Introduction to Course Syllabus Design
TEACHING amp LEARNING TOOLKIT
Produced by Central Michigan Universityrsquos Quality Initiative and Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Last updated 111415
copy Central Michigan University | 3
Introduction to Course Syllabus Design
At Central Michigan University (CMU) we have ldquomaster course syllabirdquo (aka master course descriptions) and ldquoteaching course syllabirdquo A master syllabus is a course description that has been approved through the curricular process so the course can be offered at CMU These syllabi contain such things as the bulletin description a list of prerequisites (if any) and student learning objectives Master syllabi are available online (Search at wwwcmichedu for the current location)
A teaching course syllabus based on the master syllabus provides students with information about a class in which they are enrolled A course syllabus is not synonymous with a master syllabus rather it is specific to a section of the course that meets at a particular time and place As stated in the CMU Code of Student Rights Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures (para 23) ldquoFaculty members assigned to teach a course will develop a course outline based on the master syllabus to provide students with greater specificity about how the course will be conducted in order to accomplish the intended goals and objectivesrdquo
According to policy ldquoalthough individual faculty members do not have unilateral discretion to substan-tially alter the scope of the course or the goals and objectives of the learning experience the master syllabus does not limit a faculty member in planning the sequence of topics selecting appropriate texts or other instructional materials using a variety of instructional methods or designing and using specific evaluation procedures in the teaching of the courserdquo (Central Michigan University 2015 p 11 but visit the Academic Senate website for updates)
Syllabus ChecklistInstructors of on-campus courses design their syllabi and have considerable discretion in the types of information they include However syllabi that are vague about classroom policies course require-ments and the timeline for activities do not give students adequate direction interfere with their ability to plan time and invite disagreements between students and instructors Although there are no hard and fast rules the items below represent information that should be provided to students (Items marked with an asterisk are particularly important)
Table of Contents Syllabus Checklist 3
Syllabus Requirements for University Program Courses 4
Traditional Enhanced and Exemplary Syllabi 5
Creating an Inviting Tone 5
Evaluating Your Course Syllabus 5
Balancing Conciseness and Completeness 7
Choosing a Format 7
References 9
4 | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | 5
Introduction to Course Syllabus Design Introduction to Course Syllabus Design
Traditional Enhanced and Exemplary SyllabiThere are suggestions for enhancing a syllabus in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles These guidelines suggest ways to design classes to meet the needs of all students regardless of their indi-vidual circumstances learning preferences or disabilities Instead of writing policies that explain how exceptions will be made to meet the special circumstances of a few students instructors embracing UDL build procedures into classes such that the need for exceptions is minimized For an introduction to UDL see the website for the National Center on UDL
Research findings indicate that UDL course features benefit all students and reduce the disparity in grades that typically exists between students with and without disabilities (UDL-Universe 2014a) Furthermore both groups of students rate UDL features as very important for their satisfaction with a course (UDL-Universe 2004b)
Several websites including one for the National Center on Universal Design for Learning have open-ac-cess information to help instructors design courses and syllabi Although some suggestions in these resources are not relevant or desirable for every class the rubric in Table 1 may give you some useful ideas (UDLUniversecom nd)
Creating an Inviting ToneSeveral resources provide advice and examples for how to create a warm inviting tone with your sylla-bus For example consider these contrasting examples from Harnish and his colleagues (2011 Table 1)
Syllabus Checklist Course number title credit hours section number
location time and UP subgroup (if applicable)
Prerequisites and recommended preparatory courses (perhaps with an explanation of why completion of these courses is important for student success)
Cross-listing statement (if applicable) eg ldquoHST 326 is cross-listed with WST 328 and is therefore exactly the same course If applicable make sure you are enrolled in the course that meets your degree requirements Credit may not be earned in more than one of these coursesrdquo
Instructorrsquos name office location office hours and office phone number with a statement about office hour policy (eg drop-in or by appointment only) and an invitation to make appointments for other times in the event of time conflicts
