Syllabus Information Archive 2020-2021

Suffolk University has established processes to comply with the U.S. Department of Education’s credit hour definition, according to which a credit hour “reasonably approximates no less than:

1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter-hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.”

In order to support faculty and students, Suffolk has developed a University syllabus template, and we encourage all faculty to use it for their courses. Download the Syllabus Template [DOC].

There is a formal process CAS and SBS students must follow for grieving a grade. Faculty teaching CAS and SBS courses need to provide students with a link to the Academic Grievance Policy. Faculty teaching Law School courses should note Law School Rule III. B., which includes information on the Law School grading system.

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Education credit hour definition, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)  publishes a Policy on Credits and Degrees [PDF]. 

College of Arts & Sciences and Sawyer Business School

Academic Calendar

Please view the academic calendar for important dates to remember.

Center for Learning & Academic Success (CLAS)

The Center for Learning & Academic Success (CLAS) offers academic coaching and tutoring in math, writing, and English, and many other CAS and SBS courses. Students may join study groups; participate in drop-in services; or make appointments with tutors and academic coaches to reinforce course content, develop writing, and strengthen effective study habits. For a complete review of free services, workshops, and online resources, go to the CLAS webpage, call 617-573-8034, or email CLAS.

Disability Services

Statement on Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Students who anticipate issues with the format or requirements of a course should meet with the professor to discuss ways to ensure full participation in the classroom. If a student determines they need formal, disability-related accommodations, it is very important that the student register with the Office of Disability Services, and notify the professor of their eligibility for reasonable accommodations. The professor and student can then plan how best to implement these accommodations. Students may call 617-573-8034, or email the Office of Disability Services. 

International Student Services Office

Statement for International Students

International Student Services Office (ISSO), a part of the Center for International Programs and Services, provides comprehensive support to international students regarding immigration status and DHS regulatory responsibilities. International students in F-1 or J-1 status are responsible for maintaining full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 units) every semester, they are allowed to take only one (1) online class per semester, which can be count towards their full enrollment. If they don’t maintain the full time enrollment their immigration status is at risk. For more information, go to the ISSO webpage, call 617-573-8034, or email ISSO.

Moakley Archive and Institute

The Moakley Archive and Institute’s research collections explore a variety of topics and time periods including: U.S. Congressman Joe Moakley’s career, women in the French Resistance, human rights, the early history of radio, El Salvador’s civil war, and the history of Suffolk University. Located in 73 Tremont (3rd floor), the Archive provides the following services to the Suffolk Community: online access to digital collections, reference and research assistance, classroom instruction, course development grants, and other outreach services. Visit the Moakley Archive’s website or contact the Archive for more information.

Sawyer Library

The Mildred F. Sawyer Library serves the College of Arts and Sciences and the Sawyer Business School, and occupies three levels of the 73 Tremont Street (Rosalie K. Stahl Center) building. The collection includes more than 128,000 books, more than 100,000 ebooks, over 24,000 electronic journal titles, and a variety of print and computerized resources. Visit the library's website or email the library for more info on hours, services, and links to online resources.

Technology Services

Statement on Technology Services

Suffolk University provides a variety of resources to support course technology:

• University Help Desk (Mon-Fri, 8:30a.m. – 8p.m.): by phone at 617-557-2000 or by email.
• For Blackboard and Collaborate assistance, please contact the 24-hour support line at 866-886-4861.
• Step-by-step Blackboard tutorials are accessible within every Blackboard course via the Bb Tutorials menu.
• On Demand Knowledge Base provides information on all other technologies that are used in courses, including teaching, learning, research and productivity tools.

Law School

Academic Calendar

Law School Academic Calendar

Academic Support

The goal of the Academic Support Program (ASP) is for students to make the most out of their abilities.

Disability Services

Statement on Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (Law School)

Students who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and in accordance with the law school’s Essential Performance Standards, should contact the Law School’s Dean of Students Office by email or by phone at 617-573-8157 for further information. You can also find additional information on the Disability Services page of the Suffolk Law School website.

Moakley Law Library

The Suffolk University Law Library occupies floors five, six and seven of Sargent Hall, covering over 96,000 square feet of space. The Law Library entrance is on the sixth floor at 120 Tremont Street. Over 350,000 printed books and microfilm volumes are contained here, along with two library computer labs and one computer training room. There are also 22 study rooms and 440 study carrels -- all wired for Internet access. In addition, wireless Internet access is available throughout the library. Visit the library's website or contact email the library for more information on hours, services, and links to online resources.

College of Arts & Sciences and Sawyer Business School

Counseling, Health, and Wellness

Statement on Physical/Emotional Health

A range of issues can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, health issues, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation or feeling ill. These concerns or other stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or may reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. University Counseling, Health & Wellness resources are available to help students address these and other concerns. Students can learn more about Suffolk’s broad range of confidential counseling and medical services on our webpage.

