Course Policy Issues
- Missing a class
Notify the department chair. If you can anticipate your absence, discuss with the chair possible arrangements for a substitute or alternative activity.
- Change of time and/or place of class
Such changes require approval of the department chair, who will also see that the registrar's office is notified of the change. Classroom space is limited during many parts of the day and it may be difficult to obtain a new location, so contact your chair as soon as possible with your request for a new location.
-Ohio University's final examination policy
A formal final exam, written in class, is required in all courses where a letter grade of A-F is given unless you substitute some other method for bringing the course into focus and evaluating students. Be sure your students know what this alternative is by including it on your syllabus and announcing it the first day of class. In any event, you must meet your class at the time the final exam is scheduled either to give the exam or to receive the work which takes its place.
Final exams may not be given at any time prior to the regularly scheduled examination time without prior approval of the dean. The same goes for final projects assigned in lieu of an exam.
We are highlighting this because of its importance. There are many reasons for this rule; we will mention only one. If you give your final exam early and students do not do well, plausible grievances could be based on the claim that, had you followed the schedule, students would have done better on the exam. Don't open yourself up for all kinds of irritation by departing from the exam schedule printed in the schedule of classes, copies of which are available in the registrar's office.
- Cheating
Cheating is a serious offense. You must be careful not to make accusations of cheating unless you are absolutely sure of the facts. If you see students copying, for example, intervene immediately. Ask them to move to different locations in the room. Confiscate any materials that seem to be involved in the cheating, such as crib sheets or unauthorized notes. You need not make any accusation here; just ask them to move. However, if you plan to take academic measures (i.e., a grade of F) or disciplinary measures (referral to judiciaries) you must confront students with your suspicions and intended action upon the close of the exam or shortly thereafter. Failure to intervene or give proper notice at the first sign of cheating could limit your options to do something about the cheating later on. If you think that a student has turned in another's work, make no accusation until you can document the plagiarism. Be discreet. Do not discuss your suspicions with others who do not have a need to know.

The Student Handbook warns students about all forms of academic dishonesty. Here is how the Handbook puts it: "Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following examples: permitting another student to plagiarize or cheat from your work, submitting an academic exercise (written work, printing, sculpture, computer program) that has been prepared totally or in part by another, acquiring improper knowledge of the contents of an exam, using unauthorized material during an exam, submitting the same paper in two different courses without knowledge and consent of professors, or submitting a forged grade change slip."

If you think there is cheating going on in your class, first talk to the chair, then call the Office of University Judiciaries, 593-2626, for further advice.

-Teaching Associates’ Mailboxes
Ask the departmental secretary. Most departments usually set aside mail boxes for teaching assistants.

-Textbook Policy
If you are the only person teaching the course, you may be able to change textbooks, but not if you are one among several persons offering the course. Check with the chair or course director for further information. Usually textbook orders have to be placed far in advance of the quarter beginning date, so it is not practicable for TAs to change textbooks before the quarter starts. If the department will need you to teach the course for several quarters, it may be possible for you to change the text. Discuss this with the chair or the or course director.

-Teaching Associates’ Offices
Most departments provide TAs some kind of office for advising students, especially if the TA has grading responsibilities. You should announce office hours at a time and place when students can talk to you about the course. A common complaint from students is that instructors are not in their office during announced hours. Only post those office hours that you are able and willing to keep.