AVIT 102 03: Introduction to Aviation

DOWNLOAD PDF

AVIT 102 - Introduction to Aviation

2023 Spring Syllabus, Section 03, CRN 8075

Course Information

You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced in a Blackboard Announcement. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class.

Times and Location

TR 11am-1:45pm in UND Odegard Hall, Rm 111

Instructor Information

Mr. Jered C. Lease

Email: jered.lease@und.edu

Office: Ryan Hall Room 224

2023 Spring Office Hours:
By appointment via Star Fish

Office Phone: (701) 777-3034

About the Professor

First and foremost, I’m an aviation nerd. I live, eat, and breathe all things airplane and have a true passion for flying. That’s right, I said “flying.” By flying I mean the active process by which man and machine blend into one and go soaring into the air and come back safely in one piece. I feel this is best accomplished in the low and slow category of aviation, specifically the light tube and fabric airplane which has more in common with what Orville and Wilbur first built over 100 years ago than the jetliners of today. I look forward to sharing with you my passion for aviation through the content of this course. 

If you would like to know more about my professional education and professional background, you can find it here: https://und.edu/directory/jered.lease 

Course Description

The course will develop the student's knowledge and skills that are needed to safely exercise the privileges and responsibilities of a Private Pilot. Course content includes instruction in aerodynamics, aircraft systems, FAA regulations, U.S. Airspace System, weight and balance, aircraft performance, aviation weather, flight publications, radio navigation, cross-country planning and navigation, basic flight physiology, and flight safety. The student must complete the appropriate flight lessons to satisfactorily complete the course.

Because this is an approved part 141 FAA course as part of the your Private SEL training, class attendance is mandatory since you must receive instruction on all course content. Please see class participation section for more information.  

Course Prerequisites 

  • ATSC 110 – Meteorology I 

  • Minimum 2.6 cumulative GPA 

Learning Outcomes

Course Materials

Required Materials: 

  1. Electronic device with internet access (eg. smartphone, laptop, I-pad) 

  2. Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) - ISBN: 9781619544734 

  3. Aviation Weather (AW) - ISBN: 9781619544437 

  4. FAR/AIM 2022 (FAR) - ISBN: 9781644250938 

  5. ASA Private Pilot Test Prep 2022 - ISBN: 9781644251614 

  6. ACS-6 B.1 Private Pilot Airplane - ISBN: 9781619549036 

  7. Piper PA-28-181 Archer Pilot’s Information Manual 

  8. Manual or Electronic E6-B Flight Computer 

  9. VFR Plotter 

  10. Twin Cities VFR Sectional Chart 

  11. North-Central Region Chart Supplement 

Recommended Materials: 

  1. Calculator (not a phone app) 

Technical Requirements/Assistance

You will use Microsoft Word to complete assignments (files created using Pages in Apple can be saved as a Word file before submitting). Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course. Visit the Office 365 Email webpage for information on your UND email and how to download/install a free version of Microsoft Office. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents and other resources. 

Minimum Technical Skills Needed

In order to succeed in this course, at a minimum, you should be able to:

Insert minimum requirements expected and needed. In the bulleted example list below

  • Navigate in and use basic Blackboard functions
  • Download and open electronic documents
  • Create, save, and upload/attach electronic documents
  • Send, receive, and manage email

Course Logistics

Access and Log in Information 

This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: http://blackboard.UND.edu and log in with your NDUS.Identifier, Username and Password. If you do not know your NDUS Identifier or have forgotten your password, please visit Your NDUS Account page on the UIT website. 

Course Overview  

The course content is organized by applicable block (1 thru 7) as described in the Private ASEL edition 14 FAA approved syllabus for this semester. Each block contains the presentations, assignments (with applicable due dates), and supplemental material for that section. 

A general course schedule which maps out the navigation of these blocks over the scheduled course offering can be found under the “Syllabus/Schedule” Tab on the left-hand side of the page. You will also find links to additional resources (under the “resource” tab) and gradebook (under “My Grades” tab) on the main page. 

The primary means of instruction in this course will be in-person within the classroom. Attendance will be taken and tracked in compliance with UND’s part 141 training program and FAA expectations. You are expected to attend every class session or conduct an appropriate authorized make-up with a UND flight instructor for any days you are unable to attend. 

Any class makeups must be completed prior to the exam for the block of training which content was missed. Failure to make-up missed class time and submit the appropriate form prior to the block exam for which content was missed, will result in forfeiting the first attempt of the applicable block exam and having to attempt a make-up exam.  

