UC Blue Ash College

New Faculty Frequently Asked Questions

Sign into Catalyst, click on the Faculty Center tab, and click on my schedule. Click on the Class Roster icon next to the course name for your class roster.

Go to the UC Registrar, click on the appropriate semester, then you can pick the link appropriate to the information you are seeking. You can also find withdrawal and other key dates at this site. 

Duo authentication is required to access many University websites and programs. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of security to your online accounts. Verifying your identity using a second factor (like your phone or other mobile device) prevents anyone but you from logging in, even if they know your password.Instructions for downloading and using Duo authentication are available on the Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) webpage. 

New faculty are to initiate all new ID requests through the website https://idphoto.uc.edu/. The first ID is free. The badge can be used to access buildings and adjunct faculty workspaces on campus after hours. A headshot or passport picture meeting specifications is needed. Our communications department can help.

When you were added to the system, the Blue Ash College IT department contacted University of Cincinnati Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) to generate your UC email. It will be your 6+2 (i.e., your username for central login)@ucmail.uc.edu. Sign in at UC online mail. Be sure check your UC email regularly for important announcements and information. Use your UC email for regular communication with students, especially those messages related to student progress and grades in order to assure security and student privacy.  

Go to the Employee Self Service Website. Your login is your central login, which is the username and password you have for Canvas. At this site, you will set up your direct deposit information. UC does not issue paper checks anymore: it is all direct deposit. 

  • To park in the yellow faculty/staff parking spaces, you must register your vehicle(s) with UC Parking Services.
  • There is a $17.00 charge taken automatically from your monthly paycheck.
  • Uptown parking passes are available in the Dean's Suite.
  • Faculty/staff who have registered their vehicle with UC Parking services have reciprocity parking privileges in certain lots at other UC campuses.

If you are a full-time, tenure track faculty member, the University will reimburse you for conference travel. Watch for updates from the UC Blue Ash Business Office or the Academic Support Team. Please note that all travel must be pre-approved by your department chair so talk with them before making travel arrangements. Visit the Concur travel expense system for full details.

Department copier codes are available on your department's Bearcats Landing Fast Facts page (login required), or email Academic Support at baacdsup@ucmail.uc.edu

Many standard applications are available through the UCBA App Catalog. To access the catalog type “UCBA” in your computer’s search window.  If you cannot access the desired software or app, email  ithelp@ucblueash.edu with your request, and they will either push the new software to your computer for you, or they will log into your computer and upload it for you.

Call the Information Technology department at extension 513-558-9581 or email ithelp@ucblueash.edu.   

You will need to email UCBA IT in order to have any new software installed on your computer or use the UCBA Catalog. You may need to check in with them in person in Muntz 110 if you are having trouble connecting your wireless device on the UCBA Wireless.

Supplies can be found in the following locations:

  • Muntz hall mailroom (M108) next to the copier
  • Muntz hall 2nd floor copy room (M253)
  • Muntz hall 3rd floor copy room (M352)
  • Walters hall mailroom (W103)
  • Flory copy room (F112)
  • Progress hall 1st floor copy room (P120K)
  • Progress hall 2nd floor copy room (P220H)

The instructor has 10 business days after discovering the misconduct to formally notify the student of the allegation. If the instructor does not notify the student within 10 business days, the allegation will be dismissed. Formal notification entails completing a Notification Form and sending it to the student via email or in person. Under the Student Code of Conduct (SCOC), students must return the form within 5 business days and are allowed to continue in the course without prejudice until the academic misconduct process has concluded. The academic misconduct process concludes after students have exhausted their appeal and/or the time to appeal the outcome has lapsed.

Other steps in the process and additional information can be found at the Academic Integrity webpage. Select Information for Faculty. If you need additional guidance on the procedure, consult your department chair and College Conduct Administrator (CCA), who at Blue Ash is the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Temesha Corbin.

You should have a clear plagiarism policy in your syllabus. Plagiarism checkers are available on Canvas.  

In the event of a medical emergency, your first priority is the safety of the individual and then the rest of the class.

