Student learning is best facilitated when both students and instructors are aware of and adhere to the institutional norms and practices of undergraduate education in Arts & Sciences. The following lists summarize the basic obligations and expectations of each group and were generated by the Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee. A more extensive description of expectations can be found in the university’s Teaching and Learning at Washington University: A Statement of Best Practices and Expectations.
Obligations and expectations of undergraduate students
As an undergraduate student you are expected to:
- Assume an active role in your learning and education
- Understand and comply with course requirements, expectations, and policies as articulated in the course syllabus
- Note: Course policies vary from course to course (and from one section of a course to the next), meaning that the individual instructor determines:
- expectations and grade implications (if any) regarding attendance and participation
- grading methodology and grading scale
- policies regarding the possibility for and (if allowed) the terms governing late work or extensions, make-up exams, and re-grading
- Note: Course policies vary from course to course (and from one section of a course to the next), meaning that the individual instructor determines:
- Regularly consult course syllabus and Canvas page when seeking information; take initiative in seeking assistance from the instructor to clarify course content and assignments
- Address any conflicts in syllabus and exam scheduling in a timely manner (e.g., at the start of the semester)
- Adhere to the Academic Integrity Policy and Student Conduct Code
- Attend the full duration of and be actively engaged in all classes; adhere to instructor’s expectations for the use of technology in class; behave in a respectful manner to the instructor and to your fellow students
- Acquire all required course materials in the specified format
- Come prepared to each class having completed the assigned reading, problem sets, etc.
- Complete all assignments by their deadline; be aware that late submission of work may not be permitted
- Request extensions for assignments before the due date; be aware that some courses may not allow extended deadlines at all
- Spend a minimum of 2-3 hours studying outside of class for every hour spent in class (e.g., for a 3-unit class, you can expect to spend approximately 6-9 hours per week on reading, assignments, and review of course content)
- Notify instructors of issues and respond to instructor emails in a timely and responsible manner through Canvas or WashU email account