Instruction

5.1. Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar is Kent State University's official schedule for class beginning and end dates, commencement, spring break, and holidays for fall, spring and summer semesters.

5.2. Scheduling of Classes

Schedules are established at the unit level and sent to the Academic Scheduling Center located within the Office of the Registrar.  Courses are scheduled to permit access to available offerings by the greatest number of students, and to allow the most suitable instructional arrangement to meet the needs of the faculty and courses offerings within the existing facilities.

In most cases the Academic Unit Administrator will retain responsibility for course scheduling in the Academic Unit.

5.2.1. University Practices

Kent State follows a semester academic year. In addition, Intersession classes may be offered at the end of fall and spring semesters.  Summer courses are offered during one of three segments: summer I and III, which run 5 weeks, and summer II, which runs 8 weeks.

5.2.2. Unit Handbooks

5.3. Registration

On the website of the Office of the University Registrar you will find important dates about registration and links to the schedule of classes, majors and degrees, and distance learning.

On this site, you will find answers to commonly asked questions about registration and links to Advising Services, Course Scheduling Worksheet, Enrollment Certification, Final Exam Schedules, How to Register Using FlashFAST, Petition for Exception to Registration Form, Time to Register Dates and Entry Schedules by Term, and Registration Processes and Options

Only students who have been formally admitted to Kent State University may register for coursework and pay the appropriate fees.

5.4. Classroom Management

5.4.1. Syllabus

Course Syllabus Guidelines may be provided by the Provost, College and/or Unit.

5.4.2. Office Hours

Each faculty member is required to have stated office hours published in the departmental office.  Instructors should notify each class of hours during which they are available for conferences.  It is expected that each faculty member will hold a minimum of five office hours per week.

5.4.3. Attendance

Classes are conducted on the premise that regular attendance is expected. The individual instructor has both the responsibility and the prerogative for managing student attendance. If students anticipate an absence, they should consult with the instructor individually. In the event the absence was due to illness or injury, verification from the medical professional treating the illness or injury should be presented to the instructor. 

5.4.4. Grading

Student proficiency in coursework is recorded by letter grades.

5.4.5. Student Evaluations

There is no current policy. Topic is under review by Faculty Senate.

5.4.6. Classroom Support (Information Technology)

Teaching, research and public service are greatly enhanced through the use of computing systems and software, access to the World Wide Web, and other technology resources. Authorized users of campus computing and network resources shall be faculty, staff, students and other affiliated individuals or organizations authorized by the vice president for information services. Read an overview of computing resource uses.

5.4.6.1. Early Alert Referral System

Faculty and staff may be in positions where they are able to identify students who are in crisis or who are recovering from a physical or mental trauma. Information at the following URL may provide members of the University community with guidance in recognizing and helping a student in distress, as well as provide referrals and support.

5.4.6.2. Blackboard Learn

The University has adopted a classroom management system known as BlackboardLEARN (LEARN). LEARN facilitates teaching and learning by integrating all aspects of classroom activities. All courses can be completely or partially managed through this platform. Access LEARN as well as information and tutorials about LEARN.

5.4.6.3. Library Programs

University libraries support the overall mission of the University by assisting faculty, staff, students, and the community with resource identification and acquisition. Thus, University Libraries help facilitate scholarly and leisurely research, teaching and service activities.

5.4.7. Access to Student Records

The University has the responsibility to protect student information as it pertains to educational records. Educational records are defined as those records, files, documents, and other materials (for example, official academic records, advisement records, student conduct records, health records, and placement bureau records) which contain information directly related to the student and are maintained by a college, school, department, office or other University organizational subdivision, or by a person acting for the University or any of its subdivisions. Find policies pertaining to access and use of student records.

5.4.8. Students with Disabilities

The University shall make reasonable accommodations in its academic requirements to ensure that such requirements do not discriminate on the basis of disability against a qualified individual with a disability, whether applicant or student. To this end, specific accommodations can be made for students appropriately evaluated by Student Accessibility Services or other certified or licensed provider.  Information defining the accommodations and processes can be found at:

5.5. Advising

Academic advising at Kent State University supports the teaching and learning mission of the University by helping students understand the value of achieving their educational goals.  Advising is an on-going partnership among students, advisors, and the University community. The University has an advising program to assist students in achieving timely progress toward degree; demonstrate an understanding of University and program requirements; and identify and utilize appropriate resources in achieving academic, personal, and career goals.

5.5.1. GPS

The Graduation Planning System, or GPS, tracks student progress to graduation. GPS includes all requirements for earning a degree in the declared program. It also includes a student's individualized plan of study, which is created in consultation between the student and an advisor and which outlines semester by semester, what the student must complete to graduate.

5.5.2. College Advisors

Advising at the College level takes place at the Student Services Office, which is responsible for academic advising, assistance with registration issues, probation/dismissal, and graduation for all undergraduate students.

5.5.3. Faculty/Unit Advisors

Faculty help by meeting with students to advise them on courses to take, course topics, and solutions to particular problems in their major. Faculty advising activities as part of their workload are described in:

5.5.4. Access to Student Records

Student records are managed by the Office of the University Registrar. Kent State University policy 5-08.101 provides operational procedures for administering and maintaining student education records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). View the general principles of Kent State University's policy, subject to some exceptions.

Find information about the Office of the University Registrar.

5.6. Curricular Processes

Faculty in departments and schools have a primary role in the curriculum development process and are responsible for the delivery and maintenance of their curriculum and instructional programs. Departments and schools are charged to develop and maintain current instructional programs and course syllabi, as well as to promote changes, approve internal modifications, and establish and utilize procedures for reviewing and evaluating existing and new courses, programs and policies.

5.6.1. Curricular Approval Process

5.6.1.1. Summary

All curricular approval processes start at the academic unit level by a faculty member submitting a basic data sheet (BDS) that contains the subject matter of the intended process (a course/program revision, approval, or inactivation).  The proposal is reviewed and approved by the following faculty committees as appropriate:

Program Curricular Group

Regional Campuses Faculty Councils

Departmental/School Curriculum Committee

College Curriculum Committee (CCC)

Educational Policies Council (EPC)

Faculty Senate

5.6.1.2. Flowchart

View a detailed flowchart of the curricular approval process.

5.6.1.3. Educational Policies Council

The Educational Policies Council is concerned with conceptual and structural aspects of long-range academic and curricular planning. The Council consists of two bodies, one responsible for undergraduate education called the Undergraduate Council and the other responsible for graduate education called the Graduate Council.

http://www.kent.edu/provost/curriculum/epc/index.cfm

5.6.2. Catalog

The Kent State University Catalog is the official document of record for undergraduate and graduate programs, courses, academic policies and special programs. Courses listed in the Catalog include a description of the course along with the number of credit hours and pre- or co-requisites.  The University Catalog is an online-only publication available at:

5.7. Academic Quality Improvement Process - AQIP

5.7.1. Summary

The Academic Quality Improvement Process is used to improve academic programs through ongoing self-assessment as provided by the AQIP process. Departmental review fosters a strong and positive sense of each unit's identity and contributions to the educational mission of Kent State University. Every four years, Kent State University's Academic Quality Improvement Program undergoes a Systems Appraisal to reaffirm its accreditation.  The Systems Appraisal is an opportunity to get expert, objective, and third party feedback on the University's strengths and opportunities for improvement.

5.7.2. University Assessment Instruments and Results

List of assessments and results for various aspects of the university: Graduate Survey, Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement, Collegiate Learning Assessment, Faculty Survey of Student Engagement, and the University Annual Assessment Report.

5.8. Office of Global Education