USF Policies and Legal Declarations

Last updated: Monday, August 28, 2023

See the Student Life Resource Toolkit for the required USF Policies and Legal Declarations (included below) as well as additional information to include in your syllabus.

Full for print syllabi

Credit-Hour Policy

One unit of credit in lecture, seminar, and discussion work approximates one hour of direct faculty instruction (or 50 minutes plus a break) and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work per week through one 15-week semester. For further details, see USF’s Credit Hour Policy (https://myusf.usfca.edu/sites/default/files/users/kmclemore/USF%20Credit%20Hour%20Policy%2020180726.pdf).

The below resources and additional information can be found in the Student Life Resource Toolkit (https://myusf.usfca.edu/student-life/toolkit).

Students with Disabilities

The University of San Francisco is committed to the full participation of all students. Student Disability Services (SDS) recognizes disability as a valued aspect of diversity and works to facilitate equal access and an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. The University offers many services to its students with disabilities. SDS (https://myusf.usfca.edu/sds) arranges these accommodations on an individual basis for each eligible student during the intake/eligibility process. You can initiate the intake and eligibility process (https://myusf.usfca.edu/sds/eligibility) through the office, or email or call SDS at sds@usfca.edu or (415) 422-2613. (All communication with SDS is private and confidential.) If you are determined eligible for accommodations, please request that your accommodation letter be sent to me as soon as possible; students are encouraged to contact SDS at the beginning of the semester, as accommodations are not retroactive. Once I have been notified by SDS of your accommodations we can discuss your accommodations and ensure your access to this class or clinical setting. For more information please visit the SDS website (https://www.usfca.edu/life-at-usf/campus-experience/student-support/student-disability-services).

Behavioral Expectations

The University of San Francisco is committed to providing an environment consistent with the academic nature and core values of the institution in which students can participate in learning as a humanizing, social activity rather than a competitive exercise to support the full, integral development of each person and all persons, with the belief that no individual or group may rightfully prosper at the expense of others.

It is important you know what is expected of you academically and behaviorally through the published course syllabus, the Student Conduct Code (https://myusf.usfca.edu/fogcutter/student-conduct), and other instructions provided by the instructor. Therefore, you are expected to uphold the following:

Behave in accordance with the Student Conduct Code and other USF policies
Refrain from disrupting the ability of fellow students to learn or the instructor’s ability to teach. Examples of disruption include:
- Cell phone or computer use that significantly or repeatedly distracts others
- Coming to class late, leaving early, or excessively physically relocating oneself in the classroom
- Speaking frequently without being called on
- Yelling, cursing, or engaging in aggressive behavior
When interacting online, communicate in a respectful fashion. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Refraining from name calling, profanity, or typing in all capital letters
- Sending multiple emails with one sentence
- Avoiding rants or discussing non-relevant topics

Open discussion and disagreement are encouraged when done respectfully and in the spirit of academic discourse. There are also a variety of behaviors that, while not against a specific University policy, may create disruption in this course. Students whose behavior is disruptive or who fail to comply with the instructor may be dismissed from the class for the remainder of the class period and may need to meet with the instructor or Dean prior to returning to the next class period. If necessary, referrals may also be made to the Student Conduct process for violations of the Student Conduct Code.

Academic Integrity

As a Jesuit institution committed to cura personalis—the care and education of the whole person— USF has an obligation to embody and foster the values of honesty and integrity. All members of the USF academic community are responsible for maintaining the standards of honesty and integrity. The honor code (https://myusf.usfca.edu/academic-integrity/honor-code) applies to all students (undergraduate and graduate) in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the School of Management, and the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Faculty and students in the School of Law should review their own honor code for policies and procedures. Students enrolled in distance learning (online courses) are subject to these policies as well as supplemental policies set forth by their program. All students should review and familiarize themselves with the honor code, prohibited conduct, and procedures.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Many college students experience mental health struggles. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a great source of support for issues such as anxiety, loneliness, struggles with relationships, stress, identity development, racial/cultural concerns, and mild depression. However, CAPS does not prescribe medication and does not have a psychiatrist on staff, so students with more severe mental health concerns will be referred off-campus for treatment.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers remote individual and group teletherapy to students residing within California. Students seeking services are scheduled for a 15-20-minute phone triage to assess immediate risk, identify treatment needs, and provide initial recommendations. These may include a crisis intake session, brief, intermittent individual teletherapy (every 2-3 weeks), single session teletherapy, weekly individual teletherapy via UWill, weekly group therapy, or referrals to off-campus providers. There are no fees for services. To make an appointment, students must call 415.422.6352 or request an appointment via the CAPS (https://myusf.usfca.edu/caps). CAPS does not accept walk-in appointments.

