B. Classroom and Professional Environment
The classroom environment should be professional and should facilitate academic growth. Faculty members have authority over their classes and are responsible for controlling classroom demeanor and maintaining a Christian environment. The instructor should discuss distracting situations with the student(s) involved.
1. Classroom Discipline
Faculty should be considerate in exercising classroom discipline. Should a student substantially disrupt the classroom, the faculty member has authority to suspend the student from class and ask him/her to contact the department head, Dean/Director, or Provost during the next workday.
2. Class Size
Enrollment capacity for online courses:
1000-3000 level: capped at 25 students
4000 level: capped at 20 students
5000 level: capped at 15 students
5000 level courses utilizing a shared cohort model: capped at 24 students
All composition courses capped at 24 students.
3. Children
Children, including the children of faculty, are not permitted to attend classes or meetings on campus unless the parent has received prior approval from the faculty member in charge. Children under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times when on campus.
4. Language
Rochester University is a Christian institution and most students (traditional and adult) expect to attend classes in an environment that is respectful of Christian values. The use of inappropriate language by instructors or students is not permitted. Faculty and adjuncts are asked to uphold the Christian mission and values of the institution and expect the same from their students. Faculty and adjuncts should speak privately with students who use inappropriate language. If a student persists in using inappropriate language, then the matter should be referred to the provost.
5. Dress Standards and Image
Please reference the “Dress and Personal Appearance” section in the Rochester University policy manual. To access it directly, see: RU Policy Manual.
6. Transparency
Rochester University employees should maintain transparency in all meetings with students. Employees should consider holding required one-on-one workshops and conferences in high to moderate traffic locations. Closed-door meetings are discouraged.