Department of Labor Studies Student Handbook

Teaching and Learning for Social Justice

Department of Labor Studies

Revised by Department of Labor Studies spring 2023

This handbook is designed as a reference to assist students in understanding the undergraduate labor studies degree including its curriculum, policies, and procedures. Students referring to this handbook will be able to locate important information throughout their academic career. The handbook provides an overview of the department, its history, mission, and vision as well as available services and opportunities. We strive to provide up-to-date information but reserve the right to make changes when necessary to enhance the quality of student educational experiences.

The Department of Labor Studies (DLS) at Indiana University School of Social Work offers a variety of courses for traditional as well as non-traditional students from working class and underserved constituencies by providing opportunities for life-long learning, university credit for work life experience, a Certificate, an Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees, as well as a minor in Labor Studies on the Indianapolis, Bloomington, Northwest, South Bend, Southeast, East, Columbus, and Kokomo campuses. Our degrees prepare students for leadership, administration, and policy analysis roles in labor related fields such as labor relations, labor management, union and community organizing, and representation. Additionally, practical labor education programs are offered across Indiana. The faculty are engaged in research from their respective backgrounds that examines local, regional, national, and global issues as those issues relate to their impact on workers and their world of work.

Labor studies (LS) is an interdisciplinary field that deals with work, the workplace, workers, and their organizations. It draws from the fields of history, economics, industrial relations, political science, law, sociology, communication, and philosophy, as well as other disciplines. Labor studies’ mission focuses on fostering workers’ participation in democratic institutions that affect work, promoting greater understanding of these institutions and their evolution over time. As a relatively recent addition to academia, LS explores economic, political and social dynamics based on certain groups’ perspectives which draw on several disciplines for research questions and methods. Degree programs in LS are more recent, and Indiana University is one of a handful of universities nationally that offer an Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees in LS.

Labor education is a subfield of LS, a branch of adult education that provides credit and noncredit curricula for employees and labor organization members who seek to improve their understanding of the structures of the labor relations system. LS faculty and labor educators ask different questions than do historians or sociologists, although we often examine the same materials and draw on similar methodologies. Noncredit labor studies programs have grown in US colleges and universities since the early 20th century with the transition to an increasingly urban, industrial structure of work and employment. Such extension programs multiplied after the passage of the National Labor Relations Act in 1935, increasing underserved groups’ access to the legal infrastructure of industrial /labor relations. Subsequently labor studies programs have evolved to meet the need for analysis of societal change, as well as knowledge and understanding of further employee rights and subfields of study, including anti- discrimination, occupational safety and health legislation, labor and environmental issues, economic development, and the internationalization of production.

Historical Development of Labor Studies at Indiana University

LS origins at Indiana University can be traced to the IU Post-War Planning Committee on Industrial Relations’ 1945 recommendation that the university broaden its offerings off-campus, particularly with the view of meeting the demands for workers’ education, foremanship training, and education of trade union officials. Originally this was an extension service with noncredit programming. Credit programming was added in 1976 in the form of a LS concentration within the School of Continuing Studies and in 1985 was renamed the Division of Labor Studies (DLS) which offered a Certificate, Associate of Science, and Bachelor of Science degrees.

The establishment of the degree program attracted traditional and non-traditional adult students wishing to upgrade their current skill set or acquire a new skill set. To reach students who are geographically remote from a regional campus or outside of Indiana, the DLS established the External Degree Program (a correspondence course program) in the late 1970s, which laid the basis for the current online degree program and in 2006-7, the DLS joined the IU School of Social Work. Online credit and non-credit programming replaced face-to-face teaching, attracting several students who are drawn to LS for scheduling reasons. Labor Studies majors are typically interested in professional work for unions, non-profit organizations, government and public agencies, labor and employment law and human resources, and careers related to liberal arts.

