Course expectations and evaluations

When students are disruptive, they impact their learning and the learning of others.

If a student feels that another student is repeatedly being disruptive, and is affecting their abilities to listen or understand course material, then they should speak with the instructor after class.

Faculty may ask that a student be removed from the course—temporarily or for the term—if he or she is particularly disruptive, or continues to engage in inappropriate behaviour after having been warned. Faculty may also report students to Student Services if warranted.

In turn, students have the right to expect that faculty too will conduct themselves professionally when dealing with issues and problems that may arise in class. Faculty must adhere to UFV harassment policies.

The UFV Student Support Referral (formerly PASS) program connects students to the supports and resources that may help them increase their chance of success. Such assistance may include putting students in touch with an academic advisor, financial aid, a counsellor or another resource.

If your instructor is concerned about your progress, they may refer you to PASS. The referral is treated confidentially and is sent because your instructor cares about your progress and success in the course.

Your response to PASS is entirely voluntary. If you do not wish your instructor to make a referral to PASS on your behalf, please let them know by email.

Students have the right to anticipate that assignments submitted for evaluation are returned to them in a timely fashion.

There is no set amount of time for assignments to be returned. The size, type, and number of assignments to be marked influence the speed with which faculty can return assignments.

Generally, shorter assignments should and will be made available to the student for pick up in two weeks or less. Longer assignments, such as research essays and field reports, may take longer.

Most instructors strive to provide as much feedback as time allows.

The purpose of instructor comments is to expand upon the grade awarded and to provide suggestions as to what can be improved upon for the next assignments.

If a student does not understand why an assignment is awarded a particular mark, they should read through all the comments prior to meeting with the instructor for further explanation. If a student wants additional feedback on their assignment(s), they should discuss the matter with their instructor.

Each faculty member has the right to assess a penalty on assignments submitted late. Potential penalties and rules will be laid out in a course syllabus. Faculty may exercise discretion in choosing to waive such a penalty if the situation warrants. See Make-up exams and assignments below.

If it appears as though you will need to submit an item past the time it is due, you must speak with the course instructor at the earliest possible date. Again, such exceptions are up to the instructor.

Students that have been assessed by the Centre for Accessibility Services may require extra allowances for taking exams, taking notes, or completing assignments.

The Centre for Accessibility Services will notify the instructor of such requirements, but it is up to the individual student to schedule exam times out of the classroom with their instructor well in advance.

Students who have not made arrangements ahead of time for alternate exam times and due dates may not be given extra allowances.

If you think you may need to be assessed or supported through the Centre for Accessibility Services, please book an appointment with their office.

Email between students and faculty is considered a formal form of communication. Take the extra minute or two that it takes to make sure that your emails have proper punctuation, capitalization, etc.

Sloppy, rushed emails do nothing to improve a professor’s opinion of a student’s abilities. Instructors do not have to respond to rude, harassing, or improper emails, and such emails may be forwarded to Student Services if the instructor feels it is appropriate.

Students should allow 1-2 workdays for a response to emails. It is an instructor’s choice to answer any email during the weekend.