Villanova University is a Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher learning that is committed to academic excellence and intellectual, spiritual, moral, and social growth. With respect to the relationship between a teacher and their student, St. Augustine wrote: “So great is the influence of a sympathetic mind that our students are affected by us as we teach and we by them as they learn. Thus, we come to dwell in each other; They speak within us what they hear, while we learn in them what we teach” (Instruction of Beginners, 12, 17). At Villanova, faculty and students are partners on a journey of free inquiry through mutual learning, love, and respect.
For this partnership to be successful, the classroom must be a sacred space where students and faculty can speak openly and honestly, as both adhere to the principles of academic freedom. The classroom is a learning community built on trust, and as such, all members are expected to uphold the dignity of others within that community.
Students must feel free to ask probing questions, respectfully challenge received meaning, and voice evolving ideas. Faculty must feel equally safe sharing their knowledge and their original research, as well as leading potentially controversial or difficult discussions. Practicing critical reading, writing, analysis, and dialogue enables the practice of scholarly respect for others’ opinions and perspectives. As one of Villanova’s most legendary faculty members shared regularly with her students: What is said in the classroom stays among us; what is learned in the classroom travels with you. Please also see the “Classroom Recording Policy.”
The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Repeated and unreasonable disrespect for others in our Augustinian community may lead to faculty intervention, including being asked by the faculty member to leave the class. Behavior that a reasonable person would view as substantially or repeatedly interfering with the conduct of a class or conduct that is disruptive, disrespectful or threatening will not be tolerated. In addition to academic measures that may be taken, behavioral infractions may be resolved through the Code of Student Conduct.
Students who have questions or concerns about an instructor’s approach to a course (i.e., classroom instruction, professional conduct, or course policies) or a grade are encouraged to first attempt to discuss the concern with the instructor. If they are unable to discuss the concern, or are not satisfied with the outcome, they should reach out to the program director or department chair. Specific complaint procedures are outlined in the policy on “Grade Appeals and Complaints Against Faculty.” Students are also encouraged to share feedback via the end of course CATS, where they can do so anonymously.