Guidelines for New Faculty and Graduate Teaching Assistants
Follow the Student Privacy Rules
Do not post grades by name, social security number or in alphabetical order (even with names deleted).
Do not leave graded papers/tests in the hall, in an envelope on your door, etc
Do not discuss academic performance with anyone but the student unless it is:
with Miami faculty or staff with a legitimate educational interest;
with the student’s written consent;
to the student’s parent if the student is claimed as a dependent for federal income tax purposes (requires a written statement); or
in response to a lawfully issued subpoena/court order (contact General Counsel’s Office first)
Do not include grades or g.p.a. in a letter of recommendation unless:
the letter was solicited by student and you have a written, signed request; or
the student has included a statement that you may include grades or g.p.a. in the letter of recommendation.
Do not promise to keep matters confidential. There is no legally confidential relationship between a faculty member and a student.
Do not provide accommodations for a student based on a reported disability without a letter of accommodation from the Office of Learning Assistance or Office of Disability Resources. It is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations through the Office of Learning Assistance or Office of Disability Resources. A letter of accommodation from the Office of Learning Assistance or Disability Resources covers the entire semester.
Follow Miami University’s Good Teaching Practices (See Section 5.5 of the Miami University Policy and Information Manual).
Avoid claims of sexual harassment.
Don’t meet with a student with the door closed.
Don’t meet with a student off campus.
Don’t flirt with your students even if the student makes the “first move.
Romantic and Sexual Relationship Policy–You may not exercise academic authority over any person with whom you have a romantic or sexual relationship (See Section 3.16 of the Miami University Policy and Information Manual).
Familiarize yourself with the University’s Academic Misconduct Policy. Faculty are responsible for ensuring academic integrity.
Ethical conduct, character and integrity are at the very core of Miami’s values. We are all obligated to foster and maintain an environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence and misconduct. The University expects all faculty and staff to report any suspected criminal activity to law enforcement
Practice Professional Ethics and obtain permission to perform outside services (https://miamioh.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8pouVHzSHQtwQ97)
Records, including your University related e-mails, not directly related to students are generally available to the public for inspection and copying upon request (See Section 3.9 of the Miami University Policy and Information Manual).