Dean of Students 

The Student Affairs Office is open Monday - Friday from 8:45a.m. - 4:45p.m. Students may schedule a convenient appointment by calling the office at 617-573-8239. Or, deans are available to meet with students during open office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 11a.m.-1p.m.; Wednesday: 11:30a.m.-1p.m. The Student Affairs Office is located at 73 Tremont Street, 12th floor.

Interfaith/Religious Life

The Interfaith Center unites the Suffolk community via: the University Chaplain; seasonal celebrations and ongoing programs and events; interfaith room where individuals and student groups of any religious tradition may gather; and two ablution areas. Contact the Interfaith Center or visit the 8th floor of Sawyer for more information.

Student Diversity and Inclusion

Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion is committed to serving students who hold historically marginalized identities and their allies. We provide an array of programs and educational opportunities to celebrate diversity and social justice. Contact the Center, visit 8th floor of Sawyer, Room 828, or visit our webpage for more information.

Resource Wallet Cards

Support resources are available for students to promote personal and academic success. Student Affairs has developed wallet cards with information for students on how to access the Counseling, Health and Wellness. The easy-to-carry cards also contain information about how to speak with a counselor 24 hours a day/7 days a week if students are in distress. Counseling, Health, and Wellness wallet cards are available at the Student Affairs Office for you to distribute in your classes. Stop by the office located on the 12th floor of 73 Tremont Street or send an email to Student Affairs.

Suffolk Cares

Staff in the Student Affairs Office are available to consult with faculty, staff, and students who may be concerned about a student for any reason. Student difficulties may appear in a variety of ways, including sporadic class or work-study attendance; distressed writings in homework assignments, or changes in behavior, appearance or personal habits. Information about the Suffolk Cares Program and an online reporting form at our webpage. Student Outreach & Support is located in the Student Affairs Office located on the 12th floor of 73 Tremont Street. They can be reached at 617.573.8239 or by email.

Chosen Name Policy

Chosen Name Policy

Law School

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students is responsible for advising, counseling, and generally meeting with students on issues relating to their enrollment at the Law School. Call 617-573-8157, email the Law Dean of Students office, or submit an appointment request.

Mental Health, Stress, and Substance Abuse

Students may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, health issues, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, or feeling ill. These concerns or other stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or may reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. Suffolk University services are available to assist you in addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. Students can learn more about Suffolk’s broad range of medical and confidential mental health services at our webpage. Law Students may also wish to access the services of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.

Chosen Name Policy

Chosen Name Policy

College of Arts and Sciences and Sawyer Business School

Attendance and Absences

A faculty member establishes the requirements for attendance and class participation for the course(s) and is responsible for informing students of the attendance policies at the beginning of each course. Please review the policy on Attendance and Absences. Students’ medical information is private. Faculty members should not request medical information such as doctors’ notes from students. Students should provide medical documentation (such as doctors’ notes) to the Student Affairs Office when absolutely necessary. The Student Affairs Office is located at 73 Tremont Street, 12th floor, and can be contacted by email or by phone at 617-573-8230. Student Affairs does not provide “excused absence” notes for students; but may, upon request, inform faculty members of absences when students have been absent for a week or longer or are experiencing a serious personal emergency.

Missed Classes/Exams for Religious Reasons

Please note that some class days fall on religious holidays. State law requires the University to permit students who miss classes, exams or assignments for religious reasons to make up the work without penalty. Please view this policy for more information.

Academic Misconduct

Academic honesty is a fundamental value of teaching, learning, and scholarship. University policy expects faculty members who suspect academic dishonesty to strictly follow the Academic Misconduct Policy for adjudication. This policy contains more information and tips on preventing academic dishonesty. Academic Honesty Policy brochures are available at the Student Affairs Office, located on the 12th floor of 73 Tremont Street, or by emailing the Student Affairs office.

Academic Complaint Policy and Grade Grievance Policy

There is a formal process students must follow for grieving a grade; please review the Academic Grievance Policy in the student handbook.

Bias Incidents and Hate Crimes

Any time students in the Suffolk University community feel belittled, disrespected, marginalized, threatened, or unsafe because of who they are, the entire University community is diminished. Suffolk University has adopted a Policy Against Bias Incidents and Hate Crimes which articulates the University's position: bias incidents and hate crimes have no place at Suffolk University and will not be tolerated. If you become aware of a bias incident or hate crime on campus, please contact SUPD immediately at 617.573.8111 or the Student Affairs Office at 617-573-8239. More information, including an online reporting form, is available online.

