From the Chair
February 4, 2013
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to Spring Semester. I hope you have had a relaxing holiday break and have had the opportunity to pursue some satisfying projects during IAP 2013.
As is customary at the start of each term, I am writing with several important reminders and updates as you prepare for classes.
Please take a few moments to review the policies governing academic exercises for undergraduate and graduate subjects. It is essential that your class times, assignments, and exams adhere to Institute policy. Every semester, students contact the Office of the Faculty Chair to complain about classes that are in violation of the regulations. Please do your part to ensure that your classes are in compliance with Faculty Rules and Regulations.
If you have any questions about the regulations or would like to request an exception, please address them now rather than waiting until the end of the term.
For undergraduate subjects, be sure provide a clear and complete description of the following by the end of the first week of classes:
• required work, including the number and kinds of assignments;
• an approximate schedule of tests and due dates for major projects;
• whether or not there will be a final examination;
• grading criteria; and
• a clear presentation, in writing, of your expectations regarding collaboration and academic conduct.
With regard to this last point, please review MIT's guidelines on Academic Integrity, which provide information about the characteristics of academic integrity as well as the consequences of academic dishonesty.
By the end of the third week, you must provide a precise schedule of tests and major assignments. Bear in mind that all undergraduate subject examinations outside of scheduled class times:
• may begin no earlier than 7:30 p.m., when held in the evening;
• may not be held on Monday evenings;
• may not exceed two hours in length; and
• must be scheduled through the Schedules Office.
This term, for subjects with a final exam, no tests or assignments may fall due after May 10.
MIT's collected policies about ethical and responsible research are presented on the Office of Sponsored Programs' website. Please note, in particular, a section entitled Responsible and Ethical Conduct at MIT. OSP also offers valuable training in responsible research conduct.
Finally, I'd like to call your attention to a new website, MIT Together, that launched in the fall. The site not only helps students find and access support services at MIT; it also provides guidance to faculty in recognizing and advising students who are struggling.
I wish you all the best as we embark on the start of a new academic term.
Sincerely,
Sam Allen
Chair of the Faculty