Creating a syllabus is a key step in setting the stage for a successful course! Think of it as a roadmap that helps both students and instructors navigate the semester with clarity and confidence. It should clearly lay out course requirements, expectations, and goals, while also covering essential details like assignments, class policies, and grading. Designing a clear and effective syllabus is a valuable skill to master—and the good news is, there are plenty of tried-and-true components that work across almost any discipline!
General Tips for Creating a Syllabus
- Make sure your course materials are accessible to all students—it’s an essential part of creating an inclusive learning environment! Need a little extra help with this? We’ve got you covered!
- Start by providing an electronic version of your syllabus. Blackboard is a great tool for this, and you can easily upload or link the syllabus there for easy access.
- For students who may need to adjust document formats, it’s a great idea to offer alternatives to PDFs, such as Word documents. This makes it easier for everyone to engage with your content.
- Choosing readable fonts is also key! Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Georgia are excellent options, especially for students using screen-reading software.
- A student-centered syllabus is the way to go! Include all the key details students will need and write it in a way that directly addresses them. Think about potential questions they might have and try to answer those in the syllabus. This ties into learning outcomes and course goals.
- And if you’re using Blackboard, don’t forget to make sure your course is available! Also, Daemen University recommends uploading or linking your syllabus, course schedule, instructor information, and office hours to your Blackboard course to keep everything organized and easy to find.
Elements of a Syllabus:
Instructor Information:
Make sure to include your name, office location, office hours, phone number, and email address—this helps students easily reach you!
You might also want to mention your preferred contact method, whether it’s email, phone calls, or something else.
If you have specific expectations, like replying to emails only between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or setting certain times for study sessions, be sure to share those too! This keeps everything clear and helps students know how best to connect with you.
You might also want to mention your preferred contact method, whether it’s email, phone calls, or something else.
If you have specific expectations, like replying to emails only between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or setting certain times for study sessions, be sure to share those too! This keeps everything clear and helps students know how best to connect with you.
Course Information:
Here’s how to keep the course details clear and student-friendly:
Include the course name and ID number, along with meeting times, location, and any other relevant course info so students know exactly where and when to be!
List any pre-requisites or co-requisites so students know what they need to have completed before enrolling or taking the course.
Specify the course format: Is it a lecture, flipped classroom, blended, online, lab, or seminar? Let students know what teaching methods they can expect, so they’re prepared for how the course will unfold.
Include the course name and ID number, along with meeting times, location, and any other relevant course info so students know exactly where and when to be!
List any pre-requisites or co-requisites so students know what they need to have completed before enrolling or taking the course.
Specify the course format: Is it a lecture, flipped classroom, blended, online, lab, or seminar? Let students know what teaching methods they can expect, so they’re prepared for how the course will unfold.
Course Description:
Here’s a way to make your course description engaging and informative:
Departments provide a course description in the University catalog, and it can be a great starting point. But sometimes these descriptions are a bit too general. If that’s the case, feel free to tailor it to your specific course by highlighting the key topics and materials you’ll cover throughout the semester!
Include a list of topics you’ll be discussing in your class—this gives students a clear idea of what to expect. You can even include this list in the course schedule for added clarity.
This way, your course description becomes a helpful and informative guide for your students right from the start!
Departments provide a course description in the University catalog, and it can be a great starting point. But sometimes these descriptions are a bit too general. If that’s the case, feel free to tailor it to your specific course by highlighting the key topics and materials you’ll cover throughout the semester!
Include a list of topics you’ll be discussing in your class—this gives students a clear idea of what to expect. You can even include this list in the course schedule for added clarity.
This way, your course description becomes a helpful and informative guide for your students right from the start!
Textbook and Materials:
Here’s how to keep your course material requirements clear and organized:
List the required texts: Provide students with the titles and ISBNs of the required textbooks, along with any optional or supplemental texts they may find helpful.
Detail other required materials: Include a clear list of any other essentials like computers, calculators, software, or specific programs (such as Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor).
Don’t forget to mention any required media (DVDs, CDs, etc.) and specify the quantity needed.
Include any unique requirements: If there are special requirements like attending events that may require transportation or an automobile, be sure to include those details so students can plan ahead.
