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Attendance Requirements: ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS FOR COURSES

SECTION 1: GENERAL

  • 1.1 Scope: This Rule establishes the policy for attendance and participation requirements for all courses.
  • 1.2 Authority: West Virginia Code 18B-1-6.
  • 1.3 Effective Date: April 24, 2025

SECTION 2: PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VIRTUAL COURSES

  • 2.1. Students must submit online assignments by the posted due dates. Adherence to the due dates established for each assignment is a cornerstone of fundamental fairness in the student’s learning experience.
  • 2.2 To verify attendance/participation, students must complete the syllabus agreement for each course prior to 11:59 PM on the Tuesday of the second week of class. If the student does not complete this task by the deadline, they will be withdrawn from the course.

SECTION 3: ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR IN-PERSON COURSES

  • 3.1 The University recognizes three kinds of absences: (1) an institutional absence resulting from participation in an activity in which the student is officially representing the University; (2) an unavoidable absence resulting from illness, death in the immediate family, or unnatural cause beyond the control of the student; (3) all other absences are considered willful.
  • 3.1.1 “Immediate Family” is defined as: Father, Mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, husband, wife, grandparent, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-inlaw, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, grandson, stepmother, stepfather, step children, or others considered to be members of the household and living under the same roof.
  • 3.1.2 The maximum bereavement time for immediate family is three consecutive days; the student must provide documentation from the Mortuary (not a 2nd obituary). Documentation must be presented on the first day of return to class in order for the absence to be excused.
  • 3.2 Students are expected to notify the Instructor prior to a missed class. The only exception to this rule is if the student is admitted to a hospital or is incarcerated in the preceding 24 hours. It is the responsibility of the student to provide official documentation to the instructor at the next scheduled class for institutional or unavoidable absences; failure to do so will deem
  • the absence willful and unexcused. Scheduling and completion of make-up work is the responsibility of the student and at the discretion of the instructor, and must be completed within a week of returning to class.
  • 3.3 Students must attend/participate in a minimum of 85% of the course. If a student misses more than 15% of a course, the student will automatically receive a failing grade for failure to meet course objectives. For 15-week courses meeting 3 times per week, absences may not exceed seven classes. For 15-week courses meeting 2 times per week, absences may not exceed five classes. For 15-week courses meeting 1 time per week, absences may not exceed two classes.
  • 3.4 The instructor will submit a RECOMMENDATION TO WITHDRAW notification via the early alert system when the student exceeds the allowable number of absences. It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from the course; otherwise, the student will be assigned a grade of F.
  • 3.5 Students are expected to arrive at all classes on time. If a student arrives after attendance has been taken, it is their responsibility to notify the instructor. If a student is more than 10 minutes late to class, it will be considered a willful absence unless a documented excuse can be provided.
  • 3.6 Students found to be utilizing electronic devices during class for non-class materials may be considered absent for that class meeting.

SECTION 4: EXCEPTIONS

  • 4.1 Instructors may make exceptions to the responsiveness regulations, but only under extreme circumstances warranting such exceptions. In no case shall the instructor’s responsiveness regulations exceed those stated above, conflict with the Bluefield State University Attendance Policy, or penalize responsive students by exception.

USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM AND OTHER LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS:

SECTION 1: GENERAL

  • 1.1 Scope: Rule regarding the use of electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops in the classroom and other learning environments.
  • 1.2 Authority: December 19, 2024
  • 1.3 Filing Date: December 19, 2024
  • 1.4 Effective Date: December 19, 2024

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

  • 2.1 Electronic devices include smart phones, track phones, E-readers, Smart watches, MP3 players, programmable calculators, pagers, PDAs, Headsets, Video cameras or any other personal/portable device capable of internet access or transmitting/receiving phone calls, text messages, or other forms of social media.

