Dear Instructors,
Welcome back, and best wishes for the start of a new academic year.
This is my first year writing to you in my expanded role as Associate Provost, Student Life and Learning and Dean of Students, and I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself and share a few reminders and resources that may be helpful as you prepare for the semester ahead.
Over the years, in my own work with students and instructors, I've seen firsthand that student success is shaped by much more than what happens in the classroom. While students come to McGill for an outstanding education, their ability to learn and thrive is often influenced by factors beyond academics, including their health, wellbeing, sense of belonging, and the circumstances they're navigating in their day-to-day lives.
That's where Student Life and Learning comes in. Our role is to help create the conditions that allow students to thrive, both personally and academically. As instructors, you're on the front lines of the student experience, and there are a few topics that often come up during the year that are worth keeping top of mind.
1. Academic accommodations and religious observances
At some point this semester, you'll likely receive a request related to academic accommodations or considerations. A quick refresher on a few key areas:
Religious observances
Students who are unable to meet an academic requirement, other than a final examination, because of a religious observance are responsible for notifying you within the required timelines. McGill's Policy for the Academic Accommodation of Religious Observances provides guidance on how these situations should be handled.
Illness and short-term absences
As a reminder, students are no longer required to provide a medical note for absences of fewer than five days.
When students experience a short-term illness, it is the instructor’s responsibility to identify a reasonable academic consideration whenever possible. Disputes regarding academic considerations may be referred to the Associate Dean (Student Affairs) in the faculty responsible for administering the course.
Please note that medical documentation is still required for absences of five days or more.
2. Academic integrity
Maintaining academic integrity is a shared responsibility, and it's important that concerns are handled through the appropriate process.
If you suspect that a student has plagiarized, cheated, or otherwise committed an academic offence, please remember that instructors should not impose penalties on their own. Alleged offences must be addressed through the procedures outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.
Your faculty's disciplinary officer can help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. I also encourage you to review the Charter of Students' Rights, which outlines important principles related to procedural fairness and students' rights.
3. Inclusive language and respectful learning environments
The language we use can have a significant impact on whether students feel welcomed, respected, and included.
Inclusive language means avoiding assumptions about a person's identity, experiences, relationships, abilities, culture, or background. Small actions can go a long way toward creating a learning environment where all students feel they belong.
As a practical reminder, students can update the names and pronouns they use through Minerva. Because this information can change during the term, it's worth checking and reprinting your class lists from time to time to ensure your records are current.
4. Supporting students in difficulty
Instructors are often among the first people to notice when a student may be struggling academically, personally, or emotionally.
If you encounter a student in difficulty and aren't sure how best to help, the Helping Students in Difficulty web page offers practical guidance and connects you with appropriate resources. You can also contact a Case Manager in the Office of the Dean of Students at casemanager [at] mcgill.ca (casemanager[at]mcgill[dot]ca) or 514-398-4990 for advice on navigating more complex situations.
Thank you for everything you do for our students. The relationships you build, the flexibility you show, and the support you provide can have a lasting impact on a student's experience at McGill. I hope you have a successful and rewarding semester.
Sincerely,
Tony Mittermaier
Associate Provost, Student Life and Learning and Dean of Students