Our graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) and instructors make our ambitious, rigorous, and meaningful composition program possible.
Preparing and supporting GTAs and instructors in and outside of the classroom is one of the most important functions of the Office of First-Year Composition.
With that in mind, this section is intended for you, our GTAs and instructors, and covers policies and responsibilities, answers frequently asked questions, describes professional development workshops, and links to resources that may be helpful.
Below are the responsibilities we expect our instructors to honor both for their courses and for professional development.
We understand you will sometimes need to make copies for your students. However, whenever you can, post .pdf documents to Canvas rather than printing hard copy handouts, we strongly encourage you to do so.
You may print up to 250 hard-copy pages per semester per class on the FYC printer (using Canvas should help you stay well within that limit). We also ask that you try to limit copy requests to two-page documents that can be copied on the front and back of one sheet of paper, and we encourage you to stay clear of image-heavy documents that use a great deal of toner.
FYC Office Manager Tristin Tracy has discretion over which documents may be better circulated as .pdfs than as hard copies. We set the limit and guidelines in accordance with the university’s Go Green initiative in an effort to diminish the environmental and financial costs associated with bulk printing.
Please note, the FYC printer is for printing classroom materials only. You may use the grad lab to print any coursework-related material.
If printing from a flash drive, the document must be in .pdf format. Please enter the four digits of your 4x4 in the User I.D. box to log in.
We at the Office of First-Year Composition try to limit our posts on the FYC ListServ to important announcements and requests. We ask that graduate teaching assistants and instructors also limit their use of the ListServ to these purposes.
When responding to a post on the FYC ListServ, please be sure to use Reply and not Reply All to contact the original poster as a courtesy to other users of the list. All posts should be polite and professional.
If you have any questions about what is or isn't an appropriate use of the ListServ, please email us at fyc@ou.edu.
You are not permitted any contact whatsoever with your student's family members (parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.) unless the contact is just to let you know that your student is lying in a hospital unable to email you, in which case, please reply.
If you receive an email from a family member on any other subject, forward it immediately to Office of First-Year Composition Director Dr. Roxanne Mountford with an explanation if one is available.
Although FERPA is one of many reasons not to respond, do not reciprocate contact by attempting to explain FERPA or even offering any acknowledgement of the email.
The University of Oklahoma has a number of resources aimed at giving our students the best possible chance to succeed on campus, not just academically but in all factors of life.
The Compass Network
While several of these resources have been placed under the umbrella organization of the University of Oklahoma’s Behavior Intervention Team (BIT), for less serious concerns like absences instructors should instead contact the Compass Network.
Per their website:
"Compass Network is an initiative aimed at helping students overcome barriers to their success at OU. Students work one-on-one with one of our staff to create an action plan to address the issue(s) impeding their success. Students should contact the Compass Network with any issue they feel is getting in the way of their ability to create success."
Instructors can refer students to the Compass Network by emailing Compass at compass.network@ou.edu or calling (405) 325-8103.
What is BIT and what do they do?
OU BIT is a group of trained campus professionals who respond to reports of disruptive or troubling behavior issues. BIT’s mission is to promote student, faculty and staff success and campus safety by identifying individuals who demonstrate behaviors that may be early warning signs of possible disruptive or violent behavior and intervene at the earliest possible point.
The focus of OU’s Behavior Intervention Team is care and concern for students, faculty members or staff members who may be in distress. Team members coordinate resources and implement a coordinated response with the goal of providing assistance to the individual while mitigating risk in an effort to keep the OU community healthy and safe.
BIT provides centralized, preventive, early intervention for students, faculty and staff using the following strategies:
When and how to make a report
If you have a student who is (or who you suspect might be)...
As composition instructors, we are often uniquely positioned to help students in the early stages of transitioning to student life.
If you have a situation that concerns you with a student, please come and speak with us in the FYC office and, if appropriate, make a report to BIT. To do so, go to ou.edu/normanbit. Reports may also be made by email (normanbit@ou.edu) or by phone at (405) 325-7700
FYC Grade Challenge Policy
Academic Appeals at the University of Oklahoma and the Department of English follow a three-step process:
Office of First Year Composition Grade Review Process
When a student has questions about essay grades or the final course grade, the first step is to meet with their instructor face-to-face to discuss the grade. Normally a student’s instructor can explain how grades are assigned as well as answer questions about student performance and evaluation. If issues related to the assigned grade remain unresolved even after the student meets with her or his instructor, the student may file a grade appeal with the Office of First Year Composition. The nature of the grievance must meet the criteria stated in this policy. Disliking a teacher or a teacher’s style is not reason enough for a grade change. Instances when a student feels a teacher is too harsh or strict in evaluation or when a student believes a teacher is ineffective are normally not grounds for filing a grade appeal.