Other options for connecting with the instructor (at the instructorrsquos discretion) such as email
Required materials including textbooks lab manuals and examination books
Brief description of the course content and format (ie delivery method)
Student learning outcomes from the master course syllabus and if the course is in a UP subgroup a description of how course content addresses student learning outcomes for that subgroup
Statement on attendance if applicable A reference to the universityrsquos missed class policy may be helpful to students (Find the current policy at wwwcmichedu)
Statement on assessment methods (This should be reasonably specific eg the number of examinations and their weighting graded assignments and requirements for class participation or other contributions as applicable) Students appreciate knowing how assessments align with course learning objectives
Grading scale (composition of final grade and its translation to the universityrsquos A-E system) If using points also display how points convert to percentages
Policiesprocedures regarding missed exams and late assignments
A statement that the instructor reserves the right to make changes to the class outline and syllabus policies as needed
Schedule of classes including (as applicable) deadlines assignments and examination dates including a statement on how the final examination time period will be used Any required out-of-class time experiences should also be included (eg required field trips) Clearly flag which assessments are to be completed in versus outside of class
Disabilities accommodations and Sexual Misconduct Policy statements (see the Appendix)
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty policy (see the Appendix)
Other classroom policies (at the instructorrsquos discretion see the Appendix for examples)
Resource lists (eg textbook companion websites web addresses or information on Blackboard regarding manuscript preparation library searches etc campus resources)
ColdOffice hours 131 Psychology T amp R 830 ndash 930 am jsmitheduedu
If you need to contact me you may email me or con-tact the department and leave a message I will return your call
No make-up exams will be allowed without documen-tation of illness death in the family or other suitably traumatic event
WarmerStudent Hours 131 Psychology T amp R 830 ndash 930 am jsmitheduedu
Individual assistance is always available by appoint-ment I look forward to seeing you during student hours Stop in
Illnesses death in the family or other traumatic events unfortunately are a part of life A make-up exam will be given if you contact me within 24 hours and provide documentation
Consult the website for Project Syllabus sponsored by the Society for the Teaching of Psychology for more recom-mendations and sample syllabi
Syllabus Requirements for University Program CoursesIn addition to items in the syllabus checklist syllabi for University Program (UP) courses should list the UP subgroup the course represents (eg ldquoUniversity Program Subgroup II-Ardquo) Also syllabus narrative should describe how this section of the course meets the learning objectives for that UP subgroup (Consult the current version of the Curriculum Authority Document Appendix C Central Michigan University 2015) Instructors are not required to list the UP learning objectives verbatim but they can assist the program evaluation process by making the relationship between objectives and course content transparent
Evaluating Your Course SyllabusA well-designed syllabus offers more than the instructorrsquos contact information and a course outline It also provides information about course goals and objectives grading procedures support services and course policies regarding class participation missed examinations late assignments and academic integrity
~Howard University
copy Central Michigan University | 7
Introduction to Course Syllabus DesignTa
ble
1 U
nive
rsal
Des
ign
for L
earn
ing
A R
ubric
for E
valu
atin
g Yo
ur C
ours
e Sy
llabu
s
Elem
ents
Trad
ition
al Sy
llabu
s En
hanc
ed Sy
llabu
s Ex
empl
ary S
ylla
bus
Inst
ruct
or
Info
rmat
ion
Sylla
bus
offer
s va
ried
way
s to
con
tact
inst
ruct
or fo
r st
uden
t que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
sSy
llabu
s off
ers
varie
d w
ays
to c
onta
ct in
stru
ctor
for s
tu-
dent
que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
s an
d pr
ovid
es b
rief o
verv
iew
of
inst
ruct
or
Text
book
sSy
llabu
s pr
ovid
es a
sin
gle
way
to c
onta
ct
inst
ruct
or fo
r stu
dent
que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
sSy
llabu
s lis
ts re
quire
d an
d re
com
men
ded
text
book
s w
ith in
form
atio
n ab
out w
here
they
can
be
purc
hase
d
Shor
t sta
tem
ent p
rovi
ded
as to
why
the
text
book
w
as s
elec
ted
Sylla
bus
lists
requ
ired
and
reco
mm
ende
d te
xtbo
oks
with
in
form
atio
n ab
out w
here
they
can
be
purc
hase
d E
lect
roni
c eq
uiva
lent
pro
vide
d or
text
s or
dere
d ea
rly to
ens
ure
timel
y co
nver
sion
in a
n al
tern
ativ
e fo
rmat
Sho
rt s
tate
men
t pro
vide
d as
to w
hy th
e te
xtbo
ok w
as s
elec
ted
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(exp
lana
tion)
Sylla
bus
iden
tifies
all
lear
ning
obj
ectiv
es
cour
se re
quire
men
ts a
ssig
nmen
ts a
nd
appr
opria
te d
ue d
ates
Sylla
bus
iden
tifies
and
exp
