King University Policies
The policies and procedures below are applicable to all King University courses, regardless of level or delivery modality, and should be considered as a part of all course syllabi.
King University aspires to be “a Christian place of the mind,” seeking to produce graduates who are “thoughtful, resourceful, and responsible citizens.” Our Christian educational mission demands a commitment to academic integrity and respect for intellectual property. To this end, the University has adopted the following honor code:
On my honor, I pledge to abide by the King University Honor Code: I understand that students of King are to be honest in words and actions, in particular, not to lie, cheat, plagiarize, or steal. I pledge to conduct myself in a manner based on Christian values and to require the same of fellow students. I understand that a violation of this Honor Code may result in my appearance before the Honor Council.
King University wishes to approach the availability and use of generative artificial intelligence (generative AI) tools with wisdom and discernment and in a way that is consistent with our Honor Code. Generative AI simultaneously presents challenges to academic integrity and opportunities to educate effectively for future learning and work. Students are encouraged to use AI tools in the same way that they might responsibly use the internet generally or other types of software. There are instances in which generative AI can play a role in the educational experience and instances when it should not.
For the purposes of this policy, generative AI tools include, but are not limited to, websites and apps such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, GitHub, Copy.ai, Rephrase.ai, etc., Text-generative aspects of tools such as, but not limited to, Grammarly, i.e., GrammarlyGO, would also be considered generative AI. Other tools that use AI such as Google Translate or those built into the Microsoft Office 365 suite (i.e. spelling and grammar or other productivity tools) are allowed at the professor’s discretion.
Individual course instructors are free to set their own policies regulating the use of generative AI tools in their courses and for specific assignments, including allowing or disallowing some or all uses of such tools. These policies will be included in the syllabus for the course and/or assignment instructions. Students who are in doubt about whether the use of a generative AI tool is permitted in the context of a particular assignment should talk with their instructor.
Absent a clear statement permitting the use of generative AI tools from a course instructor, or in the absence of specific guidance, for assignments, exams, essays, or any other graded or ungraded work, the use of AI tools in the completion of coursework is not permitted at King University.
In any instance when AI tools are used to generate responses, phrases, outlines, text, images, or any other content, the student must disclose that fact and cite the AI program they use; failure to do so is plagiarism (using the words of another or generated by artificial intelligence – AI – as one’s own) and will be addressed as outlined in the Academic Dishonesty Policy in the Student Handbook. Further, the unauthorized use of generative AI shall be treated analogously to unauthorized collaboration (representing material prepared by or with another as one’s own independent work) and/or cheating (intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information technological tools or study aids in any academic exercise), as defined in the Student Handbook.
CIVILITY STATEMENT
King University seeks to foster a campus ethos that stresses the importance of exploration, personal initiative, character and integrity, collegiality, humane instincts,
aesthetic sensitivities, and leadership. This requires an environment of mutual respect and responsibility regardless of campus location (Bristol, Knoxville, etc.) or modality (face-to-face or online). Whether we are students, faculty, or staff, we have a right to be in a safe environment, free of disturbance, and civil in all aspects of human relations.
EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
Your academic attitude is a major factor in your success at King University. You share responsibility, along with your professor, staff and other students, for creating a productive learning environment. This responsibility includes behaving courteously and respectfully toward your professors, staff and your classmates and becoming self-disciplined in your learning and interactions with others.
Classroom Etiquette
To create a productive experience for you and all students in the face-to-face classroom setting, you should:
• Attend class and pay attention. Do not ask the instructor to go over the material you missed by skipping class or not paying attention. If you have difficulty understanding the presented material, ask the instructor to assist you.
• Not come to class late or leave early. If you must enter late, do so quietly and do not disrupt the class by walking between the class and the instructor. Do not leave class early unless it is an absolute necessity. If you know in advance, you will need to leave class early, sit near an exit and inform the instructor prior to class.
• Not talk with other classmates while the instructor or another student is speaking. If you have a question or comment, please raise your hand rather than start a conversation with your neighbor. Others in the class may have the same question.
• Show respect and concern for others by not monopolizing class discussion. Allow others time to give their input and ask questions. Do not stray from the topic of class discussion.
• Turn off all electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, earbuds, or other listening devices and smartwatches. If, due to work or family obligations, you need to remain in contact, inform your instructor ahead of time and set these devices to be as minimally disruptive as possible.
• Avoid audible and visible signs of boredom and restlessness. These are both rude and disruptive to the rest of the class.
• Focus on class material during class time. Sleeping, talking to others, doing work for another class, reading the newspaper, checking email, exploring the Internet, etc., are unacceptable and can be disruptive. If the professor allows food in class, unwrapping and eating should be in a non-disruptive manner.
• Do not pack book bags or backpacks to leave until the instructor has dismissed the class.
Online Etiquette
In the online setting, the same general principles as described for the face-to-face classroom apply. In addition, students should comply with netiquette, or network etiquette, guidelines for online communication. Student guidelines for online classes include:
• Use appropriate language.
• Use correct spelling and grammar.
• Be willing to express your opinion and respect the opinions of others.
• Respond to others in a courteous, professional manner.
• Reread and think before you push the submit button.
• Do not hesitate to ask for feedback, and always ask for clarification when needed.
Student Employees
• Student employees are to respond to their supervisors, as well as other university employees, in a courteous, professional manner.
• Student Employees are accountable under the Civility Policy in their work-study positions on or off campus.
• Student Employees are accountable under the King University Student Employee Handbook.
