SIM/UB Syllabus Template
Instructions
This template is provided as a basic framework to help you to organize the essential
information in your syllabus.
You are encouraged to design your syllabus and conduct your class creatively, while
at the same time making every effort to meet the goals and objectives of the course and to
cover the required material adequately according to the sample syllabus you have been
given from University at Buffalo. For this reason, please feel free to alter the format of
this template according to your own preferences, and in order to best convey the
necessary information to your students.
Be sure to delete these and other instructions and any other extraneous text throughout
the template before submitting your syllabus for review.
The following color-coded system is used in the template to indicate different categories
of information:
Black = required information
Italics = things to be customized by you
Red = optional information
Blue = instructions/comments (delete before submission)
SIM/UB Undergraduate Program
Course Number and Title
Semester and Year
Course Outline
Instructor:
Class Time:
Classroom:
Office Hours:
Office Location:
E-mail:
Office telephone:
Telephone:
name
days, start time – end time
Please refer to electronic signboard
days, start time – end time
Please refer to electronic signboard
address
(will be filled in by SIM staff)
cell phone number
Note: Any irregularities in the course schedule are noted in the SIM/UB semester timetable.
Course website: URL
Textbook: author, title, publisher, any other relevant information
Other required course materials:
Course Description and/or Objectives: (this tells about the content of the course and what students
should be able to do as an outcome of instruction)
Course Requirements: (describe in detail the work which must be completed by students to pass the
course, e.g. types of tests and quizzes, projects, presentations, homework assignments, essays,
conferences, etc.)
Assessment: (include your schematic breakdown of grading scheme for the course; it is
recommended that not less than 10% be based on attendance and participation and not more than
40% be based on the final exam; closed-book and closed-note exams are recommended; for quiz
grades, it is advisable to have one grade which can be dropped, e.g., 4 out of 5 quiz grades = 20 % of
final grade)
Grading: (indicate how grades will be determined in your course; you may use the commonly
accepted scheme shown here or you can modify it according to your own expectations based on prior
teaching experience)
UB
Letter Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
% Equivalent
90.0 – 100.0
85.0 – 89.9
80.0 – 84.9
75.0 – 79.9
70.0 – 74.9
65.0 – 69.9
60.0 – 64.9
55.0 – 59.9
50.0 – 54.9
45.0 – 49.9
00.0 – 44.9
Interpretation
High Distinction
High Distinction
Superior
Superior
Superior
Average
Average
Average
Minimal Passing Grade
Minimal Passing Grade
Failure
Notes: (indicate any special rules or exceptions regarding your grading procedures)
Classroom Policies: (indicate any special rules you would like to impose regarding handphones,
tardiness, food in the classroom, behavioral expectations, etc.)
Additional Information: (sometimes instructors include advice about study skills, how to do well in
the class, etc.)
General UB Program Policies
Attendance and active participation is expected by all students in every class. Students are expected to be
present for the entire duration of each class. Tardiness to or absenting oneself during class will result in a
deduction from the attendance and participation portion of the final grade.
Late assignments, if accepted, will be penalized.
Students who are absent from a midterm exam must request a make up exam from the course instructor; a
make up will be given only if there is an appropriate, documented reason for absence from the exam (such
as an MC); any disputes regarding the validity of the reason or the documentation may be referred to the
student advisor.
Students who are absent from a final exam must formally request a make up exam in writing to the student
advisor within 3 days of the original exam date. Supporting documents must be provided. Make up final
exams will not be granted automatically but will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account
all the relevant circumstances. Disputes may be referred to the resident director.
There will be no make ups for other course assessments, and students who are absent from such
assessments will receive a zero.
UB Statement of Principle on Academic Integrity:
The University at Buffalo has a responsibility to promote academic honesty and integrity and to develop
procedures to deal effectively with instances of academic dishonesty. Students are responsible for the
honest completion and representation of their work, for appropriate citation of sources, and for respect for
others’ academic endeavors. By placing their name on academic work, students certify the originality of all
work not otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgements.
Additionally, students are expected to understand and abide completely by the following guidelines for
academic integrity in all UB courses:
Plagiarism, cheating, and other incidents of academic dishonesty will result in an automatic failing grade
for the course. Depending on the severity of the violation, your case may also be reported to UB for
further investigation and may result in expulsion from the university.
Plagiarism consists of copying work from another source without giving proper citations. You must not
copy information from printed materials, internet sources, or from the work of other students. If you are
uncertain about how to submit your work correctly, consult the instructor immediately.
Any claim of ignorance of the rules of academic integrity by any student is unacceptable.
Syllabus
(Indicate daily plan of topics of study, reading assignments, assessments, etc.; there should be a small
assessment, such as a quiz, no later than the end of week 2, mid-term exam should be scheduled
slightly before or at about mid-semester, and final exam will take place according to semester
timetable)
Disclaimer: (here instructors often include some information about changes to the syllabus which
may be required by various circumstances during the semester)