Updated 12/1/2025.
Syllabus Requirements
All faculty and instructors must use the syllabus management system provided by the institution for all KSU for-credit courses.
University Policies or Statements to be Included in Syllabi
Academic Integrity Statement (Required)
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, as published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section 5c of the Student Code of Conduct addresses the University’s policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism and cheating; unauthorized access to university materials; misrepresentation/falsification of university records or academic work; malicious removal, retention, or destruction of library materials; malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services; and misuse of student identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI), which includes either an “informal” resolution by a faculty member, resulting in a grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a student to the Code of Conduct’s minimum one semester suspension requirement. See also https://www.kennesaw.edu/student-affairs/dean-of-students/department-student-conduct-academic-integrity/index.php.
Student Honor Code Pledge
As a member of the Kennesaw State University community of scholars, I understand that my actions are not only a reflection on myself, but also a reflection on the University and the larger body of scholars of which it is a part. Acting unethically, no matter how minor the offense, will be detrimental to my academic progress and self-image. It will also adversely affect all students, faculty, staff, the reputation of this University, and the value of the degrees it awards. Whether on campus or online, I understand that it is not only my personal responsibility, but also a duty to the entire KSU community that I act in a manner consistent with the highest level of academic integrity. Therefore, I promise that as a member of the Kennesaw State University community, I will not participate in any form of academic misconduct.
Types of Academic Misconduct:
- Cheating. Receiving, attempting to receive, knowingly giving or attempting to give unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any course work (including, but not limited to, examinations, laboratory reports, essays, themes, term papers) is considered cheating, as is engaging in any behavior that a professor prohibits as academic misconduct in the syllabus or class discussion. Unless specifically authorized, using and/or having access to electronic devices during an examination, quiz, test or other assessment is automatically considered cheating, regardless of the student’s reason for using/accessing the device. Unauthorized use of artificial intelligence is another form of cheating. Authorized use of artificial intelligence is subject to the stated course instructors’ policy as described in a course syllabus or/and in class discussions. Consult with course instructor as needed. Additionally, unauthorized collaboration and sharing of materials in an electronic group chat is cheating, and said participation shall be determined by an evaluation of all facts available regarding participation.
- Plagiarism. Including direct quotations from other sources into work required to be submitted for credit without indicating them as such by quotation marks, block quotes or other appropriate formatting. Incorporating the work of someone (e.g. ideas, theories, data, figures, graphs, programs, electronic based information, illustrations, etc.) into a paper or project without due acknowledgement;
- Self-Plagiarism. Submitting any work for credit which was not authored specifically and originally for the assignment in question without the prior permission of the professor receiving that assignment. Most commonly, this means submitting the same, or substantially the same, paper or other assignment for credit in more than one class;
- Misrepresentation and/or Falsification. Knowingly providing false information in completing University forms or applications (including admissions forms, scholarship applications, time sheets, false or counterfeit transcripts, etc.) or in any work related to a course at KSU. This includes providing fabricated/altered documents to substantiate an excused absence (such as to meet attendance requirements or have the chance to make up a missed exam). Signing in for another student or having another individual sign in on a student’s behalf on an attendance sheet also constitutes a violation of this code section.
- Unauthorized Access to University Materials. Taking, attempting to take, stealing or in any unauthorized manner otherwise procuring, gaining access to, altering or destroying any material pertaining to the conduct of a class (including tests, examinations, grade change forms, grade rolls, roll books, laboratory equipment, University grade records in written or computerized form, etc.).
- Malicious/Intentional Misuse of Computer Facilities/Services. Maliciously or intentionally misusing university-controlled computer facilities and services. This includes violations of state and federal laws (e.g. copyright violations, unauthorized access to systems, alteration/damage/destruction, or attempted alteration/damage/destruction, use for profit, etc.) or a department’s rules for computer usage (e.g. account violations, damage, or destruction of the system and/or its performance, unauthorized copying of electronic information, use of threatening or obscene language, etc.).
KSU Disruption of Campus Life policy
All students are responsible for knowing the information, policies and procedures outlined in the Kennesaw State University Codes of Conduct. Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) includes: the general Student Code of Conduct, the Residential Code of Conduct, and the Code of Academic Integrity.
KSU Web Accessibility policy statement
Federal law Section 508 Subsection 1194.22 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG) Web Accessibility Guidelines require that all web content meet the federal government’s accessibility guidelines. As such, KSU complies with USG guidelines.
University accessibility assistance is provided by several offices as noted below. Staff in these offices work to accommodate requests for access or assistance with access as soon as possible in order to either accommodate the request or identify an effective alternative for the requester.
