Syllabus Policy Content

Print Management

Davenport University has a print management system in which students are allotted a quota of free prints and copies based on enrolled credit hours.  Review the guidelines and FAQs on the DU website under Print Management.

DU Excellence System

The Davenport University Excellence System consists of nine competencies that demonstrate professional skills necessary for graduates to succeed in their chosen profession and engage in life-long learning. These competencies were developed in consultation with business and industry leaders and are reinforced throughout the curriculum of each DU academic program. All Excellence System competencies are assessed at the course and program levels. Graduates are expected to perform at mastery level. The Excellence System competencies are:

1. Global and Intercultural Competence
2. Civic and Social Responsibility
3. Ethical Reasoning and Action
4. Critical and Creative Thinking
5. Analysis and Problem Solving
6. Leadership and Teamwork
7. Information and Technology Proficiency
8. Written Communication
9. Professional Communication

Students in select DU undergraduate academic programs are eligible to seek certification for high performance in one or more of the Excellence System competencies. Certified students will receive a letter of recognition and a certificate which can be included in a portfolio, a resume, and employment interviews. Additionally, the certification will be noted as part of the student’s official DU academic record. More information is available on the DU website by searching on "Excellence System Certification."

Academic Integrity

Davenport University recognizes the principles of honesty and truth as fundamental to ethical business dealings and to a vibrant academic community of faculty and students.  All members of an academic community shall be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed and presented. The work that a student submits shall be a fair representation of his/her ability, knowledge and skill.  The University expects students to respect and exhibit these principles as they form the basis of the quality of the institution and the quality of Davenport’s graduates.

As stated in the Student Code of Conduct, the University may discipline a student for academic dishonesty which is defined as any activity that tends to undermine the academic integrity of the institution.  Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to: cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, interference, plagiarism, self-plagiarism or violation of course rules including rules in classrooms, labs, clinicals, and off-site internships. Facilitating academic dishonesty includes uploading or otherwise sharing papers or assignments to websites that list or collect old materials, even under the guise of study assistance.

These issues of academic integrity are not a complete listing of potential misconduct that may lead to discipline but serves as a guideline to students. Definitions, procedures, and sanctions for these violations may be found in the Student Code of Conduct available through my.davenport.edu.

The University utilizes plagiarism detection software. Papers will be submitted for comparison against all Internet content and against a database of previously submitted student papers.

Non-Discrimination Policy-Equal Opportunity Education

Davenport University maintains a policy of non-discrimination regarding students on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, weight, height, marital status, physical or mental limitations and/or disability in the administration of its admissions policies, educational policies, scholarships and loan programs and other University administered programs. In addition, the University does not discriminate regarding extra-curricular activities or employment practices. The University has a policy prohibiting unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment. Incidents of discriminatory harassment must be reported to the campus leader or his/her designee.  For more information, see my.davenport.edu/respect.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Davenport University supports a culturally diverse academic community and is committed to promoting a positive learning environment that fosters respect and inclusion across all of our campuses. For more information regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Davenport visit https://www.davenport.edu/dei.

Anti-Harassment Policy

The policy of Davenport University is to provide an environment free from harassment and unlawful discrimination on the basis of a person(s) national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, transgender identity, veteran or military status, marital status, height, weight, genetic information, and any other category or classification protected by law. Such harassment does harm to those who experience it and destroys the environment of mutual respect and tolerance that must prevail if Davenport University is to fulfill its mission. Therefore, prohibited harassment will not be tolerated at the University.  For additional information or to report an issue, please visit https://my.davenport.edu/campus-life/issue-resolution/students.

Tobacco Use Policy

It is the policy of Davenport University to prohibit tobacco use, except in areas that are clearly labeled and identified as “Designated Tobacco Use” areas, on all University, owned and operated, premises in order to provide and maintain a safe and healthy work and learning environment for the students, faculty, staff, and visitors on campus.

ADA Statement

Students may request reasonable accommodations as a result of a qualifying disability as defined by federal legislation within the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (2008), or Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act (1973). It is a student’s responsibility to contact Student Access to initiate and fulfill the accommodation process.  Requests should be made as early as possible as accommodations are not retroactive.

Visit my.davenport.edu/campus-life/student-access/ for more information and to submit an online Accommodation Request. Supporting documentation is required. Questions can be directed to campus.life@davenport.edu.

