Syllabus Policies (2024):
Attendance:
Regular attendance is required and will be taken at the beginning of every class meeting. Each student is permitted three (if Tues/Thurs) or four (if Mon/Wed/Fri) unexcused absences (10% of scheduled classes). For every absence after that, the student’s final course grade will be reduced by 5 points. “Excused” absences are granted only for university-sponsored extracurricular activities. Any student with more than eight (TR) or ten (MWF) absences for any reason over the course of the semester will automatically fail this course. Students with regularly scheduled extracurricular activities that conflict with this class are advised to switch sections or drop the course. Students are fully responsible for any work missed or due on a day they are absent. Arriving late three times equals one absence. Being over 10 minutes late to class equals an absence, though the student is encouraged to remain in class that day.
Academic Integrity:
We, the students of Mars Hill University, pledge ourselves to uphold integrity, honesty, and academic responsibility in and out of the classroom.
On my honor, I have neither given nor received any academic aid or information that would violate the Honor Code of Mars Hill University.
When there are possible violations of academic integrity, the MHU Academic Integrity Guidebook outlines procedures for: 1) classifying the violation into one of three possible categories (minor, standard, and major), 2) reporting possible violations, 3) appealing reports of violations, and 4) how reported violation records will be kept. See the MHU Academic Integrity Guidebook for full descriptions of these procedures.
As a student at Mars Hill University, you have certain rights and responsibilities. MHU students should strive for their actions to reflect the values of the university and bring credit them, their families, community, and the university. No matter where you are, you are part of our community, this includes on university premises, at university- sponsored activities, and off-campus.
For more information about our Code of Conduct and the Student Bill of Rights please refer to the Student Handbook.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities.
If you have an Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP) issued through MHU Accessibility Services, please arrange a time to present your plan and to discuss your specific accommodation needs. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation and do not have an approved AAP, please contact the MHU Accessibility Services Coordinator located in 309 Renfro, email: Judith_Harris@mhu.edu, or by phone at 828 689-1410.
“Mars Hill University offers free, confidential, and non judgmental counseling for its students through the MHU Counseling Center to provide support for a positive university experience. For more information or to schedule an appointment for a consultation, email the Director of Counseling Center at counseling@mhu.edu Phillip Brantley at Phillip_Brantley@mhu.edu
The MHU Collegiate Recovery Community provides a structured and confidential space for students in recovery from substance use disorders, self-harm, eating disorders, or other mental health challenges. Whether students are seeking individual support to navigate their own recovery, looking to moderate or cut back on their use, or have a family member or friend struggling with addiction, the MHU CRC offers resources and a community of peers dedicated to academic success and personal well-being. For more information about the MHU Collegiate Recovery Community or to schedule a consultation, contact the Program Coordinator, Kirby Knight, through email at kirby_knight@mhu.edu, by phone at 828-689-1188, or via office, located in Nash 100.
One thing to always keep in mind when taking any course with an online component, is that the others with whom you interact throughout the semester - including me, your instructor - are human beings. The first rule of netiquette is to "remember the human" when you are communicating with me or with your peers. Please make sure that we treat others in the ways we ourselves would like to be treated. At times the feeling of anonymity that some people have when they are online can lead to behaviors that are not kind, so please be aware of how we treat each other in this community.
It is my sincerest intention to help you in any way I can. I want you to be successful in the course, and for that reason and many others, I will respond to your emails most often within _____ hours. However, please be advised I have many students and teach several classes. Therefore, I ask that you are as efficient and polite in your emails as possible. Regarding efficiency, please email from your MHU email account, include an appropriate subject line, the name of the course, the name of the assignment you’re asking about (if that’s what you’re doing), and as many specifics as possible, so that I can understand your question and respond quickly. Regarding politeness, please address me by professional name, include a greeting, be respectful, and sign the email with your own name.