General Etiquette
In addition to the expectations articulated above for classrooms and other learning environments, all members of the King University community are expected to be courteous and respectful in their interactions with one another at all times. This includes using appropriate language and tone that is appreciative of diversity and that refrains from being disrespectful, inappropriately informal, crude, vulgar, discriminatory, harassing, or intimidating in email correspondence, phone and/or video conference interactions, face-to-face encounters in various service areas and offices, and all other interactions.
RIGHTS AS A STUDENT
As a student, you have the right to a learning environment free from distractions and uncivil behavior. If others are engaging in behavior that interferes with your learning, bring the situation to the attention of your instructor or appropriate university employee. He or she is responsible for managing the learning environment and determining the action that should be taken.
CONSEQUENCES OF UNCIVIL OR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
The instructor or other university employee has the right and the responsibility to take appropriate action when they observe an instance of inappropriate behavior in the classroom or different learning environment. This may include but is not limited to, asking that the inappropriate behavior cease, asking a student behaving inappropriately to leave the classroom/learning environment/office on an interim basis, or arranging a meeting with the student to address the matter through an informal resolution. Suppose the civility matter cannot be addressed through any of the above means. In that case, the instructor or other university employee may refer a student who acts inappropriately to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action through the Student Conduct Process. Mediation through a third party (Dean of Students or other university employee), with the instructor or employee and the student, may be considered a possible solution. Classroom Setting: If the civility matter cannot be addressed through any of the above means, the instructor may request that a student who repeatedly engages in inappropriate behavior be removed from their class. The Dean of Students will consider such requests. The Dean of Students may initiate interim removal from the class with allowing the student keeping up with course requirements online. The Dean of Students has the option to deal with a civility violation through an Administrative Hearing or a Hearing Panel (see Student Conduct section of this handbook for definitions). Students who are removed from a course for violating the Civility Policy will have their grade for the course (W or F) and any other appropriate sanction determined by the process for hearing their case (the Dean of Students or a Hearing Panel).
Office or other campus location: If the civility matter cannot be addressed through any of the above means, the university employee may request that a student who repeatedly engages in inappropriate behavior be removed from their office or other campus location for an interim period. The Dean of Students will consider such requests. The Dean of Students has the option to deal with a civility violation through an Administrative Hearing or a Hearing Panel (see Student Conduct section of this handbook for definitions).
COMPLIANCE WITH REQUESTS FROM KING UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS
Students, faculty, and staff have a right to be in a safe environment, free of disturbance and civil in all aspects of human relations. All students are expected to respectfully and fully comply with requests from all officials of the University, including residence life staff, campus security officers, members of the faculty, and other administrators. Students who feel they have been mistreated or treated unfairly by an official of the University should address the issue with the Dean of Students and/or the supervisor of the individual.
Upon matriculation, students are provided a King University email address; this is the only email address that should be used for University communications.
Academic dishonesty includes any attempt to obtain credit for academic work through fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest means. Academic dishonesty is a violation of the King University Honor Code and the ideals it represents.
King University Honor Code
On my honor, I pledge to abide by the King University Honor Code. I understand that students of King are to be honest in words and actions, in particular, not to lie, cheat, plagiarize, or steal. I pledge to conduct myself in a manner based on Christian values and to require the same of fellow students. I understand that a violation of this Honor Code may result in my appearance before the Honor Council.
Instructors may choose to address an instance of academic dishonesty directly or refer the case to the Office of the Dean of Students for adjudication. All instances of academic dishonesty, whether handled directly by the faculty member or by an Honor Council Hearing will be noted in the student’s conduct record.
Academic Dishonesty is addressed in detail in the King University Student Handbook. These sections are applicable to all King University courses and students.
In the event that any King University campus is closed or classes are canceled due to weather, all online classes will continue as scheduled.
All classes that normally meet in person are expected to continue via online assignments, web video conferencing, extra assignments, and/or individual conferences. These determinations are made at the discretion of individual faculty members. Students are responsible for checking their King email and/or Canvas announcements to receive direction from the instructor on how the disruption of instructional time will be addressed.
All students are expected to remain apprised of class status in case of inclement weather by checking their King University email. Students may also sign up for Emergency Notifications via text message by going to https://www.king.edu/about/offices/security-and-safety/emergency-notification/. Current King University Inclement Weather Policy is available at https://www.king.edu/about/offices/security-and-safety/inclement-weather-policy/.
Within the academic term, there may be one or more periods designated as academic breaks. Often, but not exclusively, these are associated with major holidays. The beginning and end of academic breaks are listed in the Academic Calendar. During academic breaks, no classes will be held, and no academic work may be required of students (no new assignments given, no assignments due, no expectations of engagement in online discussions, etc.).
All course dates and deadlines are for U.S. Eastern Time. It is your responsibility to know how that translates to your time zone and to submit assignments and tests per these posted deadlines.
King University is committed to enabling students with documented disabilities to participate in university programs by providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations for them. Each semester, students receiving academic accommodations must provide the Office of Learning & Disability Services with the names of the faculty members and/or other staff they would like to receive a copy of their Official Accommodation Notification. This notification is not automatic. The Office of Learning & Disability Services will notify the faculty and/or staff identified by the student of the approved accommodations electronically. Faculty must be in receipt of this notification before they are permitted and/or required to provide approved accommodations.
The implementation of academic accommodations is a shared responsibility. The student should meet with each instructor and discuss each requested accommodation and how it will be implemented so that it is appropriate to both their needs and the format of the course.
For more information, please contact the Office of Learning and Disability Services at [email protected].
To the left of your page in Canvas, click the blue “help” button for support. Live chat, email or call 1 (833) 274-1662 is available 24/7. Please be prepared to describe your issue in detail including the course and specific assignment or area you are having issues with.
Email [email protected] or call 423.652.6019
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