ACADEMIC RIGOR AT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, CHICO

Academic rigor means the consistent expectation of excellence and the aspiration to significant achievement. It should pervade the entire atmosphere of the University--teaching and learning, curriculum, evaluation of students and faculty, outreach, admissions, advising, and student life.

Rigorous Teaching

Rigorous faculty are role models for the behaviors and accomplishments the University seeks to promote. They demonstrate a high level of professionalism and commitment to the University and to their discipline and inspire in students an excitement about learning. Guiding students toward excellence, they

∑ Communicate high expectations and demonstrate them through a demanding syllabus and well-prepared classes.

∑ Encourage student-faculty contact in and out of class and offer conscientious advising and consistent availability.

∑ Encourage collaboration and active learning, fully involving students in the learning experience.

∑ Provide students early, prompt, and frequent feedback and develop appropriate assessment strategies.

∑ Emphasize time on task, clearly communicate time required for learning, make it clear that full-time study is full-time work, and design learning experiences so that homework matters.

∑ Develop approaches and strategies geared to diverse talents and ways of learning, while maintaining high standards of accountability.

∑ Reduce opportunities to engage in academic dishonesty and challenge its occurrence.

Rigorous Learning

Rigorous students are part of the equation of rigorous teaching and learning. A rigorous education is vigorous, difficult, deeply satisfying work, and it requires a lifestyle conducive to achieving excellence. College is not a temporary diversion or a period of entertainment, but a fundamental piece of student character, citizenship, and employment future. A diploma and good grades from a demanding institution count for something. Rigorous students

∑ Set high personal standards, develop a strong sense of purpose, come to class well-prepared, and complete assignments on time.

∑ Develop an effective relationship with the instructor, in and outside of class, and make the most of University advising and other services.

∑ Treat fellow students and the classroom environment with complete respect. Give each class full attention and participation. Do not miss class, arrive late, or leave early.

∑ Accept continuing responsibility for learning and for grades earned.

∑ Approach each class in a professional manner, as if the class were real employment. Treat a full-course load as full-time work and spend no less time on it. Determine exactly what is expected.

∑ Experiment with all teaching and learning strategies used in classes, and also determine which work best for them.

∑ Demonstrate complete honesty and integrity.