PSU Policy Statements For Inclusion In Class Syllabi
Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner. Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at The Pennsylvania State University, and all members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle.
Consistent with this expectation, the University's Code of Conduct states that all students should act with personal integrity, respect other students' dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts.
Academic integrity includes a commitment by all members of the University community not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception. Such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the worth of work completed by others.
An academic violation will result in an academic dishonesty hold placed by the Registrar's Office on the student's record in LionPath. Students will not be able to drop the course. Although the AI hold is only intended for the class for which the violation was filed, the hold will prevent students from dropping everything in LionPath. Students will need to contact the Registrar's Office to seek assistance if dropping a class unrelated to the AI violation.
Non-Discriminatory/Disability Statement:
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state of federal authorities.
The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
If you have a documented disability and wish to receive academic accommodations, please contact the campus disability liaison as soon as possible: (name, office, telephone, email). Check the Student Disability Resources on the University website for additional information.
Mandated Reporting:
As per Penn State Policy AD-72, faculty and staff are considered mandated reporters of any current or past incidents of neglect or abuse that they may become aware of through discourse with students in and out of the classroom setting.
Regardless of the current age of the student, if the abuse or neglect occurred while that student was a minor (under age 18) then a report must be made. This includes disclosure of abuse or neglect via a class written assignment or oral discussion.
Reports would be made to PA Child Protective Services. Please refer to PSU Policy for additional information. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy please see your instructor for further discussion.
Veteran Statement:
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case special arrangements need to be made.
Emergency Procedures:
Faculty, staff, and students may need to evacuate campus buildings for several reasons (fire or alarm activation, discovery of a suspicious object, etc.). The following points provide guidance on emergency evacuations:
- Be familiar with evacuation maps posted within the building. Know the location of at least two exits and the corresponding evacuation routes from the classroom.
- Exit the building as quickly and calmly as possible using the nearest safe exit if prompted to do so. Do not use any elevators.
- Move to the building’s “Designated Meeting Site”, or another safe location outside the building.
- Do not re-enter the building until you have been instructed to do so by public safety officials. Silencing of alarms does not necessarily mean that the emergency is over.
- You are strongly encouraged to watch the “StaySAFE” video
Any student who may require assistance when evacuating the building should notify the instructor so that arrangements can be made to ensure their safety during an emergency.
Educational Equity Statement:
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff.
Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage