Course Number:
Course Title:
Course Credits:
Semester, Year:
Days and Times:
Faculty Name:
Office:
Office Hours:
Email:
Phone:
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVES
The following statement must appear on all syllabi:
All courses at Alvernia University are designed to foster the core Catholic, Franciscan values of
service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality as set forth by Alvernia’s
Mission Statement, as well as to promote the General Objectives outlined in the University
Catalog and the Student Handbook.
The following statement is optional:
The university community supports peace and non-violence by respecting diversity and
affirming the dignity of everyone in the community; civility and courtesy are practiced at all
times.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Take verbatim from the University Catalog.
COURSE OBJECTIVES / OUTCOMES
Summarize the general objectives of the course and list primary expected learning outcomes and
key assessments. This section may align General Education Student Learning Outcomes
(GESLOs) with course outcomes and program goals or professional standards. Incorporate
departmental guidelines as appropriate, or take directly from department syllabus provided.
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
List full citations for all required and recommended materials such as textbooks, readings,
digital sources, course packs, etc. as well as equipment such as calculator, lab coat, paints, etc.
Reserve books and materials also receive full citations.
COPYRIGHT RESTRICTION
Include the following verbatim:
Materials used in conjunction with this course may be subject to copyright protection under Title
17 of the United States Code. Under certain Fair Use circumstances specified by law, copies may
be made for private study, scholarship, or research. Electronic copies should not be shared with
unauthorized users. If a user fails to comply with Fair Use restrictions, he/she may be liable for
copyright infringement. For more information, including Fair Use guidelines, see the Alvernia
University Copyright and Fair Use Policy:
http://www.alvernia.edu/library/library_resources/copyright_policy.html.
COURSE FORMAT
Explain the course format. For example: This course is designed to be a web-enhanced course
offered in a semester-long, 15 week format with 80% in-class time and 20% distance education
via Blackboard™ for a total of 42 hours of instruction. Blackboard™ features include: online
discussion, web-links, film, podcasts, supplemental course material access, work-group
organization, and webpage activities. In-class format includes lecture, group discussions, critical
reading and reflection, class presentation, interactive activities, and film and literature
integration.
Course Delivery Format:
At Alvernia University online courses are divided into different categories based on the
percentage of the course delivered in an online format. Recently, these category definitions were
modified to accommodate Pennsylvania financial aid requirements.
• Online Course: This is a course that delivers more than 75% of its content
electronically.
• Blended-Plus Course: This is a course that delivers approximately 51% – 75% of its
content electronically.
• Blended Course: This is a course that delivers approximately 30% – 50% of its content
electronically.
• Web Enhanced: This is a course that may deliver up to 30% of its content electronically
All formats deliver a total of 42 hours of instruction time. Instructors choose appropriate
methods of material delivery through synchronous (“live”) and asynchronous activities. In
synchronous class sessions, materials and discussions may be conducted through audio
conferencing and/or web/video conferencing. Additional online resources, tools, and activities
may be integrated into the course delivery.
Course Cancellation Policy:
Understanding that each one credit course requires 14 hours of instructional time per semester,
faculty must provide activities or make-up time appropriate to the course in the case of class
cancellation or faculty absence.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
All on-line courses include the list of minimum technology requirements provided by Distance
Education at http://de.alvernia.edu/policies/syllabus-statement. Here is an example:
Alvernia Online students are responsible for communications software and internet service.
There are both minimum and suggested requirements for computer setup. The Blackboard™
learning management system, where students access their online courses, is accessible through
the Alvernia Website at http://www.alvernia.edu/logins.
Students who enroll in Alvernia online courses must possess basic computer skills and have
regular access to appropriate computer hardware, software, headset & microphone and Internet
connectivity in order to fully participate in coursework.
PC-based
Processor
OS
RAM
Disk space
Connection
Browser
Flash Player
Java
Mac-based
Processor
OS
RAM
Disk space
Connection
Browser
Flash Player
Java
Minimum
Core2Duo
Windows XP
1 GB
100 GB
DSL
Microsoft IE 8
Suggested
i5 or i7
Windows 7, Windows 8
4 GB
250 GB or higher
Broadband, Cable
Microsoft IE 9, Firefox 25,
Chrome 31
11
11.9
7 update 5
7 update 45
Minimum
Suggested
Core2Duo
i5 or i7
Tiger 10.4
Snow Lion 10.7
1 GB
4 GB
100 GB
250 GB or higher
DSL
Broadband, Cable
Safari 5.0
Safari 6 , Firefox 25,
Chrome 31
11
11.9
Apple supplies their own version of Java. Use the Software
Update feature (available on the Apple menu) to check that
you have the most up-to-date version of Java for your Mac.