If you are concerned about a student and would like someone to follow up, please contact the Dean of Students Office at 415.422.5330. If you know someone who is an immediate risk of harming themselves or others please contact Public Safety at 415.422.2911 in San Francisco, or out of state dial 911, or call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. In addition, CAPS All Hours line can be reached 24/7 by calling 855.531.076. All students are encouraged to check out CAPS (https://myusf.usfca.edu/caps) and access our extensive online resources, podcasts, mental health apps, videos, self-care strategies, and more.

Title IX

The Title IX Office seeks to stop, remedy, and prevent occurrences of sex and gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. The University has a Policy on Nondiscrimination based on Sex and Gender, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct (https://myusf.usfca.edu/title-ix/policy-procedures). If you have experienced any of these behaviors, we encourage you to report the incident. If you report these behaviors to any staff or faculty member, they must notify the USF Title IX Coordinator.
Students who wish to report any sexual misconduct should use the online mandatory reporting (https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofSF&layout_id=40) form, or contact the Title IX Office directly. Other reporting options are available by visiting the Title IX website (https://myusf.usfca.edu/title-ix/reporting). The Title IX Office is located in Lone Mountain Room 145.
As an employee at USF, and your Professor, I am a mandatory reporter, meaning I have to share any instances of sexual harassment or sexual violence shared with me or that become known to me. I will have to share this information, including names and any details known, to the Title IX Office to connect you with resources. If you would like more information about the resources available, you can ask me at any time this semester. You do not need to tell me why you are asking to get help for a friend, another student, or yourself.

Confidential Resources for Reporting Sexual Misconduct

Students may speak to someone confidentially which will not generate a report to the Title IX Office by contacting Counseling and Psychological Services at (415) 422-6352 during M-F 9-4pm, or speaking to a clergy member in University Ministry at (415) 422-4463.
If you need to speak to a mental health clinician immediately, please call the CAPS 24/7 All Hours Line at 855-531-0761 (available daily, including weekends and holidays, and accepts international calls), Public Safety (415-422-2911), 911, the Suicide Hotline (dial 988), or go to your nearest emergency room
For off-campus resources, and local Bay Area organizations, visit https://myusf.usfca.edu/title-ix/resources.

Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers

The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers (LWSC ) at USF provide individualized support to assist students in better understanding course material and to aid them on their path to success. Services are free and include tutoring, collaborative peer support services, academic skills coaching, writing, and speaking support. Services are available in-person and on Zoom.

LWSC staff can be reached Monday through Thursday between 8:00am-8:00pm and Friday between 8:00am-5:00pm at LWSC@usfca.edu or through the chat box on our myUSF webpage (https://myusf.usfca.edu/lwsc) or by phone at (415) 422-6713. To make an appointment for subject tutoring, academic skills coaching, the writing center, or the speaking center, students should visit the Student Appointment Dashboard (https://myusf.force.com/studenthub/apex/USF_StudentDashboard).

Communication

All course communications, like all other USF communications, will be sent to your USF official email address. You are therefore strongly encouraged to monitor that email account.

Gleeson Library

Looking for help with a research paper or project? Set up a consultation with a Librarian or get 24/7 research help online (https://libanswers.usfca.edu/).

Abridged for digital syllabi

CREDIT-HOUR POLICY

The below resources and additional information can be found in the Student Life Resource Toolkit.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The University of San Francisco is committed to the full participation of all students. Student Disability Services (SDS) recognizes disability as a valued aspect of diversity and works to facilitate equal access and an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. The University offers many services to its students with disabilities. SDS arranges these accommodations on an individual basis for each eligible student during the intake/eligibility process. You can initiate the intake and eligibility process through the office, or email or call SDS at sds@usfca.edu or (415) 422-2613. (All communication with SDS is private and confidential.) If you are determined eligible for accommodations, please request that your accommodation letter be sent to me as soon as possible; students are encouraged to contact SDS at the beginning of the semester, as accommodations are not retroactive. Once I have been notified by SDS of your accommodations we can discuss your accommodations and ensure your access to this class or clinical setting. For more information please visit the SDS website.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

It is important you know what is expected of you academically and behaviorally through the published course syllabus, the Student Conduct Code, and other instructions provided by the instructor. Therefore, you are expected to uphold the following:

