Academic Affairs
See the main page for faculty/staff resources and/or the policy page.
Course Policies
Add Deadline: This policy is detailed in SAAP 1-3. Beginning in fall 2024, adding a course after the fifth day of instruction will require permission; the previous policy allowed unrestricted adds until the tenth day of instruction.
Drop/Withdrawal/Repeat Policies: These policies are detailed in SAAP 1-8. Provide early feedback to your students AND encourage students to talk to you (the instructor) before dropping a course.
Final Exam Schedule: SAAP 1-9 outlines the scheduling, change in scheduling, and exemption for final examinations. The Registrar’s Office posts the Final Exam Schedule, which lists the pre-determined time of each final exam.
Grading and Grade Records: SAAP 1-11 outlines the policies on grading and grade records. CETL has provided additional information on F-grades. The Incomplete Policy can be found in SAAP 1-13 – use it sparingly. Find information on grading functionality within PAWS.
Online Contingency Options in the Event of Cancellation of In-Person Classes: Faculty Document 3490 (PDF) prescribes the options that are available to instructors in the event that in-person classes are cancelled.
Prohibition of Class Recess Due Dates: Faculty Document 3492 (PDF) prohibits instructors from setting course due dates that occur during class recesses or on legal holidays; this includes Thanksgiving recess in fall and spring break in spring.
Progress Reports: Use early notifications to help struggling students. Notifying both these students and their advisors can help prevent drops! Watch for the Progress Reports campaign email notification during weeks 4-9 of the semester. Use Navigate.
Selecting Textbooks: Compare/contrast options for using Open Textbooks, Open Educational Resources (OER), and Library digital content at this Guide to Course Materials selection from the Division of Academic Affairs.
Canvas Policies
Canvas policies: (from Faculty Document 3504 (PDF))
- Use of Canvas. Instructors of online and hybrid courses must use the Learning Management System (LMS) provided by UWM; as of now, that is Canvas. Instructors maintain the ability to use additional platforms as appropriate for achieving pedagogical outcomes but must use the official LMS as a foundational launch pad for all course activities.
- Canvas availability. Before the first day of the semester, instructors of online and hybrid courses must, at minimum, publish basic course elements including the syllabus and any book and/or material requirements on the LMS site.
Other Relevant Policies
FERPA: The FERPA for Faculty and Staff webpage explains these federal requirements. Complete the on-line FERPA training quiz. Only provide student grades on Canvas. Do not post, email, or share grades with others.
Religious Observance: Follow UWM Faculty Document 1918 on religious accommodation as required (see the religious holiday calendars).
Student Military Service: UWM and Universities of Wisconsin have enacted a number of policies and procedures designed to accommodate students who must temporarily interrupt their studies when called to active-duty military service.