University of New York at Buffalo

Graduate School of Education

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy
ELP 501: Higher Education in the United States (Fall 2015)
Monday ~ 4:10 - 6:50 p.m.
Clemens 117/Hybrid
Course Description
The 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 Text
Introduction to American Higher Education
Author: Shaun R. Harper; Jerlando F. L. Jackson
Year: 2010 Format: Paperback 496 page
ISBN 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 Reading
As assigned through UB Learns.
Method of Instruction
The 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.

Accessibility
It 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/Grading

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.