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On each of your assignment sheets, you should direct students to a specific section of A Writer's Reference that refers to the paper format you require for each paper assignment. For example, MLA manuscript format: MLA-5a-5b, pages 424-432.
Stating your policy regarding the student use of technology in the classroom (i.e. usage/presence of laptops/cell phones) may be helpful, though it is not an officially required syllabus element. This might include statement about the technologies you expect students to be able to use, or simply guidelines about your limits during class time and the consequences for exceeding those limits.
EXAMPLE #1
Phones, tablets, laptops: Use of electronic devices is not allowed during class. They are not on desks or laps, behind or in bags or backpacks, or in view at all. I appreciate the value of information at our fingertips, as well as the desire to remain constantly connected to friends and family. However, a classroom is a unique place, and this is a workshop class. This means I will often pull my chair alongside yours to discuss your writing; it also means we rely on interaction among classmates. Even if we are struggling to recall a fact that a quick search would resolve, we will instead activate and flex our brains.
EXAMPLE #2
Unless I specifically allow it for a class session, “the use of portable electronic devices is not permitted” (to borrow a phrase from the airlines). Show respect for your colleagues and the work of the course by refraining from using for private purposes in class any cellular telephones or other electronic devices. All of these devices should be turned off and out of sight during class. If there is an emergency that requires you to be reached by your cell phone, then please see me before class for permission to have your telephone turned on (in vibrate or other quiet mode) during that specific class.
You may not use computers installed in the classroom or your own laptop computers for private purposes during class (for example, surfing the Internet instead of paying attention to class discussions or completing in-class activities). I reserve the right to require students to turn off classroom computers (or turn off and close their laptops) if I determine that they are not using the computers for class-related work.
There are a number of resources available on campus to support your students’ academic work. It’s not required that you include these in your syllabus, but first-year students can benefit from reminders about all the tools and services that UML provides to support their academic efforts.
Writing Assistance: The Writing Center, 3rd floor O’Leary Library
http://www.uml.edu/Writing-Center/
Tutors are available (for free) to help you at any stage in the writing process. They will help you generate ideas, organize and revise, understand grammar, avoid plagiarism, or with any other difficulties you may have with your writing. (The one thing they won’t do, however, is simply proofread/edit your paper for you.) Everyone from freshmen to seniors uses this service, and tutors will help you with any writing; it need not be a class assignment. To make an appointment call (978) 934-5270 or go on the Writing Center website and use the online scheduler. If you are working on a class assignment with a tutor, please bring the assignment sheet with you, and also bring specific issues you want to work on. The more specific you can be with your tutor, the more that tutor can help you.
Instructional Resources
Visit http://www.uml.edu/CLASS/default.aspx
The Centers for Learning and Academic Support Services provide many resources, including tutoring in a variety of subjects, academic advising, computing resources, and study skills sessions. CLASS resources are available across UML campuses. for more information.
Counseling Services
The Counseling Center at UMass Lowell provides counseling services, consultation and referrals to help students achieve personal and academic success, as well as assisting students in better understanding and coping with their feelings, relationships, choices and academic studies.” More details are available at http://www.uml.edu/student-services/counseling/.