Resources 

Many services are available to UND students such as writing assistance from the UND Writing Center, free online and in-person tutoring from UND aerospace learning center, and more. Visit the Student Resources page for more information. Students also have access to the UND Student Resource Site via Blackboard. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the site to better equip you in navigating the course. 

Course Requirements/Expectations 

  1. The student will review the syllabus and course schedule posted in Blackboard. 

  2. The student will participate in any lecture or discussion sessions  

  3. The student will complete and submit assignments, exams, quizzes, etc. by the dated noted and in the manner described in Blackboard. We will use Central Standard Time for due dates and times. 

  4. The student will participate fully and in a timely manner to get the benefit of learning from instructor and/or peers. 

Communication

You are expected to monitor your UND email and blackboard account for relevant and timely communications about this class. If class has to be cancelled due to weather events, instructor illness/emergency, or any other event, it will be done so via these methods. Other relevant communications pertaining to class may also be communicated via these avenues, please monitor them and don’t expect “I didn’t see that” or “I don’t use my UND email account” to be valid excuses. 

Please remember communication flows both ways. Life happens and sometimes it happens in the middle of a semester. If life happens to you (eg. family member passes away, you catch COVID-19, your computer fails, ect.), please take the time to reach out and communicate with your instructor via the contact information provided in a timely manner. 

At the discretion of the instructor, grace can be provided in the form of extending due dates, exam makeups, and other flexing of some academic syllabus policies on a case-by-case basis to the extent necessary to deal with any issues that may arise. Due to previous individuals taking advantage of this grace, the instructor may ask you to provide some form of proof to ensure the extent to which flexibility given is justified and warranted. 

Course Etiquette 

When participating in class it is important to interact with your peers in an appropriate manner. Always use professional language in your postings and emails to them and/or your instructor. 

You will be expected to actively participate in lecture by answering questions posed by the instructor, asking questions if you have them, and/or participating in class activities. If you have a disagreement with the instructor or a fellow classmate, you are expected to handle it with the highest level of professionalism. 

Assessment Summary

Assessment & Grading 

This course is made up of a series of assignments and assessments to assist you in achieving the course learning objectives/outcomes. It’s important you complete each assessment since it has been created to aid/measure your learning. 

Assessments 

In this course your learning will be assessed in the following ways: 

  • Assignments 

  • Quizzes 

  • Block Exams 

  • Final Exam 

  • Flight Progress 

Assignments 

Point-values for each assignment and associated grading rubric vary based upon assignment scope and whether or not class time/help was provided. All assignments for the applicable block will be made available at the start of lecture for that block. The majority of assignments for this class relate directly to the reading and require reference to the textbook for completion. 

Quizzes 

Students who are not in-class during the time the quiz is administered will not be allowed to make up the quiz and will receive a score of zero or, at the discretion of the instructor, exempted from the quiz. 

Each quiz is worth 10 points with the following grading rubric applied to determine score:   

10pts  - >80%

9pts - 79-60%

8pts - 59-40%

7pts - <40%

0pts (No attempt) - 0%

Quizzes will primarily be administered using the Kahoot online application which requires you to have an electronic device with internet access. You must use your full name (first and last) when signing in for a Kahoot quiz to receive credit. Failure to use your full name and/or to obtain access to the quiz before it begins, will result in you forfeiting the applicable points for that quiz. At the discretion of the instructor, point leader(s) of each Kahoot quiz may receive additional credit. 

Block Exams 

At the end of each block, an exam will be administered to measure student learning. Exams will be comprised of various question types to include but not limited to: multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and essay type questions. Please note some tests will require the use of additional resources (eg. calculators, manual E6B, ect.) which you will be made aware of at or before the class session prior to that block exam. Failure to bring the necessary resources to class on testing day may result in a poor performance on the exam since students will not be allowed to share resources with their peers.   

You will be given a minimum of one-hour to complete each block exam, more time may be provided at the discretion of the course instructor. Due to class length and the large scope of material to be covered in this class, students should pay close attention to the class schedule since lecture and exam may be given on the same class day. 

