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Graduation and Retention Network

Course & Classroom Procedures

Time in front of your classroom is just a fraction of your time and preparation. We're here to help you create your syllabus, prep classroom materials, calculate final grades and more.

Preparing to Teach Your Course

Faculty Orientation Guide

The First 100 Days Faculty Orientation Guide [pdf] is the most comprehensive guide for faculty new to the University of South Carolina Columbia campus. Find information about where to park, how to set up your email, where to find syllabus templates, tenure support and much more.

Syllabus

You will receive an email with specific information about what should be included in your syllabus. Submit your syllabus to Kelly DeShazo at kdeshazo@mailbox.sc.edu prior to the start of classes.

Book Orders

Direct questions about textbooks and academic guidelines to your academic department. Contact the textbook department about textbook orders at 803-777-4270.

Classroom Assignments & Changes

Please visit your classroom assignment before your class begins to check for technology needs.

Complete a change request form with specific information about your course, its location, and the problem with your current classroom. Classroom change requests will be made by the Office of the Graduation and Retention Network to the Registrar’s office on your behalf. 

Course Overrides

Any override requests from students for Graduation and Retention Network (Y sections) courses should be submitted online or by email to kdeshazo@mailbox.sc.edu. The instructor's approval plus the student's name and VIP ID are required.

Once the override is processed, the student will receive an email and will be able to register for the course through my.sc.edu. Please allow 24 hours from the time of the request for the override to be entered.

Cancelling a Class Meeting

If an emergency or illness prevents you from meeting your class, please post a cancellation message on Blackboard for students and also notify Kelly DeShazo at 803-777-9850 or kdeshazo@mailbox.sc.edu. A cancellation sign will be placed on the classroom door.

In the event that you must cancel, you can request that the Student Success Center cover your class by facilitating a workshop.  Submit a request two weeks in advance here: Cover Your Class Request.


 

Classroom Materials

You can submit a request for copies of classroom materials to our office.

Film Requests

Submit film requests to the The Educational Films Collection at Thomas Cooper Library. The library has an extensive collection of DVDs, videotapes, and 16mm films for classroom and educational use.

 

Exams, Grades and Course Evaluations

Handing Back Graded Work
Graded exams and papers should be returned to students promptly whenever possible. As a general rule, you should allow students to examine their graded work, even if you do not allow them to keep it. You should review graded exams and papers personally with students if they request it. Check with your academic department for other regulations and expectations.

How Long to Keep Grade Information
Instructors should retain final examinations and all grade records for courses for one academic year. 

Course Evaluations

USC policy requires that your students evaluate your course each semester. Evaluations are administered online to your students through our office. You'll receive an email from the office with more specific information close to course evaluation time.


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