By laying this all out upfront, students will know exactly what they need to succeed in your course!
List the required texts: Provide students with the titles and ISBNs of the required textbooks, along with any optional or supplemental texts they may find helpful.
Detail other required materials: Include a clear list of any other essentials like computers, calculators, software, or specific programs (such as Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor).
Don’t forget to mention any required media (DVDs, CDs, etc.) and specify the quantity needed.
Include any unique requirements: If there are special requirements like attending events that may require transportation or an automobile, be sure to include those details so students can plan ahead.
By laying this all out upfront, students will know exactly what they need to succeed in your course!
Learning Outcomes and Course:
Here’s how to think about crafting powerful learning outcomes:
Learning outcomes outline what students are expected to achieve by the end of the course (course-level outcomes) or the end of each lesson (lesson-level outcomes). A great place to start is by asking, “What do I want my students to be able to do by the end of the course?” Or, “What skills or knowledge do I hope they’ll carry with them three years from now?”
Need some help with writing learning outcomes? Or maybe you’re curious about using Bloom’s Taxonomy to create clear, effective outcomes? We’re here to guide you through the process!
Setting clear learning outcomes helps students understand their goals and gives them a roadmap for success!
Learning outcomes outline what students are expected to achieve by the end of the course (course-level outcomes) or the end of each lesson (lesson-level outcomes). A great place to start is by asking, “What do I want my students to be able to do by the end of the course?” Or, “What skills or knowledge do I hope they’ll carry with them three years from now?”
Need some help with writing learning outcomes? Or maybe you’re curious about using Bloom’s Taxonomy to create clear, effective outcomes? We’re here to guide you through the process!
Setting clear learning outcomes helps students understand their goals and gives them a roadmap for success!
Assignments:
Here’s how to keep your course assignments and assessments organized and clear:
List major assignments and assessments: Include essays, exams, online homework, in-class assignments, quizzes, and more, so students know what to expect.
Provide due dates and clear instructions: Make sure students know the due dates and any specific instructions (like citation requirements, formatting guidelines, or rubrics) to follow. Include any supplemental materials they might need to succeed!
Outline policies for late assignments and missed exams: Be clear about your policies on late submissions, make-up exams, and any other important rules. It can be helpful to create a “course policies” section for easy reference.
Looking for tips to boost student engagement? Let’s brainstorm some innovative course activities that will keep your students excited to learn!
Pro tip: Did you know you can create quizzes, tests, and assignments directly on Blackboard? It’s a great way to streamline assessments and keep everything in one place!
Setting clear expectations and offering interactive activities can help keep your course fun and structured!
List major assignments and assessments: Include essays, exams, online homework, in-class assignments, quizzes, and more, so students know what to expect.
Provide due dates and clear instructions: Make sure students know the due dates and any specific instructions (like citation requirements, formatting guidelines, or rubrics) to follow. Include any supplemental materials they might need to succeed!
Outline policies for late assignments and missed exams: Be clear about your policies on late submissions, make-up exams, and any other important rules. It can be helpful to create a “course policies” section for easy reference.
Looking for tips to boost student engagement? Let’s brainstorm some innovative course activities that will keep your students excited to learn!
Pro tip: Did you know you can create quizzes, tests, and assignments directly on Blackboard? It’s a great way to streamline assessments and keep everything in one place!
Setting clear expectations and offering interactive activities can help keep your course fun and structured!
Assessment and Grading Criteria:
Here’s how to keep grading transparent and organized:
List point values and grading criteria: Be sure to clearly outline the point value for each assignment or exam so students know how they’ll be assessed. Make sure your grading breakdown matches what’s reflected in your gradebook in Blackboard for consistency and clarity.
Include your grading scale: Specify what constitutes an A, B, etc., so students understand exactly what’s needed to succeed.
Pro tip: Did you know you can create detailed rubrics in Blackboard to help make grading even clearer and more consistent?
Bonus tip: You can also give in-class exams directly on Blackboard, which means no more paper tests—how convenient is that?
This way, everything aligns perfectly, and your students will always know where they stand!
