reach out to these resources:

  • The University Counseling Center:
    Call 412-648-7930 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5pm
    (412-648-7856 after 5pm)
  • Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (Community Resource): 1-866-363-7273 (24/7)

If you have an immediate safety concern, please contact the University of Pittsburgh Police at 412-624-2121

Any form of sexual harassment or violence will not be excused or tolerated at the University of Pittsburgh.