Syllabus Resources

Course Syllabus Policy

A. Purpose 

To establish minimum expectations of information required within course syllabi to meet federal, state, and accreditor requirements and provide necessary information to students. 

B. Background 

A syllabus is a statement of intent by the course instructor that should clearly explain what a student must do and when they must do it to successfully complete the course, as well as explaining how the student’s efforts will be evaluated and graded. A syllabus must also provide information about the policies set by the instructor, department, and university that govern conduct of the course. Federal Department of Education guidelines and laws, including Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, state Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, and Higher Learning Commission accreditation guidelines also require some information to be communicated to students within the syllabus.   

C. Policy 

1. All faculty and academic instructional staff will be complete a syllabus for each class, excluding courses focused on individualized instruction, such as internships, mentorship, or independent studies. 

2. The syllabus should be made available to students electronically and/or on paper within the first two class sessions of the course, or within the first week for asynchronous courses.

3. The syllabus will include the following items: 

a. GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION: 

i. Course title 
ii. Subject code or department/program prefix 
iii. Course number 
iv. Section number 
v. Academic term and year 
vi. Mode of instruction, e.g. face-to-face, online, or hybrid 
vii. Course meeting time and location. If online, specify synchronous or asynchronous and specify synchronous meeting times. 
viii. Course description from the Academic Catalog 
ix. Course learning outcomes 
x. General Education learning outcomes, if applicable 
xi. Departmental/programmatic learning outcomes 
xii. Credit hours and expected time commitment. For courses not offered 100% face-to-face, instructors should detail how meetings, assignments, activities, and/or online work meet the expectations of the U.S. Department of Education for regular and substantive interaction. 
xiii. Prerequisites/corequisites, if applicable 
xiv. Required discussion or lab sections, if applicable 

b. INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION: 

i. Instructor’s name 
ii. Instructor’s contact information, including email address and office phone number if available 
iii. Office/student hours, in person and/or online 

Instructors must include at least some office hours with detailed time and location to fulfill U.S. Department of Education guidelines 
Instructors may additionally offer the option to meet by appointment 

c. LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: 

i. Required texts. If none, say so 
ii. Other required resources, e.g. lab equipment, calculator, art supplies, etc. 
iii. Technology requirements, e.g. computer, software, reliable internet, webcam, etc. 
iv. Description of course content/schedule of topics 
v. List of all major assignments and/or examinations with anticipated due dates and weight for final grade 
vi. Grading policy and scale 
vii. Distinction between the requirements and/or performance for combined undergraduate and graduate sections, or for combined level undergraduate sections (e.g. 200 and 400 level meeting together). The following unique expectations of the graduate or upper-level students must be addressed: 

1. Content, e.g. the additional content that graduate students will explore, or the additional depth and scope of course content that will be covered by graduate students 
2. Intensity, e.g. the additional readings, assignments, requirements, evaluations, etc. that reflect additional rigor 
3. Self-direction, e.g. the work required outside of class that reflects increased self-directed learning 

viii. Required clinical, field, or travel experiences with dates specified, if applicable 

d. COURSE POLICIES: 

i. Academic integrity policy, in alignment with Wisconsin state statute UWS 14 
ii. Campus policies on inclusion, respect, accessibility, and accommodation, or a link to these policies
iii. Attendance/participation policy, which must include reference to accommodations for religious observances in line with Wisconsin state statute UWS 22 
iv. Late submission/missed exam policy 
v. Link to the Academic Calendar drawing attention to important dates such as drop/withdrawal deadlines 
vi. Class conduct policy 
vii. Notification of proctoring requirements, including requirement of online proctoring software such as Honorlock, if applicable 
viii. Teaching and learning data transparency statement, or link to the statement 

4. Instructors retain the ability to modify aspects of the class in order to meet course learning objectives and to respond to student needs and interests, as long as such modifications are consistent with both the official course specifications (i.e. Academic Catalog) and any written departmental expectations (i.e. approved formally by the department), and that any modifications are communicated to students in a timely manner. 

