GRADUATE ASSISTANT ORIENTATION

1
GRADUATE ASSISTANT ORIENTATION

• AUGUST 25, 2000

2
Michael D. Sermersheim, Associate Vice President
and Deputy General Counsel

• Lisa Khoury
• Law Clerk

3
Roles and Responsibilities

• You are a student and a teacher.
• Different than when you were a student.
• You are now a supervisory employee.
• You are expected to carry out delegated
  assignments of the faculty.
• Follow the rules and regulations of The
  University of Akron.
• See http//www.uakron.edu/ogc

4
3359-20-04 Pertains to Faculty

• Personnel Matters
• Grading
• Explain grading and attendance standards clearly
• Seriously evaluate and consider students work
• Return written work promptly
• Provide opportunities for review of students
  grades (explain reasons for grade and how to
  improve)

5
Classroom Protocol

• Be prepared for class
• Meet promptly
• Dismiss on scheduled time
• Adequately notify students if class time or place
  changes

6
Course Syllabus

• Much of this information can and should be
  covered in the syllabus.
• Part of the Universitys Contract with student.
• A syllabus is subject to change.
• When/if changes are made, do so in writing and
  upon reasonable notice e.g. change of test dates,
  covered materials.

7
Lab Safety

• You have a duty to enforce lab safety rules.
• Know the rules and enforce them.
• Safety goggles are imperative.
• No shorts are permitted.
• Safety guards.

8
Liability

• Respondeat Superior
• Immunity
• Indemnity
• Scope of Employment
• Provision of Legal Counsel
• Concern for the welfare of the University,our
  students and employees

9
Disruption in the classroom

• Faculty have the right to control classroom
  conduct.
• Duty to teach includes taking reasonable steps to
  maintain order in the classroom.
• Use common sense!
• In cases of emergency, call campus police. (7123)
• Know where the nearest phone is to your classroom
  or lab.
• Report incident to proper authorities.

10
Academic Dishonesty

• You have an affirmative duty to report cheating
• Contact a Faculty member
• Rule 3359-20-051 (Grading System, Discipline,
  Academic Probation and Dismissal)
• Student Discipline- Plagiarism, Cheating, or
  other forms of academic dishonesty.
• Scientific Misconduct

11
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

• UA Rule 3359-11-08
• Student Educational records- may be inspected by
  student may not be released without student
  consent, except
• Release without permission (subpoena, legitimate
  educational interest, other federal officials)
• Directory Information
• Ohio Public Records Law

12
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
13
Sexual Harassment

• UA Policy defines sexual harassment as
• unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
  favors, sexually motivated physical conduct, or
  other verbal or physical conduct or communication
  of a sexual nature when

14
SEXUAL HARASSMENT

• Submission to that conduct or communication is
  made a term or condition, either explicitly or
  implicitly, of obtaining or retaining employment,
  of obtaining an education, or of obtaining
  educational benefits or opportunities

15

• Submission to or rejection of that conduct or
  communication by an individual is used as a
  factor in decisions affecting that individuals
  employment, education, educational benefits or
  opportunities,

16

• Such conduct or communication has the purpose or
  effect of substantially or unreasonably
  interfering with an individuals employment,
  education, educational benefits or opportunities,
  or creating an intimidating, hostile, or
  offensive employment or education environment.

17
UA Policy also gives examples of unwelcome
sexual conduct

• Sexual name calling, jokes, spreading sexual
  rumors, leering, overly personal conversations of
  a sexual nature.
• Subtle pressure for sexual activity.

18

• Inappropriate patting, pinching, fondling,
  pulling at clothes, or intentional brushing
  against a students or an employees body.
• Hanging or displaying inappropriate and sexually
  explicit pictures, posters, or drawings in public
  places.

19
Sexual Harassment works in several, insidious ways

• Males and females
• Same sex
• Use common sense, common courtesy, respect and
  professionalism

20
Responsibility

• UA rule 3359-11-13
• Students, Faculty, and Staff have a
  responsibility to assist, be aware of, and abide
  by UA Policy on Sexual Harassment

21
http// www.uakron.edu/ogc

• Click Resources- for slide presentation web page