SECTION 3: USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

  • 3.1 Due to the disruptive nature of electronic devices and the increased probability of academic dishonesty when electronic devices are available, BSU requires adherence of this policy for all students.
  • 3.2 CLASSROOM SETTING: Students at no time, should have electronic devices of any type that disrupt the classroom, lab, or clinical learning environment. Faculty members have the authority to restrict or prohibit the use of electronic devices in his or her classroom, laboratory, or any other instructional environment. Each instructor should include their statement in regard to the use of electronic devices on the syllabus.
  • 3.3 Faculty members have the right to instruct students to turn off electronic devices, and to stow those devices in secure places, in any class. If a student does not comply, they will be asked to leave the class and may be reported to the Dean of Students.
  • 3.4 Students who require access to electronic devices as assistive measures for documented disabilities may use them according to provisions in the student’s letter of accommodation.
  • 3.5 With the instructor’s explicit permission, electronic devices may be turned on. Even then the devices should have the sound turned off and vibrate mode also turned off. These devices may only be used for note‐taking or other specified course activities with the instructor’s permission. Students using these devices for note‐taking must turn off the wireless function (unless it is required for the note-taking or document viewing application in use) and close all applications/windows other than the appropriate document or application unless the instructor specifically permits otherwise. Students must avoid noncourserelated activities such as checking e-mail or social networking sites, web‐ surfing, or playing games because these diminish their—and their classmates’— engagement with instructional activities.
  • 3.6 Unauthorized use of electronic communication or wireless devices during quizzes, examinations, or other graded activities will be subject to disciplinary action under the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct and Student Honor Code. In certain circumstances (exams, laboratories, presentations, etc.), students may be temporarily required to deposit cell phones, laptops, or other electronic devices with the instructor or lab supervisor for the duration of the specific class or activity.
  • 3.7 Electronic devices being utilized in non-classroom facilities, such as computer labs, the Academic Success Center, the William B. Robertson Library, and other designated study areas should be silenced at all times. If the electronic device is a distraction to other students, it is the student’s responsibility to discontinue the use of the device. Staff members (including student-workers) may ask students to discontinue the use of a device, and if the student does not comply, may ask the student to leave the facility and may be reported to the Dean of Students.

SECTION 4: RECORDING

  • 4.1 Recording and photographing is expressly prohibited in all classroom, lab, and clinical settings. Lectures and materials are the intellectual property of the instructor and may not be copied or duplicated in any way without explicit permission.
  • 4.2 Students must recognize that they have an ethical and moral responsibility to maintain student, client, and patient privacy and confidentiality at all times and should not violate FERPA or HIPAA policies.
  • 4.3 Students must request instructor consent before recording activities of any form. Unauthorized recording or photography of students, faculty or staff without their expressed consent is prohibited and could result in grade deductions for the course and/or may be reported to the Dean of Students.

TECHNOLOGY TOOLS AND SUPPORT:

Moodle: If you need Moodle assistance, please contact an LMS support team member 304-327-4545 or via email: moodlesupport@bluefieldstate.edu.

Helpdesk: For help with campus technology services other than Moodle, use the Help Ticket System. Be sure to indicate your issue in detail to expedite your request. You may also contact Computer Services at 304-327-4090, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Email and Mobile App: Go to Computer Services for Wireless Connection and Email Instructions for Mobile Devices. Log in to the Mobile App to access all information for the course, including access to your Bluefield State student information. Please link your BSU Live Email to the device you use the most for additional course information and announcements.

Technology Requirements: You can access your Moodle account, student records, course registration, course grades, and other information through the myBSU Portal, available at https://experience.elluciancloud.com/bsc726. A complete list of technology requirements is available on your Moodle Shell Link.

Computer Skills Requirements:

  • Saving and locating files and folders on a computer;
  • Copying/cutting and pasting text;
  • Using a word processing application, such as Microsoft Word;
  • Attaching and uploading documents and assignments;
  • Sending and receiving email;
  • Using a supported web browser to access your course and navigate other online resources on the Web.

STUDENT SUPPORT:

The William B. Robertson Library
The campus library is valuable and necessary for completing research for written assignments. Librarians assist students and researchers in using the library collections. Before the end of the term, a library orientation for the course, either online or at the location, will be necessary. For more information, visit https://bluefieldstate.edu/academics/library or use the Library Resources link under the myBSU navigation menu.

Counseling Center
The Counseling Center is open for mental health concerns, change of major, permit to withdraw, and other student issues. The Center is located in Conley Hall, Rooms 304 and 305. The hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Contact counselingcenter@bluefieldstate.edu, 304-327-4444, or 304-327-4016 to schedule an appointment.

Tutor.com
24-hour online tutoring is provided for your courses in many subjects using highly qualified tutors and teachers. Tutor.com is available under the myBSU navigation menu and on the Moodle Learning Management System.

Health Center
The Health Center is a service provided to the students and employees of Bluefield State through the Student Affairs Office. The Clinic is in the Ned Shott Physical Education Building, Room 210. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by appointment only. Students may contact the Health Center at BSUhealthcenter@bluefieldstate.edu or leave a message at 304-327-4170. Students are encouraged to visit the nearest health care facility if the Health Center is not open.

The Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center is funded to serve BSU students and their academic success. The program aims to improve academic performance, increase retention and graduation rates, and help accommodate students with diverse special needs. Contact the Academic Success Center in Basic Science B110 or 304-327-4097.

Disability Support and Special Accommodations
Any student who feels she/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Academic Success Center at 304-327-4098 in Basic Science Room 110 to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Bluefield State University conducts its courses and policies in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you would like more information, you can see
ADA Accommodations.

