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Table of Contents
Course Outlines
Resolutions 4-B and 11 of the Grading Procedures section of the Undergraduate Calendar are concerned with course outlines: https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-grds-proc.shtml
Resolution 4-B
That, by the first class meeting of the course (by the end of the first week of classes for distance education courses), the instructor must provide students with a written course outline. The course outline may be distributed either a) in class or b) electronically via the official course website on CourseLink and must include a detailed description of course requirements, the methods of evaluation, and the timing of the evaluations.
Clarification on resolution 4-B from CPES Associate Director
CPES Associate Director (Academic) Karen Gordon clarified the Dean's expectation with respect to course outlines in her Fall 2016 memo (attached to this page). The following excerpt is from her memo.
* According to Resolution 4 (Part B), a course outline must be provided by the instructor on the first day of class
* The methods of evaluation and the timing of the evaluation must be provided on the course outline. I have requested clarification of these point from the AVPA’s office, in particular that this does in fact mean specific dates are required. This information is critical for student planning and success. Please also note that the dates then cannot be changed after the first week of class without unanimous consent from the students in the class or approval from the Chair. (Resolution 5).
* The course outline should contain a passing grade clause. My best advice here is to be sure that both a passing grade, and a failing grade is clearly defined. This means in the event that a student does not meet the requirements, how will their failing grade be calculated should also be clearly specified.
Resolution 11
Senate resolved on March 21, 1978 that the chair should review, prior to the commencement of classes, the manner in which a faculty member intends to conduct a course and to determine final grades. If the chair disagrees with the faculty member's intention or subsequently with the implementation of the stated intentions, the chair will discuss his/her concerns with the faculty member. If agreement cannot be reached, the matter will be referred to an appropriate department committee which will advise the chair in reaching his/her decision. The advice may include a recommendation on examination procedures.