Syllabus Guidelines for Faculty
Below are some helpful resources you can use to build your course syllabus:
UMaine Syllabus Template
UMaine Syllabus Manual
UMaine Generative AI Syllabus Guidelines
Required Syllabus Statements
There are five policy statements required for every syllabus at the University of Maine:
All of the required administrative policy statements (academic integrity, mandatory reporting, etc.) should either appear on the instructor’s syllabus or be shared with students via the link to the Required Syllabus Statements page. The goal of administration and faculty is to ensure that students are aware of and have access to the statements electronically or in hard copy.
For the Sexual Discrimination Reporting, one of the two versions below must be present in the syllabus.
Academic Honesty Statement: Academic honesty is very important. It is dishonest to cheat on exams, to copy term papers, to submit papers written by another person, or generated by software or systems without the explicit approval of the instructor, to fake experimental results, or to copy or reword parts of books or articles into your own papers without appropriately citing the source. Students committing or aiding in any of these violations may be given failing grades for an assignment or for an entire course, at the discretion of the instructor. In addition to any academic action taken by an instructor, these violations are also subject to action under the University of Maine Student Conduct Code. The maximum possible sanction under the student conduct code is dismissal from the University. Please see the University of Maine System’s Academic Integrity Policy listed in the Board Policy Manual as Policy 314 (*Date Issued: September 1, 2020).
Last Updated: 07.07.2023
Course Schedule Disclaimer (Disruption Clause): In the event of an extended disruption of normal classroom activities (due to COVID-19 or other long-term disruptions), the format for this course may be modified to enable its completion within its programmed time frame. In that event, you will be provided an addendum to the syllabus that will supersede this version.
Last Updated: 08.17.2020
Observance of Religious Holidays/Events: The University of Maine recognizes that when students are observing significant religious holidays, some may be unable to attend classes or labs, study, take tests, or work on other assignments. If they provide adequate notice (at least one week and longer if at all possible), these students are allowed to make up course requirements as long as this effort does not create an unreasonable burden upon the instructor, department or University. At the discretion of the instructor, such coursework could be due before or after the examination or assignment. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to a student’s grade for the examination, study, or course requirement on the day of religious observance. The student shall not be marked absent from the class due to observing a significant religious holiday. In the case of an internship or clinical, students should refer to the applicable policy in place by the employer or site.
Last Updated: 08.17.2020
Sexual Discrimination Reporting
The University of Maine is committed to making campus a safe place for students. Because of this commitment, if you tell any of your teachers about sexual discrimination involving members of the campus, your teacher is required to report this information to Title IX Student Services or the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Behaviors that can be “sexual discrimination” include sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, relationship abuse (dating violence and domestic violence), sexual misconduct, and gender discrimination. Therefore, all of these behaviors must be reported.
Why do teachers have to report sexual discrimination?
The university can better support students in trouble if we know about what is happening. Reporting also helps us to identify patterns that might arise – for example, if more than one victim reports having been assaulted or harassed by the same individual.
What will happen to a student if a teacher reports?
An employee from Title IX Student Services or the Office of Equal Opportunity will reach out to you and offer support, resources, and information. You will be invited to meet with the employee to discuss the situation and the various options available to you.
If you have requested confidentiality, the University will weigh your request that no action be taken against the institution’s obligation to provide a safe, nondiscriminatory environment for all students. If the University determines that it can maintain confidentiality, you must understand that the institution’s ability to meaningfully investigate the incident and pursue disciplinary action, if warranted, may be limited. There are times when the University may not be able to honor a request for confidentiality because doing so would pose a risk to its ability to provide a safe, nondiscriminatory environment for everyone. If the University determines that it cannot maintain confidentiality, the University will advise you, prior to starting an investigation and, to the extent possible, will share information only with those responsible for handling the institution’s response
The University is committed to the well-being of all students and will take steps to protect all involved from retaliation or harm.