  • Based on documentation and recommendations of services from physicians and therapists, the following services can be provided to students with disabilities:
  • Extended test time
  • Proctored tests
  • Adaptive software
  • Note-takers
  • Sign-language interpreters
  • And more (depending on the recommendation of the therapist and/or physician)

GENERAL ACADEMIC POLICIES:

Student Honor Code: Enrollment in this course acknowledges tacit consent in the following Honor Code Statement:

I affirm that I have read and understand the Bluefield State University General Catalog statements on academic integrity and academic dishonesty, and the Student Handbook/Planner statements on plagiarism and records. I am responsible for the work that I submit herewith. I am also ethically responsible for maintaining the academic integrity statement by reporting any instances of academic dishonesty to the appropriate faculty member or administrator.

It is the student’s responsibility to read the Academic Catalog and the Student Handbook.

Academic Appeals: Student rights and responsibilities regarding appeals of a final course grade assigned by an instructor are addressed in the Academic Catalog and the Student Handbook.

Withdrawing from this Course: It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from a course prior to the deadline as published within the academic calendar. Withdrawing from this course is accomplished by securing a Drop/Add Form and having it signed by appropriate instructors and administrators. Drop/Add Forms are available in the offices of the Registrar, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean, and the advisor. Signatures required on a Drop/Add Form are the advisor and the course instructor. After obtaining the required signatures, the student must submit the Drop/Add Form to the Office of the Registrar.

AI Ethics Syllabus Statement: In this course, we will explore the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for academic purposes. Students are expected to maintain originality and academic integrity in their written assignments, refraining from using AI to generate or plagiarize content; students must do their critical thinking. AI tools can be used as aids for grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, content change suggestions, brainstorming, and sentence structure improvement, but not as replacements for personal effort and creativity. Students will critically analyze AI-generated content and engage in guided exploration of AI tools under the professor’s supervision. If the professor has a reasonable suspicion of AI usage based on several factors, including a high Turnitin percentage (70% or higher), along with the overall style, consistency, and quality of the assignment, he/she has full authority to require a revision or rewrite. If the professor suspects AI has been misused, the case will be documented with the institution. If the student opts not to do a rewrite, the professor may fail the assignment. Repeated or egregious noncompliance with the ethical use of AI may lead to consequences, including adherence to the Institution’s academic integrity policies. This policy applies to all assignments, including both high-stakes papers and lower-stakes weekly assignments. Please note that individual faculty may have additional requirements relative to the use of AI.

MISSION, VISION, AND CORE VALUE STATEMENTS:

Mission
The mission of Bluefield State University, a historically black institution, is to prepare students for diverse professions, informed citizenship, community involvement, and public service in an ever-changing global society by providing an affordable, accessible opportunity for public higher education through certificate, associate, bachelor, and master’s degree programs.

Vision
Bluefield State University is committed to being the region’s leading institution of higher education. Embracing the diversity that shapes our world, the University strives to assist students from all walks of life to achieve their personal and professional goals. Using the expertise of faculty and staff, along with the commitment of its students and alumni, Bluefield State University will continue to strive for excellence in learning, service to the community, and advancements in research. Proficiency in these areas enables the Institution and its graduates to make important contributions at the community, state, national, and global levels.

Core Values

  • Excellence – We value and are dedicated to excellence in our faculty, staff, and students, programmatic offerings, support services, research, and service to our world.
  • Community – We value and are dedicated to the development and enhancement of a sense of community, mutual respect, and collaboration among our faculty, staff, students, and the greater community we serve.
  • Diversity – We value and are dedicated to the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students, programmatic offerings, and co-curricular opportunities.
  • Growth – We value and are dedicated to the intellectual, personal, ethical, and cultural growth of our faculty, staff, and students and to providing those opportunities for growth and continuous improvement throughout our community.

Communicable Illness Statement
If you have a documented excuse that you are unable to attend the in-class sessions due to illness or other temporary or emergency situation (e.g., self-quarantining, travel restrictions), you are still expected to complete all assignments by the deadlines. The school’s policy on absences (excused and unexcused) is still in effect unless superseded by any exigency guidelines. If you are physically unable to complete the course requirements, you may receive an Incomplete grade for the semester until all work can be safely completed. Note that all Incompletes must be accompanied by medical or other official documentation. You will also have the option to withdraw from the course prior to the associated deadline. Your instructor will work with you as best they can to accommodate individual circumstances while maintaining the course objectives and curriculum requirements. Individual cases will be decided by your instructor with the guidance of the Department Chair, the Dean, and in cases of international students, the Director of International Studies.