Master Syllabus

 

Mission

Missouri State University-West Plains empowers students to achieve personal success and to enrich their local and global communities. As a two-year public institution, we provide accessible, affordable, and quality educational opportunities.

Vision Statement

Missouri State University-West Plains will be a model among two-year, learning-centered institutions, combining open admission opportunity with academic excellence and innovative student support in an environment strengthened by community partnerships and global awareness.

General Education Goals (GEG)

  1. Communication

    Learning Outcome: The ability to use language systems to share meaning.

    Standard

    1. Report ideas utilizing the written method
    2. Express information orally
    3. Construct messages using electronic media

  2. Critical Thinking

    Learning Outcome: The ability to evaluate data and solve problems.

    Standard

    1. Analyze strengths and weaknesses of conclusions
    2. Analyze information from a variety of sources for application to a situation
    3. Employ problem-solving processes to recommend a quality solution
    4. Evaluate the ethical implications of an action or policy

  3. Information Management

    Learning Outcome: The ability to collect and organize information from various sources.

    Standard

    1. Locate sources of information
    2. Evaluate information for its currency, utility, validity and accuracy
    3. Organize information in a logical and consistent manner
    4. Present information in a clear and concise manner

  4. Collaboration

    Learning Outcome: The ability to work with others to accomplish a task or create a product.

    Standard

    1. Work with a team to accomplish a goal or task through coordinated effort or division of labor
    2. Work with others to create a new idea or product

  5. Public Affairs 

    Learning Outcome: The ability to purposely engage as part of a community and citizens of the world.

    Standard

    1. Demonstrate excellence and integrity while contributing to the common good
    2. Develop respect and appreciation toward differences in cultural, political and religious perspectives
    3.  Develop cultural consciousness while increasing self-awareness and engaging with people from different cultures and backgrounds
    4. Recognize the needs in the community and contribute to addressing those needs

Learning Assessment

Assessment of student learning is an integral part of curriculum development and revision. It documents that learning has occurred and provides a rational basis for making purposeful changes to curriculum content and pedagogy.

Assessment of student learning has the intent to improve student learning (the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired through study and practice).

Through the assessment process, General Education Goals, Academic Program Outcomes and Course Outcomes are assessed to compare student-learning objectives (desired learning) to student-learning outcomes (what actually was learned) and use the information generated by these comparisons to make programmatic and pedagogical changes to improve student learning.

Assessment is the process that evaluates the university learning experience with the purpose of continual improvement and has the objective of assuring the accomplishment of the mission of Missouri State University-West Plains.

Student Evaluation of Classroom Instruction

Each semester, students are asked to complete an evaluation of their classes. These evaluations will occur at the end of the course. For 8 week courses, they will occur two weeks prior to the end of the course. For 16 week courses, they will occur three weeks prior to the last day of classes before final exams. 

 

Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure Policy

As set forth in G1.31 Reporting Allegations of Discrimination on the Basis of a Protected Class, Missouri State University (University) prohibits all forms of discrimination in its education programs and activities. The University has adopted this Policy to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of University student and employee complaints alleging Sexual Harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). Complaints alleging discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex that do not satisfy both the definition of Sexual Harassment under Title IX and the jurisdictional requirements of Title IX (including allegations of sexual harassment under Title VII) may be assessed consistent with Op1.02-2 Discrimination Complaint and Investigation Procedures.

The following University employee has been designated to serve as the Title IX Coordinator for the University and Title IX Liaison for the West Plains campus. As described in this Policy, allegations and complaints of Sex Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment and Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment should be filed with the Title IX Coordinator. Additional information regarding how to report allegations of Sex Discrimination and filing Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment can be found on the Title IX website: www.missouristate.edu/titleix.

