University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse
Online Course Syllabus
Course Number and Name
Semester/Year | Section Number | Credits: # | Online
Instructor Information
 Instructor:
 Office Location: <building and room number>
 Physical Office hours: < specify times>
 Virtual Office hours: < specify times>
 Phone:
 Email: <use your UW L email address for official correspondence with students>
 Skype: <Skype address if available, otherwise delete>
List your preferred method of contact and your estimated response times.
Course Prerequisites
<enter prerequisites here or state none>
Course Learning Objectives/ Outcomes



Objective/Outcome 1
Objective/Outcome 2
Objective/Outcome 3
Program/Department Objectives/ Outcomes (or external standards)



Objective/Outcome 1
Objective/Outcome 2
Objective/Outcome 3
Materials & Tools
Textbook:
Optional Materials:
Course Structure
This course will be delivered entirely online through the learning management system,
Desire2Learn (D2L). You will need your UWL NetID to login to the course from the D2L
homepage (http://www.uwlax.edu/d2l/).
Course Outline & Schedule
See the separate Course Outline (schedule) which lists all course readings, module
outcomes, assignments, and due dates. <optionally, post outline or schedule here>
University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse
Online Course Syllabus
Week
Dates
1
Date Range
2
3
4
Date Range
Date Range
Date Range
Concepts Covered
Assignments
 Concept 1
1. Item – due date
 Concept 2
2. Item – due date
 Concept 3
3. Item – due date
 Concept 1
1. Item – due date
 Concept 2
2. Item – due date
 Concept 3
3. Item – due date
 Concept 1
1. Item – due date
 Concept 2
2. Item – due date
 Concept 3
3. Item – due date
 Concept 1
1. Item – due date
 Concept 2
2. Item – due date
 Concept 3
3. Item – due date
Course Expectations
Modify as needed. At a minimum you should address communication (including netiquette);
course policies; formatting guidelines; prerequisite or requires skills; submission procedures and
deadlines; workload; and overall course expectations. Many departments also require sections
on academic misconduct, disability services, access to course materials after the term ends, and
student evaluations (SEI).
Participation Policy
While the course does not require live (synchronous) participation, it is not self-paced. Each module
features online discussions and active participation is required. Deep, rich discourse works only
when students engage one another in a timely, free-flowing manner. Though you might be tempted
to post your submissions all at once, just prior to the due date, I discourage the practice. Posting late
is unfair to others who seek a spirited exchange of ideas, as learners cannot engage in meaningful
discourse by themselves.
To foster collaboration and dialogue I expect you to post at least twice on two separate days in
discussions. Participation entails both posting and reading contributions from others. Non-active
participation could result in a grade deduction. For specific grading guidelines see the <discussion
guidelines and/or rubric posted in Course Information>.
University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse
Online Course Syllabus
Late Assignments <modify as needed>
Assignments are due on the dates indicated in the Course Schedule. Though I am sensitive to the
needs of learners, you are responsible for alerting me as soon as possible to extenuating
circumstances that impact your ability to meet deadlines or participate in class activities (e.g. longterm illness or death in the immediate family).
Course Access <modify as needed>
Access to course materials in D2L may cease after the term ends. If you wish to archive materials
for your personal records or portfolio you should do so as you progress through the course. As a
general rule, you should always save local copies of course-related work. To avoid disasters, you
should also save important files to external media or cloud storage.
What I Expect From You <modify as needed>
Should your schedule or responsibilities prohibit active participation in discussions or group work,
contact me immediately to discuss alternative arrangements. Also, please let me know
immediately if you require accommodation due to technical, physical, or cognitive challenges.
Throughout the course I will expect you to do the following:

Prepare yourself to function as a proficient, self-directed learner

Read the Syllabus and Course Information during the first few days

Login to the D2L course at least every 2-3 days

Complete all work on time, or contact me to request special arrangements

Complete assignments as described in rubrics, checklists or other instructions

Submit original work, following <name of citation style> format for citations

Use the highest standards of intellectual honesty, integrity and "netiquette" (online
politeness and respectfulness)

Critically reflect on course outcomes, assumptions, and application of course content to
your career or lifelong goals

Ask questions so I can help you better understand course materials and/or assignments
What I Expect From You <modify as needed>
Throughout the course you can expect the following from me:

Respond to your questions and comments within 24-48 hours (unless ill or traveling)

Read, evaluate, and respond to your assignments within 3-4 days

Give you substantive feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of your work

