Syllabus Structure

University Policy

University Policy 3.3.12 section 5 governs syllabi:

“Faculty should provide students access to a written syllabus (printed or electronic) in a timely fashion, normally on the first day of class, for each course that they teach. The syllabus should include specific course information, office hours and location (or other means of faculty availability appropriate to the teaching assignment), objectives of the course, tentative assignment and examination schedule, attendance and other course policies. Faculty members should clearly explain to their students methods of evaluation for the final grade. Faculty should reasonably adhere to the course syllabus and should announce and explain to the class all changes to the syllabus as far in advance as possible.”

Standard Language

All syllabi should contain the following: “ Student Access and Accommodation Services:Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability and/or medical/mental health condition should contact Student Access and Accommodation Services at 350 Fell Hall, (309) 438-5853, or visit the website at StudentAccess.IllinoisState.edu."

Standard Format

The University Curriculum Committee recommends the following format that is consonant with the Illinois
Articulation Initiative submission format and Illinois State policy:

Department/School prefix, course number, course title, semester hours credit
Contact hours, including any laboratory or studio hours
Office hours and location
Prerequisites and other notations such as Materials Fees
Catalog description
Course overview
Specific student outcomes as a result of course participation (including General Education outcomes when appropriate and IDEAS learning outcomes when appropriate)
Topical outline and tentative schedule
Required and optional texts
Required student tasks/assignments, such as papers, projects, or community experiences
Student performance evaluation methods, including grading scale
Attendance and other course policies