Syllabus Guidelines
Instructors are expected to distribute a course syllabus on the first day of class. The course syllabus should contain information noted in the three sections below.
Also see Useful Information for Preparing the Syllabus.
Course Information
- Course Title
- Course and Section Number
- Meeting Location and Times
- Name of Instructor
- Instructor Contact Information
Office phone number and address, email address; office hours
- ELMS Site or Course Webpage
- Required Textbooks
Include ISBN numbers if available
- Required Technology
For example, personal response devices (clickers), calculator, or software
package
- Prerequisites
- Method for Communication with Students Outside the Classroom
Regarding class cancellation, room change, or other timely announcements
- Emergency Protocol
Means by which courses will be continued / completed in case of an emergency that closes the University for an extended period of time
Course Description, Goals, and Expectations
- General Description of the Course
- Statement of Course Goals and / or list of Student Learning Outcomes
Refer to University, Department, and/or General Education Learning Outcomes when applicable.
- Course Schedule
Outline of activities for each course meeting
- Due Dates
Specify Major Scheduled Grading Events (including exam dates and the final exam) and due dates for other assignments.
- Expectations for Students
Expectations for participation, contribution to group work, and other information supporting a successful student experience in the context of the course.
- Grading Procedures
Include how assignments and exams are weighted within the course grade. Indicate how the final course letter grade will be determined.
Course Procedures and Policies
- Course Attendance Policy
- Include a course policy that is consistent with that stated in the "Attendance and Assessment / Examinations" section of the Undergraduate Catalog.
- Specify the nature of the in-class participation expected and the effects of absences on the student's grade.
- Include an explanation of how religious holidays, inclement weather, excused absences and make-up exams will be handled. Click here to see possible language for establishing expectations for medically necessary absences.
- Written Absence Policy
Include a course policy that is consistent with the "Attendance and Assessment / Examinations" section of the Undergraduate Catalog and as covered by University Policies on Religious Observance and Student Medically Necessitated Absence from Class.
- Academic Integrity Expectations
Include the Honor Pledge and course specific standards related to academic integrity.
- Arrangements for Students with Disabilities
Include information about how students may receive appropriate accommodations for disabilities.
- Copyright Notice
Indicate that class lectures and other materials are copyrighted and that they may not be reproduced for anything other than personal use without written permission from you.