If you want to talk in confidence to someone about an experience of sexual discrimination, please contact these resources:
For confidential resources on campus: Counseling Center: 207-581-1392 or Northern Light Primary Care, University of Maine: at 207-581-4000. Confidential Resource Advisor: 207-571-5372 (call or text). Or see the Confidential Resource Advisor website for a complete list of services and resources (open in a new window).
For confidential resources off campus: Rape Response Services: 1-800-871-7741 or Partners for Peace: 1-800-863-9909.
Other resources: The resources listed below can offer support but may have to report the incident to others who can help:
For support services on campus: Title IX Student Services: 207-581-1406, Office of Community Standards: 207-581-1409, University of Maine Police: 207-581-4040 or 911. Or see the Title IX Student Services website for a complete list of services (opens in a new window). Also, Student Wellness Resource Center (opens in a new window).
Last Updated: 07.31.2024
Sexual Discrimination Reporting
The University of Maine is committed to making campus a safe place for students. Because of this commitment, if you tell a teacher about an experience of sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, relationship abuse (dating violence and domestic violence), sexual misconduct or any form of gender discrimination involving members of the campus, your teacher is required to report this information to Title IX Student Services or the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you want to talk in confidence to someone about an experience of sexual discrimination, please contact these resources:
For confidential resources on campus: Counseling Center: 207-581-1392 or Northern Light Primary Care, University of Maine: at 207-581-4000. Confidential Resource Advisor: 207-571-5372 (call or text). Or see the Confidential Resource Advisor website for a complete list of services and resources (open in a new window).
For confidential resources off campus: Rape Response Services: 1-800-871-7741 or Partners for Peace: 1-800-863-9909.
Other resources: The resources listed below can offer support but may have to report the incident to others who can help:
For support services on campus: Title IX Student Services: 207-581-1406, Office of Community Standards: 207-581-1409, University of Maine Police: 207-581-4040 or 911. Or see the Title IX Student Services website for a complete list of services (open in a new window) . Also, Student Wellness Resource Center (opens in a new window).
Last Updated: 07.31.2024
Students Accessibility Services Statement [This should be customized to include the instructor’s name]:
If you have a disability for which you may be requesting an accommodation, please contact Student Accessibility Services, located at the Center for Accessibility and Volunteer Engagement at the UCU, 139 Rangeley Rd, um.sas@maine.edu, 207.581.2319, as early as possible in the term. Students may begin the accommodation process by submitting an accommodation request form online and uploading documentation at https://umaine-accommodate.symplicity.com/public_accommodation/. Once students meet with SAS and eligibility has been determined, students submit an online request with SAS each semester to activate their approved accommodations. SAS creates an accessibility letter each semester which informs faculty of potential course access and approved reasonable accommodations; the letter is sent directly to the course instructor. Students who have already been approved for accommodations by SAS and have a current accommodation letter should meet with me (the instructor of the course) privately as soon as possible.
Last Updated: 04.01.2024
Optional Syllabus Statements
CITL’s suggested language to promote compassion and belonging in the classroom can be found below.
Non-Sexist Language Policy
Faculty may also find it helpful to include a statement about classroom civility. Depending upon your course content, you may also wish to include a statement about inclusive or non-sexist language.
The University of Maine’s non-sexist language policy may be viewed here.
Land Acknowledgement
Faculty may wish to include the land acknowledgement in their syllabus. This language can be found here.
Names and Pronouns
Many people might go by names and pronouns in our daily lives that are different from our legal designators (e.g., members of various ethnic groups, international students, trans* people, and others). In this classroom, we honor inclusivity by referring to one another by the names and pronouns each of us chooses for ourselves. Class rosters may not always reflect students’ chosen names and gender
identifications. I want to make sure we are able to address you by the name and/or pronouns you use. At the beginning of the semester, we will introduce ourselves, including, if desired, sharing our chosen names and pronouns, including how they sound when said out loud. If you would rather protect this information, please let me know. Additionally, chosen names and personal pronouns may evolve over time, so if at any point during the semester you would like to be addressed differently, please let me
know. In our classrooms, mistakes in addressing one another may happen. If a mistake is made, let’s briefly apologize and correct ourselves. To learn more about personal pronouns and why they are important, visit mypronouns.org. More information about University policies on name usage, including
guidance on updating your name and pronouns, can be found on the University of Maine Student Records page.