Student Disability Services - Kennesaw
470-578-2666 sds@kennesaw.edu
Student Disability Services - Marietta
470-578-7361 sds@kennesaw.edu
UITS: Student Technology Assistance
470-578-3555 studenthelpdesk@kennesaw.edu
UITS: Third Party Technology Assistance
470-578-6999 service@kennesaw.edu
KSU Reasonable Accommodations Policy
Students with qualifying disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act who require “reasonable accommodation(s)” to complete the course may request those from Office of Student Disability Services. Students requiring such accommodations are required to work with the University’s Office of Student Disability Services rather than engaging in this discussion with individual faculty members or academic departments. If, after reviewing the course syllabus, a student anticipates or should have anticipated a need for accommodation, he or she must submit documentation requesting an accommodation and permitting time for a determination prior to submitting assignments or taking course quizzes or exams. Students may not request retroactive accommodation for needs that were or should have been foreseeable. Students should contact the office as soon as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations. Student Disability Services is located in the Carmichael Student Center in Suite 267 on the Kennesaw campus or Building A in Suite 160G on the Marietta campus. Please visit the Student Disability Services (SDS) website for more information, or call the office at 470-578-2666 (Kennesaw campus) or 470-578-9111 (Marietta campus).
KSU Enrollment Management/Course Attendance Policy
Students are solely responsible for managing their enrollment status in a class; nonattendance does not constitute a withdrawal.
Copyright Law
It is the responsibility of KSU faculty and students to respect the rights of copyright holders and complying with copyright law. The University System of Georgia recognizes that the exclusive rights of copyright holders are balanced by limitations on those rights under federal copyright law, including the right to make a fair use of copyrighted materials and the right to perform or display works in the course of face-to-face teaching activities.
The University System of Georgia facilitates compliance with copyright law and, where appropriate, the exercise in good faith of full fair use rights by faculty and staff in teaching, research, and service activities. The University System of Georgia ensure compliance with copyright law in the following ways.
- The USG informs and educates students, faculty, and staff about copyright law, including the limited exclusive rights of copyright holders as set forth in 17 U.S.C. § 106, the application of the four fair use factors in 17 U.S.C. § 107, and other copyright exceptions.
- The USG develops and makes available tools and resources for faculty and staff to assist in determining copyright status and ownership and determining whether use of a work in a specific situation would be a fair use and, therefore, not an infringement under copyright law;
- The USG facilitates use of materials currently licensed by the University System of Georgia and provides information on licensing of third-party materials by the University System; and
- The USG identifies individuals at the University System and member institutions who can counsel faculty and staff regarding application of copyright law.
Protecting Students’ Privacy (FERPA)
Students have certain rights to privacy. These rights are mandated by federal policy. The Student Handbook contains information regarding Rights Pertaining to Student Records, and FERPA specific details are available on the Registrar’s website.
A key requirement of the formal evaluation process is the protection of individual privacy rights concerning educational grading. The University’s online learning system and email system is designed to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to sensitive information or information protected by federal or state law. Consequently, faculty and students are strongly encouraged to only communicate regarding course matters through the University’s designated technology learning system.
Information should not be made public in any way in which a student’s grades, social security number, or other personal information may be identified. Grade information may be shared with members of the KSU community who also have a legitimate educational interest in student success (e.g. academic advisors or members of the Behavioral Response Team). Faculty may be asked to provide early alert information if there is a concern that a student is at risk, academically or otherwise.
KSU Sexual Misconduct Policy
In accordance with federal and state law including, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the University System of Georgia (USG), including Kennesaw State University, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any of its education programs or activities or in employment. The USG is committed to ensuring the highest ethical conduct of the members of its community by promoting a safe learning and working environment. To that end, Kennesaw State University follows USG Board of Regents Policy Manual, Section 6.7.
Withdrawal from Classes
A student who officially withdraws from a course by the end of the last day to withdraw without academic penalty will receive a grade of “W” and receive no credit.
A student will receive a refund only when the student withdraws from ALL courses for the applicable semester and only by the schedule outlined in the University refund policy found in the Tuition, Expenses, & Financial Aid section of the undergraduate and graduate university catalogs.
Students should be aware that a reduction in their hours might result in the loss of full-time student status and thus affect their financial aid, scholarships, athletic and ticket eligibility, University housing accommodations, use of University resources and access to University facilities, visa for international students, and Veterans Educational Benefits. Students should contact the appropriate office and their academic advisor with questions about the impact of their withdrawal from a course before initiating a withdrawal. Veterans and dependents of veterans who receive educational benefits must notify the Veterans Education Benefits Area in the Office of the Registrar of any course load reductions.
Hardship Withdrawals
If a student experiences significant personal hardship (e.g., medical or family emergency, prolonged illness), the Dean of Students can approve a hardship withdrawal from all courses in the term for which the student is currently registered. In the case of an approved hardship withdrawal from all courses, the Registrar will assign grades of “W” for those classes. The deadline for final approval of a hardship withdrawal by the Dean of Students is the last day of class for which the hardship withdrawal is sought. If the hardship withdrawal process is not complete by the last day of class for which the hardship withdrawal is sought, a student must appeal for a retroactive hardship withdrawal from the Academic Standing Committee.
Appeals for retroactive hardship withdrawals must be directed to the Academic Standing Committee. Retroactive hardship withdrawals are rarely granted if it has been more than one year since the last day of class for which the withdrawal is sought. Extraordinary justification must be shown. In the case of approved retroactive hardship withdrawals, the Registrar will assign a grade of “W.”