Additional recommended technologies can be found on Alvernia’s Website at:
http://de.alvernia.edu/resources/technologies/
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ETHICAL USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Include a statement such as:
It is the student’s responsibility to check Alvernia email and Blackboard™ accounts on a regular
basis. Important information may be communicated by Alvernia faculty or staff through these
means. It is highly recommended that all students enroll in the electronic emergency notification
system called e2Campus (www.alvernia.edu). The Alvernia community adheres to ethical use of
technology at all times.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Summarize requirements amending the following list as appropriate:
1. Readings
The expectation is for students to read before coming to class.
2. Attendance/Participation
Explain expectations for attendance. Indicate what happens if a student misses or is late for
class, misses or is late in submitting an examination or an assignment, and how the grade is
affected.
3. Assignments, Projects, Examinations
Detail assignments, projects, presentations, discussion, case studies, examinations, quizzes,
papers, etc.
4. Academic Honesty
Include the following statement:
All students are expected to adhere to the university’s Academic Honesty Policy, as outlined
in the Student Handbook (http://www.alvernia.edu/currentstudents/PDF/StudentHandbookRev010812.pdf or corresponding Graduate program student
handbook). Breaches of honesty include but are not limited to:
• Copying another student’s work
• Plagiarizing the published work of another
• Facilitating the dishonesty of another student
• Cheating on an examination
• Collaborating with a student to complete on-line tests
It is the student’s responsibility to read and understand the policy; failure to do so does not
excuse the student from the consequences of the policy.
Explain consequences for plagiarism and dishonesty, for example: Any plagiarized
assignment will receive a grade of zero.
5. Editorial Style
Specify the editorial style required: MLA, APA, etc. The library provides resources to help
students with different style guides.
You may wish to include a statement about writing tutoring at the Learning Center.
6. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities
Act (“ADA”), the University offers accommodations to students with documented learning,
physical and/or psychological disabilities. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the
Disability Services Coordinator, preferably prior to the beginning of the semester, to initiate
the accommodation process and to notify instructors as soon as possible so accommodations
can be made early on in the semester. Course requirements will not be waived but, if
possible, reasonable accommodations will be made to allow each student to meet course
requirements. Students needing assistance should contact the Disability Services Office in
BH 106 (inside the Learning Center), by phone (610.568.1499), fax (484-335-4486), or email (disability.services@alvernia.edu).
7. Professional Standards and Guidelines
Optional.
8. Tk20 Notice
Include the following statements verbatim:
Submission: Alvernia University strives to provide a quality educational experience
through ongoing efforts to evaluate student learning outcomes. As part of this process,
students may be asked to submit an electronic version of work by uploading one or more
documents into Tk20 for assessment purposes. Assignments will be designated by the
course faculty member. Additional information about Tk20 login and submission process
is available on the student portal.
Confidentiality: Data gathered for assessment purposes are analyzed in aggregate
form. No personal or student identifying information is revealed in disseminated
reports. Alvernia University uses assessment related information to better understand
what students are learning in relation to general education and student learning outcomes
and improve understanding of the institution itself.
GRADING POLICY & GRADING RUBRICS
Explicitly note how students will be evaluated and include the grading scale appropriate for the
class level. Include program progression requirements as appropriate.
Undergraduate Grading Scale
A
94-100
C
73-76
A90-93
C70-72
B+
87-89
D+
67-69
B
83-86
D
63-66
B80-82
D60-62
C+
77-79
F
Failure
Graduate Grading Scale
A
4.0
94-100
P Passing Grade
I Incomplete
WP Withdrawal/Pass
WF Withdrawal/Fail
AU Audit
AB+
B
BC
F
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7*
2.0
90-93
87-89
83-86
80-82
73-79
72 and below
*Less than 2.7=Probation
COURSE SCHEDULE
Provide detailed daily or weekly schedule of reading, assignment, assessment, etc. with due
dates.
OPTIONAL DISCLAIMER:
The instructor reserves the right to adjust the course requirements and schedule if necessary. Students
will be given adequate notification of any alterations.
Revised January 2015