Responsibility for syllabus preparation rests with each instructor for the course(s) he/she teaches. By the end of the first week of each semester, each instructor is required to provide a copy of the syllabus to each student registered for the course, and three hard copies must be filed with the Office of the Dean of Learning and Student Development. PLEASE DO NOT DUPLICATE SYLLABI ON COLORED PAPER!

I.

File Data

• Department, course number and title, and number of credits
• Name of instructor and semester/year for which prepared. Office hours of the instructor.

II.

Descriptive Data

• Course description as approved for catalog
• Approved course objectives - includes a brief narrative statement of purpose(s) of the course. Should be stated in terms of outcomes expected of student
• Course content - may be narrative or outline depending on preference of instructor; should detail areas of knowledge to be explored and/or skills to be developed with time frames
• Text(s) - required and recommended. Must include a list of reading assignments and their dates
• Collateral readings and/or bibliography - may be attached
• Attendance requirements and/or expectations
• Final date to drop [withdraw] from the course

III.

Evaluation Criteria

• Grading criteria - full indication of all expectations that will affect a student's grades including, where appropriate, the weights to be assigned various factors
• Indicate when exams will be administered and what areas will be covered
• Specify any penalties or expectations regarding late papers, late assignments, etc.

Note: As a general policy final examinations are required in all courses and should be administered during the week designated in the academic calendar. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Dean of Learning and Student Development. Part-time instructors must send a copy of the final grades to the Dean's office.

IV.

Accommodations for Students with Special Needs

• Please add a comment that tells your students who have special needs due to disabilities to self-identify themselves privately to you. Reasonable accommodations must be made for students with documented disabilities. The office of the Dean of Learning and Student Development can assist you with these accommodations. The following wording is suggested:

  "Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss options with me as early as possible in the semester, preferably during the first two weeks of class. You will need to provide documentation of your disability to the Director of Learning Services, Jim Grimord in the Learning and Student Development Office."

• Instructors will provide reasonable assistance and/or accommodations to students who have completed this procedure."

V.

Additional

• Gender-biased references are to be avoided in the preparation of syllabi and other instructional materials. If you need assistance or information concerning syllabus preparation, please contact the Dean.
• The syllabus not only provides a critical guide for students but also serves as the instructor's word regarding content, objectives, evaluations, etc. the Dean will rely on the syllabus to resolve issues regarding grades, attendance or other concerns that may arise. Please exercise care and good, professional judgment in the preparation of this important document.