Syllabus Statements

The following syllabus statements apply to all course syllabi at Mercer University.

Academic Integrity and the Honor System
Academic integrity at Mercer University is preserved and promoted through the Honor System. The Honor System demands of each student the responsibility for honesty and assumes the responsibility that each student will report any violations of the Honor Code. Each student is personally responsible for knowing the rights and obligations as set forth in the Honor System and expected to cooperate completely and participate fully in the Honor System. Procedures are outlined in the specific handbooks and available on the Provost’s website at https://provost.mercer.edu/office-of-the-provost/honor-system/.

[Instructors may choose to add information about their specific course assignments and activities.]

Access and Accommodations
Mercer University is committed to ensuring that all programs, services, and activities are accessible to all students.

Students may request reasonable accommodations for documented disabilities and conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Mobility impairments
  • Chronic health or medical conditions
  • Visual impairments
  • Hearing impairments
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD)
  • Psychological or mental health disabilities (e.g., anxiety, depression)
  • Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, reading, math, or processing disorders)
  • Pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and medical conditions related to pregnancy
  • Temporary injuries, illnesses, or recovery from surgery

To begin the accommodation process, students must voluntarily self-identify and submit an application through the Office of Access and Accommodation (AAO) at access.mercer.edu. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as they are accepted to the University to allow adequate time for review and implementation of approved accommodations.

Accommodation requests are reviewed on an individualized, case-by-case basis following submission of the application, appropriate supporting documentation, and completion of an intake interview. Requests are processed in the order received. Eligibility determinations and accommodation plans are based on the information provided, the student’s functional limitations and impacts of the disability, and the academic expectations, essential requirements, and technical standards of the applicable program.

Students approved for accommodations must submit a semester request each term and meet with their instructors or program coordinators (for the Medical and Law Schools) to facilitate implementation of approved accommodations. Students are responsible for understanding and adhering to all accommodation-related policies and procedures available through Accommodate and the university policy webpage (policies.mercer.edu). Accommodations are not retroactive and cannot be applied to coursework, examinations, or other academic requirements, auxiliary services (dining), and residence life (housing) completed before accommodations have been approved and communicated.

The AAO serves as the office responsible for eligibility for all disability related accommodations. All documentation and records are maintained in a secure, confidential database. Information maintained by AAO is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the confidentiality provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The AAO also provides voter registration information and assistance to students upon request.

Students should promptly report physical accessibility concerns, including non-functioning elevators, inoperable accessible door openers, or other architectural barriers, to AAO. Students who believe they have been denied access to a university program, service, or activity, or who believe they have experienced disability-based discrimination, should contact the Office of Access and Accommodation for assistance and information regarding available resolution processes.

Further information on policies, procedures, and documentation requirements may be obtained by visiting our website at access.mercer.edu or contacting the AAO at 478.301.2810 or access@mercer.edu. Additional information, including Disability Grievance Procedures, may be found at access.mercer.edu.

For any questions or concerns, please contact AAO at 478.301.2810, access@mercer.edu, or 678.547.6479.

Mental Health and Wellness
Mercer University faculty and staff recognize that mental health concerns can impact academic performance and interfere with daily life activities. Because stress is a normal part of the college experience, learning to manage stress effectively is crucial to your well-being and overall success. Please notify your faculty member or academic advisor for academic assistance, as needed. The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Office can also provide support if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, lost, or are struggling with personal issues. Please call or visit the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) website for more information. These services are free and confidential, and support non-traditional, graduate, and undergraduate students. Students may access CAPS at the location of their academic program: MACON – Counseling Center (#21 on the campus map, behind the MEP residential complex), 478-301-2862; ATLANTA (148 Duvall Hall), 678-547-6060. Students at Regional Academic Center and other locations may obtain assistance in finding local services by contacting the CAPS Office nearest them, and Henry and Douglas RAC students may utilize WellConnectForYou.com, 866-640-4777, and may learn more at the Atlanta CAPS website. We also encourage students to call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Line if needed.

Office for Student Success
The Office for Student Success serves as a centralized resource to help students remain enrolled and successfully progress toward graduation at Mercer University. Students can schedule individual success appointments for support with concerns such as time management, resolving holds, study skills, and financial challenges.
Residential Undergraduates: Contact support staff through your Student Success Portal or by emailing studentsuccess@mercer.edu.
Students in Working Adult and Graduate Programs: Contact success@mercer.edu for assistance and support.

Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination
Mercer University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal, state and local law and University policies, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, child birth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, age, or religion (except in limited circumstances where religious preference is permitted by law), or any other protected status or characteristic as defined by law. Mercer University is also committed to providing an educational and workplace environment free from all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, gender discrimination or harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking, or retaliation.

To uphold the University’s values of fostering a climate of opportunity, mutual respect, and understanding and striving for a campus that is absent of discrimination and sexual misconduct, the Office of Equity and Compliance will address and remediate reported forms of discrimination and sexual misconduct and provide policies, training, and education in an effort to prevent discrimination and sexual misconduct. You may contact the Associate Vice President of Equity and Compliance/Title IX Coordinator at 478-301-2788 or at stellato_sl@mercer.edu or learn more by visiting https://equityandcompliance.mercer.edu/. All Mercer University employees are required to disclose information about suspected or alleged sexual misconduct or discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator. If the Office of Equity and Compliance receives information about an incident of sexual misconduct or discrimination, they will reach out to provide information on your options, rights, and supportive measures that are available to you as a member of the Mercer University community.

Virtual Learning
For in-person courses:
During emergency conditions including inclement weather, this course may transition to a virtual learning environment utilizing platforms such as Canvas, Zoom, or Echo360, rather than canceling or rescheduling classes. Students will be notified of such changes via official University email. In the event of a shift to virtual learning, students are expected to attend virtual class sessions at the regularly scheduled class times or as directed by the instructor. If a student experiences power or internet outage or other disruptions that impede participation, the student must communicate with the instructor promptly to discuss alternative, equivalent learning opportunities.

Posted July 30, 2026