Required Policies for Course Syllabi

The following university-wide policies are to be included on course syllabi.

Academic Integrity Policy 

Per Towson University’s Academic Integrity Policy, faculty members will reasonably assess that student work submitted for academic credit is authentic as well as consistent with established academic standards. Therefore, academic evaluation includes a judgment that the student’s work is free from academic dishonesty of any type.

Class Attendance/Absence Policy

Attendance Expectations - Students are expected to attend all classes. Regular attendance helps students understand course material and meet expectations. For courses that rely on participation, such as seminars, labs, and language classes, missing class can impact your grade. Instructors must clearly state their attendance policy in the course syllabus at the beginning of the term, including any penalties for excessive absences.

Excusable Absences 

  • Health absences due to illness or injury when the student is unable to attend class. For repeated illness or long-term injury which prevents course completion, students may be advised to seek a medical withdrawal for that course. For illness-related absences, students are encouraged to contact the Student Outreach and Support office for additional assistance and resources.

  • Wellness: Students may take one excused general wellness day to be excused from one class session per course.  Students may not use a wellness day during the final exam period, in clinical placements, internships, fieldwork or in placements at other external sites.

  • Religious observance where the nature of the observance prevents the student from attending class.

  • Participation in University activities at the request of University authorities (e.g., intercollegiate athletics, conference/s, dance company, etc.).

  • Compelling, verifiable circumstances beyond the control of the student.

Students should inform the instructor about absences as early as possible. Documentation may be required for certain types of absences (e.g., participation in University activities, as noted above), but generally, medical documentation for short term illnesses is not needed.

Absence Limits - Instructors can set limits on the total number of unexcused absences allowed for their course. Exceeding these limits may affect a student’s grade.

Make-Up Work - If a student misses class they are responsible for any missed work. Faculty should provide a reasonable accommodation for missed work as a result of an excused absence; the instructor will determine the appropriate accommodation as per their syllabus.

Support Services - Students registered with Accessibility and Disability Services may be approved for an accommodation that provides some modifications to an attendance policy. The student’s individualized letter of accommodation will specify the modifications.

Please note that other relevant university policies and procedures may also apply and should be reviewed along with this policy.

Reviewed and endorsed by Academic Senate – Fall 2025

Course Repeat Policy

Per Towson University’s Course Repeat Policy, when a course is repeated, students will receive credit for the course only once. The higher of the two grades earned will be calculated in the GPA. The lower grade will remain on the record with a repeat excluded message. Students may not make a third or subsequent attempt of a course without prior approval of the Academic Standards Committee.

Students with Disabilities Policy

Per Towson University’s Policy for Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Individuals with Disabilities, students with disabilities are encouraged to register with Accessibility and Disability Services. Students who suspect that they have a disability but do not have documentation are encouraged to contact ADS for advice on how to obtain appropriate evaluation. A memo from ADS authorizing your accommodation is needed before any accommodation can be provided.

Title IX Policy

Per Towson University’s Policy on Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct, TU is committed to ensuring a safe, productive learning environment on our campus that does not tolerate sexual misconduct, including harassment, stalking, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, or intimate partner violence as outlined in the policy. It is important for you to know that there are resources available if you or someone you know needs assistance. You may speak to a member of the university administration, faculty, or staff, but keep in mind that they have an obligation to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator. If you want to speak to someone who is permitted to keep your disclosure confidential, please seek assistance from the TU Counseling Center.

Reporting Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents

Per Towson University’s Policy and Procedures for the Reporting of Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents, TU prohibits all students, staff, and faculty from committing or engaging in any hate crimes as defined under state and federal law, or any acts of bias, hate, or prejudice exhibited in conduct that is in violation of another University policy on campus, on University property, at University sponsored events, or when engaged in University activities and business on or off campus.

The University must receive notice to respond effectively to alleged Hate Crimes or Bias Incidents in the University Community. Please report or file a complaint of a Hate Crime or Bias by:

Reporting to Towson University Police

Towson University's Police Department will determine if incidents are criminal in nature. In cases of hate crimes, individuals can be punished with fines and/or imprisonment. Felony offenses demonstrated to be motivated by bias are subject to enhanced penalties.

Contacting the Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity

The Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity strives to foster a culture of integrity that values shared responsibility as a critical element of an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community.

Approved by the University Curriculum Committee - 3/8/2021
Approved by the Graduate Studies Committee - 3/12/2021
Approved by the Academic Senate Executive Committee – 4/19/2021
Approved by the Office of the Provost –4/19/2021
Amendment approved by the Academic Senate –11/7/22