Assist you in any way possible to locate materials needed for assignments

Help with extenuating circumstances by arranging alternate assignments or deadlines
University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse
Online Course Syllabus
Concerns or Complaints
If you have a concern or a complaint about the course, or me, I encourage you to bring that to my
attention. My hope would be that by communicating your concern we would be able to come to a
resolution. If you are uncomfortable speaking with me, or you feel your concern hasn’t been
resolved after bringing it to my attention, you could contact my department chair or the Office of
Student Life (http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/).
The Student Academic Non-Grade Appeals process can be found in the Student Handbook. For
academic appeals you can review the appeals and petitions for academic matters section of the
UWL Catalog.
Sexual Harassment
I Am a Mandated Reporter
As a faculty member of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, I am a mandated reporter of
sexual harassment (including sexual violence). This means that I am obligated to disclose any
detailed or specific information I receive about such incidents involving a member of this campus
while that person is a member of this campus, regardless of whether the incident takes place on
campus or off.
I care about your well-being, and our course assignments sometimes lend themselves to
disclosure, but you should not share any details of an incident with me until you have discussed
your options under the new Title IX guidelines. There are confidential reporters available to
students at UWL where you can have this discussion.
The contact in Student Life is Ingrid Peterson, Violence Prevention Specialist, at (608) 785-8062
or ipeterson@uwlax.edu. I am also happy to help direct you to counseling and support services.
Simply ask me to assist you in locating a confidential reporter and I will help you to do so.
Grading Calculations <modify as needed to describe how you calculate grades>
Your overall grade consists of the following assessments, arranged by type and value.
Assignment
Item
Item
Item
Item
Item
Total Value
Points (per assignment)
Points each/Points total
Points each/Points total
Points each/Points total
Points each/Points total
Points each/Points total
#
Total % Final Grade
%
%
%
%
%
100%
University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse
Online Course Syllabus
Grading Scale <modify as needed—delete Point Value column if not used>
Letter Grade
Point Value
Percentage Equivalent
A
AB
B
BC
C
D
93-100%
89-92%
83-88%
79-82%
70-78%
60-69%
Success as an Online Learner
<modify as needed, or extract to a Course Information module in D2L>
Successful completion of the course includes participation in discussions and completion of ALL
assignments. Each module will begin with background information, reading assignments, and
activities to support mastery of module-level outcomes. Assignments will include a scoring rubric
or checklist. Modules begin on <day of week> and end on <day of week>. To be certain that you
complete all parts of the assignment, review the checklist or rubric for each module before
submission.
As an underlying principle of online learning, successful achievement of course outcomes requires a
willingness to self-reflect and self-regulate. You should also frequently reflect (i.e. think
conscientiously) on learning goals, application of outcomes, and how you might apply course
concepts in your future career or life in general. For additional tips on succeeding as an online
learner, review UWL’s Student Readiness Tutorial.
To do well in any online class begin with the following tasks:
Checklist for Getting Started
1
Review 10 Tips for Succeeding in an Online Course if this is your first online class, as
well as the Student Readiness Tutorial.
2
Print the Syllabus and read it carefully.
3
Print the Course Outline (schedule). This document should list all readings and
assignments, week by week.
Click on the button in D2L labeled, Content.
4
Here you will find course modules (lessons), instructor comments, resources and
assignments.
5
Every time you login check the News area (Course Home) and the General
University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse
Online Course Syllabus
Question & Answer Forum (if available) for important course-related news.
Skills Needed to Succeed in <Name or Number of Course>
Optionally, add here specific prerequisite skills or dispositions needed to succeed in this particular
course.
Netiquette
Netiquette is a combination of ‘net’ (from Internet or Network) and ‘etiquette’ and refers to acceptable
Internet behavior. It means respecting others’ views and opinions and displaying common courtesy
when posting your views and opinions online in discussion forums, email, blogs, and social
networking sites, etc. It is important to practice netiquette because communication online is most
often non-verbal. This type of communication does not allow each person to see facial expressions,
body language, or hear intonation. Because a delayed response clarifying confusion or
misinterpretation allows for bad feelings to go unchecked for days, it's especially important to watch
what and how we say things online. By following netiquette, online communication becomes clearer
and helps you maintain and establish positive online relationships as well as develop a positive
online reputation.
All class members should abide by these six simple rules (abridged and modified from the 10 rules
of Albion.com):
1. Be kind and forgiving of mistakes (i.e. do unto others as you'd have others do unto you)
2. Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life (i.e. be ethical)