5. Instructors retain the academic freedom to deliver course content to achieve academic rigor and to serve the best interest of students based on their professional expertise and experience. 

Syllabus Requirements

REQUIRED

  • Course title 
  • Subject code or department/program prefix 
  • Course number 
  • Section number 
  • Academic term and year 
  • Mode of instruction (e.g. face-to-face, online, or hybrid)
  • Course meeting time and location (If online, specify synchronous or asynchronous and specify synchronous meeting times.)
  • Course description from the Academic Catalog 
  • Course learning outcomes 
  • General Education learning outcomes (If applicable) 
  • Departmental/programmatic learning outcomes 
  • Credit hours and expected time commitment. (For courses not offered 100% face-to-face, instructors should detail how meetings, assignments, activities, and/or online work meet the expectations of the U.S. Department of Education for regular and substantive interaction.)
  • Prerequisites/corequisites (If applicable)
  • Required discussion or lab sections (If applicable) 

REQUIRED

  • Required texts. If none, say so 
  • Other required resources (e.g. lab equipment, calculator, art supplies, etc.)
  • Technology requirements (e.g. computer, software, reliable internet, webcam, etc.)
  • Description of course content/schedule of topics 
  • List of all major assignments and/or examinations with anticipated due dates and weight for final grade 
  • Grading policy and scale 
  • Distinction between the requirements and/or performance for combined undergraduate and graduate sections, or for combined level undergraduate sections (e.g. 200 and 400 level meeting together). The following unique expectations of the graduate or upper-level students must be addressed: 
    • Content, e.g. the additional content that graduate students will explore, or the additional depth and scope of course content that will be covered by graduate students 
    • Intensity, e.g. the additional readings, assignments, requirements, evaluations, etc. that reflect additional rigor 
    • Self-direction, e.g. the work required outside of class that reflects increased self-directed learning 
  • Required clinical, field, or travel experiences with dates specified, if applicable 

REQUIRED- Please use this language

UW-Parkside is committed to fostering and maintaining a safe, inclusive learning and working environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Because we value our diverse campus community, all forms of discrimination and harassment are prohibited at our institution. If you have experienced or witnessed such behavior, you may contact your instructor, the Dean of Students at 262-595-2598, or the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at 262-595-2090 to file a complaint.

UW-Parkside seeks to uphold standards that promote respect and human dignity inan environment that fosters academic excellence and professionalism. Gender-based discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, relationship violence, and sexual misconduct, which includes harassment, assault, exploitation, and stalking, violate the university’s core values and policies and may also violate state and federal law. University faculty and staff are considered "Mandated Reporters" and must report incidents of sexual misconduct and relationship violence for the safety of the individuals involved and the wider community. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual misconduct, relationship violence, gender-based discrimination, or needs support as a pregnant student, please visit the Title IX Office for a variety of resources, support, and reporting options, which includes options for confidentiality and anonymity.

UW-Parkside recognizes that all persons, regardless of ability, are an integral part of our community and is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me. If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, you are also welcome to meet with the Student Accessibility Services office. The SAS office works with students with disabilities and instructors to identify reasonable accommodations and remove barriers. You can find the SAS office online, visit them in Wyllie D1, or contact them at sas@uwp.edu or 262-595-2372.