  • Make sure the individual who is in distress is not endangering themself. Have the person lie on the floor, if possible, with a clear airway, neck support, and sufficient covering to stay warm.
  • Designate someone to call  911 from a classroom phone, and have someone contact campus safety at 513-558-9454. If possible, notification to campus safety can be made through the Bearcat Guardian App
  • Designate someone to stand at the door to direct emergency personnel to the room.
  • Ask everyone else to leave the room.
  • Stay with the individual, offering appropriate support, until the emergency personnel arrive.

From any web-connected computer or mobile device, you can check your mail through a browser at Office 365 or via Bearcats Landing.

You will have access to the Secure wireless network. Learn about information technology at UC Blue Ash and get directions on how to set up your employee account. If you have difficulties connecting, go to Information Technology in Muntz 112, and they will be able to help get your computer configured.

Check out the online faculty handbook. This is a Sharepoint site which will require your UC Central Login user name and password.

Students with disabilities at the University of Cincinnati can register for Accessibility Resources through a straightforward process. They will first complete an online application. Once completed, Accessibility Resources staff will contact the student to schedule an initial Registration appointment. During this meeting, students and an Access Coordinator will discuss their specific needs and explore available accommodations and support services. Accommodations are determined through an interactive dialogue. Approved accommodations are then communicated to relevant faculty or staff by an Accommodation Form, provided by the student via email. Ongoing support, communication, and assistance in navigating campus accessibility are provided by Accessibility Resources for both students and their faculty.

  • Please refer any student who discloses a disability or requests accommodations to the UC Blue Ash College Accessibility Resources office. Accessibility Resources staff are available online, or in person in Muntz Hall, room 112L.
  • You can call the office at 513-558-9414 or email the office at ucbaar@ucmail.uc.edu
  • Encourage students to register with the Accessibility Resources early by putting information about this office in your syllabus, including information on your Canvas page, and making announcements during class. Below is the suggested statement from the UC Blue Ash Accessibility Resources Office.
    • Students with disabilities have the right to full and equal access at the University of Cincinnati. The Accessibility Resources office on each campus will work with you and your instructors to identify reasonable accommodations to ensure an equitable opportunity to meet all requirements for your course. AR is also a resource for coordinating access and accommodation to all non-academic programs and opportunities available to UC students and potential students.
  • Information about how specific classroom accommodations are implemented is available on the Accessibility Resources Faculty Resources website. If you have questions or concerns please contact the Accessibility Resources office anytime. Our staff is available to help support you in implementing accommodations within your specific course. Our office contact information is below.

Yes, there are mental health resources available at UC Blue Ash. Information is available at Counseling Services webpage.

 

The UC Blue Ash Writing and Study Skills Center is available to assist students. The Writing Center can be found in the computer concourse, in room 112K. 

Students who need additional support can get support by visiting the UC Blue Ash Writing and Study Skills Center. The Writing Center can be found in the computer concourse, in room 112K. Appointments can be made through TutorTrac at the link above.

The Math Lab is located in Muntz Hall Room 112G. 

No appointment is necessary to get help from the academic tutors and the selected student tutors, or to use the supplementary materials available in the lab. When not busy with other students, the tutors will be glad to help students over the telephone with problems from textbooks used in UCBA classes.

The UC Blue Ash Writing and Study Skills Center is available to assist students. The Writing Center can be found in the computer concourse, in room 112K. 

The Science Learning Lab can be found in Walters Hall room 200. 

Your syllabus acts as a contract with your students. It is essential that one is prepared and made available to them on Canvas at the start of the course. Consult with your Department Chair to see if a draft syllabus or template is available. And helpful syllabus language is available in the UCBA Online Teaching Community.

Some key elements of the syllabus include instructor’s name, office hours, UC email address, course title, number, description. Be sure to provide the UC-approved course title, description, and student learning outcomes on the syllabus. The most up-to-date course descriptions and student learning outcomes can be accessed on eCurriculum. Click on eCurriculum Course Catalog – Read Only and then use your UC login and password to gain access. Enter your course number in the search box. Click open and then click Print Course Syllabus. You can check the course description and student learning outcomes and copy into your own file, as needed. It is also important to include a daily schedule and assignments with due dates; expectations and policies for the class and for grading; breakdown of how grades are calculated; and a grading scale.

