Creating a University
Level Syllabus
Dr. Gayle A. Kearns
Why An Effective Syllabus?
After today’s session, you will be able to:
 Identify elements that can strengthen a
course; and
 Describe the 15 points for an effective
syllabus.
Why Do Students Attend College?
Get a Better Job
 Learn about things of
interest
 Make more money
 Gain a general education
 Prepare for graduate work

81%
75%
68%
58%
48%
Why!! con’t. . . .
Meet new people
 Learn study skills
 Get away from home
 Could not get a job
 Nothing better to do

47%
33%
10%
8%
2%
Characteristics of A Good
Instructor . . .
Ability to be fair and consistent
 Knowledge of the subject matter (SME)
 Ability to personalize the instruction
 Willingness to be flexible

Characteristics . . .
Ability to reflect a positive attitude-nods, smiles, humor
 Skill in establishing definite examination
procedures--objective based,
instructional sequence
 Willingness to provide study aids

A Good Instructor has the . . .
Ability to perceive the material or task
from the students’ point of view
 Ability to ask questions which allow
students to think critically
 Ability to present a clear and concise
SYLLABUS!!!

What About That First Day of
Class??
Be specific!
 State the name of the
course
 Identify yourself and
some credentials
 Let the students
introduce themselves
(optional and if
possible due to size)

That Infamous First Day!
Review the syllabus
thoroughly (sign)
 Ask for student
questions and/or
feedback
 Review the course
outline

15 Points for An Effective Syllabus
What is a syllabus?

A syllabus is the official document of
the course
What does it show?

It shows what will be required and
expected throughout the semester—
course work, attendance, participation,
etc.
An Effective Syllabus . .
How does it aide the student?

It helps to establish boundaries of what
students can expect from their
professor/instructor in terms of
instructional pace, grading, requirements,
and personal interactions
Regent’s Policy . . .
Oklahoma State Board of Regents state:
“a syllabi will be prepared for all courses
and filed with the departmental
Chairperson and the college Dean. Syllabi
will be distributed to students during the
first week of class.”
 A syllabus is a legally binding contract
between the professor and the students

What to Include on a Syllabus
#1 - Name of the Course
Identify the name, number, section and
meeting times and place
 An addendum may be the prerequisites
required to insure that the student is in
the correct sequence of course work

#2 - Professor’s Name
State your name on the syllabus (in
addition to your oral introduction)
 Professional/educational background
 Credentials
 Special interest in the course subject
(SME)

#3 - Office Hours and Phone/EMail/Fax Numbers
List office hours and office location
(give location markers)
 List office phone and fax numbers, as
well as e-mail address (home numbers
are optional and personally not
recommended)
 Encourage students to use office hours
(or make appts)

#4 - Textbook Information and other
Resources
Discuss the benefits of the textbook
 Discuss the strengths of any enhancement
resources (self-made packets, manuals,
WebCT, etc.)
 Give a brief bio of the author (optional)

#5 - Course Objectives





List a performance outcome for the course
List all specific course objectives (complete
course)
Describe what will be learned
Discuss the importance of learning this
information
Relate the importance of this information to the
students’ educational objectives
#6 - Nature of the Course
Discuss the methodologies to be used
throughout the course, i.e. lecture,
interactive discussion, webct
enhancement, projects, service learning
 Describe the importance of student
participation concerning classroom
interaction, independent study, lab
sessions, service-learning etc.

#7 - Course Requirements
Be cognizant if it is not stated specifically
and accurately in the syllabus, a student
who questions (or files a grievance) will
have a much better chance in their
defense
 Also, watch undue hardships on students
with disabilities--ADA does state that
certain concessions must be made--Be
Alert and Accommodate!!!

Course Requirements, Point #7
Written assignments:
 State specifically if the written
assignments are required, suggested,
extra credit
 State the length expected
 Identify the acceptable format-computer-generated, hand-written,
MLA, APA
More Course Requirements for #7
Tests, quizzes and exams:
 Be specific on the types--scantron,
essay, etc
 Material to be covered and sources-study packets, readings
 Cumulative or not
 No surprises—test only on identified,
measurable information
Course Requirements . .
Special projects, such as
independent/group studies, term
papers, oral presentations, book
reports, etc
 Specify length (what counts)
 Acceptable format--computer
generated, handwritten, APA
 Topical areas to be considered

Course Requirements . .
Labs:
 Type of lab--meeting times and locations
 Lab requirements, present with syllabus or
at first lab session
 Location(s) of lab(s)
 Support system within lab(s)
#8 - Resources, References and
Supplies
Be specific on the listing of resources,
outside readings, bibliographies,
visitations, etc
 Identify supplies required
 Give specific details on operation of
special equipment

Point #9 - Grading and Evaluation
DO NOT CHANGE THIS DURING THE
SEMESTER (if you do have to make
changes, insure that everyone receives
a revised copy of the syllabus)!!
 Identify what work will be graded
 Explain evaluation of assignments—
apply rubrics or assessment information
to insure clarity

Point #9
Explain level of comprehension (give scale
for grades) of tests, special projects,
assignments
 Identify what percentage each component
contributes to the final grade--tests,
quizzes, exams, special projects, labs,
attendance, class participation

Point #10 - Attendance
This is a very big issue/trouble spot on all
higher ed campuses
 There is no formal university policy-professors set their own
 Take attendance each class (if possible)
 Specifically state what your policy is in
regard to absences

Point #10, con’t.
Be specific on how work may be made up
in the event of an absence--give an exact
time line
 State what is expected of students who
miss class due to extracurricular activities,
illness, etc. (remember that school
supported activities are to be excused, but
the student is responsible for informing
you of his/her school activity or sport)

Point #11 - Special
Accommodations
According to the Americans with
Disabilities Act, it is the responsibility of
each student to notify the University of
his/her disability
 UCO policy states that the following
statement should be included in your
syllabus:

Disability Statement
“ADA Statement: The University of Central
Oklahoma complies with Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Students
with disabilities who need special
accommodations should make their request
by contacting Disability Support Services at
974-2549.
Point #12 - Fees (optional)
Fees are now included with the students
tuition statement for extracurricular
requirements, such as: A fashion trip to
NYC, purchase of a laptop computer,
articulation with a professional association
which requires a membership
 Additional fees for the course may not be
assessed to the course

Point #13 - Drop/Add Policy
(Optional)
State the university policy on dates to be
followed
 List the last day to withdraw from a class
 Refer the student to UCONNECT for
information on activities on campus,
enrollment, grades, etc.
 Distribute the information that covers this
specific point found on the Academic
Affairs website

Point #14 - Additional
Information
Other important information students
may need to know, such as, other
duties you perform (Residency
Teacher/Student Teacher supervision,
Faculty Senate responsibilities, etc.
 Use of cell phones, IPODS, pagers and
any other electronic devices during
class
 Email requirement, instant messaging

Point #14 - continued
Other expectations or guidelines for
student conduct beyond attendance, i.e.,
habitual tardiness
 Be very specific about: plagiarism and
academic dishonesty
 Refer students to the Code of Student
Conduct on the website or distribute the
information in class the first day

Point #15 - Course
Outline/Calendar
Address all major content areas,
objectives for course
 Include class meetings by date,
topics/chapters to be discussed
 Address dates for quizzes, exams, midterm and final dates
 Due dates for homework assignments,
special projects, term papers, etc. (be
specific)

In Summary
An effective syllabus will establish
boundaries for student expectation!!
 An effective syllabus will protect you, the
professor, by validating what is expected
throughout the semester in terms of
course requirements!!