University Initiated Withdrawals
If a student is suspended by the Office of Student Conduct following a violation of the University’s Code of Conduct not related to academic dishonesty, the Office of Student Conduct may facilitate a University-initiated withdrawal from courses for which a student is registered for the term. The Registrar will assign grades of “W” for those classes.
Military Withdrawals
A student will receive a “WM” symbol for all courses and a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees and a pro rata refund of other fees for military and other service, as defined by BOR Policy Manual, Section 7.3.5.3 To request a military withdrawal, the student must submit a copy of official orders to the Office of the Registrar.
Academic Feedback
Institutional Chief Academic Officers will encourage faculty to clarify for students, at the beginning of each course, the basis on which grades will be determined and to provide timely academic feedback as the course progresses (BOR Academic and Student Handbook Policy 2.18). KSU is committed to protecting the academic freedom rights of faculty and students in teaching, research, publishing, and other academic activities. For additional information visit BOR Policy 6.5.1 and KSU Faculty Handbook Policy 2.1
Netiquette: Communication Courtesy
All members of the class are expected to demonstrate respect and courtesy in all email messages, threaded discussions and chats (link forthcoming).
Modified Operations Policy
Kennesaw State University is committed to remaining open and continuing full operations, including class schedules, whenever possible. The Office of the President, in consultation with the KSU Office of Emergency Management and other officials, will determine when an emergency impacts KSU’s normal operations. When the University is closed due to an
emergency, all classes will be canceled, and non-essential personnel will not be expected to work.
When the University shifts to modified operations, Cabinet members, in consultation with the Office of the President or designee and the Office of Emergency Management, will be responsible for determining appropriate operational continuity for their divisions. This may include remote work. During modified operations, each faculty member will be responsible for instructional continuity for their classes. To ensure instructional continuity, all Academic Colleges and Departments are expected to maintain and regularly update instructional continuity plans. All syllabi should also include an instructional continuity plan statement specific to that course.
During a weather event or other emergency, those commuting to campus should exercise their best judgment when determining travel options. If the University remains open and an employee elects not to report to work, the employee will be required to use their accrued vacation time.
The University will announce campus closures and delayed schedules in several ways. The cell phone number on file with the university will automatically receive KSU Alerts, so make sure your information in Owl Express is accurate at all times. An email will also be sent to your university account. In addition, announcements will be made by a notice on the Kennesaw State University home page.
Course Delivery
KSU may shift the method of course delivery at any time during the semester in compliance with University System of Georgia health and safety guidelines. In this case, alternate teaching modalities that may be adopted include hyflex, hybrid, synchronous online, or asynchronous online instruction. Please refer to the Instructional Continuity statement included in each course syllabus for specific plans.
Additional Legal Considerations
Protecting Students’ Privacy
Students have certain rights to privacy. These rights are mandated by federal policy. Leaving their work in an unsecured area such as outside your office door (unless agreed upon with each student) means that the students’ names, grades, and possibly, social security numbers are accessible to everyone. Additionally, research papers can be taken and used by other individuals. It is recommended that you permit students to retrieve their work from your office, if you don’t return it to them in class. Information should not be made public in any way in which a student’s grades, social security number, or other personal information may be identified.
Field Trips
Field trips offer students many educational opportunities and can be used by faculty to enhance courses. An instructor must obtain advanced clearance from their department chair before scheduling and conducting a field trip. A formal notification giving pertinent information about the field trip must be submitted to the department chair. This notification should also include confirmation that Risk Management has reviewed and approved the Certificate of Insurance, if applicable.
For non-mandatory field trips or for those that are purely observational (non hands-on), no insurance certificates or student waivers are required. However, if the event involves any potential risk, the venue must provide a Certificate of Insurance documenting adequate liability coverage, which must be submitted to Risk Management for review (riskmanagement@kennesaw.edu). Additionally, for any event with potential risk, students must complete an Activities Waiver Form acknowledging the associated risks.
If the instructor rents or borrows a State vehicle to transport students, the driver must have a Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) on file and complete both Level 1 Training and Level 2 Defensive Driver Training to be eligible for State Liability coverage. If students drive themselves to and from the event, no specific training or additional insurance requirements apply.
It is the student’s responsibility to inform and obtain clearance from their other instructors for any missed classes due to a field trip. Clearance refers to confirmation from the instructor on whether the absence will be excused and/or whether the student will be allowed to make up any missed in-class assignments.
Faculty Liability
From time-to-time questions arise concerning the liability of faculty members for injuries to students engaged in laboratory work, physical education activities, on field trips, etc. Faculty members should inquire in advance about liability insurance and trip insurance with their professional societies, the Office of Risk Management, or the appropriate official in the Office of Student Success.
Copyright Law
As part of the University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State University is governed by the Board of Regents’ Copyright Policy. Faculty should review the policy, along with additional procedures and resources related to copyright compliance at https://www.usg.edu/copyright/. The exclusive rights of copyright holders are balanced by limitations on those rights under federal copyright law, including the right to make a fair use of copyrighted materials in teaching, research, and service activities. Faculty are encouraged to complete and keep a copy of the BOR Fair Use Checklist for each “fair use” of a copyrighted work to establish and document a reasonable and good faith effort at applying fair use if any dispute arises regarding the use of the work.
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