Course Accommodations Following Documented Concussion/Temporary Medical Challenge - NCAA 'Return to Learn'

Following a reported concussion or temporary medical challenge, a student may require rest, cognitively, and/or physically. An evaluation by the DU Athletic Training Staff, DU Team Physician, or an outside physician may require flexibility for the completion of a student's academic coursework and/or participation. Such adjustments and the designated classroom-absence time frame will be managed through the Center for Campus Life in conjunction with the DU Athletic Training Staff.

First Generation Students

At Davenport University a First-Gen student is defined as a student with neither parent obtaining a bachelor’s degree. A substantial portion of our student population identifies as a First Gen and DU is proudly committed to meeting their unique needs. DU has support services designed specifically for First Gen students to assist in acclimating academically, emotionally, and financially while fostering a sense of belonging in our university. First Gen students are encouraged to seek additional information from the office of Student Transitions and Academic Readiness (firstgen@davenport.edu).

Military Assistance

Davenport University recognizes and appreciates the extraordinary contributions of the members of our armed services. Service members and their families should check the military page of the DU website for educational benefits. Davenport University is committed to ensuring continuity of study for every Active Duty, Reserve, and Guard service member who is prohibited from completing a semester as planned due to reassignment, long term training/schools or deployments. Service members should work with their DU Military and Veteran Services Team and instructors prior to these events in order to ensure proper preparation and handling of DU financial records and academic coursework so that academic re-integration is as seamless as possible upon return.  For more information, visit the military assistance page.

Tutoring Services

Davenport University provides free in-seat and online tutoring for students in most undergraduate courses.  For additional information, see my.davenport.edu/tutoring-services.

Student Responsibilities

Students are bound by all policies of Davenport University and should familiarize themselves with these through reading the catalog, Student Code of Conduct, student handbook and instructor classroom policies.  Students should review the DU website under Refund Policies for tuition reimbursement rules and procedures.

All students must complete the final assessment for the course, such as the final exam, project, or presentation. Students who do not complete the final assessment will receive a grade of F.

Students are expected to be adequately prepared for each class session. It is reasonable to expect at least two hours of outside study for every hour spent in the classroom (inseat or online).

Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. Free discussion, inquiry, and expression are encouraged. Behavior that interferes with the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or the ability of students to benefit from that instruction is not acceptable.

Attendance Requirement

Regular attendance and active participation are essential elements in the learning process. Therefore, Davenport has implemented an Attendance Practice for all courses as follows:

1.  Courses 199 and below - attendance is taken up to the last day to withdraw with a “W” grade

2.  Courses 200 and above - attendance is taken the first two weeks of the semester/session

For in-seat classes, attendance is taken on a daily basis starting the first class meeting.  An absence is defined as missing more than one-half of a class period.

For online classes, attendance is defined as participating in at least one graded academic activity each week. Postings not related to the graded discussion topics, emails, or course assignments may be disqualified for attendance purposes.

Students are to notify the instructor of a planned absence a minimum of 24 hours prior to the course meeting time. Any unexcused absence will initiate the withdrawal process, and merely notifying the instructor does not guarantee that the absence alert will be cleared. For complete details, students are expected to read the Attendance Practice available on the DU website.

Alternative Delivery Statement

Alternative delivery formats require considerably more student time outside of class and maintain the same level of assignments and academic rigor as the traditional classroom format.  "Blended inseat w/online" is an example of an alternative delivery format.

Scheduled Class Meeting Times

The State dictates minimal contact hour requirements that are rigidly upheld by the University. Some of that instructional time is used for tests. The University's expectation is that classes will meet for the entire assigned time.

Research Approval

Davenport University’s Institutional Review Board is a committee mandated by Federal laws to protect the rights and welfare of the human subjects participating in research activities. Compliance is monitored by the Office of Human Research Protection of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. DU’s IRB must review and approve all proposed academic research at DU or by DU faculty, staff or students that involves human participants in order to ensure that the research meets these governmental standards. Course-based and individual projects involving human subjects, and using data collection methods such as surveys, questionnaires, focus groups, interviews, or other methods that involve interaction with humans or use human cells/tissues, must be reviewed by DU’s IRB.

All researchers must apply for IRB review and be approved BEFORE any projects are started. Please make sure to allow time for review when submitting an application. Research deemed a literature review or which does not involve human participation does not require IRB approval. Review materials at my.davenport.edu by searching for IRB.