lain
s al
l lea
rnin
g ob
ject
ives
co
urse
requ
irem
ents
ass
ignm
ents
and
app
ropr
iate
du
e da
tes
Sylla
bus
clea
rly e
xpla
ins
and
links
all
lear
ning
obj
ectiv
es
cour
se re
quire
men
tsa
ssig
nmen
ts a
nd a
ppro
pria
te d
ue d
ates
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(exa
mpl
es)
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
info
rmat
ion
on h
ow to
co
mpl
ete
maj
or c
ours
e pr
ojec
ts a
ctiv
ities
or
pape
rs
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
det
aile
d gu
idan
ce o
n ho
w to
com
-pl
ete
maj
or c
ours
e pr
ojec
ts a
ctiv
ities
or p
aper
s
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
det
aile
d gu
idan
ce o
n ho
w to
com
plet
e m
ajor
co
urse
pro
ject
s a
ctiv
ities
or p
aper
s an
d off
ers
links
to e
xam
-pl
es a
nd il
lust
ratio
ns a
s ap
prop
riate
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(subm
issio
n)
Sylla
bus
requ
ires
stud
ents
to s
ubm
it co
urse
as
sign
men
ts in
a s
ingl
e or
spe
cific
way
Sy
llabu
s al
low
s fo
r spe
cific
stu
dent
s to
sub
mit
cour
se
assi
gnm
ents
in a
ltern
ativ
e fo
rmat
s w
ith p
rior i
nstr
uc-
tor a
ppro
val
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
mul
tiple
way
s fo
r all
stud
ents
to s
ubm
it co
urse
ass
ignm
ents
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(gra
ding
)
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se re
quire
men
ts
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se
requ
irem
ents
and
offe
rs d
etai
l on
item
s re
quiri
ng
furt
her c
larifi
catio
n
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se re
quire
men
ts
and
offer
s de
tail
on it
ems
requ
iring
furt
her c
larifi
catio
n an
d lin
ks to
inst
ruct
or g
radi
ng ru
bric
s
Cour
se
Cale
ndar
Sylla
bus
has
no (o
r min
imal
) inf
orm
atio
n in
ca
lend
ar fo
rm
Sylla
bus
utili
zes
a co
urse
cal
enda
r to
spec
ify d
ue
date
s fo
r cou
rse
activ
ities
Sy
llabu
s an
d Le
arni
ng M
anag
emen
t Sys
tem
(LM
S) u
tiliz
e a
cour
se c
alen
dar t
o sp
ecify
and
per
iodi
cally
rein
forc
e du
e da
tes
hi
ghlig
htin
g ke
y co
urse
eve
nts
and
activ
ities
Stud
ent
Reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns n
o in
form
atio
n ab
out
stud
ent-
orie
nted
cam
pus
reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns g
ener
al in
form
atio
n ab
out s
tu-
dent
-orie
nted
cam
pus
reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns g
ener
al in
form
atio
n ab
out s
tude
nt-o
rient
ed
cam
pus
reso
urce
s an
d hi
ghlig
hts
spec
ific
addi
tiona
l res
ourc
es
that
may
be
uniq
ue to
this
cou
rse
Form
at
(leng
th)
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
bas
ic in
form
atio
n in
a fe
w
page
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns a
ll co
urse
info
rmat
ion
gui
danc
e
and
exam
ples
but
may
be
cum
bers
ome
for s
ome
to
navi
gate
Sylla
bus
is c
aref
ully
cra
fted
to p
rovi
de s
uffici
ent i
nfor
mat
ion
and
guid
ance
yet
cle
arly
link
s to
add
ition
al re
sour
ces
and
exam
ples
avo
idin
g a
text
hea
vy d
ocum
ent
Form
at
(acc
essib
le)
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
har
dcop
y fo
rm o
n th
e fir
st d
ay o
f cla
ss
Sylla
bus
is m
ade
avai
labl
e in
har
dcop
y an
d el
ectr
oni-
cally
upo
n st
uden
t req
uest
Sy
llabu
s is
mad
e av
aila
ble
to s
tude
nts
as a
n ac
cess
ible
ele
c-tr
onic
doc
umen
t and
in h
ardc
opy
form
Form
at
(visi
ble)
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
har
dcop
y fo
rm o
n th
e fir
st d
ay o
f cla
ss
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
mul
tiple
way
s so
stu
dent
s ca
n ac
cess
info
rmat
ion
as n
eede
d th
roug
hout
the
cour
se
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d an
d po
sted
in m
ultip
le w
ays
so s
tude
nts
can
acce
ss in
form
atio
n ea
sily
and
repe
ated
ly K
ey it
ems
are
perio
dica
lly re
view
ed
Balancing Conciseness and CompletenessWhen designing your syllabus consider whether you want it to convey only basic information about your class or whether you would also like it to be a learning tool or ldquocourse manualrdquomdashthat is a docu-ment students will refer to often throughout the semester For example students in one CMU course read a diverse set of articles before each class period To help them appreciate the learning goal for each day the instructor follows her traditional five-page syllabus with an annotated list of the readings that provides information about the history behind each article set why she assigned the articles and the questions that will be discussed in class Students are encouraged to read the rationale behind each article set before they begin to read
Many instructors augment basic information about their course sections with narrative or graphics that provide an intellectual framework for their courses as described in DePaul Universityrsquos online Teaching Commons (2014)
Twenty years ago many instructors would have described the syllabus as a ldquotable of contentsrdquo or alternatively a ldquocontractrdquo Todayrsquos books on college teaching and course design are likely to draw on different metaphors the syllabus is a map or travelogue as it both describes the intended destination and explains why one might want to go in the first place (Nilson 27) The most effective syllabus goes beyond listing the logistics and the topics covered in the course ndash it (a) articulates the conceptual framework for the course (b) introduces students to the key questions or problems facing experts in the field (c) suggests the ways in which an understanding of the course subject matters and (d) identifies the specific skills and knowledge students will be able to demonstrate upon leaving the course (paras 1minus2)