You may appeal the assigned grade if the instructor has violated published policies and procedures, if the instructor has demonstrated prejudiced or capricious evaluation, or if the instructor has shown a consistent inability to communicate with students in ways necessary to their success.
Students may submit an essay during the semester or after the semester concludes up until the grade appeal deadline. If the student decides to appeal a grade during the semester, s/he must first meet with her/his instructor within 15 business days of receiving the grade. If the student and the instructor are unable to reach an understanding, the student may submit the essay in question, along with the completed grading rubric, to the Office of First Year Composition. Students appealing a grade must also submit a written request via email. This request should explain the student’s reasons for disputing the grade and should also indicate how the conversation with the instructor was unable to produce resolution or clarity.
The instructor must submit a letter of explanation, the original graded essay(s), assignment sheet(s) and grading criteria/rubric(s), and any other relevant material. All materials will be reviewed holistically by at least two members of FYC staff. Each reviewer will determine if the instructor’s assessment practices are consistent with published policies and procedures and avoid prejudice or capriciousness. Once two members of FYC staff have reviewed all materials (collected from both teacher and student), they will each put their assessment in writing and submit all materials to the Director of First Year Composition. The Director(s) will make the final assessment. Once the decision has been made, both instructor and student will be notified immediately.
If the student is unsatisfied with FYC decision, they must meet with the Director of The Office of First Year Composition. After this meeting, the student may appeal to CAS within 10 business days.
The deadline to file a grade dispute for a fall course is February 15th. The deadline to file a grade dispute for a spring course is September 15th.
In the event that there is an unresolvable issue between a student and instructor, either the student or the instructor can schedule mediation with the First-Year Composition (FYC) staff.
Mediation follows a two-step process:
Office of First-Year Composition Mediation Process
When a student has questions about course policies, grades, or the instructor’s implementation of course policies, the first step is for the student to meet with the instructor face-to-face to discuss the issue(s). Normally a student and instructor can communicate about the issue and come to a workable resolution. However, if issues remain unresolved even after the student meets with her or his instructor, the student may file a request for mediation with the Office of First Year Composition. The nature of the grievance must meet the criteria stated in this policy.
You may only request mediation if the instructor has violated published policies and procedures, if the instructor has demonstrated prejudiced or capricious implementation of policy, or if the instructor has shown a consistent inability to communicate with students in ways necessary to their success. Instances when a student disagrees with the teacher’s policies or feels a teacher is too harsh or strict or when a student believes a teacher is ineffective are not grounds for requesting mediation. Disliking a teacher or a teacher’s style is not reason enough to schedule mediation.
Students may submit a request for mediation any time during the semester in which s/he is taking the course. If the student wishes to appeal a paper grade, s/he must do so after the semester is over in accordance with the “Grade Appeal Policy” (available on the FYC website). In order to schedule mediation, the student should first meet with her/his instructor. If the student and the instructor are unable to reach an understanding, the student may submit a formal letter of request for mediation to the Office of First Year Composition. This letter should explain the student’s reasons for requesting mediation and should also indicate how the conversation with the instructor was unable to produce resolution or clarity.
If the student wishes to schedule mediation with FYC staff, the staff will first notify the instructor of the specific policies or issues to be discussed in the mediation. FYC staff will not disclose the details of the student’s request for mediation but will provide only enough information to prepare the instructor to discuss the policies and/or classroom issues the student wishes to address. FYC staff will schedule a time that works for the student, instructor, office staff, and the Director(s) of FYC, and mediation will take place in the Office of First Year Composition (Gittinger Hall room 122). Mediation will be scheduled for no longer than 1 hour, so the student should prioritize his/her questions and concerns about the course and plan accordingly.
The purpose of mediation is to create a safe space in which student and instructor can communicate clearly to resolve any difficulties. As such, only the student and instructor may be present at the mediation along with office staff; if any other person(s) has relevant information to contribute, they may do so through written form. Office staff and Director(s) of First Year Composition will be present to help ensure that both teacher and student understand each other’s concerns and to help co-design a sustainable way forward for the remainder of the semester.
After mediation, students can stay in contact with the FYC office staff if necessary to keep the staff apprised of the situation. If the student is unsatisfied with the resolution that comes from mediation and it is relevant to do so, they may file a grade appeal after the semester is over and before the grade challenge deadline. The deadline to begin the grade dispute process for a fall course is February 15th. The deadline to begin the grade dispute process for a spring course is September 15th.
In addition to familiarizing yourself with the student resources so as to be able to direct our students to them when necessary, we also want our instructors to feel supported and prepared by FYC. As such, please consider the FYC-Office as a resource for all your teaching needs, and feel free to drop in and discuss any issues you are facing in the classroom or just to chat about your pedagogical approaches.