Mission Statement

Vision Statement

Policies

The DLS follows Indiana University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination Indiana University Non-Discrimination Policy

The DLS follows Indiana University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy Indiana University Sexual Misconduct Policy

Campus specific policies concerning course-related issues can be found here: Campus Specific Course- related Issues

Department of LS Learning Outcomes:

1. Develop and utilize a comprehensive knowledge of the discipline of Labor Studies to promote social and economic justice through collective action and democratic participation, eliminate oppressive structural barriers, and ensure equitable treatment for all.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories and concepts associated with Labor Studies.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the social, cultural, economic, and political institutional structures and their interactions as related to labor and its organization.
4. Apply research methods and statistical analysis to examine complex labor and employment issues and associated societal problems.
5. Prepare for career, future academic endeavors, and life-long learning through a series of academic, experiential, and service-learning opportunities.

The Indiana Commission on Higher Education (ICHE) established requirements for a Statewide Transfer Education Core (2012) of at least 30 hours based on a set of competencies which allows students to seamlessly transfer between Indiana educational institutions. These competencies include “Ways of Knowing” and “Foundational Intellectual Skills”. The following department learning outcomes are based on these competencies. Indiana University also established four Profiles of Learning for Undergraduate Success (PLUS) which prepare students to communicate, innovate, solve problems, and contribute to local/global communities. The DLS learning outcomes are linked to PLUS.

DLS course learning outcomes and Profiles of Learning for Undergraduate Success (PLUS)

Degree Requirements

The DLS curriculum is formulated on our vision of being the leading collaborative program in labor and work issues in interdisciplinary scholarship, education, training, and empowerment nationally and internationally. Focusing on the rapidly changing conditions of work within a national and global perspective, the DLS prepares students to respond to the challenges faced by labor institutions and strengthen the qualities of the workforce. Graduates are prepared to assume leadership roles in the workplace and in communities and are well round critical thinkers trained with a liberal arts foundation to value the well-being of workers, working people, and their organizations through skills and knowledge to support, strengthen, advocate, and promote the history and developments of the labor movement locally and globally with an emphasis on social and economic justice.

The DLS Bachelor of Science degree requires 120 credit hours (cr.hr.) distributed over three sections: General education requirements, Labor Studies required areas of learning, and Electives. The required hours vary by campus. Labor Studies Bachelor’s Degree

Degree Map

General Education Requirements

Major Concentration

There are no prerequisites or corequisites LS courses. Students may take LS courses in any order although we strongly suggest a logical progression (L100, L200. L300, etc.) and in consultation with a LS advisor to achieve desired goals.

1. LS 100-200 level courses (15 cr.) except L190, L290, L299
2. LS 200/300/400 level courses (27 cr.)

Credit for Life Experience

The DLS is open to all students. Requirements first include being enrolled at IU Office of Admissions and then applying to the DLS through our online application portal Application Portal.

Please access this link for further information Department of Labor Studies Contact Information

Transfer Students and Adult Applicants

The University Transfer Office helps navigate your transfer from a 2- or 4-year institution, between IU locations, internationally or returning to school. University Transfer Office

Once enrolled at IU, simply apply to the DLS for admission at Department of Labor Studies Admissions .

Transfer Credits from another accredited academic institution or community college. Transfer Credits

Ivy Tech students may access a guaranteed admissions pathway through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement to the DLS at IU Indianapolis, Bloomington, Northwest, and South Bend. Requirements include an application for admission to IU, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and the completion of an associate degree in science at Ivy Tech in one of the following:

• Associate of Science in Accounting
• Associate of Science in Liberal Arts
• Associate of Science in Business Administration
• Associate of Applied Science in Business Operations, Applications, and Technology
• Associate of Science in Supply Chain Management

DLS advisors will help you map your degree requirements and answer any questions you might have. Student Services Advising

To schedule an appointment with an advisor, go to Student Appointment Scheduler.

Advisor’s Role

The functions of the advisor are:

1. To help students identify emerging strengths and clarify personal career goals in the context of realistic professional opportunities.
2. To help students select required and elective courses congruent with program requirements, course sequencing, and their interest and The tools provided include the Degree Map and the Interactive Graduation Planning System (iGPS).
3. To assist students to assess their academic progress and standing:
   • through assessment of the number of credits earned each semester in relation to students’ academic plans of study and dates of anticipated graduation.
   • through assessment of grades, including those for individual courses as well as cumulative social work GPA, and overall GPA consistent with the DLS program grade policies
4. To help students identify conduct and/or academic deficiencies which pose potential threats to future satisfactory academic performance and help the student remedy the difficulties.
5. To help students identify and utilize campus and/or community services when necessary for financial need, personal counseling, skill deficiencies and/or other difficulties threatening satisfactory academic performance.
6. To participate in the Student Performance Review process with students who are identified due to deficiencies in academic performance or conduct, as stated in the
7. To help students who fail to meet the academic requirements for continuation in the DLS by facilitating the transition out of the program or through the provision of information and advice during appeal processes.