State legislation now requires you to include the Student Religious Accommodations Policy in your syllabus. Language to add to your syllabus can be found in the UCBA Online Teaching Community.

The full UC academic calendar is available online. At the start of each term, the Associate Dean sends an email with information about important deadlines and scheduled University holidays and breaks. Add those important dates to your course schedule.

Additional policies and resources are available on Canvas in the UCBA Online Teaching Community.Consider adding the following to your syllabus: Accessibility Resources, UC Code of Conduct, academic honesty, Counseling Services, General Education Statement, Canvas Support, Emergency Cancellation Policy, and Weather Cancellation Policy. Also consider adding any student support services that are appropriate for your course including Writing and Study Skills Center, Math Lab, Science Learning Lab, Computer Lab, and Library.

It is critical for students to be aware of Counseling Services available to them by posting this information in your syllabus and on your Canvas course. They should be instructed to call the 24-Hour Crisis Help Line at 513-556-0648 for immediate assistance. Counseling services are available to provide a healthy and supportive environment for student success through services that address the developmental, clinical, and preventive needs of students. Services are available to UC Blue Ash matriculated students free of charge. Students can call UC CAPS at 513-556-0648 to schedule an appointment. More information is available one the CAPS website.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTE: It is our goal to make 100% of our course syllabi accessible to all students. If you are unsure how to create an accessible Word document, please visit the UC Accessibility Network guides found on their Bearcats Landing “Resources & Tools” page.

Visit the Faculty Resources webpage under the UC Blue Ash Accessibility Office section for details. Visit resources from the UC Accessibility Network

  • All students have a Canvas account and a course titled Canvas 101 introducing them to the basics.
  • 24/7 Canvas student support is availble from Instructure by calling 855-745-4413.
  • Students can ask for help from the student assistants in the computer concourse, Muntz 112. 
  • Students can contact the Service Desk or call 513-556-4357.
  • The UCIT Knowledge Base also includes many videos and instructions for students.
  • Canvas Guides for Students

Visit the online home of the UC Benefits office.

Do not hesitate to call the HR office at 513-556-6381 for specific questions.

Blue Ash College faculty and students can join the Blue Ash Recreational Center for the local business membership fees. You must show a current printout of your paycheck from UCFLEX to verify employment. It is located two minutes from campus on 4433 Cooper Road (45242) and the phone number is 513-745-8550. Check out the Blue Ash Recreation Center.

University of Cincinnati employees also get a discounted membership at the Blue Ash YMCA. Visit the Blue Ash YMCA website. It is located 10 minutes from campus at 5000 YMCA Drive Cincinnati, OH 45242 and the phone number is 513-791-500.

You may also join the fitness center at the uptown campus for a fee.

The University rarely closes due to weather or other circumstances. If it does, the UC Website and Canvas will have an institutional announcement posted that indicates the closing. The College sends notices to faculty, staff and students via UC email. You can also sign up for a text to be delivered to your phone. Please note:  When the college is closed due to inclement weather or other emergencies, faculty and students are not to be on campus.

If UC is open during inclement weather, all faculty are expected to meet with their classes as scheduled. Do NOT cancel classes because you do not want students to venture out into the weather. This is a University decision and is not the decision of the faculty member.  Plan ahead and leave home early if you anticipate treacherous driving, so you can get to class on time. If you absolutely cannot make it to campus, a cancellation notice should be posted on Canvas as well as emailed to all students in the class, and email Academic Support at baacdsup@mail.uc.edu. Make sure you are familiar with departmental policies.  You are also expected to notify your department chair to let them know you are cancelling class (see question below).