3. Respect other people's time and bandwidth (i.e. avoid long rants and be careful not to
monopolize a discussion)
4. Share expert knowledge (i.e. let others benefit from your insights and experience)
5. Help keep flame wars under control (i.e. no personal attacks or ongoing attempts to belittle or
antagonize others)
6. Respect other people's privacy
Academic Integrity & Misconduct
Academic misconduct is a violation of the UWL Student Honor Code and is unacceptable. I expect
you to submit your own original work and participate in the course with integrity and high standards
of academic honesty. When appropriate, cite original sources, following the style rules of our
discipline.
Plagiarism or cheating in any form may result in failure of the assignment or the entire course, and
may include harsher sanctions. Refer to the Student Handbook for a detailed definition of academic
misconduct.
For helpful information on how to avoid plagiarism, go to “Avoiding Plagiarism” on the Murphy Library
website. You may also visit the Office of Student Life if you have questions about plagiarism or
University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse
Online
Syllabus
cheating incidents. Failure to understand
what Course
constitutes
plagiarism or cheating is not a valid
excuse for engaging in academic misconduct. For a light-hearted tutorial on avoiding plagiarism I
encourage you to review a ten-minute interactive tutorial from Acadia University:
http://library.acadiau.ca/tutorials/plagiarism/
Eagle Alert System
This class will be participating in the Eagle Alert System through WINGS. The system is designed to
promote student success. If I notice that you are experiencing difficulties early in the semester (e.g.,
low assignment scores or a limited participation), I may note this information and you will receive an
email indicating that I have entered feedback. I may also enter positive feedback encouraging you to
consider additional learning opportunities. The link in the email will take you to WINGS where you
can login to see the feedback. I encourage you to meet with me and/or refer to the helpful campus
resources listed on UWL’s Student Success page.
Student Evaluation of Instruction (SEI)
Student evaluations of this course are distributed electronically. Approximately 2 weeks prior to the
end of a course, you will receive an email at your EagleApps address directing you to login to
WINGS to complete an evaluation for this course.
Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Acquired Brain
Injury, PTSD, Physical, Sensory, Psychological, or Learning Disability) who needs to arrange
academic accommodations must contact The ACCESS Center (165 Murphy Library, 608-785-6900,
ACCESSCenter@uwlax.edu) and meet with an advisor to register and develop an accommodation
plan. In addition to registering with The ACCESS Center, it is the student's responsibility to discuss
their academic needs with their instructors. Students are ultimately responsible to communicate
their needs with the instructor in a timely manner.
Review the ACCESS Center website at:
http://www.uwlax.edu/access-center/
Desire2Learn also provides information about their Accessibility resources, at:
https://documentation.desire2learn.com/en/Accessibility
Veterans and Active Military Personnel
Veterans and active military personnel with special circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill
requirements, disabilities) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if
possible, to me. For additional information and assistance, contact the Veterans Services Office.
Students who need to withdraw from class or from the university due to military orders should be
aware of the military duty withdrawal policy.
University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse
Online Course Syllabus
University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse
Online Course Syllabus
Academic Services and Resources at UWL
Below are several student services available to students taking online courses:
o
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o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
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Academic Advising Center: http://www.uwlax.edu/advising/
ACCESS Center (formerly Disability Resources): http://www.uwlax.edu/access-center/
Career Services: http://www.uwlax.edu/careerservices/
Counseling and Testing Center: http://www.uwlax.edu/counseling/
Financial Information: http://www.uwlax.edu/financial-information/
Murphy Library: http://www.uwlax.edu/murphylibrary/
Multicultural Student Services: http://www.uwlax.edu/mss/
Records and Registration: http://www.uwlax.edu/records/
Student Handbook: http://www.uwlax.edu/Student-Life/Student-handbook/
Student Support Services: http://www.uwlax.edu/sss/
Tutoring (Murphy Learning Center): http://www.uwlax.edu/murphy-learning-center/
Veteran Services: http://www.uwlax.edu/veteran-services/
Writing Center: http://www.uwlax.edu/writingcenter/
Technical Support
For tips and information about D2L visit the Information Technology Services (ITS) student support
page, at http://www.uwlax.edu/D2L/Help-for-students/. If you prefer, begin your D2L journey with a
Video Tour of features.
Need help making sure your computer is set up correctly for online coursework? D2L's System
Check ensures that your computer and web browser are configured to properly access their system.
You can also contact the ITS Support Center at (608) 785-8774 or email them at
itssupport@uwlax.edu for questions about D2L or any other technological difficulties. The hours for
ITS are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, and Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm,
Central Time.