Students Wishing to Retain Personal Copies of Course Submissions
Faculty may wish to add the following to their syllabus to advise student to make sure that they retain copies of their work outside of the Brightspace course shell:
If you wish to retain a personal copy of material you submitted through Brightspace, please do so before the end of the semester. You will not have access to a course’s Brightspace site after you complete the course. You can store copies of material you wish to retain on Google Drive, your hard drive, or other media of your choosing. Other materials posted by your faculty may be found at the library.
UMaine Writing Center Syllabus Language
The UMaine Writing Center offers tutors and other useful services for students. They have developed some adaptable syllabus language for faculty to include in their syllabus. This will explain their services and how students can register or visit them.
The University of Maine Writing Center syllabus language may be viewed here.
Classroom Interactions
This class is premised on the belief that we all work together to promote an inclusive learning environment for all and that the use of gross generalizations, stereotypes, and derogatory/oppressive language are not conducive to inclusivity. Elevating practices of supportive communication and learning from one another, we commit to naming instances of using derogatory and/or oppressive communication in our shared classroom (including by the instructor or directed toward them). If oppressive communication is called out, we will stop, listen with empathy and expand the learning opportunity for everyone. You may not agree with the views expressed by others (and you shouldn’t), but we must all agree to make space for difference. Listening to the perspectives of others creates greater understanding of the diversity of experiences, knowledge, and ways of being in society.
Compassion Statement
Given the realities of our dynamic world, this course is
designed with flexibility in mind. To continue protecting our health and wellness, we will
adhere to the University of Maine’s COVID-19 guidance, which is regularly updated. I
will check in with you regularly to reflect on circumstances in your life and their impact
on your learning. Because we cannot predict all eventualities, it is imperative we
communicate with openness, so that we can adapt if/as needed.
If something affects you and/or your learning in class (e.g., visible and invisible
disabilities, personal challenges, class design), please let me know as soon as possible
so that we can discuss and design strategies for inclusion and success together. Listed
below are some commonly used student success resources on campus. If you don’t see
a resource that fits your needs or if you are uncertain about how to seek support, please
contact me and we can discuss options and outreach.
Academic Support Resources
● Student Accessibility Services
● Tutoring
● Writing Center
● Fogler Library
● Health and Wellness Resources
● Counseling Center
● Mind Spa
● Cutler
● Campus Community and Diversity Resources
● Multicultural Center
● Wilson Center
Compassion statement abridged version
Life is complicated. If something affects you and/or your learning in class (e.g., visible and invisible disabilities, personal challenges, class design), please let us know as soon as possible so that we can
discuss and design strategies for inclusion and success together. Listed below are some commonly used student success resources on campus. If you don’t see a resource that fits your needs or if you are uncertain about how to seek support, please contact me and we can discuss options and outreach.
Academic Support Resources
● Student Accessibility Services
● Tutoring
● Writing Center
● Fogler Library
● Health and Wellness Resources
● Counseling Center
● Mind Spa
● Cutler
● Campus Community and Diversity Resources
● Multicultural Center
● Wilson Center
Resources Related to the 2025 Election
Resources Related to the 2025 Election
Sample syllabus language
Below, we provide a couple of different versions of language that you can include in your syllabus to alert students to the upcoming elections and let them know how to get registered and ready to make an informed decision.
Short Version
Are you registered to vote? And do you have a plan to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4th, 2025?
This year’s election in Maine includes an important referendum question that would require photo identification for both in-person and absentee voting and a host of other changes to how we conduct our elections. Students attending college may register at their campus address, or choose to remain registered or register at their permanent or home address. To register online here in Maine, simply go to https://registertovote.sos.maine.gov/. For information about registering in other states, head to https://campusvoteproject.org/
UMaine UVote is your nonpartisan, on-campus resource for all things voting and election-related. It’s easy to get registered, educate yourself to make an informed choice, and get all the info you need about election day at: https://umaine.edu/studentlife/uvote/.