Below are some other resources we think you may find helpful:
FYC offers a series of professional development workshops throughout the semester aimed specifically at issues of import to teaching composition. More generally, the OU Center for Faculty Excellence offers a variety of resources for teachers, including resources for incorporating digital technologies into the classroom and communities aimed specifically toward graduate student teachers and faculty.
The University of Oklahoma provides individualized support services to help students achieve success on our campus. The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides a variety of support services to encourage full participation for students with various needs. The center strives to ensure equal educational opportunity and to alleviate often overlooked obstacles in the classroom.
You may reach the ADRC by dialing (405) 325-3852 or by emailing adrc@ou.edu.
The Compass Network is a Provost's initiative assisting undergraduate students facing a multiplicity of issues that could impact their success or degree completion. Our team works collaboratively with University partners to ensure care and support for our students.
If you are working with a student in need of assistance beyond what you feel you can provide as a faculty/staff member, contact us for a consultation or submit a referral at Compass Network.
The University of Oklahoma Libraries has made researching countless subjects available at the click of a button. With hundreds of databases available, students are able to do in-depth research from anywhere they have access to a computer and internet connection. The library has created a “Resources by Subject” section to help direct student research in particular areas of study and provide tools for researching their subject.
Along with online databases, the library also includes access to research guides and inter-library loans. The guide for the humanities offers a collection if discipline-specific databases, as well as contact information for the humanities librarians, Kristal Boulden and Leorah Golomb, both of whom serve as excellent resources for us in teaching research
The hotline serves as an added protection for OU students, handling reports of bias, discrimination, physical or mental harassment or misconduct by OU community members.
The 24 Hour Reporting Hotline service allows for the reporting of incidents or concerns relating, but not limited, to the following:
Reports can may be made by calling 844-428-6531 or going online to www.ou.ethicspoint.com.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) spells out directly the rights of our students in regards to access to their grades as well as what we can and cannot share with the family members of students. It is our responsibility as instructors to be familiar with FERPA guidelines.
Be sure to check out OU's FERPA FAQ for faculty and staff as a resource if you have questions about this policy.
Remember, if ever you are contacted by a parent, do not respond yourself. Simply forward the email to the Director of First-Year Composition.
You can view and download your pay stubs at OU HR Self-Service. You can also update your contact and federal tax information through this service. For guidance on these services and many more associated with pay, visit OU Payroll and Employee Services.
If for any reason you have an issue or discrepancy with your pay, please begin by contacting the HR Payroll office at (405) 325-2961.
If they tell you it is an issue with FYC, please contact the FYC Office Manager (Tristin Tracy).
For additional resources, such as our guide to teaching ENGL 1113 and 1213, please visit our First-Year Composition page on Canvas.
Below are some questions we frequently receive from instructors and graduate teaching assistants.
The Office of First-Year Composition via email at fyc@ou.edu.
Contact First-Year Composition, email your students to notify them, and post an alternative assignment to Canvas
Reach out to other instructors via the FYC ListServ with your class details (day/time/location).
The FYC Office Manager, Tristin Tracy. Inform him of the time, date, and section that you substituted.
Compass (and possibly University College for first-year students). For more information, consult our OU BIT/Compass policy.
The First-Year Composition Office and/or the FYC Office Manager. If you alert us early enough, we should be able to move you to a different classroom.
You can print class materials in the FYC Workroom (Rm 430A). Since the syllabus is such a large document, consider posting it to Canvas for your students rather than printing. For more information, please consult our printing policy.
250 pages per course
The FYC Office Manager, Tristin Tracy.
The FYC Office. You may also contact the Office of Academic Integrity to report violations or to learn more about policies associated with plagiarism and other issues of academic integrity.
Submit a ticket with OU IT. You can also call IT if the issue requires immediate intervention: Norman & OKC: (405) 325-HELP (4357)
If for any reason you have an issue or discrepancy with your pay, please begin by visiting OU Payroll and Employee Services or contacting the HR Payroll office at (405) 325-2961.
If they tell you it is an issue with FYC, please contact the FYC Office Manager (Tristin Tracy).
OU BIT/Compass network and FYC. For more information, consult our OU BIT/Compass policy.
The FYC Office
OU BIT/Compass network and FYC. For more information, consult our OU BIT/Compass policy.
The English Department Office Manager, Brenda Mackey.
RTFs: Tristin Tracy
GTAs: Sara Day, Concur Travel Manager, (405) 925-0574
Adjust your unit calendar. Tell students during classes and highlight important changes. Post the revised calendar on Canvas.
One, The Book
The FYC Office. You can also check out the Canvas Guides, here.
Email gradgra@ou.edu with questions about tuition waivers