REQUIRED

  • Instructor’s name 
  • Instructor’s contact information, including email address and office phone number if available 
  • Office/student hours, in person and/or online 
    • Instructors must include at least some office hours with detailed time and location to fulfill U.S. Department of Education guidelines 
    • Instructors may additionally offer the option to meet by appointment 

REQUIRED

  • Academic integrity policy, in alignment with Wisconsin state statute UWS 14 
  • Campus policies on inclusion, respect, accessibility, and accommodation, or a link to these policies
  • Attendance/participation policy, which must include reference to accommodations for religious observances in line with Wisconsin state statute UWS 22 
  • Late submission/missed exam policy 
  • Link to the Academic Calendar drawing attention to important dates such as drop/withdrawal deadlines 
  • Class conduct policy 
  • Notification of proctoring requirements, including requirement of online proctoring software such as Honorlock, if applicable 
  • Teaching and learning data transparency statement, or link to the statement

REQUIRED

You must have an academic integrity statement, but the precise wording of the statement is up to you and/or your department or college. The academic misconduct policy is governed by the state legislature and must be followed, though you are welcome to explain or expand beyond what is in Chapter UWS 14. Please refer to the UWP Student Handbook for information regarding penalties and
procedures in cases of academic misconduct: cheating, plagiarism, etc.


Sample Language Below:

The purpose of this course is for you to further develop your critical thinking, analysis, and writing skills. When grading I look for growth and individual progress, not perfection. Please familiarize yourself with UW-Parkside’s academic misconduct policy to better understand what constitutes cheating and the possible penalties involved. For some portions of this course I’ll encourage sharing and collaboration with your peers but your work on your essay assignments should be your own. Each assignment will make clear what is permitted, including the possible use of AI software like ChatGPT.

Please be careful not to plagiarize. The Plagiarism Tutorial should help you to understand how to avoid plagiarism, and you can always ask me, the librarians, or the writing tutors in the PARC for more help. We’ll spend some class time exploring plagiarism and academic integrity more generally. If your life is falling apart and you are tempted to plagiarize to save time or get a good grade, please talk to me instead. I understand that sometimes things go off the rails and I would rather grant you an extension than send you to the Dean of Students’ office for plagiarism.

What happens if I am caught cheating?
Our policy in [department] is to send all cases of suspected Academic Integrity violations to the Dean of Students office as described in the university’s academic misconduct policy in the Student Handbook.
This is not negotiable.

What are the penalties for Academic Integrity violations? Depending on the severity of the misconduct, penalties can include repeating the assignment, a lower or failing grade on the assignment or in the course, a notation indicating an academic integrity infraction in your academic record, or probation or suspension from the university. These are serious consequences and I want to help you avoid incurring them. Yes, we take this very seriously.

What procedures are used to detect cheating in this course?
All exams will be conducted online using Honorlock to give help you get used to the procedures required for your state licensure exam at the end of your degree. No materials such as a smartphone are allowed to be used during an exam. Any use of a smartphone during an exam (for any reason) is considered a violation.

Syllabus Recommendations

Sample Language

We the Community of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside acknowledge with gratitude and humility the First Nations People of Wisconsin, whose original homelands lie within the state. We especially wish to recognize the Ho-Chunk, Miami, and Potawatomi Nations for their significant historical and spiritual connections with the Parkside area. Our footsteps do not replace theirs, but rest
alongside them.

Sample Language

In order to learn, we must be open to the views of people different from ourselves. In this time we share together over the semester, please honor the uniqueness of your fellow classmates and appreciate the opportunity we have to learn from one another. Please respect each others’ opinions and refrain from personal attacks or demeaning comments of any kind. Finally, remember to keep confidential all issues of a personal or professional nature that are discussed in class.

In our structured and unstructured discussions and dialogues, we also will have many opportunities to explore some challenging, high-stakes issues and increase our understandings of different perspectives. Our conversations may not always be easy; we sometimes will make mistakes in our speaking and our listening; sometimes we will need patience or courage or imagination or any number of qualities in combination to engage our texts, our classmates, and our own ideas and experiences. Always we will need respect for others. Thus, an important second aim of our course necessarily will be for us to increase our facility with the sometimes difficult conversations that arise inside issues of social justice as we deepen our understandings of multiple perspectives – whatever our backgrounds, experiences, or positions.