Regardless of whether your syllabus is short or a self-contained manual for the course a table of con-tents helps instructors organize information logically and helps students find information (eg Course Description amp Learning Goals Course Policies Resources Answers to Frequently-Asked Questions Course Calendar) One option is to duplicate a short (ie traditional) syllabus for distribution in class (if permitted by the department) but also post a longer course manual for easy download to a computer or tablet
Choosing a FormatMost instructors of CMU on-campus classes are not required to use a particular syllabus style or tem-plate Two general styles are the traditional words-only syllabus and what is sometimes called the visual syllabus (that is one that looks more like a web page as in Figure 1) CMU instructor Troy Hicks shared these reasons for creating a more visual syllabus for English 315 (January 22 2014)
Both because my existing syllabus had become bulky with tons of text and because I wanted to rethink major elements of the course I opted to create a visual syllabus after meeting with an instructional designer from FaCIT [Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching] As I streamlined assignments readings and proceduresmdashincluding a new collaborative assignment based on what I had learned in the High Impact Teaching AcademymdashI composed the visual syllabus so it would reflect the overall organization of the course as well as the ways in which individual assignments related to one another
8 | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | 9
Introduction to Course Syllabus Design Introduction to Course Syllabus Design
Regardless of which format you choose a syllabus should be logically organized and well-written with related information chunked together a header structure that helps students find information and a course calendar that makes it easy for students to spot upcoming exams and due dates In Figure 2 for example notice how easy it is for students to skim the right column to see when assignments are due This instructor used the Insert-Table function in Microsoft Word and chose a table format that had alter-nating white and shaded lines which visually chunks descriptions of course activities for each week of the term Other organizing techniques include using icons to flag different types of assignment and color-coding activities as in this example (from the Schedule of Assignments Exams and Activities for online ENG 201 Intermediate Composition CMU)
Figure 1 Many instructors are opting to use photographs flow charts and other features to create more engaging syllabi (This generic example was produced using placeholder photographs and Lorem Ipsum which is placeholder text) Because some students will print a black and white copy of posted syllabi during the course of the term always check that your syllabus is visible when printed in black and white
Your XXX 100 Course Calendar
I like to be responsive to the needs of individual classes so this course calendar is subject to change if we need more time on a topic or decide to make a side trip into an unexpected topic
Date Topic Reading AssignmentsExams
Tu Aug 26 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit
Th Aug 28 Nam a imperdiet elit Pellentesque augue sem bibendum eget aliquet no
Smith pp 1ndash8 Elders ch 2
Complete Blackboard Quiz 1 by 200 pm
ETC
Figure 2 A multiple-column course calendar with the dates of assignmentsexams in the right-most column helps students plan their week and makes it easier for them to transfer due dates from all classes into a single planning tool
Color keyGreen Reading assignmentPurple DraftingBlue Peer review assignments and drafts for instructor reviewOrange Discussion board assignmentsRed Opening dates and deadlines for exams
ReferencesCentral Michigan University (2015) Central Michigan University curriculum authority document Retrieved
from httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsCAD2011-17-1520FINALpdf
DePaul University (2014) Teaching Commons Constructing a syllabus Retrieved from httpteachingcommonsdepauleduCourse_Designconstructing_a_syllabusindexhtml
General Education Committee (2014 Fall) The General Education Program A Basic Documents Set Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsThe20General20Education20Program20-20A20Basic20Documents20Set20-20FINAL20-200320102014pdfsearch=The20General20Education20Program3A20A20Basic20Documents20Set2C202014
Harnish R K McElwee R O Slattery J M Frantz S Haney M R Shore C M amp Penley J (2011) Creating the foundation for a warm classroom climate Observer 24(1) Retrieved from httpwwwpsychologicalscienceorgindexphppublicationsobserver2011january-11creating-the-foundation-for-a-warm-classroom-climatehtml
