Guidelines for Faculty in Florence
v. 2/18/2010
Thank you for the time and energy that you put into teaching Elon students in Florence. Since such a
high proportion of our students study abroad, the instruction which you provide is an important
component of their undergraduate academic program. Study abroad should be qualitatively different
than study on-campus, but there are certain academic regulations and standards of performance that
apply in both environments. The most important of those policies are presented here for your reference.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Elon Faculty in Residence with any questions about this or any other
matter.
Elon’s Honor Code
Every member of Elon University has the right to live and learn in an atmosphere of trust and support. Responsibility for
maintaining these values in our community rests with each individual member. Values that promote this atmosphere include:
HONESTY: Be truthful in your academic work and in your relationships.
INTEGRITY: Be trustworthy, fair and ethical.
RESPONSIBILITY: Be accountable for your actions and your learning.
RESPECT: Be civil. Value the dignity of each person. Honor the physical and intellectual property of others.
Any cheating or plagiarism is a violation of the Honor Code and should be reported to the Elon Faculty in Residence, who will
be able to evaluate the situation and, if appropriate, initiate the process of handling an honor code violation.
Grading System and Quality Points
You will be asked to assign letter grades to each of the students in your class, according to the scale reproduced below. Final
grades for the courses should be turned in to Edy by the final grade deadline.
“A” has a value of 4.0 and indicates distinguished performance in a course.
“A-“ has a value of 3.7 and is between an “A” and a “B+”
“B+” has a value of 3.3 and is between an “A-” and a “B”
“B” has a value of 3.0 and indicates an above-average performance in class.
“B-” has a value of 2.7 and is between an “B” and a “C+”
“C+” has a value of 2.3 and is between an “C” and a “B-”
“C” has a value of 2.0 and indicates an average performance with basic understanding of the subject.
“C-” has a value of 1.7 and is between an “C” and a “D+”
“D+” has a value of 1.3 and is between an “C-” and a D-”
“D” has a value of 1.0 indicates a passing performance despite some deficiencies.
“D-” has a value of 0.7 and is between an “D” and a “F”
“F” indicates failure with a value of 0.0 and results in no credit for the course.
*Note – It is neither your responsibility nor that of AEF to manage grade appeals. Students who would like to file an appeal of their
grade will contact the appropriate Elon official on campus and go through the formal grade appeal process.
Average GPA for All Elon Students and By Certain Departments
Faculty at Elon are in the midst of a multi-year effort to increase the level of academic challenge and to guard against what
some call “grade inflation.” For your reference, here are the average grades by department for Fall 2009.
Overall University GPA – 3.14
English – 3.10
Art History – 3.09
Italian – 3.49
Political Science – 3.15
Economics – X.XX
Dropping or Adding a Class
Elon students are able to drop and add courses (other than Italian) during the first week of classes. If a student wishes to drop or
add a class, they will need to first talk with the Elon Faculty in Residence, who will then communicate the changes to the
Isabella Cannon International Centre as well as to Edy. Please note that Elon students may add classes in Studio Art, Music, or
other courses arranged by AEF for additional cost. However, students will NOT receive credit at Elon for these courses unless
they are arranged through the Isabella Cannon International Centre prior to their arrival in Florence.
Student Evaluation of Faculty in Florence
Students on and off campus have the opportunity to evaluate their courses at the end of their semester, so that we may
continuously improve our curriculum.
Syllabus Information
A syllabus for each course must be provided to the students during the first class meeting. Students will rely on the syllabus to
know what is expected of them and should include at a minimum the information listed below. The Elon Faculty in Residence
can provide guidance in developing an effective syllabus and would be happy to provide relevant examples. While syllabi for
on-campus courses are typically more elaborate than those for courses at Elon Centres, all syllabi should include:
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OBJECTIVES: A summary of the intended learning outcomes of the course.
ASSIGNMENTS: A brief description of the assignments (including examinations) that students will complete
throughout the semester, including their due dates.
EVALUATION: An indication of how the final grade will be calculated.
COURSE CALENDAR: A schedule (subject, of course, to revision) of the main topics, readings, and assignments.
Students with Disabilities
Students with a documented disability should have discussed their need for accommodations with the Disabilities Services
Coordinator before leaving Elon. Students who have received accommodations will present a letter to each of their professors in
Florence. This letter will detail the precise accommodations that are approved for that student. Professors are strongly
encouraged to provide classroom accommodations only to students who have identified themselves through the process outlined
above. If you are ever uncertain about your obligations in this process, please do not hesitate to discuss the issue with the Elon
Faculty in Residence.
Attendance Policy
Below is the attendance policy for Elon students on Elon Centre programs. Please also include this in your course syllabi.
Attendance at all classes and class-related excursions is mandatory. The University also recognizes that there are rare occasions
that demand a student miss classes, including but not limited to recognized religious holidays or family emergencies. However,
family visits, out of town guests, special occasions, celebrations, etc., will not be approved as excused absences. Arrangements
for dealing with any work missed as a result of absences must be worked out between the student and instructor.
Anticipated Absence
 Submit an e-mail to the Elon Faculty in Residence that includes the date of your proposed absence, the reason for the
absence, and the class(es) to be missed. You must include a proposal for promptly making up any missed assignments.
Please note that, in accordance with the University’s policy for absences relating to religious observance
(http://www.elon.edu/e-web/students/religious_life/ReligiousHolidays.xhtml), students who intend to miss a religious
holiday must notify their instructors within the first week of classes.
 You will be informed, via your campus e-mail, whether or not your absence will be excused. If excused, the other
instructors will be notified.
Unanticipated Absence
 Email the Elon Faculty in Residence as soon as possible describing the circumstances. The other instructor(s) will be
informed.
 The Elon Faculty in Residence will determine whether or not the absence will be excused and will notify you via
campus email and the other instructors. You may want to submit invoices or reports from medical providers in cases
where you have missed due to illness or injury.
Unexcused Absence
 Italian Language Classes: More than three unexcused absences from Italian Language Classes will result in the
deduction of one full letter grade from the final course grade. Each two subsequent unexcused absences from Italian
Language Classes will result in the loss of an additional letter grade.
 General Curriculum Classes: More than two unexcused absences from any General Curriculum course will result in the
deduction of one full letter grade from the final course grade. Each subsequent unexcused absence from a General
Curriculum class will result in the loss of an additional letter grade.
 Punctuality: Students arriving more than 15 minutes late or who leave class early will be assessed one unexcused
absence per incident.
 Classes missed due to visits from family members, out of town guests, or other travel not part of the Elon program will
be considered unexcused absences and will count toward grade penalties assessed in calculating the student’s final
course grade.
Elon’s Accreditation
Elon’s accreditation requires that we maintain on file current C.V.’s of the faculty teaching in Florence and a copy of the current
syllabus for the course. Please update both items as they change, either through Edy or the Elon Faculty in Residence.