University of Saskatchewan Policies
Academic courses: Class delivery, examinations, and assessment of student learning
| Category: | Academic Affairs |
| Responsibility: | Registrar and Director of Academic Services |
| Authorization: | University Council |
| Approval Date: | May 19, 2011, effective September 1, 2011 |
| Reformatted: | December, 2012; March 2013 |
| Amended: | March 2012; March 2013 |
Purpose:
Principles:
Saskatchewan envisions one of its primary purposes to optimize learning opportunities for students.
Assessment of student learning should be a fair and transparent process which follows university, college and department regulations so that students are treated respectfully and impartially across the institution. This includes accommodation for students with special needs, in accordance with university policies and regulations and provincial legislation.
As articulated in the University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter, students will be provided with a clear indication of what is expected in the class, and what they can do to be successful in achieving the learning objectives of the course. Assessments of student learning will be transparent, applied consistently, and congruent with course objectives. Students will receive prompt and constructive feedback on their learning progress at regular intervals throughout the class.
The University encourages and celebrates innovation in class delivery and student assessment. It is necessary that these be conducted using effective, transparent and fair procedures.
Scope of this Policy:
This document incorporates all of the policies, rules and procedures relating to course delivery and student assessment which have been previously approved by University Council in various policy documents and reports.
It supersedes the following documents previously approved by University Council:
April, 2009 Academic Programs Committee Examination Regulations
April, 2001 Academic Programs Committee policies for final grades reporting
January, 2001 Academic Programs Committee retroactive withdrawal policy
September, 1986 – University of Saskatchewan Grading policy
It complements and maintains the principles expressed in the following documents:
June, 1999 Guidelines for Academic Conduct
June, 2007 Teaching and Learning Committee Student Evaluation of Instructors/Courses
June, 2010 University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter
University
Nomenclature Report 2011
January, 2012
Disability Services for Students Academic
Accommodation and Access for Students with Disabilities
Student
Enrolment Services Division Instructors
and Staff Handbook
Information and
Communications Technology Lecture
Capture
All regulations covering class delivery, student assessment and examinations have been developed into a framework with three levels of authority and responsibility: University, College and Department. Within the framework of this courses policy,departments and colleges may develop additional regulations and procedures for course delivery and student assessment. For example, colleges and departments may develop a template for the syllabus to be used by their instructors.
In Colleges where there is an alternate approved academic calendar, regulations covering student assessment and examinations shall be developed by the College in a manner consistent with these University regulations.
All references to “Department Heads” in this document would, in non-departmentalized colleges, apply to the Dean instead. The Open Studies Faculty Council functions as the College for students in Open Studies.
Policy:
Responsibilities:
Under the Bylaws of University Council (Section 3, VIII, 2), all matters respecting the subjects, time and mode of the examinations and respecting the degrees and distinctions to be conferred by the University shall be provided for by Council regulations.
Academic course regulations at all levels shall be publicly accessible to all members of the University community. If a college or department has additional regulations, these must be made available to students. There should also be provisions at each level of authority for periodic review and amendment of these regulations.
University:
University regulations will prevail in the absence of other College or Departmental regulations. In the case of a discrepancy between University regulations and College or Departmental regulations, University regulations will take precedence. Any College requesting an exception, change or addition to these Regulations is to submit a proposal to the Academic Programs Committee for approval.
Colleges and Departments:
Council, while retaining the final authority over assessment of student learning, delegates to Colleges the responsibility of establishing general policies concerning the methods and types of assessment which may be employed by the Departments of that College, and each Department should establish any further instructions and policies for its members as necessary.
Instructors and Departments:
It is the responsibility of the instructor and Department Head to report final grades to the Registrar in accordance with the regulations outlined here. Instructors will use prescribed grade descriptors or grade comments if required.
The final grade report, prepared by the instructor, must be approved by the Department Head, or Dean in non-departmentalized Colleges.
Procedure Summary:
| Contact: | Registrar and Director of Academic Services, (966-6723) |
| Email: | russ.isinger@usask.ca |
| Website: | http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/council/academiccourses.php |