This center works to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion remains a focused core standard at MHU. The CDEI advocates, advises and promotes initiatives that foster an understanding and support of diversity, equity and inclusion among the students, staff and faculty of the MHU community. This is an understanding that recognizes that MHU students, staff and faculty have diverse backgrounds including but not limited to race, creed, color, sexual orientation, religion, and disability status. For more information, questions or concerns email the Director of CDEI Jonathan McCoy at jonathan_mccoy@mhu.edu
The Mars Hill University Writing Center, located both online and in Renfro Library, offers free writing tutoring for all MHU students and provides assistance at all stages of the writing process -- from brainstorming to thesis improvement to revising final drafts -- on any writing assignment for any class! To schedule a tutoring session, students should use the Penji scheduling system at this link:(web.penjiapp.com). We offer tutoring by appointment as well as drop-in tutoring (no need for an appointment!) in the Writing Center during our open hours! Check out the Writing Center website at https://www.mhu.edu/current-students/student-services/writing-center/ for updated drop-in hours, FAQ's, and help! Email flopez@mhu.edu if you have trouble. Writing Center will be open for the fall 2024 semester starting September 8!
Due to privacy concerns, students may not record (photography, audio, or video) any portion of the class meeting without prior permission from the course instructor.
When inclement weather affects Mars Hill and the surrounding region on an instruction day, the President (or his or her designee) communicates with selected departments to determine whether it is safe for students and employees to travel to and across campus or to off-campus instructional sites. Based on the conditions of roads and walkways, the President may delay classes, cancel classes, or begin classes as scheduled.
Should the President determine that it is necessary to delay or cancel day classes, the university will notify all students and employees via email, text message (for those who have signed up for the university’s emergency contact system), automated phone call, an alert posted on the university website, and alerts shared with local media outlets. In most instances, notification of delayed or cancelled day classes will go out by no later than 6:30 AM, though changing weather conditions may necessitate a later notification. Once a delay or cancellation notice has been communicated, it will not be rescinded, though a delay may be upgraded to a cancellation should conditions worsen.
When a delayed start is announced, the university will follow the Delayed Start Schedule, with classes beginning at 10:00 AM. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday classes scheduled for 50 minutes will be shortened to 40 minutes, with 10 minutes between classes. Tuesday and Thursday classes scheduled for 75 minutes will be shortened to 60 minutes with 10 minutes in between classes.
There may be times when the weather prevents me from getting to campus, regardless of the campus-wide decision. If this is the case, I will send an email as soon as possible, but with several hours lead time for you. In these instances, there will usually be an “alternative class” experience posted on Moodle (e.g., live chat, written reflection). In other words, class will most likely be replaced, but not simply cancelled.
In an effort to improve student learning and to comply with the regional accrediting body, Mars Hill University annually assesses its courses and programs. As part of this effort, completed student work products (such as tests, assignments, or presentations) may be collected and stored for University reviewers. Personally identifiable information (such as the student's name) will be removed and the product will be stored by the institution.
Members of the MHU community, guests, and visitors have the right to be free from all forms of sex and gender-based harassment, discrimination, and related misconduct. The university’s Title IX Policy prohibits all forms of sex and gender-based misconduct, including but not limited to sex and gender-based harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information or to make a report regarding a violation of the Title IX Policy please contact: Title IX Coordinator Jennie Matthews Jmatthews@mhu.edu or visit the Title IX website: 
In this course, we recognize and celebrate the diverse ways in which individuals think, learn, and process information. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in the human brain. Neurodivergent however includes conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences. No matter if your neurodiverse or neurodivergent, diversity is valued, as it enriches our learning environment and broadens our perspectives.
We are committed to creating an inclusive classroom where all students feel respected and supported. If you have a neurodivergent condition and require specific accommodations to fully participate in this course, I encourage you to communicate your needs. Together, we can work with the appropriate campus resources to ensure that you have the necessary tools and support to succeed.
Understanding and acceptance are key. This means that we all must strive to be patient, empathetic, and open-minded, embracing the strengths that come from our differences. Discrimination, bias, or negative stereotyping based on neurodivergent traits will not be tolerated.
Your unique perspectives and contributions are valuable to our collective learning experience. Let’s work together to create a space where everyone can thrive.