UDLUniversecom (nd) Universal Design for Learning A rubric for evaluating your course syllabus Retrieved from httplgdatas3-website-us-east-1amazonawscomdocs2205289066UDL_Syllabus_Rubric_UPDATED_2-9-2012pdf
UDL-Universe (2014a) Impact on students Retrieved from httpenactsonomaeducontentphppid=218878ampsid=2028831
UDL-Universe (2014b) Nine common elements for Universal Design for Learning in higher education Retrieved from httplgdatas3-website-us-east-1amazonawscomdocs2205397910Nine_Common_UDL_Elements_2-10-12pdf
Photograph courtesy University Communications
10 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 11
Project Title Project Title
Appendix Sample Policy Language
Accommodating DisabilitiesSource ADA Handbook Faculty and Teaching Staff 7-07 Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostacademic_administrationFPSDocumentsADA20Handbook20Faculty20and20Teaching20Staff207-07pdfsearch=ada
CMU provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs activities or services Students with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should first register with the office of Student Disability Services (120 Park Library telephone 989-774-3018 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 989-774-2568) and then contact me as soon as possible
Recording Classroom ActivitySource Message from the CMU Faculty Association on December 12 2012 Retrieved from httpcmufacomdocumentsFinalRecordingStatementInSyllabipdf
In order to protect the intellectual property interests of the instructor the privacy interests of student members of the class and to encourage an open and fair exposition of all student views in the classroom without fear that student views expressed will be recorded and possibly posted in another forum recording of classroom lectures and conversations is not permissible without the express prior written consent of the instructor Unauthorized recording of classroom activity shall be considered a violation of the CMU Student Code of Rights Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures as disruptive of a studentrsquos right to learn under 323 Disruption of Learning
Individual instructors may want to consider adding the following clarification
Because instructors hold the copyright for their presentation materials photographing presentation screens or other lecture material is also prohibited
Academic DishonestySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to) looking at notes during an exam reading another studentrsquos answers during an exam copying another studentrsquos homework assignment and turning in work you previously completed for another class without obtaining your current instructorrsquos permission Academic dishonesty is seriously discouraged in college In this class violations of CMUrsquos integrity policy will result in [automatic failure in the class or your penalty statement here] and a report of the incident will be made to detect if you have been turned in by more than one instructor Your rights and obligations are explained in CMUrsquos Policy on Academic Integrity (httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsAcademic20Integrity20Policy20-20Approved20--3-26-13pdf)
Email PolicySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Please check your CMU email each day so you do not miss class announcements and individual notes from me The CMU campus is a professional work place and all facets of this class are designed to promote the skill-building that will help you achieve goals here and beyond your campus life To this end this class has an email policy to promote skilled communication All email to me should be written with college-level grammar punctuation and a professional tone Please note that I will return nonprofessional email for editing revisions before answering the questions contained in them Irsquom not being meanmdashjust caring about your future success (Consult the Writing Center website or the Blackboard site for this course for a review of college-level email conventions)
Campus ClosingsSource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
In the event of a campus closing (eg a weather-related closing) check the opening announcements on Blackboard for information about changes to the course schedule
Religious HolidaysSource Adapted from an example in the Manual of University Policies Procedures and Guidelines Accommodation of Religious Obligations Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf
CMU students are permitted to make up work when they are absent from class or examinations to observe religious holidays (except when make-up opportunities would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course) According to the Manual of University Policies it is your responsibility to provide me with written notice of the holiday you will be observing and the date you will be absent at least two weeks prior to the date of the religious holiday Please visit httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf to view the complete policy
Sexual Misconduct Policy and My Reporting ObligationsThe University and its faculty are committed to assuring a safe and productive educational environ-ment for all students In order to meet this commitment and to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 the Violence Against Womenrsquos Act the University developed the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy You can find information regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct and the resources available to you in the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy httpswwwcmicheduoffice_presi-dentOCRIEPagesSexual_Misconductaspx