Long Version
Are you registered to vote? And do you have a plan to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4th, 2025?
This year’s election includes an important referendum question that would require photo identification for both in-person and absentee voting and a host of other changes to how we conduct our elections.
The perspectives of new voters are critically important. Our democracy needs your voice and participating in the elections can be empowering and fun! The first step is getting registered. It’s easy and we’re here to help.
UMaine UVote is your nonpartisan, on-campus resource for all things voting and election-related. Get registered, educate yourself to make an informed choice, and get all the info you need about election day at: https://umaine.edu/studentlife/uvote/ (QR code below). You can now even register to vote online in Maine at: https://registertovote.sos.maine.gov/ (QR code below). For information about registering in other states, head to https://campusvoteproject.org/
If you have questions about registering to vote or want to be a participant in the campus wide effort to turn out our students this election year, contact Professor Rob Glover (robert.glover@maine.edu) in the Political Science department or James Psalidas (james.psalidas@maine.edu) who directs UMaine UVote in Student Life.
UMaine UVote Register to Vote Online in Maine
Note: If you’re living on-campus or locally while attending UMaine, you are eligible to register and vote locally as well (so long as you will be 18 by election day and are a U.S. citizen). Whether you choose to vote locally or absentee in your hometown, UMaine UVote can help you make sense of the process. And while we encourage you to register in advance, Maine has same-day voter registration, meaning that any eligible voter can get registered at the polls on election day.
If you wish to have a statement relating to COVID-19 in your syllabus, we recommend the following:
To keep our campus safe, students are expected to comply with all University policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest guidance, please visit https://umaine.edu/return or https://www.maine.edu/together
Optional Syllabus Statements
CITL’s suggested language to promote compassion and belonging in the classroom can be found below.
Classroom Interactions
This class is premised on the belief that we all work together to promote an inclusive learning environment for all and that the use of gross generalizations, stereotypes, and derogatory/oppressive language are not conducive to inclusivity. Elevating practices of supportive communication and learning from one another, we commit to naming instances of using derogatory and/or oppressive communication in our shared classroom (including by the instructor or directed toward them). If oppressive communication is called out, we will stop, listen with empathy and expand the learning opportunity for everyone. You may not agree with the views expressed by others (and you shouldn’t), but we must all agree to make space for difference. Listening to the perspectives of others creates greater understanding of the diversity of experiences, knowledge, and ways of being in society.
Compassion Statement
Given the realities of our dynamic world, this course is designed with flexibility in mind. To continue protecting our health and wellness, we will adhere to the University of Maine’s COVID-19 guidance, which is regularly updated. I will check in with you regularly to reflect on circumstances in your life and their impact on your learning. Because we cannot predict all eventualities, it is imperative we communicate with openness, so that we can adapt if/as needed.
If something affects you and/or your learning in class (e.g., visible and invisible disabilities, personal challenges, class design), please let me know as soon as possible so that we can discuss and design strategies for inclusion and success together. Listed below are some commonly used student success resources on campus. If you don’t see a resource that fits your needs or if you are uncertain about how to seek support, please contact me and we can discuss options and outreach.
Academic Support Resources
- Student Accessibility Services
- Tutoring
- Writing Center
- Fogler Library
- Health and Wellness Resources
- Counseling Center
- Mind Spa
- Cutler
- Campus Community and Diversity Resources
- Multicultural Center
- Wilson Center
Compassion statement abridged version
Life is complicated. If something affects you and/or your learning in class (e.g., visible and invisible disabilities, personal challenges, class design), please let us know as soon as possible so that we can discuss and design strategies for inclusion and success together. Listed below are some commonly used student success resources on campus. If you don’t see a resource that fits your needs or if you are uncertain about how to seek support, please contact me and we can discuss options and outreach.