Melissa Berry
Title IX Coordinator
Carrington 205
901 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 65804
TitleIX@missouristate.edu
(417) 836-4252

Carla Neff
Title IX Coordinator Liaison
Looney Hall, office 206
128 Garfield Ave, West Plains, MO 65775
CarlaNeff@Missouristate.edu
(417) 255-8043

 

Accommodation Policy

Missouri State University-West Plains is committed to providing an accessible and supportive environment for students with disabilities. Equal access for qualified students with disabilities is an obligation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Students seeking service are responsible for notifying the University of their disabilities, requesting academic accommodation(s), and providing documentation of the disability from a qualified professional. Documentation must include necessary evidence of a disability-related need for the requested accommodation(s). Accommodation(s) cannot be based simply on the student's preferences; students must show a legitimate purpose for requesting an academic accommodation. Such accommodation(s), auxiliary aids, and services cannot alter the fundamental nature of the course or program of instruction. In addition, auxiliary aids and services cannot result in an undue burden to the University. Auxiliary aids and services as defined by law will be provided without cost to a student entitled to such aid. Students generally will not be provided devices or services of a personal nature, such as attendants, individually prescribed devices or readers for personal use or study.

Consistent with applicable law, the University does not discriminate in its educational programs/activities against any applicant for admission, student, applicant for employment, or employee on the basis of current, potential, or past pregnancy or related conditions.  Accordingly, students and employees may not be treated differently on the basis of any parental, family, or marital status.

Reasonable accommodations and modifications may be provided to students with needs related to pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions.  If a student would like to request an accommodation or modification, please contact the University’s Deputy Compliance Officer at (417) 836-6755 or JuliaHolmes@MissouriState.edu to initiate that interactive process.

For academic accommodations, students should contact the disability services coordinator in the Office of Advising and Academic Support at (417) 255-7222 (voice) or (417) 255-7715 (TTY).

 

 

Non-Discrimination Policy

Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, should be addressed to the Title IX Coordinator, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, TitleIX@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252, or to the Office for Civil Rights. All other inquiries concerning the grievance procedure, Affirmative Action Plan, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines should be addressed to the Equal Opportunity Officer, Office for Institutional Equity and Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, Springfield, Missouri 65897, equity@missouristate.edu, 417-836-4252, or to the Office for Civil Rights. (Res. Board Policies No. 70-11; Bd. Min. 10-28-11.)

Additionally, for more information on this subject at the West Plains Campus, 128 Garfield, West Plains, Missouri 65775, please contact:

Reasonable Accommodations

Missouri State University provides reasonable accommodations that allow applicants, employees, or qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position.

Reasonable accommodations will be made unless such accommodations have the end result of placing an undue burden on the operations of the University. If reasonable accommodations would cause undue hardship or burden because of costs, the individual with a disability shall be given the option of providing the accommodation themselves or paying for the portion of the cost that poses the undue hardship or burden. Employees needing accommodations should contact their supervisor or department head, or seek assistance from the following offices at their campus:

Springfield:  Office for Institutional Equity and Compliance
Mountain Grove (Shannon Hall): Office of Human Resources - Kellett Hall 202
West Plains:  Office of Human Resources - Kellett Hall 202
All other Locations:  Office for Institutional Equity and Compliance

 

Suicide Prevention Policy

As required by Missouri law (Mo. Rev. Stat. §173.1200), this Policy is intended to advise Missouri State University students, faculty and staff of certain national, regional, and local suicide prevention programs available to students, faculty and staff on and off of Missouri State University’s campuses, the proper procedures for identifying and addressing the needs of students exhibiting suicidal tendencies or behavior, and the available University training regarding suicide prevention and response.

See the full Suicide Prevention Policy in the System's Policy Library.

Academic Integrity

The community of scholars that is Missouri State University-West Plains is committed to developing educated persons. Educated persons accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. Each participant of the University community refrains from and discourages behavior that threatens the freedom and respect each member deserves. The following policies and procedures specifically address student academic integrity but recognize that student academic integrity is only part of the entirety of academic integrity in a community of scholars and that all members of the community share the responsibility for fostering academic integrity.

The Missouri State University-West Plains Faculty Handbook states that course policy statements must include a statement of the instructor’s policies concerning cheating and plagiarism, including consequences. An instructor’s policies on academic integrity issues, while they may reflect the instructor’s personal views, also should be consistent with this University policy on student academic integrity.

