2024 Fall Quarter Updates

Dear instructors,  

We write to share several updates as you prepare for the Fall Quarter. 

Syllabus Statements

We hope you have found the University syllabus statements page helpful in the past. This year we have simplified our approach by creating a single student-focused page displaying all the standard statements. You can now link to this new page, eliminating the need for you to copy and paste each statement individually into your syllabi.  We recommend that you include the following in your course syllabus this fall:  

Northwestern University Syllabus Standards  

This course follows the Northwestern University Syllabus Standards. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with this information.  

Generative AI

Instructors and students can now access ChatGPT through Microsoft Copilot at no cost to the user. This tool stores non-sensitive data securely, and Microsoft does not use it for product improvement or to train AI models. We encourage you to take a look at the many resources available to explore how generative artificial intelligence can enhance your teaching this fall. 

Attendance

For instructors of undergraduate students, we want to make you aware of a new Undergraduate Policy on In-Person Arrival and Course Engagement, which specifies that undergraduate students enrolled in courses with in-person class meetings are expected to be on campus and in attendance no later than the end of the first week of the quarter, and must plan to remain in attendance until the end of the quarter. Should students make requests that fall outside of these requirements, you may refer them to the policy.

Religious Observance

As described in our Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Holidays, students should not be penalized for class absences to observe religious holidays. Thank you for your efforts to support this important goal. To assist, we are piloting a new process for student requests concerning an undergraduate common midterm exam (a midterm that takes place outside of the regular class meeting time) or final exam. For such requests, students should complete this form managed by the Office of the Provost. Once we collect the information from students, Office of the Provost staff will follow up with you to discuss options for appropriate academic accommodations. Please remind students that all requests for academic accommodations for religious reasons should be made before the end of the second week of the quarter October 4, 2024. 

We wish you an engaging and fulfilling academic year. 

Sincerely,  

Jaci Casazza
Assistant Provost and University Registrar 

Miriam Sherin
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education