Inclusion:
The classroom is composed of people with a rich variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Dr. Pabón is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that respects and appreciates diversity. While working together to build this classroom atmosphere we ask all members to:share their unique experiences, values and beliefs be open to the views of others honor the uniqueness of others appreciate the opportunity that we have to learn from each other in this community value each other’s opinions and communicate in a respectful manner keep confidential discussions that the community has of a personal (or professional) nature use this opportunity together to discuss ways in which we can create an inclusive environment in this course and across the SUNY New Paltz community.
Children in the Classroom Statement:
(MINOR ADAPTION OF THE POLICY PROVIDED BY DR. MELISSA CHEYNEY’S SYLLABUS):
I ask that all students work with me to create a welcoming environment that is respectful of all forms of diversity, including diversity in parenting status. All breastfed babies are welcome in class as often as is necessary to support the breastfeeding relationship. Because not all breastfeeding parents can pump sufficient milk, and not all babies will take a bottle reliably, I never want students to feel like they have to choose between feeding their baby and continuing their education. You and your nursing baby are welcome in class anytime. For older children and babies, I understand that minor illnesses and unforeseen disruptions in childcare often put parents in the position of having to chose between missing class to stay home with a child and leaving them with someone you or the child does not feel comfortable with. While this is not meant to be a long-term childcare solution, occasionally bringing a child to class in order to cover gaps in care is perfectly acceptable (for similar reasons, my own child may make an appearance at some point in the semester).In all cases where babies and children come to class, I ask that you sit close to the door so that if your little one needs special attention and is disrupting learning for other students, you may step outside until their need has been met. Non-parents in the class, please reserve seats near the door for your parenting classmates when possible. I understand that often the largest barrier to completing your coursework once you become a parent is the tiredness many parents feel in the evening once children have finally gone to sleep. The struggles of balancing school, childcare and often another job are exhausting! I hope that you will feel comfortable disclosing your student-parent status to me. This is the first step in my being able to accommodate any special needs that arise. While I maintain the same high expectations for all student in my classes regardless of parenting status, I am happy to problem solve with you in a way that makes you feel supported as you strive for school-parenting balance.
Campus-wide Policy Statements:
Inclement Weather
Disability Resources
Students needing classroom and/or testing accommodations related to a disability should contact the Disability Resource Center (Student Union, Room 210, 845-257-3020) as close as possible to the beginning of the semester. The DRC will then provide students’ instructors with an Accommodation Memo verifying the need for accommodations. Specific questions about services and accommodations may be directed to Deanna Knapp, Assistant Director, knappd@newpaltz.edu, or Jean Vizvary, Director, vizvaryj@newpaltz.edu.
Academic Integrity
As with any course in this university, students are expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty in their college work. Cheating, forgery, and plagiarism are serious violations of academic integrity. Students found guilty of any violation of academic integrity are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. New Paltz’s policy on academic integrity (rev. October 2017) is found in the Undergraduate Catalog. Sojourner Truth Library’s website contains several excellent resources to help with avoiding plagiarism; see especially library assistance.
Veteran & Military Services
New Paltz’s Office of Veteran & Military Services (OVMS) is committed to serving the needs of veterans, service members and their dependents during their transition from military life to student life. Student veterans, service members or their dependents who need assistance while attending SUNY New Paltz may refer to OVMS’s website; call 845-257-3120, -3124 or -3074; email np-vms@newpaltz.edu; or stop by the Student Union, Room 100 South.
Computer Resources
Users of New Paltz’s computer resources and network facilities are required to comply with the institutional policies outlined in the Acceptable Uses and Privacy Policy and other technology policies, available through the newpaltz.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/KB/.
Title IX
Gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence, stalking, and power-imbalanced sexual/romantic relationships between faculty and students are strictly prohibited within the SUNY New Paltz community. We encourage students to report, confidentially discuss, or raise questions and concerns regarding potential violations. Reports can be made to the Title IX Office, the department chair and/or the dean of your school. For information on Title IX reporting and support, visit newpaltz.edu/titleix. The College’s Consensual Relationship Policy can be found at newpaltz.edu/hr/policies.
Gender-Neutral Restrooms
We have a total of 119 gender-neutral/all-gender restrooms on-campus. To see the complete list of restrooms and their locations, please visit our website.
Pronouns
It is important that we continue to be mindful of pronoun usage with both students and colleagues. Various ways we can ask for pronouns, suggestions for how to practice using pronouns, and other tips can be found in our Pronoun Guide.
Chosen Names on ID Cards
As a reminder, students are able to opt to have a Chosen Name displayed on their SUNY New Paltz identification card, as well as other areas internally at New Paltz. More information on our Chosen/Preferred Name Policy is available online.
LGBTQ+ Glossary: Refresh yourself with the various terms associated with the LGBTQ+ community with our online glossary.
Basic Needs
(Basic Needs Statement – optional as desired) Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the Student Affairs Office at studentaffairs@newpaltz.eduor x3260 for support. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable doing so. This will enable her to provide any resources that she may possess.
Incompletes
Per University policy, a grade of Incomplete (I) will be considered only in the case where a student has completed at least 75 percent of the work for the course and a personal emergency prevents the student from completing the work of the semester. The student will be required to explain the circumstances necessitating an Incomplete, and may be asked to provide supporting documentation. If an Incomplete is granted, terms will be set at that time outlining remaining coursework and a timeline for its completion. Failure to fully meet these terms will automatically result in a failing grade. In all cases, Incompletes are granted solely at the instructor’s discretion.
Course Withdrawal
The last day of the semester to withdraw from a course without receiving a penalty grade is TBD
Student Evaluation of Instruction
You are responsible for completing the Student Evaluation of Instruction (SEI) for this course. We value your feedback and use it to improve my teaching and planning. Please complete the form during the open on-line period between Monday, 11/25/19 8:00am and Monday, 12/9/19 at midnight.
