Creating a Syllabus—New Faculty Orientation/ Jackie Cason
Fall 2006
Syllabus Checklist
Syllabus Content1
Yes
No
Comments
Course number, section, title, meeting
time, location, semester and year
Instructor full name, title, preferred name
Office location, office hours, phone
number, and email
Pre-requisite courses or skills
Course description (how course relates to
other concepts and principles of the discipline)
Course objectives and goals (enduring
understandings and essential questions)
Required course materials
Texts and reading lists (required and
suggested2, location of readings)
Instructional strategies (i.e. group work,
lectures, simulations, discussions, etc.)
Class atmosphere and safety
Testing methods (e.g. essay, multiple-choice,
short answer) and type of knowledge tested
(e.g. Bloom’s taxonomy—knowledge,
comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis,
evaluation)
Grading Policies
Attendance and participation
Major assignments--goals & criteria

This checklist can be used to review already existing syllabi (faculty peer groups) or used to create your own syllabus.
The CAS Syllabus Template is available at http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/cas/faculty/classroom.pdf
2
For example, I sometimes use the verbs read, review, consult to distinguish between varying levels of reading.
1
Creating a Syllabus—New Faculty Orientation/ Jackie Cason
Fall 2006
Examination/ assignment policies (e.g.
missed tests; academic dishonesty, extra
credit, etc.)
Course schedule of unit topics and calendar
with due dates for major assignments and
exam dates
Guidelines and criteria for course
assignments
Academic Success and Support Services3
Syllabus Format
Yes
No
Comments
Format (e.g. 8½ x 11; 2-column, newsletter)
Printing/ fonts
Color, other ‘aesthetic’ concerns
Graphic images
Sufficient white space
Information chunking
Hierarchy of information
Blackboard Access
3
Should a student require academic accommodation (e.g. extended testing time, note-taking assistance), a notification
letter, typically hand-delivered by the student, will be provided to you which identifies those academic adjustments. If a
student approaches you requesting accommodations based on disability without a notification letter from this
department, you are under no obligation to provide accommodations; however, please refer the student to Disability
Support Services. It is also recommended that you include the following in your first-class-session announcements and
on your syllabus: "If you experience a disability and would like information about support services, contact Disability
Support Services, located in Rasmuson Hall 105 at 786-4530, or on the web at: http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/dss.”
Faculty may contact Kaela Parks, Director, Disability Support Services for further information: Ph (907) 786-4535;
ankmk4@uaa.alaska.edu.
Creating a Syllabus—New Faculty Orientation/ Jackie Cason
Fall 2006
COURSE NAME
Instructor’s Name
Semester and Year
Once you have studied the course syllabus so that you understand its contents, please initial the statements
below. Then print your name and sign and date the document. Return it to me no later than the next class
period. Feel free to ask any questions or request clarification as needed, now or throughout the semester.
You may also ask questions directly on this form if you prefer.
___________________ I have read the class syllabus and understand its contents.
___________________ I thoroughly understand the grading and attendance policies stated in the syllabus.
___________________I also understand the University’s policies and guidelines regarding grading,
including the grades of W for Withdrawal and I for Incomplete.
(Print student name)
(Student Signature)
Date