Make-Up Exam 

At the discretion of the instructor, if you miss a scheduled exam due to an unexcused absence or failure to provide appropriate documentation for missed class time, you will be given a make-up exam. At the discretion of the instructor, the make-up exam may be a different exam than what your peers attempted. All make up exams are assessed a 10% percentage point reduction, so the highest attainable academic grade on a makeup exam is a “B”. Unless written permission from the course instructor is received, any make-up exam must be completed within seven (7) days of the missed block exam or before the next block exam, whichever comes first. Failure to complete a make-up exam within this time frame will result in you receiving an academic grade of zero on that exam. 

Retake Exam 

If you fail to score a “C” or better on a block exam, you will be required to retake the exam to meet FAA requirements. Any exam with a score of less than “C” (<76%) must be retaken, however, the original (first-attempt) score will be used to calculate your academic grade regardless of the results of the retake exam. Any failed retake exam will require a meeting with the class instructor, Assistant Chief Instructor, and/or other faculty leadership prior to the next attempt.  

Unless written permission from the course instructor is received, any required retake exams must be completed within seven (7) days of the failed exam or before the next block exam, whichever comes first. Failure to attempt a retake in this time frame will result in you failing the course. The total number of retake exam attempts will not be allowed to exceed two. After three failed attempts of a block exam (original exam and two retakes), you will not be allowed to take the final and will be issued a failing grade for the course. 

Final Exam 

The final exam for this class is comprehensive in nature and will be administered at the scheduled time dictated by the University during final’s week. At the discretion of the instructor, if class progress allows, the exam may be administered the final week of classes during our scheduled class time.   

You must have a first-attempt block exam average of 76% overall to pass the class and attempt the final. If your first-attempt block exam average is less than 76%, you will not be eligible to take the final exam and a failing grade will be issued.  

There is no option to conduct a retake exam, therefore, you must score at least a 76% on the final exam to pass the class. Failure to take the exam will result in the issuance of a failing grade, which will require you to retake the course to continue the pursuit of a Private Pilot certificate.   

If you are absent for the final exam without prior notification, the make-up exam policy will be applied to your final exam.  

Flight Progress 

For first attempt AVIT 102, AVIT 101, and AVIT 112 students, 4% of your grade is determined by your airport activity points. As such, your final grade for this class could be significantly affected, either negatively or positively, by your flight progress. Here is a breakdown of the flight activity requirements: 

102 Flight Students

Combination of stage 12 and 25 orals and flights....2% if >75% pass rate

..................................................................................1% if 50%-75% pass rate

..................................................................................0% <50% pass rate

Pass stage 29 oral on first attempt..........................1%

Pass stage 29 flight on first attempt........................1%

Total..........................................................................4%

112 Flight Students

Pass Stage 7 oral on first attempt...........................2%

Pass Stage 7 flight on first attempt..........................2%

Total.........................................................................4%

*As a 112 flight student, you have until the last day to drop a full term course, as determined by UND’s Academic Calendar, to complete your stage check. After that day, you will be moved to the bottom of the stage check priority list. This does not mean that you will not be able to finish, but it shifts stage check priority to courses with more lessons. If you are not done with the stage check by the last day to drop, it may not be possible for you to get into the next semester’s flight course.

101 Flight Students

Pass Stage 18 oral on first attempt.......................2%

Pass Stage 18 flight on first attempt.....................2%

Total.......................................................................4%

Retake Students 

If you’re a retake student, your academic grade will be calculated solely based on your academic performance in the class.  

Flight Training Requirements 

VA Statement 

Students have three options for completing flight requirement for Course 102.  Course 102 flight is full training for certification as a Private Pilot.  Students who already hold a Private Pilot certificate have the option of completing Course 112.  Students who are considering Airport Management or Air Traffic Control or some other major that does not require Professional flight may opt for Course 101 which offers an introduction to Visual and Instrument flight.  One of the three courses must be completed to obtain a grade for Academic 102. 

Private Pilot Airplane - SEL Certification Course 102 Ed. 14 

Solo Archer 5.0 

Dual Archer 35.0 

Dual SE FTD 2.0 

Dual Instruction 37.0 

Ground Instruction 10.0 

Pre and Post Instruction 10.0 

FAA Written Exam 1

Private Pilot Airplane Test Course 112 Ed. 4 

Must hold a Private Pilot Certificate   

Dual Archer 8.0 

Dual Instruction 8.0 

Ground Instruction 2.0 

Pre and Post Instruction 1.0 

 

Survey of Flight Non Certification Course 101 Ed. 3  

Dual Archer 6.0 

Dual SE FTD 5.5 

Dual Instruction 11.5 

Ground Instruction 8.0 

Pre and Post Instruction 4.0 

Flight Course Completion 

In order to receive a grade for this course you must complete all the associated flight training for the course in which you are enrolled (AVIT 101, 102, or 112). Generally speaking, students are expected to finish their flight training in the same semester which the course began. 