Early Alert

The Early Alert Program runs from week 5 through week 7. During this time, faculty will make recommendations for support services within the Center for Learning and Academic Success (CLAS) if a student is identified as struggling and needing academic support. If a student receives an Early Alert recommendation, the student should follow through on the recommended action and meet with the faculty member to discuss strategies for how to be successful in the class.

Sexual Misconduct

Suffolk University supports the rights of all employees and students to work, live, and study in an environment free from sexual coercion and violence. Sexual contact with another person without his/her consent or with the use and/or threat of force violates the standards of civility, decency, and respect expected of all members of the University community. Suffolk University prohibits nonconsensual sexual activity (including, but not limited to, sexual assault and rape) and sexual misconduct including sexually exploitative behavior, as well as sexual harassment in all forms of dating violence (including but not limited to, stalking and domestic abuse).Faculty and staff are required to report sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking incidents to the University’s Title IX officer, Sheila Calkins, by email or by phone at 617-573-8027 within 24 hours of receiving information about alleged or possible sexual misconduct. For more information please go to Title IX at Suffolk. 

Law School

Academic Integrity

Cheating on examinations, plagiarism and/or improper acknowledgment of sources in essays or research papers, and the use of a single essay or paper in more than one course, without the permission of the instructor, constitute unacceptable academic conduct. Student work may be checked by plagiarism detection software. A student who is suspected of violating this rule will be directed to the Dean of Students, who will arrange a hearing before the Law School’s Administrative/Disciplinary Committee to determine if the charges have merit and consider appropriate sanctions. The sanctions may include a grade of “F” in the course, suspension, enforced withdrawal, dismissal from the Law School, or appropriate lesser penalties if warranted by the circumstances.

Classroom Etiquette

Students are encouraged to ask questions during class. Questions are helpful to the learning process for all. However, instructors may defer answers to questions until after class or to the next class in the interests of time or for other reasons. Learning is a collaborative process. To increase the prospect that all students will learn in a comfortable environment, the instructor expects you to be in class on time, treat each other with respect, and avoid distractions from the subject matter at hand. To that end, students may bring and use your laptops for class-related purposes only. Students may not use the Internet for any purpose without the instructor’s express permission. All cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off.

Law School Policies and Rules

Please visit Policies and Rules to review Suffolk Law School's student policies and procedures and academic rules and regulations.

Teaching Methods

Instructors will use different teaching methods throughout the course. They will provide guidance on the material, engage in a question and answer format to highlight and analyze important points in text and supplementary materials, and have students work on problems. Instructors will expect students to have extracted the law (and any policy motivating the law) in advance of class in order to use some of class time applying what students have mastered from the reading to new factual settings. This method gives students an opportunity to engage in a process that attorneys employ every day. At various points in the course, the instructor will have students work with other classmates, just as graduates will one day regularly discuss legal issues with their colleagues.

College of Arts & Sciences and Sawyer Business School

E-Checkin

Please be aware that in order for the University to have accurate student information in the unlikely case of a student or Suffolk emergency, all Suffolk students are required to complete the E-Checkin process prior to logging in to the student portal, MySuffolk. Students must update or confirm their local addresses and emergency contact information and acknowledge their acceptance of the policies and regulations set forth in the Suffolk University Student Handbook. For students who have not yet completed E-Checkin or are having difficulty accessing MySuffolk or Blackboard, please contact the Help Desk by email or at 617-557-2000.

Registrar

The Office of the Registrar provides support and service to students, faculty, alumni/ae, and administrators of Suffolk University in the areas of records, registration, data reporting, transcripts, grades, graduation, as well as classroom management and scheduling. To contact the Office of the Registrar call 617-573-8430, email, or visit the 6th floor of 73 Tremont.

Undergraduate Academic Advising Center

The Undergraduate Academic Advising Center has academic advisors who support and assist students by helping them balance their personal interests with their curriculum and graduation requirements. Students may call 617-573-8034, email, or visit the 9th floor of 73 Tremont.

Suffolk Cares

Staff in the Student Affairs Office are available to consult with faculty, staff, and students who may be concerned about a student for any reason. Student difficulties may appear in a variety of ways, including sporadic class or work-study attendance; distressed writings in homework assignments, or changes in behavior, appearance or personal habits. Information about the Suffolk Cares Program and an online reporting form are available at our webpage. Student Outreach & Support is located in the Student Affairs Office located on the 12th floor of 73 Tremont Street. They can be reached at 617-573-8239 or by email.

Center for Teaching and Scholarly Excellence

Additional Syllabus Design Resources are available on the Center for Teaching and Scholarly Excellence webpage.

Syllabus Design

Please view the Student Handbook. If you would like an accessible copy, contact the Student Affairs Office.