Please familiarize yourself with the reporting requirements Because I am a faculty member I am a ldquoResponsible EmployeerdquomdashI have to report to the Title IX Coordinator if you tell me that you were a victim or perpetrator of any of the following actions dating violence domestic violence and intimate partner violence sexual assault sexual exploitation sexual harassment or stalking
12 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 13
Project Title Project Title
Classroom EtiquetteSource Based on the Central Michigan University Manual of Board of Trustees Policies Practices and Regulations 31 General Regulations Concerning Student Conduct Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduessstudentaffairsPagesResponsibilities-of-Studentsaspx
According to university regulations CMU students should not obstruct disrupt or interfere or attempt to disrupt or interfere with another studentrsquos right to study learn participate or a teacherrsquos right to teach during a class This includes but is not limited to such behaviors as talking at inappropriate times drawing unwarranted attention to him or herself engaging in loud or distracting behaviors or refusing to leave a classroom when ordered to do so Thank you in advance for creating a positive learning environment for everyone Please let me know if a studentrsquos behavior or something about the classroom is interfering with your ability to hear participate or otherwise enjoy our time together
Class-Specific RulesSyllabus suggestions
Each CMU instructor adopts the classroom rules that will provide students with the best learning environment to achieve course goals This semester we have [] classroom rules in addition to the other policies described in this syllabus
[no cell phone] Cell phones must be turned off and stowed away during class
[no hand-held devices] Cell phones and other hand-held devices (eg MP3 players cameras) should be turned off and stowed away during class
[no electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets may not be used for note taking
[welcome electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets are welcome for note taking
[computer penalty] If used for non-academic purposes or your usage becomes distracting to your peers you may be asked to power down If you are caught repeatedly engaging in distracting behavior your final grade may be assessed a penalty of up to [] points
[no food approved drink] Due to the classroom location no food is allowed and bever-ages must be in containers with lids
[food welcome] Feel free to enjoy snacks and a beverage during class but please avoid crunchydistracting food
[return lost items] Please return lost items you find to me and retrieve your lost items in [building lost and found room]
Our Electronics-Free ZoneDue to recent studies on the impact of electronic devices on learning and brain function the use of devices is not allowed during class time (Individuals with a condition that requires an electronic device should speak with me about getting a waiver of this policy)
Many instructors at CMU are trying out this policy with great success and students are enjoying their breaks from multi-tasking These findings convinced this happily plugged-in professor to declare my class a no-electronics zone
Compared to students who take notes by hand students who take notes on a computer do worse at recalling concepts largely because they record information literally but without thinking about what that information means
Electronic devices are the ldquosecond-hand smokerdquo of attention Your attention and learning suffer when you sit next to someone who is using a computer
Incorporating CMU Writing Center Services into Your SyllabusSource Dan Lawson Director Writing Center (Check the Writing Center website for updated locations and hours Please contact the Writing Center if you plan to incorporate their services into your course)
Because writing is such an important part of a college education CMU provides free writing center support to all CMU writers at any stage of the process from brainstorming to final editing and for any class I encourage you to attend regularly on your own However if I feel that you would benefit from additional peer feedback I may ask you to go to the Writing Center as part of this class If this occurs I will talk with you about the details of what I expect and the consequences of not meeting this requirement
Writing Center locations and hours [List current locations and hours here]
Because the Center gets busy it helps to go well before assignments are due be sure to take your draft and assignment guidelines with you
copy Central Michigan University | 3
Introduction to Course Syllabus Design