A grade of Satisfactory Progress (SP) will be issued to students who are enrolled in their first attempt of AVIT 101, AVIT 102, or AVIT 112 and have acceptable classroom performance. See “Grading Information” portion of this syllabus for what is acceptable classroom performance.  

If you are issued a satisfactory progress, you have 12 calendar months from the start of this class to complete your flight training. If you do the not finish in that time frame, your SP grade will automatically be changed to a failing grade. Please be aware SP or failing grades can affect your financial aid and/or your ability to register for the next course. 

Any retake students are not eligible for a satisfactory progress. You must complete the flight training by the end of finals week or you will receive a failing grade. Please be aware SP or failing grades can affect your financial aid and/or your ability to register for the next course. 

To assist you with any flight training issues two Assistant Chief Instructors have been designated for this course. If issues arise, please contact them directly at: 

Breakdown of Weighted Totals                                        

  1. Assignments - 20%
  2. Quizzes - 9%
  3. Block Exams (7) - 49% (7% each)
  4. Final Exam - 18%
  5. Flight Progress - 4%

Final Grade Scale

A - 100% to 91.5%

B - 91.4% to 83.5%

C - 83.4% to 75.5%

D - 75.4% to 67.5%

F - 67.4% to 0%

Course Evaluations

Around the middle of the semester, we may complete a formative assessment to see how the course is going. Near the end of the semester, you will be asked to complete an online course evaluation form (SELFI). Your feedback on the course is extremely valuable to me. I read my students’ comments carefully and use them to improve the course the next time I teach it.

  • When the time comes, please let me know which aspects of the course helped you learn—and which aspects might be modified to help future students learn more effectively. 
  • Please note that the course evaluations are anonymous and that I won’t see the results until after the grades for the course are submitted, allowing you to provide honest and constructive feedback. 
  • And if you have feedback to offer before the end of the semester, please let me know.

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Day: Date: Reading(s): Agenda/Topic: Due:
Tue 1/10 PHAK 1-1 to 1-24 Course Introduction & Preflight Actions
Thu 1/12 PHAK 17-1 to 17-3 & 2-1 to 2-10 Preflight Actions
Tue 1/17 PHAK 13-4 to 13-10 Procurring Weather
Thu 1/19 PHAK 9-1 to 9-8 & 10-7 to 10-11 Preflight Performane Calculations Bring calculator & POH
Tue 1/24 Preflight Performane Calculations Bring calculator & POH
Thu 1/26 PHAK 14-1 to 14-15 & 14-20 to 14-36 Aiport Markings & Comms
Tue 1/31 PHAK 5-1 to 5-20 Block 1 Exam & Aerodyanmics
Thu 2/2 PHAK 5-20 to 5-40 & 6-1 to 6-12 Aerodynamics
Tue 2/7 PHAK 5-40 to 5-43 & 10-1 to 10-11 Weight & Balance/Performance
Thu 2/9 Performance
Tue 2/14 PHAK 7-1 to 7-14 Block 2 Exam & Aircraft Systems
Thu 2/16 ARCH chap 7 & 7-15 to 7-20 Aicraft Systems
Tue 2/21 PHAK 7-25 to 7-34 & 8-1 to 8-28 Aircraft Systems & Flight Instruments
Thu 2/23 PHAK 9-6 to 9-13 Airworthiness
Tue 2/28 Block 3 Exam & NAS
Thu 3/2 PHAK 15-1 to 15-7 National Airspace System (NAS) Bring TC chart & AFD
Tue 3/7 PHAK 15-7 to 15-11 National Airspace System (NAS) Bring TC chart & AFD
Thu 3/9 PHAK 14-22 to 14-37 Airports & Communications
Tue 3/14 No Class
Thu 3/16 No Class
Tue 3/21 Block 4 Exam
Thu 3/23 PHAK 12-1 to 12-21 Weather Theory & Hazards
Tue 3/28 PHAK 13-1 to 13-24 Weather Theory & Hazards
Thu 3/30 PHAK 17-1 to 17-12 Aeromedical Factors
Tue 4/4 PHAK 17-12 to 17-29 & 2-10 to 2-32 Aeromedical Factors & SRM
Thu 4/6 Block 5 Exam
Tue 4/11 PHAK 16-1 to 16-22 Pilotage & Dead Reckoning Bring XC plan items
Thu 4/13 Pilotage & Dead Reckoning Bring XC plan items
Tue 4/18 PHAK 16-22 to 16-35 Dead Reckoning & Radio Navigation Bring XC plan items
Thu 4/20 Block 6 Exam
Tue 4/25 Cross-country planning Bring XC plan items
Thu 4/27 Cross-country planning Bring XC plan items
Tue 5/2 Cross-country planning Bring XC plan items
Thu 5/4 Block 7 Exam
Tue 5/9 Final Exam (1:00-3:00 pm)

