Students cannot learn by simply being spectators – it is not enough to watch and listen in class. Success requires an investment of time and effort outside of class in studying the material and, most importantly, in working on assigned readings, exercises, projects, research, and papers. For most three-credit courses, a typical student will spend at least nine hours per week studying outside of class. Some students will require more time than this; very few can get by with less. Students must take this out-of- class study time into account when developing course schedules. Students unable to make the needed commitment of time for class attendance and out-of-class study should consider taking the course some other time when their schedule will allow them to devote sufficient time to the material. Success in courses requires students to read assigned material carefully and to do assignments, projects, and papers on a regular basis.
Expect the unexpected. Power outages, computer crashes, Internet interruptions, and otherwise unavoidable problems will happen. Students must take steps to ensure they can complete their work on time. Do not wait until the last possible moment to complete assignments. Have a backup plan in case the unexpected occurs. For example, ensure you have access to a second Internet-accessible computer (e.g., at a friend’s or at the library) and avoid saving projects directly to your device (e.g., use your NKU OneDrive account).
This Student Honor Code [the "Honor Code"] is a commitment by students of Northern Kentucky University, through their matriculation or continued enrollment at the University, to adhere to the highest degree of ethical integrity in academic conduct. It is a commitment individually and collectively that the students of Northern Kentucky University will not lie, cheat, or plagiarize to gain an academic advantage over fellow students or avoid academic requirements.
The purpose of the Honor Code is to establish standards of academic conduct for students at Northern Kentucky University and to provide a procedure that offers basic assurances of fundamental fairness to any person accused of violations of these rules. Each Northern Kentucky University student is bound by the provisions of the Honor Code and is presumed to be familiar with all of its provisions. Students also should aspire to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the highest degree of ethical integrity in all matters, whether covered in the Honor Code or not. The success of this commitment begins in the diligence with which students uphold the letter and the spirit of the Honor Code. Students may view the complete honor code at Student Rights and Responsibilities
Each member of the NKU community has an obligation to exercise safe, responsible, ethical behavior when using the University's computers, information, networks or resources, and must abide by University policies, local, state, and federal laws.
Course instructions and materials are for instructional use only. All other uses are strictly prohibited. Republication or reproduction of course instructions or materials is forbidden. If you have any questions, please contact your instructor.
If the student does not log onto Canvas and access course materials or contact the instructor during the first week of classes, the instructor is compelled to drop this student for non-participation (i.e., non-attendance). For each course the syllabus should list what is being used to record the attendance for the first week and what if it is not completed then you may be dropped for non-attendance.
The 2024-2025 policies on adding and dropping a course are covered in the undergraduate catalog under Policies and Procedures:
If you are under a different catalog year, below is the link to the catalog page to select your catalog:
The 2025-2026 policies on grades and grading are outlined in the undergraduate catalog under Grading Policies
If you are under a different catalog year, below is the link to the catalog page to select your catalog:
NKU adheres to the federal guidelines concerning student privacy. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights to privacy with respect to educational records. NKU adheres to this guideline and prohibits inappropriate use of student information. Visit NKU's FERPA page for more information on NKU's guidelines or visit the Department of Education's page on FERPA for information.
The University is committed to making reasonable efforts to assist individuals with disabilities in their efforts to avail themselves of services and programs offered by the University. To this end, Northern Kentucky University will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. If you have a disability and feel you need accommodations in this course, you must present a letter to me from the Office of Student Accessibility (SU 303), indicating the existence of a disability and the suggested accommodations. More information can be found through the Office of Student Accessibility
Northern Kentucky University is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive educational and work environment free from sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, non-consensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual intercourse, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, dating and intimate partner violence, relationship and domestic violence, stalking and gender-based bullying. For more information please see: https://inside.nku.edu/titleix/policy/sexual-harassment-policy.html.Staff and faculty in the following areas are Officials with Authority (OWAs): Office of Title IX; Student Conduct, Rights, and Advocacy; Human Resources; Athletics; University Police; Vice President of Student Affairs; Legal Affairs; Office of the Provost; Board of Regents. OWAs are individuals who can address and correct allegations of sexual harassment and/or retaliation. Although all staff and faculty are not mandated reporters, all staff and faculty are encouraged to report any information a student shares regarding sexual misconduct that occurred on NKU’s campus or involves an NKU student. Any student who has or is experiencing dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking is encouraged to contact the Norse Violence Prevention Center (NVP Center). The NVP Center provides free, confidential advocacy services. Contact the center at 859-572-5865, or by email at nvp@nku.edu. For more information, please see http://nvp.nku.edu/support.html.
NKU values diverse religious perspectives and beliefs and recognizes religious practice is, for many individuals, an important element of personal identity, intellectual development and psychological well-being, and is, in many cases, inseparable from cultural identity. As the diversity of our community has increased, additional religious holidays now affect a significant number of students. Consistent with our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community, Northern Kentucky University believes every reasonable effort should be made to allow members of the NKU community to observe their holidays without jeopardizing the fulfillment of their academic obligations. NKU students who are unable to attend classes or participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on some particular day(s) because of their religious belief must submit a formal request to the instructor within 3 weeks of the beginning of the semester so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Diversity describes an inclusive community of people with varied human characteristics, ideas, and worldviews related, but not limited, to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, color, creed, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, geographical region, or ancestry. Institutions that value diversity provide a supportive environment that respects those human differences. It is our responsibility as citizens of the NKU community to promote and value a campus environment and classroom climate that is safe, fair, respectful, and free from prejudice.
