Online Student Policies and Requirements

  • Course Policies
    Communicating with Your Instructor
    Blackboard is the primary means of communicating with the instructor.
    Instructor Response Times
    Accelerated online program assignments will be graded with feedback (if needed) within a week. Expect to receive a reply to your question(s) within 24 hours, Monday through Friday, unless otherwise posted by the instructor.
    Late Assignment Policy
    Late work due to legitimate emergency may be accepted (if this emergency is communicated before the assignment is due). There may be deductions for late submissions (please see syllabus). Due dates for quizzes, discussions, exams, and assignments should be stated clearly in Blackboard and on the course schedule. Exams and quizzes may not be eligible to be made up.
    Student Participation Requirements
    Please regularly check and log into Blackboard every 24 hours for any announcements. Respond to instructor messages within 24 hours of receipt of communication.
    Netiquette (Online Etiquette)
    Please use the following rules of netiquette as you post to online discussions and send messages to your instructor and fellow students in the course:
    • Use professional language. Always say please and thank you and leave text messaging abbreviations out of messages and posts. Be positive and constructive in your feedback to replies to students.
    • Try not to use all caps--it comes across as shouting to the reader. Use "bold" formatting or use quotes to emphasize a word or phrase. It may be okay at times for headings or to place emphasis on a web page, but try to avoid it when communicating on discussion boards or corresponding with others electronically.
    • Use proper language and titles--no slang or profanity. Even if a word is one you consider to be "not so bad," it could be offensive to others.
    • Review posts and messages before saving. Check for grammar and spelling errors and restate your message when necessary.
    • Ask for clarification. If you do not understand an assignment or feedback from your instructor, please ask for clarification. They will do their best to word posts and messages as clearly as possible, but in an online environment, you cannot "see" if messages are being understood.
    • If proper netiquette is not followed, you will not earn full credit on your assignments.

  • Technical Requirements
    Required Technical Skills
    • Knowledge of navigating and interacting with the Blackboard learning management system
    • Creating and submitting Word, PDF, audio and movie files to Blackboard
    • Copying and pasting
    • Downloading and installing software
    • Upgrading your web browser when needed
    • View and troubleshoot watching online videos
    Required Technology
    • High-speed internet access is required. Make sure to have a back-up plan if your primary access is not available.
    • A computer to access Blackboard Ultra and complete assignments. Mobile devices are not recommended for submitting assignments and taking Blackboard Ultra quizzes. (Blackboard Ultra Privacy Policy and Blackboard Ultra Accessibility Statement)
    • A current version of an Internet Browser, preferably Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. Visit the Blackboard Browser Checker to make sure the browser you're using is supported by Blackboard. Do not use the Safari, Edge, or Internet Explorer browsers, as problems have been reported by students using those browsers. The browser supported by the YSU Tech Desk is Firefox.
    • A web camera (internal or external) and a microphone may be required for taking exams in Blackboard Ultra and assignments that may require use of Blackboard Collaborate.
    • Know how to navigate Blackboard courses. (If this is your first time using Blackboard, or if you have questions while taking the course, you can visit Blackboard's On Demand Assistance and Help for Students pages to learn how to use Blackboard features.)
  • University Policies
    Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
    In accordance with University procedures, if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course; please contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. You must be registered with the Center for Student Progress Disability Services, located at 2082 Kilcawley Center, and provide a letter of accommodation to coordinate reasonable accommodations. You can reach CSP Disability Services at 330-941-1372.
    Non-Discrimination Statement
    Youngstown State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, age, religion or veteran/military status in its programs or activities. Please visit YSU's Digital Accessibility page for the contact information for persons designated to handle questions about this policy.
    Academic Integrity
    As outlined in The Student Code of Conduct, all forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Youngstown State. This includes plagiarism, the unauthorized use of tools or notes in taking tests or completing assignments, fabrication of data or information used for an assignment, working with others without permission from the instructor, and more. A student who is believed to have violated the academic integrity policy will meet with the instructor to discuss the allegations. The student may accept responsibility for the violation and any sanctions selected by the instructor, or they have the right to ask for a hearing before a hearing panel. The full Academic Integrity policy can be found in Article III. 1. of The Student Code of Conduct, while further information on University procedures for alleged academic integrity violations can be found in Article V.
    Grading Policies
    Grading policies at YSU are explained on the Grading System page of the Course Catalog. All assignments are due at the date and time indicated. Since our server is set for Eastern Standard Time, all times are Eastern Standard Time.
    Copyright Notice
    The instructors created some or all of the materials posted in your courses. They are copyright protected and for use only by students while taking the course. They may not be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of the instructor. If permission is granted, all materials must contain the copyright notice sent to you by the instructor.
    Senate Resolution on Due Process
    The Ohio public university presidents approved a resolution affirming that all Ohio public university students should be afforded due process. This process involves the student meeting with the instructor to discuss the complaint. If the student does not secure a satisfactory resolution at this meeting, then he or she may carry the complaint successively to the appropriate department chair, the dean, and the provost. If the complaint involves a grade for an assignment or a course, only the instructor will have the authority to make a change.
    Privacy Policies
    Blackboard's privacy policies for this learning management system can be accessed on their Blackboard Privacy Statement page. Privacy policies for Youngstown State University can be found on the YSU Privacy Policy page. Policies for YouTube can be found on the YouTube Privacy and Safety Center page, and policies for Microsoft Stream can be found on Microsoft's Privacy Statement page.