What Information is Recommended?
What Information is Recommended for Your Syllabus?
In addition to the course information and instructor contact information, a syllabus should help students understand the workload, behavior expectations, and other policies or procedures that they will be expected to follow in your course.
Technically, you're only required to include the course information and your contact information in the syllabus. But to help your students understand what they're getting into by enrolling in your course, offer a little more information.
After the front page of descriptive information, explain what you and your students will do in the course:
- Expectations and Objectives
- Assignments and Grading
- Policies and Procedures
- Course Schedule
Policies and procedures help students understand the conditions of the work to be done in the course. If your department or college has policies about student performance, attendance, behavior, or learning that apply to all courses, include them so students are aware of the consistency.
We often describe the syllabus as a contract with students, but the problem with that perspective is that the syllabus begins to sound like a terms of service contract. When was the last time you actually read a TOS? Using a conversational tone and addressing the reader directly (e.g. you will read, when you submit assignments, etc.) is more likely to engage the students, and an engaged student is more likely to read the document.
Attendance Requirements
If attendance is required, penalties (if any) for absences, if lateness is accepted or penalized
Assignment Expectations
Scope of work, format, qualitative expectations
Late Work and Missed Work
Not accepted, point/grade deduction, options for making up the work
Safety/Health
If the course content includes potentially dangerous activities or conditions (e.g. lab work), describe safety precautions
Grading scale (e.g. 90-100 = A), total points available, weight given to each graded component
The University does not have a required layout for syllabi, but keep usability and accessibility in mind as you experiment with fun typography, illustrations, and layouts. All students must be able to locate information in the syllabus.
Inclement Weather (Emergency Preparedness)
On days when Minnesota State Mankato cancels classes due to weather (or any other reason), this class will not meet. In any other case when class must be cancelled, you will be notified via email as early as possible, and the cancellation will also be posted on D2L [if the course uses it].
Class Environment Policies
Diversity Statement
The diversity of the participants in this course is a valuable source of ideas, problem solving strategies, and computational creativity. I consider this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect, and I welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, gender expressions, national origins, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, ability – and other visible and non-visible differences. All members of this class are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming and inclusive environment for every other member of the class.
Veterans Information
Veterans and active duty military personnel with special circumstances are welcome and encouraged to communicate these. There are many resources on campus for veterans.
Preferred Name/Pronouns
I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records.
Safe Zone
I am a member of a Safe Zone Ally community network, and I am available to listen and support you in a safe and confidential manner. As a Safe Zone Ally, I can help you connect with resources on campus to address problems you may face that interfere with your academic and social success on campus as it relates to issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. My goal is to help you be successful and to maintain a safe and equitable campus.
To find out how to become a member of the Safe Zone Ally community network, visit the Minnesota State Mankato LGBT Center.
The University does not have a required layout for syllabi, but keep usability and accessibility in mind as you experiment with fun typography, illustrations, and layouts. All students must be able to locate information in the syllabus.