The process of student advising is assumed to be an ongoing, collaborative effort. Students are encouraged to anticipate or avoid serious difficulties by consulting with the advisor. Many advisors use e-mail and Advising Records (ADRx) to enhance the promptness of communication with students.

Students are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of their academic enrollment.

Educational Requirements

For continuance in and graduation from the program, students are required to:

1. earn at least a “C-” in each required LS course.
2. maintain a minimum of 5 cumulative GPA in required LS courses and a minimum 2.5 overall GPA (a “C: is 2.0 and a “B” is 3.0).
3. comply with any contract which might have been entered into under either a Conditional Admission or a Student Performance Review.

Grade Appeal Policy

All students enrolled in Labor Studies classes on any campus may use the Grade Appeal Policy if the student believes a semester grade was improper, unfair, or arbitrary, and he/she chooses to seek resolution of the matter.

Steps to Grade Appeal and Petition Change of Grade

The student must:

• Meet with the course instructor online or in person to attempt to resolve the matter. This discussion should take place no later than three months after the end of the semester in which the grade was disputed.
• Discuss the improper grade concern with the Labor Studies Department Chair if the matter is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction. The student shall provide the Department Chair with sufficient evidence and/or materials to support the complaint, including the syllabus, assignments submitted, exams taken, emails sent, and other course documents to support your case in a timely manner. Other required documents include:
• A statement that the student has pursued informal conferences with the instructor. A statement demonstrating that the grade in question was unfair or arbitrary.
• Suggestions as to what the student would consider a fair resolution of the appeal with supporting reasons.
• All available pertinent grade records and student class work in support of his/her grade appeal.
• Note: In the appeals process, the burden of proof shall be on the student to prove that his/her grade has been based on factors other than, or in addition to, academic performance.
• Await the Department Chair’s consultation with the course instructor to attempt to find an amicable resolution. The Department Chair thereafter will advise the student and the instructor of the outcome of this discussion in writing within one month following the initial appeal.

Beyond Student Control: If a student failed to complete the requirements of a course due to a situation beyond the student’s control, the student may request a meeting with the instructor and/or Department Chair to provide an explanation and documentation of the problem. There will be more flexible time limits in such cases.

Confidentiality: All grade appeal procedures must assure protection of the student’s right to privacy regarding information about her/his academic records, performance, and/or any of her/his personal affairs. The student has the right to review all written information presented for the appeal process. Persons involved in the appeal are expected to maintain confidentiality about all aspects of the appeals process and actions taken should remain confidential and shared only with those persons involved with the student in an educational capacity.

Alternative Appeal Process

If such consultation does not result in a mutually agreeable solution, the student may follow the appeal procedures available on his/her own campus.

The Department of Labor Studies adheres to the IU standards for academic progress which is defined as successful competition of course work toward an eligible certificate or degree. Students are expected to maintain a GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic and financial standing. Students’ academic progress is reviewed at the end of each semester. If academic records reflect a GPA below 2.0, an academic advisor will make recommendations for improvement.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Academic Progress and Financial Aid

Students on academic probation should consult their academic advisor.

Other Criteria for Review

Procedures for Student Performance Review

Should a student performance review be necessary, a committee consisting of the department chair and one faculty member from the student’s campus of origin will contact the student electronically to determine developing problems and resolutions. If a student’s performance is found to be deficient, the committee determines what, if any, course of action could bring the student’s performance into compliance with the DLS’s and IU’s standards.