List point values and grading criteria: Be sure to clearly outline the point value for each assignment or exam so students know how they’ll be assessed. Make sure your grading breakdown matches what’s reflected in your gradebook in Blackboard for consistency and clarity.
Include your grading scale: Specify what constitutes an A, B, etc., so students understand exactly what’s needed to succeed.
Pro tip: Did you know you can create detailed rubrics in Blackboard to help make grading even clearer and more consistent?
Bonus tip: You can also give in-class exams directly on Blackboard, which means no more paper tests—how convenient is that?
This way, everything aligns perfectly, and your students will always know where they stand!
Course Schedule:
Here’s how to keep your course organized and your students on track:
Provide a schedule of topics: Think of this as the roadmap for your course! Include the topics, assignments, and required readings for each class so students know exactly what to expect each week.
Stay flexible: While things may shift throughout the semester, having a clear schedule is super helpful for students to know what’s coming up before each class. You can always update it as needed, but having that structure helps everyone stay on track.
A clear course schedule sets the tone for a smooth, organized semester!
Provide a schedule of topics: Think of this as the roadmap for your course! Include the topics, assignments, and required readings for each class so students know exactly what to expect each week.
Stay flexible: While things may shift throughout the semester, having a clear schedule is super helpful for students to know what’s coming up before each class. You can always update it as needed, but having that structure helps everyone stay on track.
A clear course schedule sets the tone for a smooth, organized semester!
Personal Course Policies:
Here’s a way to keep your personal policies clear and student-friendly:
Late Policies: Outline expectations for missing or late homework, quizzes, or tests. Be clear about how late submissions will be handled so students can plan accordingly.
Electronic Device Policies: Specify your rules on using cell phones, laptops, recording devices, etc. This helps students understand when and how technology can be used in class.
Lecture Recording Policies: If you allow students to record your lectures, share any guidelines you have about posting or sharing those recordings. It’s a great idea to have students sign an agreement with any requirements up front.
Discussion/Participation Policies: Set clear expectations for both in-class and online discussions. What kind of civility, language, and behavior do you expect from students? Establishing these guidelines helps maintain a positive, respectful learning environment.
Classroom Policies: Let students know what behaviors you expect in terms of participation, engagement, and preparation. This will help foster an interactive and respectful classroom culture.
Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Classroom Conduct: This is a good place to include information on course etiquette and what is and isn’t acceptable in your class, ensuring a safe and respectful space for everyone.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Including a diversity and inclusion statement on your syllabus can help students understand the values you uphold in your classroom and show your commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
By outlining these policies clearly, you create a positive, respectful space for all students to thrive!
Late Policies: Outline expectations for missing or late homework, quizzes, or tests. Be clear about how late submissions will be handled so students can plan accordingly.
Electronic Device Policies: Specify your rules on using cell phones, laptops, recording devices, etc. This helps students understand when and how technology can be used in class.
Lecture Recording Policies: If you allow students to record your lectures, share any guidelines you have about posting or sharing those recordings. It’s a great idea to have students sign an agreement with any requirements up front.
Discussion/Participation Policies: Set clear expectations for both in-class and online discussions. What kind of civility, language, and behavior do you expect from students? Establishing these guidelines helps maintain a positive, respectful learning environment.
Classroom Policies: Let students know what behaviors you expect in terms of participation, engagement, and preparation. This will help foster an interactive and respectful classroom culture.
Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Classroom Conduct: This is a good place to include information on course etiquette and what is and isn’t acceptable in your class, ensuring a safe and respectful space for everyone.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Including a diversity and inclusion statement on your syllabus can help students understand the values you uphold in your classroom and show your commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
By outlining these policies clearly, you create a positive, respectful space for all students to thrive!
College Accreditation Information:
In some cases, your college may ask for specific accreditation information to be included in your syllabus. Don’t worry—it’s easy to get! Simply reach out to your Dean’s office, Program Director, or Department Chair to gather the details you need.
Student Support Resources:
You may wish to include additional resources for students on your syllabus. Below are a few examples of useful campus resources:
Academic Services Support: The Student Success Center is a collaboration of student service offices across campus. You may find connections through our comprehensive resources, to find referrals, programs, and services.