As a college student, you will have the opportunity to discuss many topics within your classes that will elicit a variety of responses and ideas. An important part of a college education is taking these varied opinions and life experiences into consideration when forming an educated opinion. Therefore, it is critical that we actively listen to and respect one another in the classroom and in online forums.
At NKU, we believe that individual differences can deepen understanding of one another and the world around us rather than divide us. Instructors at this university value people of all races and ethnicities, genders and gender identities, religions and spiritual beliefs, ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, regions, and nationalities. We strongly encourage everyone to share their rich array of perspectives and experiences, but to do so in a way that is respectful of others. Our discussions are opportunities for each of us to challenge underlying assumptions about our beliefs as we advance our knowledge, skills, and dispositions as professionals in our chosen discipline. Instructors reserve the right to intervene in discussions/communication between and among students if the atmosphere begins to appear hostile or aggressive in any manner. It is the instructor’s role to foster a classroom environment that is optimal for the learning of all students. Any students who believe their differences may in some way isolate them from the class community or have approved accommodations from the Office of Student Accessibility should contact their instructor early in the semester about their concerns to create a learning environment conducive to engagement in the course and NKU community.
These tools are provided for you to support your online experience. You will find guides, help desk and other resources in the links below. If you have further questions on how these tools should be used, please ask your instructor.
Canvas
Canvas is the online learning management system used to host your course content. You can read more about it from the Canvas Guides, available from the help menu on the left.
Turnitin
Turnitin is an originality checking and plagiarism prevention service. Turnitin encourages best practices for using and citing other people's written material.If your instructor requires you to use Turnitin, a link will be provided in your assignment.You can learn more at our Turnitin student resource page.
Kaltura
Kaltura is a video capture and hosting service run by NKU and that fully integrates with Canvas. Faculty and students can use Kaltura to create and post videos to their online courses without running into file size limitations.
What is Netiquette?
Netiquette refers to using common courtesy in online communication. All members of the class are expected to follow netiquette in all course communications. Use these guidelines:
Reference
Byuicurdev. (2012, June 12) Discussion Board Netiquette [video file]. Retrieved July 9, 2014 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwdqQjCfWSc
The IT Help Desk provides NKU with a centralized point of contact for technology questions and IT services for NKU students, faculty and staff. The IT Help Desk provides remote support for:
Support for other operating systems, applications, services, and environments are provided on a best-effort basis. Routine requests are typically addressed within two business days. Users wanting walk-in assistance should visit the Norse Tech Bar.
Contact the IT Help Desk
Finding your best path towards academic success can be challenging and confusing. Norse Advising realizes these difficulties and has put together a series of resources that should help! You can access information about Career Services, the Learning Plus Tutor Center, and more by visiting Academic Assistance.
Norse OneStop Center - This has links to a lot of different resources on campus to help students with a variety of needs.
TRIO Support Services - First-generation college students and those with limited incomes should check out TRIO to see if their services can help you excel.
FUEL NKU Any student who has difficulty affording groceries is encouraged to contact FUEL NKU, the campus food pantry for students. FUEL NKU is located in Albright Health Center 104, and may be reached at fuel@nku.edu. Any student who is experiencing challenges with accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, is urged to contact Student Affairs (859-572-6447; vpsa@nku.edu) for support. Furthermore, students are encouraged to notify their instructors if they are comfortable in doing so. This will enable instructors to provide any resources they may possess.
Student Affairs website This page covers a variety of services to complement your academics.
Student Health Services For high quality, accessible medical treatment; prevention services; or health education, students may contact the St. Elizabeth Physicians Student Health Clinic at NKU, a confidential and inclusive resource focused on helping the campus community achieve and maintain optimal levels of physical functioning. Call (859) 578-5660 to schedule an appointment.Counseling Services Anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns are common among college students. Any student who feels such emotions are getting in the way of their day-to-day activities and/or academic success is encouraged to contact NKU’s Counseling Services. To make an appointment, call the office at 859-572-5650 or walk in at University Center 440.
Military Affiliate & Veteran Students
NKU recognizes military affiliate and veteran students have served our country and have chosen to return to school in order to further their education and continue their service to society. In recognition of the uniqueness of many veterans and active duty military personnel with special circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill requirements, disabilities, etc.), the university welcomes and encourages students to communicate these, in advance if possible, to their instructors. If, during the semester, a student becomes absent due to military service, they must complete the appropriate documentation.
As a reminder, NKU offers the Veterans Resource Station (VRS) located in UC 131 for all military affiliate and veterans. This space is specifically designed for military affiliate and veteran students, and has a lounge, computers, printer, and staff that can act as a liaison with local, state, federal, and campus resources. They can be reached Monday thru Friday from 8:15 a.m-4:30 p.m., by phone at 859-572-7867, or by email at veteransresource@nku.edu. Additional information can be found on the VRS website.
Students experiencing roadblocks (e.g., financial, personal, and social concerns) to academic success may seek assistance from Learning PLUS who offer assistance in academic tutoring, developing success skills, a math center, and a writing center.