The DLS chair will notify the student electronically of the outcomes of the review. In situations where such action is feasible and desirable, a contract will be developed. The contract will set forth problems to be solved, actions to be taken to solve said problems, and a time for completion of designated actions and re-evaluation of student performance. Consequences for non-performance also will be included in the contract. The committee will work together with the students, their advisor, and other relevant parties. If the student fails to fulfill the contract, or if while working on the contract some serious impropriety or failing academic performance occurs, the committee may decide that the student cannot continue in the DLS program. Discontinuance can occur during any semester of enrollment in the DLS program, including the last semester of enrollment.

Automatic Dismissal and Probation

Educational Requirements for graduation from the program, students are required to:

1. earn at least a “C-” in each required DLS course.
2. have a minimum of 0 cumulative GPA in required DLS courses and a minimum 2.0 overall GPA (a “C: is 2.0 and a “B” is 3.0).
3. comply with any contract which might have been entered into under either a Conditional Admission, Academic Probation, or a Student Performance Review.

Automatic Dismissal and Academic Probation Policy

Students who earned less than a “C-” in a required DLS course or dropped below an overall or DLS GPA of 2.0 will be placed by the program director/coordinator (or designee) on academic probation or dismissed from the program. To remain in the DLS program, students are required to meet with the DLS chair and an advisor upon request and sign a contract that addresses a plan for their success which includes raising the DLS GPA to a 2.0. within one academic year to avoid automatic dismissal.

Any student receiving below a “C-” in a required core DLS course must repeat the course and earn a “C-” or above.

Criteria for Automatic Dismissal from DLS Program

Failure to sign and/or comply with any contract including those related to conditional admission, academic probation, or performance review process in the program are grounds for automatic dismissal.

Notification Procedures

The following procedures are used in the event a student falls under any of the criteria for Automatic Dismissal:

1. If a student is dismissed for any of the above, the advisor should be notified immediately by the student, the instructor for the course, or the DLS chair.
2. Within 15 working days of receiving the above notification, the DLS chair will send by IU email and certified mail a written statement to the student indicating they have been discontinued from the program and explain the due process procedures. Copies of the letter should be forwarded to the student’s advisor.
3. The advisor will meet with the student should they wish to discuss options and the reinstatement procedures.

Reinstatement Procedures All Dismissals

1. A student seeking continuation in the program may request reinstatement by delivering in writing a reinstatement request which includes an identification of extenuating factors, if any, which contributed to the poor performance in the course and a discussion of the steps which would be taken to alleviate the impact of those factors and to improve academic performance if permitted to continue in the program. The reinstatement request must be submitted to the DLS chair no later than twelve months after notification of dismissal.
2. Upon reviewing the student’s request for reinstatement, the DLS chair will review the case, consult with appropriate personnel, decide, and electronically inform the student and advisor of the decision and the right to appeal.
3. DLS courses may be repeated after a student is reinstated in the program OR by permission of the DLS chair.

Procedures to Appeal a Negative Reinstatement Decision

A student not reinstated to the DLS program may appeal by presenting a substantive written statement within 15 days for an appeal to the Dean’s Office of the School of Social Work to request a review. The appeal is reviewed by the Dean or a designee. This Office is the final option for appeal within the School of Social Work.

At the discretion of the Dean or designee, an Appeal Committee consisting of at least three full-time faculty members (not including the advisor) who are not primary actors in the reason for the student’s dismissal may be convened. The student will receive an electronic notice at least 15 working days prior to the meeting date. The student will have the right to:

1. Present information on his/her behalf.
2. Have up to two additional guests present. The student should inform the Chair of the Committee in advance regarding the names of the guests and the nature of the information they bring. If the guests are students or outside of the IU system, FERPA rights need to be respected by asking the student to sign a release of The Chair reserves the right to structure the hearing and the length of time each party can speak. Generally, only those guests with information relevant to the issue that led to the dismissal are invited to speak. The student and students’ guests may be present only for the information-giving portion of the meeting and must leave prior to deliberation by the Committee.

The student’s advisor will meet with him/her prior to the hearing and, in the hearing, present comprehensive information concerning the student’s overall academic/professional performance. To prepare this background statement, the advisor shall secure performance information from faculty who have taught the student. The advisor may ask questions at any time during the hearing, including during the committee’s deliberations. The advisor may also recommend actions to resolve the performance problem. However, the advisor shall not have a vote during the proceedings.

