TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Required Syllabus Statements
  • Weather Event Instruction Statements
    • Weather Emergency Instructional Plan for In-Person Courses:
    • University Remote Workday Statement for In-Person Courses:
    • University Closure Statement for In-Person and Remote Synchronous Courses:
    • Technology and Access Disclaimer – All Courses:
  • Classroom-Specific Policies
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Attendance
    • Cameras
    • Cell Phones / Personal Technology
  • Final Reminders

Required Syllabus Statements

Lesley University requires the inclusion of the following statements in all syllabi (linked or verbatim):

• Learning Community Statement
• Disability Services Statement
• Notice of Non-Discrimination
• Camera Use During Online Class Sessions
• Personal Technology Use During All Class Sessions
• Library Services
• Academic Freedom Statement
• Weather Event Instruction Statements

You can find the verbatim language of these statements (with the exception of the Weather Event Instruction statements) in this knowledge base article and attached below as a Microsoft Word document. They are also available to review in the AY26 Academic Catalog.

Weather Event Instruction Statements

Access the University Weather Event Instruction Policy here. 

Though it would be inappropriate to include the link to the weather instruction policy on your syllabus, you should include weather-related syllabus statements based on the modality of the course. Below are sample syllabus statements you may use as a guide:

Weather Emergency Instructional Plan for In-Person Courses:

"In the event of a significant weather emergency, this course may temporarily shift to synchronous remote or asynchronous instruction. I will communicate any changes via Blackboard.”

University Remote Workday Statement for In-Person Courses:

"If Lesley University declares a remote workday, this class will meet online either synchronously or asynchronously. No in-person class will be held. I will provide modality details via Blackboard."

University Closure Statement for In-Person and Remote Synchronous Courses:

"If the University is officially closed, all scheduled in-person and remote synchronous classes will be canceled. No instructional activities will occur. I will make any syllabus adjustments after reopening."

Technology and Access Disclaimer – All Courses:

"Students experiencing extended power or internet disruptions should notify their instructor as soon as possible."

Classroom-Specific Policies

You may wish to include a policy in the following areas: Artificial Intelligence, Attendance, Camera Use During Online Class Sessions, Cell Phone / Personal Technology Use.

Below, we share with you the current University policy language:

Artificial Intelligence

University Policy: Lesley does not currently have a formal policy.

Sample policy language - ranging from Very to Minimally restrictive - developed by a group of Lesley faculty and staff and approved by the Academic Advisory Committee - is attached as “AI Syllabus Guidance”.

Attendance

University Policy: Students are expected to attend and participate fully in all class meetings and associated activities. Faculty members set attendance requirements for their courses which are delineated in each course syllabus. Some programs may determine specific attendance requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to review the course syllabus, and to communicate with faculty in the event of an unanticipated absence. Absences will adversely affect learning and may impact grades.

Cameras

University Policy: The Provost at Lesley University supports faculty requirements about the use of cameras during online class sessions. Faculty may decide to require that cameras be on in their class sessions and will communicate that decision directly to the students in their syllabus.

Cell Phones / Personal Technology

University Policy: The Provost at Lesley University supports faculty requirements about the use of technology during all class sessions (face to face and online). Faculty will communicate their classroom policies directly to students in their syllabus.

Final Reminders

Please ensure your course policies are:

1. Clearly stated in your syllabus
2. Consistently applied throughout the term