The University seeks an environment that promotes academic achievement and integrity, that is protective of free inquiry, and that serves the educational mission of the University. Similarly, the University seeks a community that is free from violence, threats, and intimidation; that is respectful of the rights, opportunities, and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University; and that does not threaten the physical or mental health or safety of members of the University community. You can learn more about the University’s expectations in the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation policy (policy 29) in the Student Handbook.

Clarify your policy on the use of laptops and other web-enabled devices during class, as well as recording of class sessions. Be sure to bear in mind that some students may have permission to use technology as an accommodation and that a complete ban on technology use may draw unwanted attention to their accommodation exception to the rule.

Share any guidelines/restrictions on consumption of food or beverages in class. Consider your class time (e.g., over typical meal times) and student circumstances (e.g., a night course during Ramadan), as well as make clear any allowances you will make for students with medical conditions. If food and beverage consumption is unsafe in your class (e.g. lab conditions), explain that clearly.

Sample Statement

Being a student can be stressful, particularly given the current state of the world. Mental health issues, including significant stress, mood changes, excessive worry, or problems eating or sleeping can interfere with reaching your academic goals. If you think that some of your symptoms might be related to your coursework in this class, please contact me. However, these symptoms can also be the consequence of personal struggle, loss, or crisis, which can also affect your well-being in the classroom. UW-Parkside provides counseling resources to support students, faculty, and staff. Some of your options include approaching the Student Health and Counseling Center, Academic Advisors and Success Coaches, the Dean of Students office, and the Title IX office. You can contact the Counseling Center at 262-595-2366 during business hours or contact these partners for urgent after hours needs. Additionally, students can schedule free telecounseling appointments at any time with our Mantra Health counseling partners.

The Student Health and Counseling Center is open to all enrolled students and provides low- or no-cost basic medical assistance and mental health support services. All appointments with the health professionals are conducted via a private and confidential sessions. When acute medical or psychiatric care is needed, a referral will be made. Book an appointment online or call 262-595-2366.

Help your students understand your approach to teaching by including a brief, paragraph-long statement of teaching philosophy that explains both how you teach and what underlies your pedagogical choices.

Your attendance policy might include reference to:

  • Attendance issues related to religious observances.
  • Athletic or university performance (i.e. theater, music, etc.) commitments.
  • Family/work obligations/emergencies.
  • Illness, both physical and mental.
  • Course cancellation/emergency planning.
  • Reference the university website or Ranger Alerts for cancellations/delays due to weather or other unforeseen events.
  • How will you alert students if you need to cancel class (Canvas announcement, email, etc.)

Sample Statements

  • Video and audio recordings of class lectures will be part of the classroom activity. The video and audio recordings are used for educational use/purposes and only may be made available to all students presently enrolled in the class. For purposes where the recordings will be used in future class sessions/lectures, any type of identifying information will be adequately removed.
  • To protect the privacy of your fellow students and adhere to FERPA guidelines, students are not allowed to record class sessions without permission.

Sample Statement

The Parkside Academic Resource Center (PARC) is available to support all Parkside students free of charge. Free tutoring is also available online via NetTutor, which is linked in Canvas. Please take advantage of these excellent resources, especially the writing tutors who may be able to help you with your essays and written assignments.

Some members of our community lack access to reliable housing and food. Consider adding a statement like one of the following examples to point them toward resources, including the campus Sharing Shelves.

Sample Statement

We learn as whole people. To learn effectively you must have basic security: a roof over your head, a safe place to sleep, enough food to eat. If you’re having trouble with any of those things, please talk with me or with the Dean of Students. Together we can work to make sure those needs are met

It can be challenging to do your best in class if you have trouble meeting basic needs like safe shelter, sleep, and nutrition. If you have difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or lack a safe and stable place to live, I urge you to contact the Dean of Students and/or me. We are here to help.

Download a copy of the UW-Parkside Syllabus template to help start your own syllabus.

Download

Scroll to top