Behave in accordance with the Student Conduct Code and other USF policies
Refrain from disrupting the ability of fellow students to learn or the instructor’s ability to teach. Examples of disruption include:
- Cell phone or computer use that significantly or repeatedly distracts others
- Coming to class late, leaving early, or excessively physically relocating oneself in the classroom
- Speaking frequently without being called on
- Yelling, cursing, or engaging in aggressive behavior
When interacting online, communicate in a respectful fashion. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Refraining from name calling, profanity, or typing in all capital letters
- Sending multiple emails with one sentence
- Avoiding rants or discussing non-relevant topics

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

As a Jesuit institution committed to cura personalis—the care and education of the whole person— USF has an obligation to embody and foster the values of honesty and integrity. All members of the USF academic community are responsible for maintaining the standards of honesty and integrity. The honor code applies to all students (undergraduate and graduate) in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the School of Management, and the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Faculty and students in the School of Law should review their own honor code for policies and procedures. Students enrolled in distance learning (online courses) are subject to these policies as well as supplemental policies set forth by their program. All students should review and familiarize themselves with the honor code, prohibited conduct, and procedures.

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS)

Many college students experience mental health struggles. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a great source of support for issues such as anxiety, loneliness, struggles with relationships, stress, identity development, racial/cultural concerns, and mild depression. However, CAPS does not prescribe medication and does not have a psychiatrist on staff, so students with more severe mental health concerns will be referred off-campus for treatment.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers remote individual and group teletherapy to students residing within California. Students seeking services are scheduled for a 15-20-minute phone triage to assess immediate risk, identify treatment needs, and provide initial recommendations. These may include a crisis intake session, brief, intermittent individual teletherapy (every 2-3 weeks), single session teletherapy, weekly individual teletherapy via UWill, weekly group therapy, or referrals to off-campus providers. There are no fees for services. To make an appointment, students must call 415.422.6352 or request an appointment via the CAPS. CAPS does not accept walk-in appointments.

If you are concerned about a student and would like someone to follow up, please contact the Dean of Students Office at 415.422.5330. If you know someone who is an immediate risk of harming themselves or others please contact Public Safety at 415.422.2911 in San Francisco, or out of state dial 911, or call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. In addition, CAPS All Hours line can be reached 24/7 by calling 855.531.076. All students are encouraged to check out CAPS and access our extensive online resources, podcasts, mental health apps, videos, self-care strategies, and more.

TITLE IX

The Title IX Office seeks to stop, remedy, and prevent occurrences of sex and gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. The University has a Policy on Nondiscrimination based on Sex and Gender, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct. If you have experienced any of these behaviors, we encourage you to report the incident. If you report these behaviors to any staff or faculty member, they must notify the USF Title IX Coordinator.
Students who wish to report any sexual misconduct should use the online mandatory reporting form, or contact the Title IX Office directly. Other reporting options are available by visiting the Title IX website. The Title IX Office is located in Lone Mountain Room 145.
As an employee at USF, and your Professor, I am a mandatory reporter, meaning I have to share any instances of sexual harassment or sexual violence shared with me or that become known to me. I will have to share this information, including names and any details known, to the Title IX Office to connect you with resources. If you would like more information about the resources available, you can ask me at any time this semester. You do not need to tell me why you are asking to get help for a friend, another student, or yourself.

CONFIDENTIAL RESOURCES FOR REPORTING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

Students may speak to someone confidentially which will not generate a report to the Title IX Office by contacting Counseling and Psychological Services at (415) 422-6352 during M-F 9-4pm, or speaking to a clergy member in University Ministry at (415) 422-4463.
If you need to speak to a mental health clinician immediately, please call the CAPS 24/7 All Hours Line at 855-531-0761 (available daily, including weekends and holidays, and accepts international calls), Public Safety (415-422-2911), 911, the Suicide Hotline (dial 988), or go to your nearest emergency room
For off-campus resources, and local Bay Area organizations, visit https://myusf.usfca.edu/title-ix/resources.

LEARNING, WRITING, AND SPEAKING CENTERS

LWSC staff can be reached Monday through Thursday between 8:00am-8:00pm and Friday between 8:00am-5:00pm at LWSC@usfca.edu or through the chat box on our myUSF webpage or by phone at (415) 422-6713. To make an appointment for subject tutoring, academic skills coaching, the writing center, or the speaking center, students should visit the Student Appointment Dashboard.

COMMUNICATION

All course communications, like all other USF communications, will be sent to your USF official email address. You are therefore strongly encouraged to monitor that email account.

GLEESON LIBRARY

Looking for help with a research paper or project? Set up a consultation with a Librarian or get 24/7 research help online.