Appendix

This is a place to add things like resources, rubrics, etc.

Course Policies

Assignment Policy

Due dates for each assignment or activity will be posted in Blackboard. Assignments are designed to enhance your learning experience and offer you the opportunity to practice and review key course content. It is highly recommended you set aside time in your schedule to complete these assignments before they are due. Waiting until the last minute to complete the necessary work can have detrimental effects on your grade.

Late Work

All assignments are due by the applicable date and time indicated on blackboard and must be submitted in electronic form via the blackboard portal in a format which can be read by the Blackboard LMS. Late assignments, three (3) or less days past due, will be accepted for up to half-credit only. Unless prior approval is given, assignments more than three (3) days past due will be scored as zero and receive no credit at all unless prior arrangements have been made with the course instructor.

Quizzes must be attempted on the day and time they’re administered in order to receive credit. Quizzes may only be made up with prior permission from the instructor and on the time-frame established for doing so. Any missed Block exam or Final exam is subject to the make up exam policy.

Instructor Responsibilities and Feedback

  • The instructor will provide feedback on all assignments within a week of the applicable due date.
  • The instructor will make time to review general class performance on all quizzes and exams after they’re administered. Students may also review their individual performance on exams and quizzes within blackboard.
  • The instructor will be available during appointed Office Hours to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer advice.

Class Attendance

Due to FAA requirements, class attendance is mandatory since you must receive instruction on all course content. This is accomplished primarily by attending class at the scheduled time. In the event you miss a class, you may make up for missed content and time by paying an authorized UND Flight Instructor to provide instruction on the content for the equivalent amount of class time you missed.  Since the information provided by another instructor is supplementary in nature, only 50% of each block’s material is allowed to be made up using this method. You must attend class for at least half the content in a block to be eligible to take a block exam. See classroom blackboard site for the appropriate form for documenting class time make-ups. 

You will not be allowed to attempt a block exam until instruction for all content in that block has been received. Failure to make-up missed class time by reviewing with a UND Flight Instructor or other method deemed appropriate by the course instructor, will result in you forfeiting your first attempt and having to attempt a make-up exam. See assessment and grading section for Make-Up Exam information.

Attendance will be taken immediately at the start of class and, at the discretion of the course instructor, following any classroom break. Any student who arrives 15 minutes after the official start time of class or following a designated break will be counted as absent for that class portion.

Students who arrive after the start of class but within the 15-minute window will be counted as tardy. After being marked three times as tardy, any subsequent late arrivals will be marked immediately as absent and will require a documented make-up using the process described above. If you arrive after attendance has been taken but within the 15 min window, it is your responsibility to coordinate with the course instructor and ensure you were appropriately marked as tardy and not absent.

Please don’t forget to communicate if you know of any days you plan to be absent since your instructor will be more willing to make accommodations for those students that plan ahead.

Incompletes

It is expected that students will complete all requirements for a course during the time frame of the course. For reasons beyond a student’s control, and upon request by the student or on behalf of the student, an incomplete grade may be assigned by the instructor when there is reasonable certainty the student will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The mark “I,” Incomplete, will be assigned only to the student who has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work up to a time within four weeks of the close of the semester, including the examination period, and whose work is incomplete for reasons satisfactory to his or her instructor. More information regarding UND’s Incomplete policy can be found on The Grading System Webpage.

Copyright Notice

Copyright laws and fair use policies protect the rights of those who have produced the material. The copy in this course has been provided for private study, scholarship, or research.  Other uses may require permission from the copyright holder.  The user of this work is responsible for adhering to copyright law of the U.S. (Title 17, U.S. Code).  To help you familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, the University encourages you to visit its Copyright Web Page (http://libguides.csufresno.edu/copyright). (Links to an external site.)

