CREATING A LEARNER-CENTERED SYLLABUS
Introduction
The syllabus is often your students’ first real introduction to your course. It is also the perfect
opportunity to set the stage for success by creating a learner-centered syllabus. Alearner-centered
syllabus gives students power and control over their own learning.
Further details can be found in The Course Syllabus: A Learning-centered Approach by Judith Grunert
O'Brien, Barbara J. Millis, and Margaret W. Cohen. You may check out the book from the Kraemer Family
Library or the Faculty Resource Center.
Defining a Learner-Centered Syllabus
A syllabus sets the tone for the entire course. The main purpose of a syllabus is to provide information
to assist students in successful completion of a course.
A learner-centered syllabus provides an overview of the course, outlines expectations and policies, and
highlights resources that promote a quality learning experience.
Your syllabus is a reference guide that defines course expectations, communication structure, and
logistics.
A learner-centered syllabus shares the power and control of what is learned and how it is learned. An
effective learner-centered syllabus should define:
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intended goals and student outcomes
role and responsibilities of the instructor and learner
communication between instructor and students
course logistics including deadlines, grading, and late assignments
college and instructor policies
standards and procedures for assessment
The Components of a Learner-Centered Syllabus
Syllabus
Component*
Relevant or Required
Course
Description and
Purpose
Course title and
number, description,
credit hours, prerequisites, and
technical
requirements
This statement should explain why your course is important
and simulate student interest and motivation. This section
may include an overview of how you plan to conduct the
course and the students’ need for commitment and
participation.
Instructor
Information
Name, contact
information,
educational
background, and
research
In this section, you will define who you are and how to
contact you. Consider introducing your educational and
research background. Provide a link to your web site.
Quick Tips
Provide as many different contact options and indicate the
preferred method of contact.
Teaching
Philosophy
Provides insight on selection and rationale for instructional
strategies and assessment.
Course Goals or
Objectives
A single paragraph of the instructor's overall goals of the
course. Generally course objectives are broad statements
concerning what will be addressed in each unit of course
content. Course objectives are instructor-focused; they
specify the direction and goal of instruction.
Textbook(s)
Title, author, edition,
publisher, publication
date, ISBN, and web
site
This section should include all required textbook and how to
purchase. Indicate whether textbooks are required or
optional. Include reference to publisher's supplemental
textbook web site if one is available.
Assignments
List all assignments for successful completion of the course.
This section should include all assignments and activities for
the course. For each assignment, provide a brief description
and include specific criteria for how you will evaluate
students' work and how it is tied to your grading policy.
Supplemental
Readings and
Resources
List all supplemental resources which students should
consult/utilize during the course. Specify whether
supplemental resources are required or optional.
Course Schedule May include: topics,
dates, assignments,
due dates, schedule
quizzes or exams
Include topics covered, assignments, due dates, and exams.
Class Policies*
This section should include course and campus policies such
as participation, late for class, "netiquette" for online
discussion, email, and other forms of communication;
academic misconduct/plagiarism and other department,
college, or campus policies related to online courses including
statement of academic honesty and disability statement.
Explain procedures and policies for accepting late work
and/or missed exams. Include a specific list of
drop/withdrawal dates.
Disability Services
Statement and the
Military Statement
Grading Policy
Support
Services*
Detailed explanation of the breakdown of grade by
requirements. Indication of points/percentage required for
final course grades.
Library, Blackboard
support and Excel
centers
Assists students in seeking additional assistance.
*Sample statements and links for components with an asterisk are included in the Appendix.
Composing a Learner-Centered Syllabus
A few items to consider:
A syllabus for an online course should be
designed as a reference guide with table of
contents, headings, short paragraphs, and
bulleted points as needed.
More is better but not too much - Be specific - If your
syllabus is not detailed enough, your students will email
you for additional information. Provide specific details
about assignments, participation, and other
expectations and consequences.
It should be an entry point of communication
with you and provide the necessary level of
detail. Make sure to post an announcement
detailing any changes and revised document.