Academic Support Resources:
- Student Accessibility Services
- Tutoring
- Writing Center
- Fogler Library
- Health and Wellness Resources
- Counseling Center
- Mind Spa
- Cutler
- Campus Community and Diversity Resources
- Multicultural Center
- Wilson Center
Course Content Accessibility
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires institutions, including the University of Maine System and the University of Maine, to meet the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA in the dissemination of digital resources, including course content and communications. The instructor of this course makes every effort to make course materials Title II compliant and accessible to all students. Course materials may be updated during the semester, on a rolling basis until the federally mandated deadline of April 26, 2027, in order to improve accessibility which may affect the manner in which you access some materials and may result in some materials that were available to you previously no longer being provided or being provided in a different format. If you have ideas for how any aspect of the course can be more accessible to you or others, please make suggestions to the instructor.
Land Acknowledgement
Faculty may wish to include the land acknowledgement in their syllabus. The land acknowledgement can be found here.
Names and Pronouns
Many people might go by names and pronouns in our daily lives that are different from our legal designators (e.g., members of various ethnic groups, international students, trans* people, and others). In this classroom, we honor inclusivity by referring to one another by the names and pronouns each of us chooses for ourselves. Class rosters may not always reflect students’ chosen names and gender
identifications. I want to make sure we are able to address you by the name and/or pronouns you use. At the beginning of the semester, we will introduce ourselves, including, if desired, sharing our chosen names and pronouns, including how they sound when said out loud. If you would rather protect this information, please let me know. Additionally, chosen names and personal pronouns may evolve over time, so if at any point during the semester you would like to be addressed differently, please let me
know. In our classrooms, mistakes in addressing one another may happen. If a mistake is made, let’s briefly apologize and correct ourselves. To learn more about personal pronouns and why they are important, visit mypronouns.org. More information about University policies on name usage, including
guidance on updating your name and pronouns, can be found on the University of Maine Student Records page.
Non-Sexist Language Policy
Faculty may also find it helpful to include a statement about classroom civility. Depending upon your course content, you may also wish to include a statement about inclusive or non-sexist language.
The University of Maine’s non-sexist language policy may be viewed here.
Recording in the Classroom
Students should be aware that members of their class community may be granted permission by the instructor or the University to make audio recordings of course meetings. Your voice may be captured on such recordings. Unauthorized recording or sharing of authorized recordings constitutes a violation of the University of Maine System’s Student Code of Conduct. Students wishing to record any part of a class meeting should seek the explicit permission of their instructor.
Instructors may also wish to include language explicitly stating their position on recording, such as;
- Recording Permitted: Audio recording of this course is permitted with no restrictions. However, the sharing or distribution of such recordings is prohibited and is a violation of the University of Maine System’s Student Code of Conduct.
- Recording Prohibited Without Permission: Audio recording of this course is prohibited unless you have received express permission from your instructor, which will be provided on a limited, case-by-case basis. Any recording that is not expressly authorized is a violation of the University of Maine System’s Student Code of Conduct. Similarly, even if authorized to record, sharing or distribution of any such recordings is prohibited and is a violation of the Code of Conduct.
Students Wishing to Retain Personal Copies of Course Submissions
Faculty may wish to add the following to their syllabus to advise student to make sure that they retain copies of their work outside of the Brightspace course shell:
If you wish to retain a personal copy of material you submitted through Brightspace, please do so before the end of the semester. You will not have access to a course’s Brightspace site after you complete the course. You can store copies of material you wish to retain on Google Drive, your hard drive, or other media of your choosing. Other materials posted by your faculty may be found at the library.
UMaine Writing Center Syllabus Language
The UMaine Writing Center offers tutors and other useful services for students. They have developed some adaptable syllabus language for faculty to include in their syllabus. This will explain their services and how students can register or visit them.
The University of Maine Writing Center syllabus language may be viewed here.
If you wish to have a statement relating to COVID-19 in your syllabus, we recommend the following:
To keep our campus safe, students are expected to comply with all University policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest guidance, please visit the following site: Covid-19 Health and Safety Guidance