Technology Innovations for Learning & Teaching (TILT) course web sites contain material protected by copyrights held by the instructor, other individuals or institutions. Such material is used for educational purposes in accord with copyright law and/or with permission given by the owners of the original material.  You may download one copy of the materials on any single computer for non-commercial, personal, or educational purposes only, provided that you (1) do not modify it, (2) use it only for the duration of this course, and (3) include both this notice and any copyright notice originally included with the material.   Beyond this use, no material from the course web site may be copied, reproduced, re-published, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way without the permission of the original copyright holder.  The instructor assumes no responsibility for individuals who improperly use copyrighted material placed on the web site.

University of North Dakota Policies & Resources

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.

As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties for the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter and will have little tolerance and/or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.

Access and Opportunity, Disability Support, & Medical Services

The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with DSS at the start of their program. More information can be obtained by email UND.dss@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2664.

COVID-19

UND is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment while providing quality learning experiences for our students. COVID-19’s continued presence within our UND community may necessitate changes in classroom management as the academic year progresses. As such, UND asks students and instructors to be flexible when necessary to promote a safe environment for learning. Please do not attend an in-person class or lab if you are feeling ill, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been directed by health professionals to quarantine or isolate. If you are not able to attend class or lab, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and discuss options for making up any missed work in order to ensure your ability to succeed in the course. If you will have an extended absence due to serious illness or other uncontrollable circumstances, you may request an absence notification through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Similarly, if your instructor is ill they may need to cancel class or temporarily move your course to online delivery to ensure that you are able to complete the course successfully.  Instructors may require students to wear masks in the classroom or in the laboratory as a preventative measure designed to facilitate uninterrupted classroom engagement and to facilitate health and safety in the classroom.   If your instructor does require masks in class or in a laboratory, you are expected to comply with that request.

UND also strongly encourages all members of the University community, including students, to get vaccinated, seek out testing when needed, and model positive behavior both on- and off-campus to foster a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Individuals who would like to discuss disability accommodations regarding masks should contact the Disability Services for Students (DSS) office at 701.777.2664 or UND.dss@UND.edu. Individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact the UND Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office at 701.777.4171 or UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu.

Religious Accommodations

UND offers religious accommodations, which are reasonable changes in the academic environment that enable a student to practice or observe a sincerely held religious belief without undue hardship on the University. Examples include time for prayer or the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday. To request an accommodation, complete the student religious accommodation request form. If you have any questions, you may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office.

Pregnancy Accommodations

Students who need assistance with academic adjustments related to pregnancy or childbirth may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or Academic Affairs to learn about your options. Additional information and services may be found at Pregnancy Resources.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to Donna Smith, Assistant Vice President for Equal Opportunity & Title IX and Title IX/ADA Coordinator, 102 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 or any other federal agency.

Reporting of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

If you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, please contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage. You may also contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office if you or a friend has experienced discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, marital or parental status, veteran's status, or political belief or affiliation.

Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual misconduct or of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class that they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, you can find information about confidential support services on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX webpage..

UND Cares Program

How to Seek Help When in Distress

We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, however, some students may struggle or have issues that arise. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares Program Webpage.

How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress

The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:

  • Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
  • Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
  • Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
  • Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
  • Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
  • Student is acting out of character or different than usual.
  • Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
  • Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on a normal conversation.
  • Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
  • Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Today, the University of North Dakota rests on the ancestral lands of the Pembina and Red Lake Bands of Ojibwe and the Dakota Oyate - presently existing as composite parts of the Red Lake, Turtle Mountain, White Earth Bands, and the Dakota Tribes of Minnesota and North Dakota. We acknowledge the people who resided here for generations and recognize that the spirit of the Ojibwe and Oyate people permeate this land. As a university community, we will continue to build upon our relations with the First Nations of the State of North Dakota - the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

Additional Resources

It is my goal to foster an environment of mutual respect in which everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions, sharing their stories, and learning about potentially heavy or personally relevant material. If, at any point, you feel like the information covered in this class elicits thoughts, feelings, or concerns that you would like to discuss further, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, or the UND Counseling Center (701-777-2127).

Further, if you experience extenuating circumstances, sexual violence, identity-based harm, or any other personal crisis during the semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can provide academic assistance and help you in this course, and put you in contact with the appropriate resources and services (if needed).