At Central Michigan University (CMU) we have ldquomaster course syllabirdquo (aka master course descriptions) and ldquoteaching course syllabirdquo A master syllabus is a course description that has been approved through the curricular process so the course can be offered at CMU These syllabi contain such things as the bulletin description a list of prerequisites (if any) and student learning objectives Master syllabi are available online (Search at wwwcmichedu for the current location)
A teaching course syllabus based on the master syllabus provides students with information about a class in which they are enrolled A course syllabus is not synonymous with a master syllabus rather it is specific to a section of the course that meets at a particular time and place As stated in the CMU Code of Student Rights Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures (para 23) ldquoFaculty members assigned to teach a course will develop a course outline based on the master syllabus to provide students with greater specificity about how the course will be conducted in order to accomplish the intended goals and objectivesrdquo
According to policy ldquoalthough individual faculty members do not have unilateral discretion to substan-tially alter the scope of the course or the goals and objectives of the learning experience the master syllabus does not limit a faculty member in planning the sequence of topics selecting appropriate texts or other instructional materials using a variety of instructional methods or designing and using specific evaluation procedures in the teaching of the courserdquo (Central Michigan University 2015 p 11 but visit the Academic Senate website for updates)
Syllabus ChecklistInstructors of on-campus courses design their syllabi and have considerable discretion in the types of information they include However syllabi that are vague about classroom policies course require-ments and the timeline for activities do not give students adequate direction interfere with their ability to plan time and invite disagreements between students and instructors Although there are no hard and fast rules the items below represent information that should be provided to students (Items marked with an asterisk are particularly important)
Table of Contents Syllabus Checklist 3
Syllabus Requirements for University Program Courses 4
Traditional Enhanced and Exemplary Syllabi 5
Creating an Inviting Tone 5
Evaluating Your Course Syllabus 5
Balancing Conciseness and Completeness 7
Choosing a Format 7
References 9
4 | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | 5
Introduction to Course Syllabus Design Introduction to Course Syllabus Design
Traditional Enhanced and Exemplary SyllabiThere are suggestions for enhancing a syllabus in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles These guidelines suggest ways to design classes to meet the needs of all students regardless of their indi-vidual circumstances learning preferences or disabilities Instead of writing policies that explain how exceptions will be made to meet the special circumstances of a few students instructors embracing UDL build procedures into classes such that the need for exceptions is minimized For an introduction to UDL see the website for the National Center on UDL
Research findings indicate that UDL course features benefit all students and reduce the disparity in grades that typically exists between students with and without disabilities (UDL-Universe 2014a) Furthermore both groups of students rate UDL features as very important for their satisfaction with a course (UDL-Universe 2004b)
Several websites including one for the National Center on Universal Design for Learning have open-ac-cess information to help instructors design courses and syllabi Although some suggestions in these resources are not relevant or desirable for every class the rubric in Table 1 may give you some useful ideas (UDLUniversecom nd)
Creating an Inviting ToneSeveral resources provide advice and examples for how to create a warm inviting tone with your sylla-bus For example consider these contrasting examples from Harnish and his colleagues (2011 Table 1)
Syllabus Checklist Course number title credit hours section number
location time and UP subgroup (if applicable)
Prerequisites and recommended preparatory courses (perhaps with an explanation of why completion of these courses is important for student success)
Cross-listing statement (if applicable) eg ldquoHST 326 is cross-listed with WST 328 and is therefore exactly the same course If applicable make sure you are enrolled in the course that meets your degree requirements Credit may not be earned in more than one of these coursesrdquo
Instructorrsquos name office location office hours and office phone number with a statement about office hour policy (eg drop-in or by appointment only) and an invitation to make appointments for other times in the event of time conflicts
Other options for connecting with the instructor (at the instructorrsquos discretion) such as email
Required materials including textbooks lab manuals and examination books
Brief description of the course content and format (ie delivery method)
Student learning outcomes from the master course syllabus and if the course is in a UP subgroup a description of how course content addresses student learning outcomes for that subgroup
Statement on attendance if applicable A reference to the universityrsquos missed class policy may be helpful to students (Find the current policy at wwwcmichedu)