The recommended actions of the Appeal Committee shall be forwarded in writing to the Dean’s Office of the School of Social Work. Copies will be sent to the student, student’s advisor, and placed in the student’s official electronic file. The action by the Dean or designee is final.

Confidentiality

All procedures related to a performance review must be carried out in a manner which assures protection of the student’s right to privacy regarding information about their academic records, performance, and conduct. All written documents prepared for dismissal or review will be placed in the student’s permanent file. The student has the right to review all written information which is presented to either the Performance Review or the Appeals committee.

Members of the committee and other people who appear at the hearing are expected to maintain confidentiality about all aspects of the hearing. Actions of the committee are to remain confidential and are to be shared only with those people involved with the student in an educational capacity.

Academic Guidelines

It is the personal and professional responsibility of students to actively participate in coursework and engage with other students and instructors in a professional manner. A climate of civility must always be maintained within electronic interactions, interactive videos, and phone conversations.

Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is any activity which undermines the academic integrity of the institution and may involve human, hard-copy, or electronic resources including cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, interference, violation of course rules, and the facilitation of academic dishonesty.

Indiana University Codes of Conduct

Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct

The DLS upholds and maintains academic and professional honesty and integrity. Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct

Scholarly Writing Guidelines

Students are expected to prepare deliverables/artifacts such as written, oral, or digital assignments in a scholarly and professional manner. Adherence to assignment instructions is required. Competent and effective writing requires well-developed and refined communication skills, helps communicate information accurately and concisely, and presents data in understandable terms. Students are expected to prepare written assignments in a scholarly and professional manner which requires conforming to the American Psychological Association (APA) citation style using the most current edition. Visit the following web sites to become familiar with APA style:

APA Style: APA Style Guidelines

Purdue Online Writing Lab: Purdue OWL Writing Lab

Students experiencing writing difficulties should seek assistance from available resources at their campus level.

Indiana University and DLS Policy on Plagiarism

The DLS follows the Indiana University policy on plagiarism which states: Plagiarism is a form of cheating and is grounds for failing the course and possible dismissal from the program and/or university. Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else’s work, including the work of other students, as one’s own. Any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged unless the information is common knowledge. What is considered “common knowledge” may differ from course to course.

• A student must not adopt or reproduce ideas, opinions, theories, formulas, graphics, or pictures of another person without acknowledgment.
• A student must give credit to the originality of others and acknowledge indebtedness whenever:
  • Directly quoting another person’s actual words, whether oral or
  • Using another person’s ideas, opinions, or
  • Paraphrasing the words, ideas, opinions, or theories of others, whether oral or
  • Borrowing facts, statistics, or illustrative material; or
  • Offering materials assembled or collected by others in the form of projects or collections without acknowledgment.

• A student must not submit substantial portions of the same academic work for credit or honors more than once without permission of the instructor or program to whom the work is being submitted. Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct

Academic Honors

Student Academic Files

An academic file is created and maintained for each DLS student to facilitate the advising process. All student files are confidential. Students can request to review their student files from the DLS program director/coordinator or designee on each campus. In the case where a student transfers from one campus to another, their academic file follows them. For specific information on federal guidelines regarding student record confidentiality (FERPA), see Student Rights Under FERPA and Release of Student Information.

Incomplete Policy

A grade of Incomplete (I) may be assigned by an instructor only when exceptional circumstances such as an illness, injury, or a family emergency prevents a student from finishing all the work required for the course. The grade of Incomplete may be considered only when a substantial portion of the course work has already been completed, the coursework is of satisfactory quality, and no more than one major exam or assignment is outstanding. The student who does not meet these requirements should meet with their advisor to withdraw from the course(s) in question. The student should refer to the Registrar’s Office on their respective campus regarding the policies and deadline for automatic withdrawal for the semester in question.