Technical Support and Cyber Security: Information Technology resources include, but are not limited to, computer hardware and software, databases, files, system accounts, networks, Internet access, and electronic communication
Accessibility Support: Accessibility Services is the designated department by the University to determine reasonable accommodations and services for students with disabilities.
Student Services Support: Daemen University offers a wide range of student services to support academic success, personal growth, and well-being, including Counseling Services, the Vision for Success program, and the Student Success Center. Additionally, the university fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment through initiatives such as the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Health & Insurance Services, the Care Team, and various resources for veterans and students with unique needs.
Academic Services Support: The Student Success Center is a collaboration of student service offices across campus. You may find connections through our comprehensive resources, to find referrals, programs, and services.
Technical Support and Cyber Security: Information Technology resources include, but are not limited to, computer hardware and software, databases, files, system accounts, networks, Internet access, and electronic communication
Accessibility Support: Accessibility Services is the designated department by the University to determine reasonable accommodations and services for students with disabilities.
Student Services Support: Daemen University offers a wide range of student services to support academic success, personal growth, and well-being, including Counseling Services, the Vision for Success program, and the Student Success Center. Additionally, the university fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment through initiatives such as the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Health & Insurance Services, the Care Team, and various resources for veterans and students with unique needs.
Online Course Instruction
Online Courses and Quality Matters:
If you’re teaching an online course, there are a few extra requirements to keep in mind! Daemen University follows the Quality Matters (QM) rubric, which ensures that online courses meet national standards and best practices. This rubric focuses on the structure and functionality of the course, while giving you the freedom to design the content in a way that works best for you. Plus, you can always submit your course for a QM review to ensure it’s top-notch!
While the QM standards are specific to online courses at Daemen, the syllabus guidelines are helpful for all course formats—whether you’re teaching in-person, blended, or fully online.
While the QM standards are specific to online courses at Daemen, the syllabus guidelines are helpful for all course formats—whether you’re teaching in-person, blended, or fully online.
Reminders for Online Courses Using QM Standards:
There are eight general standards for Quality Matters:
1. Course Overview and Introduction: Instructors should include general course information and layout of the online course. Things such as class etiquette, technology requirements, and pre-requisite knowledge should be included.
2. Learning Objectives (Competencies): All learning objectives should be clearly stated from the learner perspective and indicate how it relates to the course. Learning objectives should be measurable and easily understandable.
3. Assessment and Measurement: Assessments actually measure learner competencies and are clearly and consistently stated. The course grading policy should also be clearly stated.
4. Instructional Materials: All instructional materials must be listed, explained, and contribute to course goals.
5. Course Activities and Learner Interaction: Course activities should contribute to active learning, align with stated standards, and all learner requirements should be clearly stated.
6. Course Technology: All information should be useful, current, and contribute to the course. All technology should be readily available to students and all links to privacy policies of technology used in the course should be provided.
7. Learner Support: Course instructions provide information on how to obtain support for the course. This includes technology and learning support.
8. Accessibility and Usability: The course provides alternate formats of material, is easily readable, and information on accessibility is provided.
Visit the Quality Matters website for more information on the standards for Higher Education.
1. Course Overview and Introduction: Instructors should include general course information and layout of the online course. Things such as class etiquette, technology requirements, and pre-requisite knowledge should be included.
2. Learning Objectives (Competencies): All learning objectives should be clearly stated from the learner perspective and indicate how it relates to the course. Learning objectives should be measurable and easily understandable.
3. Assessment and Measurement: Assessments actually measure learner competencies and are clearly and consistently stated. The course grading policy should also be clearly stated.
4. Instructional Materials: All instructional materials must be listed, explained, and contribute to course goals.
5. Course Activities and Learner Interaction: Course activities should contribute to active learning, align with stated standards, and all learner requirements should be clearly stated.
6. Course Technology: All information should be useful, current, and contribute to the course. All technology should be readily available to students and all links to privacy policies of technology used in the course should be provided.
7. Learner Support: Course instructions provide information on how to obtain support for the course. This includes technology and learning support.
8. Accessibility and Usability: The course provides alternate formats of material, is easily readable, and information on accessibility is provided.
Visit the Quality Matters website for more information on the standards for Higher Education.