FAQs: Teaching
1. May I copy and distribute or post on my course website materials (print, web, or video) created or owned by others?
See the University Libraries’ Copyright Guide and, in particular, the materials under Using Copyrighted Materials, Exemptions and Fair Use and Tools and Resources.
2. What procedures apply to choosing textbooks?
For guidance on choosing textbooks, review the Faculty Handbook and applicable policies including the Policy on Textbook Affordability Measures. You may also consult the open educational resources website. If you want to assign a book you authored, you must comply with the UMD Policy on the Use of Self-Authored Teaching Materials.
3. What can I do if I find my course materials for sale online?
Consult the guidance on Commercial Use of Course Materials on the Office of General Counsel’s website.
4. What resources are available to make my online course materials accessible?
Visit the Division of Information Technology (DIT) IT Accessibility page and the list of IT Accessibility Services to explore tools, services and resources to make course materials accessible. Faculty may start evaluating the accessibility of their courses by using the UMD Accessibility Checklist, and they may request a consultation with the DIT Learning Technology Design group at lTdesign@umd.edu. Faculty are also encouraged to review the University of Maryland Web Accessibility Policy to learn about IT accessibility requirements.
5. How do I learn more about the posting readings and other course materials to Enterprise Learning Management System (ELMS-Canvas?)
Consult the guidance found in the Best Practices for Posting Readings to ELMS, at the University website.
6. Do I have to allow a dog, accompanying a student, into my classroom or office?
With limited exceptions, if the student has a qualifying disability and the dog is a service animal, the animal must be permitted to accompany the student. Please contact the University’s Accessibility & Disability Service (ADS) for assistance.
7. Am I required to accommodate student religious observances?
The University is required to provide students with reasonable accomodations, which may include excused absences, to allow for the observance of sincerely held faith-based or religious beliefs or practices. For more information, please see: (1) UMD Policy on Excused Absence (V-1.00(G)); (2) the University’s Policies and Procedures Concerning Academic Assignments on Dates of Religous Observances (III-501(A)); (3) the University System of Maryland’s Policy Concerning the Scheduling of Acadmeic Assignments on Dates of Religious Observance (III-5.10); (4) the Office of Civil Rights & Sexual Misconduct’s “Religion” web page (https://ocrsm.umd.edu/resources/religion); and (5) the Office of Faculty Affairs’ Teaching Policies & Guidelines (https://faculty.umd.edu/main/activity/teaching-policies-guidelines)
8. Are there special considerations for teaching or interacting with student-athletes?
Student athletes are subject to the same academic and conduct rules as other students. See UMD’s Policy on Conduct and Ethics for Student-Athletes. To discuss academic issues, contact the Athletic Council or the Academic Support & Career Development Unit. Contact the Athletics Compliance Office with questions about NCAA rules interpretation and compliance.
9. How are cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic misconduct addressed?
Consult the University’s Code of Academic Integrity or contact the Office of Student Conduct for assistance.
10. What can I do to address disruptive classroom behavior?
The Behavioral Evaluation & Threat Assessment Team (BETA Team) evaluates reports about students who are concerning, disruptive or threatening.
11. How are grade disputes handled?
See UMD Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading– Undergraduate Students and UMD Graduate Policy and Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading for graduate students.