Faculty are expected to meet with every scheduled class for the full contact hours on the schedule. For an emergency when class must be cancelled, contact your department chair and the Academic Support Team. Post an announcement on Canvas and email it to students in the class. Give students an alternative assignment over the material from that day. The procedures below are college-wide. Check with your department chair about any additional reporting requirements.

Faculty do not have “vacation time” or “personal days.” You may not cancel a class for personal appointments. If you must miss a class due to conference attendance, you must consult with your department chair well before the event to make appropriate arrangements. This planned absence should be included in the schedule on your syllabus.

If you are ill, and you must cancel class, call the department program coordinator* to put up a class cancellation sign for you, email all your students, and post an announcement on your Canvas LMS site. Notify your department chair immediately. Consult with your department chair about what kind of make-up arrangements will be appropriate. If you must be absent several days because of illness, your department chair will work out ways to cover the classes so that students do not miss instruction.

Full-time faculty covered by the AAUP Collective Bargaining Agreement accrue “sick time” and must report it (Article 17.4 and 17.5.) Report time off at UC Flex Employee Self Service (ESS) site.

Term adjunct faculty not covered by the CBA do not accrue sick time, so they do not report using this system. Instead, reporting the time off to the department chair is essential. 

For emergencies, such as car trouble, time off/failure to meet with a scheduled class is reported to the department program coordinator and the department chair. Contact students if possible or seek assistance from your departmental program coordinator. 

  • Visit the Registrar's website for the official policy and more details.
  • “WX” (Official withdrawal, Non-attendance/participation): Instructors will record a “WX” for those students who officially withdrew from the class (as denoted on the Online Class Grading roster by either “EW” or “W”) but who never attended any classes and did not submit any assigned work. If the student has not participated in the class, the instructor should replace a “W” appearing on the Online Class Grading roster with a "WX" by clicking "no" participation for that student. An assignment of “WX” has no impact on the student’s GPA, but it does have an impact on a student’s financial aid, and, for legal purposes, faculty must accurately report participation and non-participation. (Students may ask for a “W” instead, but faculty have no authority to grant that request. Federal law requires accurate reporting for financial aid purposes.) A “W” will appear on the student’s online grade report and on the transcript. The “WX” recognizes the student’s official withdrawal from the class and only records the fact of non-participation. 
  • "UW" (Unofficial Withdrawal, Attendance/participation): Instructors will record a “UW” (unofficial withdrawal) only for students who cease to attend a class following some attendance or participation. The "UW" carries zero (0.00) quality points. It is calculated into the GPA like the "F" grade.
  • “X” (Unofficial Withdrawal, Non-attendance/participation): Instructors will record an “X” on the final grade roster for students who never attended any classes and did not submit any assigned work. The “X” will appear on the transcript and will carry zero (0.00) quality points.  It is calculated into the GPA like the “F” grade. Federal law requires accurate reporting of participation and non-participation.
  • "I" (Incomplete): No grade quality points (none) during first quarter after the "I" is incurred; thereafter, zero (0.0000) grade quality points. Instructors use the "I" when students fail to submit all of the required coursework by the end of the quarter, and there is a legitimate reason the student could not complete the work during the term. Only award the "I" if it is possible for students to complete the work without class attendance. (Students cannot be permitted to attend the class the next term without enrolling in it.) Instructors should provide students with expected deadlines in writing before agreeing to an “I.” Instructors have the right to refuse to award an “I”/extend time to complete work and simply assign the grade earned at the end of the term. In undergraduate courses, after one year the "I" automatically changes to the "I/F," which carries zero (0.00) quality points and affects the student's GPA like the "F" grade. Instructors may use the one-year deadline or may set a deadline earlier than one year for the completion of the work. If the student completes the work, the instructor will then change the grade from I to the grade earned by completing a change-of-grade form and submitting it to the UCBA Registration Office in OneStop. 

No, do not give an F to someone who has never shown up for class! For this, you give an “X” (Unofficial Withdrawal, Non-attendance/participation). Instructors will record an “X” on the final grade roster for students who never attended any classes and did not submit any assigned work. The “X” will appear on the transcript and will carry zero (0.00) quality points. It is calculated into the GPA like the “F” grade.