Maintain a friendly tone - A syllabus should not have
excessive warnings or threats. A syllabus which clearly
lays out policy but maintains a friendly tone will make
students more comfortable from the beginning.
Identify Learner-Centered Language in a Syllabus
The language you use in your syllabus should clearly state your and your students’ responsibilities.
Learner Centered Language
Not Learner Centered
Language
If you (the student) choose not to attend classes, you will be removed from
the class after the third absence.
I (the instructor) will drop
you after three absences.
To be successful in this course, you must submit your assignments on or
before the due date. Late assignments will not be accepted.
No late assignments will
be accepted.
You (the student) may choose to withdraw from your class. Please note the
last date for withdrawal is October 5, 2012. Please email me prior to your
withdrawal as I am concerned about your progress in this course.
The last day to withdraw
is October 5, 2012. No
excuses!
Review Checklist
As you begin to develop your own syllabus refer to your department requirements for syllabi in addition
to the information contained herein. Some colleges have their own required template.
Use this checklist to review your syllabus:
Is course information and instructor contact information clear and accurate?
Are course objectives explicitly stated in terms of the course goals?
Does the calendar or schedule include activities and due dates for each week?
Are all assignments listed and suitable for students to reach the course goals?
Do assessments accurately reflect student mastery?
Does the syllabus include policies and procedures to assist students in completing thecourse?
Does the syllabus provide adequate information to assist students in successful completion of
the course?
Your syllabus sets the stage for your entire course. It is vital that you provide the details necessary for
students to be successful in your course.
APPENDIX – SAMPLE SYLLABUS STATEMENTS AND LINKS
Disability Services (or Accommodations)
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is
your responsibility to register with Disability Services and provide them with documentation of your
disability. They will work with you to determine what accommodations are appropriate for your
situation. To avoid any delay, you should contact Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note
that accommodations are not retroactive and disability accommodations cannot be provided until a
Faculty Accommodation Letter has been given to me. Please contact Disability Services for more
information at Main Hall room 105, 719-255-3354 or dservice@uccs.edu.
Military Students
If you are a military student with the potential of being called to military service or training during
the course of the semester, you are encouraged to contact your UCCS course instructor no later than
the first week of class to discuss the class attendance policy. Please see the Military Students web
site for more information.
Policy Links
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Student Code of Conduct and Behavior Policy
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Discrimination and Harassment
Withdrawing
See the Course Schedule guidelines for withdrawing from a class prior to census date or after the
10th week of a regular semester (5th week of summer semester). After census date the course may
not be dropped unless there are circumstances clearly beyond the student’s control (accident,
illness), or the student is in good standing (not failing) and chooses not to continue.
Library Information
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Kramer Family Library
Off-campus access to Library resources
Excel Centers
The UCCS Excel Centers include the Language Center, the Mathematics Center, the Communication
Center, the Science Center, and the Writing Center. These five academic centers are designed to
provide critical academic and individual support to all students in the University in all major academic
areas, both within and beyond the classroom.
Or refer to individual centers pertinent to your discipline:
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Communication Center
Language Center
Mathematics Center
Science Center
Writing Center
Testing Center
The University Testing Center is a proctoring site for students who are making up an exam, taking an
exam early, taking a proctored exam, or taking a standardized exam. Please schedule appointments at
least 24-hours in advance. Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 719-255-3354 or
dservice@uccs.edu.
Technology Requirements
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Review the UCCS Technology Requirements to determine if your personal computer meets the
standards.
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Students are expected to check the course on Blackboard and UCCS Student e-mail account
daily
Students are expected to have the following computer skills:
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Word processing including formatting documents
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E-mail including sending, receiving and e-mail attachments
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Internet searches
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UCCS library database searches
Students must keep their anti-virus definitions up to date
For Blackboard support, call 1-877-654-8309 or visit the Blackboard Online Support Center
For technology assistance related to logging into campus computers, determining your UCCS email address, visit the IT Help Desk or call 719-255-3536
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