The student is responsible for initiating the request for a grade of Incomplete. If the instructor agrees, the instructor and student complete and sign the form Record of Incomplete and Completion of Course Requirements to ensure that a sound educational plan and time frame for completion of course requirements have been established. Failure to fulfill the terms of this contract within the stipulated time frame may result in a failed grade. For removal of a grade of incomplete, the student is subject to the IUSSW policy, which has precedence over the University policy. The student in the DLS is expected to complete outstanding course work expeditiously with the time frame as agreed to by the student and the instructor. Generally, students may carry no more than one grade of Incomplete at any given time. However, in cases of severe crisis, a student may work with their advisor to request grades of Incomplete in multiple courses.

Grievance Procedures

If a student believes s/he has been treated unfairly or unprofessionally by a faculty or staff member, or that a policy or procedure is unjust or unwise, then the student may submit, in writing, a formal grievance petition to the DLS Chair. Grievance petitions are reserved for those issues or incidences that warrant formal and thorough investigation. Such petitions should be submitted in a professional manner. Student complaints regarding discrimination, sexual harassment, racial harassment, and harassment based on sexual orientation have established complaint procedures available in the Indiana University Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct. Indiana Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct

Civility

In 1999, the Bloomington Faculty Council passed a Statement of Civility which articulates the meaning of civility for Indiana University. The IUSSW and the Department of Labor Studies has adopted this policy and expects students to adhere to its tenets.

As members of an institution of higher education, we have dedicated ourselves to creating an environment where everyone is important and can succeed. Our institutional ethics compels us to foster the best possible environment for doing our work as educators, learners, and supporters of the educational process. When any one of our members is prevented from doing her or his best, the entire community is diminished. As members of an institution of higher learning, we must periodically reaffirm the fundamental ethics and values that form the framework for our university.

Among those values is fostering a climate of civility and mutual respect. Because the university is so complex and diverse, we will not always agree with one another. Nevertheless, we expect everyone to speak and act with respect for one another. This civility and respect should be extended to all persons regardless of their role at Indiana University, and regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and age.

If we are to be true to our commitment to diversity and welcoming all, everyone must do his or her part. While no set of rules or policies can wholly govern human conduct, it is important to state that civility is a fragile construct that each of us must cherish and preserve (Bloomington Academic Guide, Policy 1-3, 1999).

Student Technology Use

Students are expected to have access to the Internet and functioning computers/mobile devices as a condition for class interactions. Equipment failure is only an acceptable excuse in unforeseen circumstances.

Electronic Communication

In an asynchronous learning environment, most communications are electronic. It is important to follow appropriate email etiquette when communicating with faculty, staff, and peers so writing in clear and understandable terms is necessary. Inappropriate use of email will be grounds for student review. For specific guidelines on acceptable use of technology and information resources, please visit Information Security & Policy.

To promote confidentiality and for compliance with FERPA regulations, the DLS requires students to utilize their official IU email accounts when corresponding with the program. Faculty may not respond to student emails that are NOT from university accounts.

Social Media Policy

Student Conduct

Nondiscrimination Policy for People with Disabilities*

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Indiana University will not exclude or deny benefits to any otherwise qualified person with a disability. This nondiscrimination includes procedures for applying for jobs, hiring or firing of employees, compensation, job advancement and training.

Students with disabilities can access services on each campus to enable them to fully access educational opportunities. Students who have questions about compliance requirements should contact the following:

*See Appendix A

Posthumous Degree Policy

The DLS wishes to honor the efforts of students who are enrolled in one of its degree granting programs. Should a student in good standing die before completing his/her degree, the DLS may award an honorary Posthumous Degree to the family or significant other of the deceased in the year following the death.

Program Assessment

The Program Assessment and Review Committee (PRAC) annually evaluates the progress of department and student learning outcomes to ensure continuous quality improvement. Assessment procedures include student feedback to facilitate school assessment plans.

Instructor and Course Evaluation

All students enrolled in the DLS have an opportunity each semester to evaluate their instructors and courses. At the end of each course, students are asked to complete online questionnaires evaluating their course and instructor. These confidential evaluations are collated, and the feedback is returned to the instructors to utilize in strengthening content, teaching, and learning methods as well as to assess department and student learning outcomes.

Clubs and Organizations

Students are encouraged to be involved with DLS sponsored university organizations and external labor and work organizations. Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct

Appendix A: Campus Specific Disability Contact Information