Knowledge based guides are available from Digital Technology Solutions, and there are more guides available on Canvas

Students should not be permitted to attend class if they are not registered. Class capacity is typically based on a room capacity, pedagogy, etc. Some course registrations are set to include a waiting list where students will be automatically enrolled in the course when their turn comes up. For these reasons, be sure to consult with your department chair before acting upon any student request to be added to a full course. Deadlines are also set by the registrar’s office to limit the amount of course time missed by late enrolling students. Late adds are discouraged and require both instructor and college approval.  Student must make all requests through the Registrar's Course Permission Requests.

Late withdraws must be approved by both the faculty member and the student’s home college. Late withdraws do not remove the course from their degree audit but allow them to withdraw instead of receiving a letter grade.  They are at the discretion of the instructor but are intended to be used in extreme circumstances that may include severe illness, mental health concerns, hardship, or personal loss. They are not intended to be used as a way of avoiding a poor grade or because a student missed the deadline to withdraw. 

If you believe a withdraw is warranted after the online withdrawal deadline and the student’s home college is UC Blue Ash, please refer the student to the online withdraw form located online under the section UCBA Student Request Permission to Withdraw Past Deadline. If the student’s home college is not UC Blue Ash, please refer the student to Enrollment Services. They will be asked to provide detailed documentation regarding their circumstances.  

First, you should check with your department chair because some sequenced courses share a textbook.  Faculty can submit their adoptions by emailing 0032txt@follett.com, submitting them in person, or using the Bookstore's Discovery Tool, which can be found in your Canvas courses. 

Use your ID card on the key-card entry. Swiping your ID will get you into the building where your office is located after-hours, but not any other building. If you are unable to access a building, contact campus safety at 558-9454. 

The University provides wireless internet coverage across campus, but signal may be weaker in some areas. Cell phone coverage is dependent upon your service provider, and signal may be weaker in some areas. 

Please fill out a request for a space through the Academic Support Team

There are many social activities that take place in the Blue Ash area during the summer and fall. View the full list of activities online.

Adjunct faculty can contact the department chair or program coordinator for information concerning office space. Please note that adjunct offices are shared spaces, so personal items should never be left alone in these areas.

Acronym Glossary

  • AAUP: American Association of University Professors (our faculty union)
  • AFTL: Academy of Fellows for Teaching and Learning (honorary society for teaching scholars)
  • CCP: College Credit Plus (a way that high school students may attend our courses)
  • CET&L: Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (the Uptown Campus faculty development center)
  • DTS: Digital Technology Solutions
  • EAP: Employee Assistance Program
  • ESS: Employee Self-Service 
  • FEC: Faculty Enrichment Center
  • FLC: Faculty Learning Community (a group of faculty that meet over the course of the year)
  • FYE: First Year Experience (the discipline specific program that creates a coherent experience for first year students)
  • IFAT: Instant Feedback Assessment Technique (scratch off forms used for group quizzes)
  • LMS: Learning Management System
  • L+TC: The Learning and Teaching Center (the UCBA faculty development center)
  • PRS: Personal Response System (also referred to as “clickers”)
  • PTA: Primary Trait Assessment (our chosen assessment system of using rubrics to assess courses)
  • RPT: Reappointment, Promotion and Tenure (the system for faculty review and promotion)
  • SLO: Student Learning Outcome (the concrete, measurable, student centered achievements that a student demonstrates at the end of a course of study.)
  • 6+2: Your UCID used for all sign in systems, usually in conjunction with Duo Authentication.  Typically, a combination of last name, first and middle initials.

Resources

Contact Information

Brenda Refaei, Ed.D.
Co-Director, UCBA L+TC
513-936-7164
brenda.refaei@uc.edu

Helene Harte, Ed.D.
Co-Director, UCBA L+TC
513-558-8305
helene.harte@uc.edu

Emma Farrow, M.Ed.
Instructional Designer, UCBA L+TC
513-558-8037
emma.farrow@uc.edu