Definition: Academic Dishonesty: Any one of the following acts constitutes academic dishonesty:

  • Cheating: The term "cheating" refers to using or attempting to use unauthorized technology, materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise.
  • Fabrication or other misconduct in research: The term "fabrication" refers to unauthorized falsification or invention of any information (including research data) or any citation in any academic exercise; "misconduct in research" refers to any violation of ethical guidelines for attributing credit and authorship in research endeavors, non-compliance with established research policies, or other violations of ethical research practice.
  • Plagiarism: The term "plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work or sections of a work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement, whether intentional or not. This includes any material copied directly or paraphrased from the Internet. The unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials, including material taken from or ordered through the Internet, also constitutes plagiarism.

  • Facilitating academic dishonesty: Assisting or attempting to assist another to violate any provision of this Academic Integrity Policy, whether or not that action is associated with any particular course, is considered academic dishonesty.

Review and Appeal Process: There is an appeal process for removal of an 'XF' Grade. To see the full policy, visit https://catalog.wp.missouristate.edu/content.php?catoid=2&navoid=126.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is taken for all courses, the entire semester. Financial aid is not released until after attendance is confirmed. Students who stop attending courses may be held responsible for federal funds received and be required to pay back federal funds. Students should talk with the office of financial aid before no longer attending a course, dropping a course or withdrawing from a semester. Students who fail to attend 25% or more of the course class meetings can be dropped by the faculty member. Please be reminded that attendance in an online course is measured by active participation, such as posting on a discussion board, turning in an assignment, completing an exam, etc. Attention online students: Signing into Brightspace does not constitute attendance.

See the catalog for the revised Attendance Policy.

Weather Policy

When the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) campus is closed or classes are cancelled or delayed due to an emergency or inclement weather situations, an official announcement will be issued through Missouri State Alert, at the top of the MSU-WP homepage, on the university’s main social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the Mountain Grove Facebook Page), and through the news media (television and radio). Responsibility for inclement weather procedures is shared by business services, university communications and the chancellor.

Students should use their own good judgment regarding travel when weather conditions are questionable. Students should contact their instructors if they cannot attend classes because of weather conditions. Faculty members are encouraged to allow make-up work for classes missed because of weather conditions.

In extreme weather conditions, classes may be canceled. Faculty, staff and students should call the Missouri State University Safety and Emergency Services Center at 417-836-5509 for information regarding the status of Missouri State-West Plains classes, Mountain Grove Extended Campus classes and Missouri State-Springfield Outreach classes.

For further details please review our full weather policies:

    https://news.wp.missouristate.edu/weather-policy/

    https://news.wp.missouristate.edu/weather-policy/severe-weather-closing-policy/

Campus Safety

Evening Safety

If any MSU-WP employ and/or student requires an escort for any campus location, please call the MSU Dispatch at 417- 836-5509.  Protocols have been established to ensure that dispatch will contact the correct campus representative for assistance.  If your situation requires immediate security related attention, call 911 for a Law Enforcement response.

Hostile Persons

Hostile Persons Guidelines:  https://wp.missouristate.edu/CampusSafety/preparation.htm  

Emergency Procedures Posters

The Campus Safety & Parking Committee prepares Emergency Procedures posters providing instruction in the event of fire, tornado, or other emergencies. These posters are located in each room in each campus facility.

Additional Information

Additional information regarding campus safety at Missouri State University-West Plains may be accessed on the Campus Safety and Parking website at: https://wp.missouristate.edu/CampusSafety.

Emergency Messages

The office of registration and records (417) 255-7979 may be contacted by emergency personnel or your family to relay messages to you in case of an emergency. Routine messages are not accepted in order to allow instructors to conduct orderly class sessions. In the event of an evening emergency, please call the MSU Dispatch at 417- 836-5509.

Electronic Devices in the Classroom

As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to the other students who are members of the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the office of academic affairs asks that cell phones, pagers or similar communication devices be turned off or put into silent mode during class. At the discretion of the instructor, exception to this policy is possible in special circumstances.

The University also acknowledges the usefulness of electronic devices to students in the learning process; however, the use of computers, PDAs or other electronic devices in classrooms and instructional settings is at the discretion of the instructor. Students should review instructors' policy statements for information about whether or not they will be allowed to use such devices in the classroom or other instructional setting.