University at Buffalo

University of New York at Buffalo

Graduate School of Education

Department of Educational Leadership and PolicyELP 501: Higher Education in the United States (Fall 2015)Monday ~ 4:10 - 6:50 p.m.

Clemens 117/Hybrid

Course DescriptionThe purpose of the course is to provide a broad and general introduction to the study of higher education. In addition to a general introduction the course will provide an overview of the major issues facing American higher education today. We will examine the nature and role of higher education and their responsiveness to the changing needs of society in the United States. GSE catalog description: Study of the development of higher education in the U.S. and its historical antecedents, purposes, organization, administration, relations with society, curriculum, financing, and the major trends and issues.Required TextIntroduction to American Higher Education

Author: Shaun R. Harper; Jerlando F. L. JacksonYear: 2010Format: Paperback 496 pageISBN 13: 9780415803267 (978-0-415-80326-7)ISBN: 0415803268 (0-415-80326-8)

Recommended Reference Book

APA Style Guide to Electronic References, Sixth Edition

Additional Required ReadingAs assigned through UB Learns.

Method of InstructionThe course is being offered as a hybrid course. The face-to-face component will be presented in seminar format and the assignments will involve a variety of written, oral, and classroom activities, including group and individual work, discussions, and presentations.

Learning Outcomes Students will develop a full sense of the scope and complexity of US higher education.

Students will gain and understanding of the critical issues in US higher education.

Students will be able to identify and critically evaluate the major issues facing higher education in the 21st century.

AccessibilityIt is the policy of the University at Buffalo as well as a legal requirement that reasonable accommodation be provided for any students with disabilities who may need special arrangements to benefit equally from university programs. Please contact the Office of Disability Services (25 Capen Hall, 645-2608) if you require such arrangements.

Expectation(s) Always be prompt for classes and submitting required assignments. Attendance is expected and is a basis for participation in course activities. ( Advanced notification is required if you need to be excused from a class due to employment, a professional development activity, event, illness, family obligation.) Be prepared for participation in all seminar and learning activities including reading, reviewing text book materials, handouts and resource information. Please avoid all unnecessary disruptions of our learning environment (i.e. no cell phones allowed, limit private conversations, late arrivals, ect.).

Support a quality learning environment through the above actions and behaviors, respect for others views, perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and situational characteristics/diversity. Support a collaborative and cooperative learning environment and initiatives encouraging student engagement in their own learning environment.

Engage in all that is appropriate to extend learning and professional development. Academic honesty is required in completing all course activities /requirements. The University has an Academic Honesty Policy which requires all work during evaluations, on papers or in other academic activities must be the student's own work. Cheating, plagiarism or other academic dishonesty is clearly a violation of academic standards and will be dealt with accordingly. Depending on the severity of the violation, disciplinary action may range from a warning or admonition to expulsion from a degree program. To aid in determining the originality of student work, the instructor (or the institution) may use plagiarism detection software. For guidelines on specific actions and procedures to be followed in negotiating and adjudicating charges, see the UB policy on academic integrity at (http://www.grad.buffalo.edu/policies/academicintegrity.php#preamble)

Course Requirements (Students must meet all required guidelines)Course Requirements/GradingAssignments

Participation and Attendance (8 face-to-face sessions)16

Discussion Board Responses (2 points per section from Introduction to American Higher Education textbook )10

Blog Postings (pre assigned questions -- 2 points per month)8

Assignment # 1

Higher Education System Diversity: Mission, Governance, Finance, Accreditation and Enrollment (paper)6

Assignment # 2

Higher Education System Diversity: Mission, Governance, Finance, Accreditation and Enrollment (class roundtable presentation)4

Assignment # 3Book Review Assignment8

Assignment # 4

Higher Education Issue Brief (Outline)6

Assignment # 5

Higher Education Issue Brief (Class Roundtable)4

Assignment # 6Short Paper Key Issue in Higher Education6

Assignment # 7Class Presentation (Key Issue)12

Assignment # 8Final Paper (Key Issue)20

Total 100

A 94 - 100

A- 90 - 93

B+87 - 89

B84 - 86

B-80 - 83

C+77 - 79

C74 - 76

C-70 - 73

Policy/Criteria Grading will be assigned according to how well each individual meets the course expectations and their own learning goals. Incomplete Grade Policy

For this course, an interim grade of Incomplete [I] will be assigned if the student has not successfully completed all requirements. The I shall be accompanied by a default grade of U that shall become the permanent course grade of record if the I is not changed by formal notice by the instructor upon the students completion of the course. Assignment of an interim I is at the discretion of the instructor. A grade of I is to be assigned only if successful completion of unfulfilled course requirements can result in a grade better than the default grade. The instructor shall provide the student specification, in writing or by electronic mail, of the requirements to be fulfilled. The default grade shall become the grade of record if the I is not replaced by a permanent grade within twelve [12] months after the close of the term for which the I is assigned.