Statement on assessment methods (This should be reasonably specific eg the number of examinations and their weighting graded assignments and requirements for class participation or other contributions as applicable) Students appreciate knowing how assessments align with course learning objectives
Grading scale (composition of final grade and its translation to the universityrsquos A-E system) If using points also display how points convert to percentages
Policiesprocedures regarding missed exams and late assignments
A statement that the instructor reserves the right to make changes to the class outline and syllabus policies as needed
Schedule of classes including (as applicable) deadlines assignments and examination dates including a statement on how the final examination time period will be used Any required out-of-class time experiences should also be included (eg required field trips) Clearly flag which assessments are to be completed in versus outside of class
Disabilities accommodations and Sexual Misconduct Policy statements (see the Appendix)
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty policy (see the Appendix)
Other classroom policies (at the instructorrsquos discretion see the Appendix for examples)
Resource lists (eg textbook companion websites web addresses or information on Blackboard regarding manuscript preparation library searches etc campus resources)
ColdOffice hours 131 Psychology T amp R 830 ndash 930 am jsmitheduedu
If you need to contact me you may email me or con-tact the department and leave a message I will return your call
No make-up exams will be allowed without documen-tation of illness death in the family or other suitably traumatic event
WarmerStudent Hours 131 Psychology T amp R 830 ndash 930 am jsmitheduedu
Individual assistance is always available by appoint-ment I look forward to seeing you during student hours Stop in
Illnesses death in the family or other traumatic events unfortunately are a part of life A make-up exam will be given if you contact me within 24 hours and provide documentation
Consult the website for Project Syllabus sponsored by the Society for the Teaching of Psychology for more recom-mendations and sample syllabi
Syllabus Requirements for University Program CoursesIn addition to items in the syllabus checklist syllabi for University Program (UP) courses should list the UP subgroup the course represents (eg ldquoUniversity Program Subgroup II-Ardquo) Also syllabus narrative should describe how this section of the course meets the learning objectives for that UP subgroup (Consult the current version of the Curriculum Authority Document Appendix C Central Michigan University 2015) Instructors are not required to list the UP learning objectives verbatim but they can assist the program evaluation process by making the relationship between objectives and course content transparent
Evaluating Your Course SyllabusA well-designed syllabus offers more than the instructorrsquos contact information and a course outline It also provides information about course goals and objectives grading procedures support services and course policies regarding class participation missed examinations late assignments and academic integrity
~Howard University
copy Central Michigan University | 7
Introduction to Course Syllabus DesignTa
ble
1 U
nive
rsal
Des
ign
for L
earn
ing
A R
ubric
for E
valu
atin
g Yo
ur C
ours
e Sy
llabu
s
Elem
ents
Trad
ition
al Sy
llabu
s En
hanc
ed Sy
llabu
s Ex
empl
ary S
ylla
bus
Inst
ruct
or
Info
rmat
ion
Sylla
bus
offer
s va
ried
way
s to
con
tact
inst
ruct
or fo
r st
uden
t que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
sSy
llabu
s off
ers
varie
d w
ays
to c
onta
ct in
stru
ctor
for s
tu-
dent
que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
s an
d pr
ovid
es b
rief o
verv
iew
of
inst
ruct
or
Text
book
sSy
llabu
s pr
ovid
es a
sin
gle
way
to c
onta
ct
inst
ruct
or fo
r stu
dent
que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
sSy
llabu
s lis
ts re
quire
d an
d re
com
men
ded
text
book
s w
ith in
form
atio
n ab
out w
here
they
can
be
purc
hase
d
Shor
t sta
tem
ent p
rovi
ded
as to
why
the
text
book
w
as s
elec
ted
Sylla
bus
lists
requ
ired
and
reco
mm
ende
d te
xtbo
oks
with
in
form
atio
n ab
out w
here
they
can
be
purc
hase
d E
lect
roni
c eq
uiva
lent
pro
vide
d or
text
s or
dere
d ea
rly to
ens
ure
timel
y co
nver
sion
in a
n al
tern
ativ
e fo
rmat
Sho
rt s
tate
men
t pro
vide
d as
to w
hy th
e te
xtbo
ok w
as s
elec
ted
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(exp
lana
tion)
Sylla
bus
iden
tifies
all
lear
ning
obj
ectiv
es
cour
se re
quire
men
ts a
ssig
nmen
ts a
nd
appr
opria
te d
ue d
ates
Sylla
bus
iden
tifies
and
exp
lain
s al
l lea
rnin
g ob
ject
ives
co
urse
requ
irem
ents
ass
ignm
ents
and
app
ropr
iate
du
e da
tes
Sylla
bus
clea
rly e
xpla
ins
and
links
all
lear
ning
obj
ectiv
es
cour
se re
quire
men
tsa
ssig
nmen
ts a
nd a
ppro
pria
te d
ue d
ates
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(exa
mpl
es)
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
info
rmat
ion
on h
ow to
co
mpl
ete
maj
or c
ours
e pr
ojec
ts a
ctiv
ities
or
pape
rs
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
det
aile
d gu
idan
ce o
n ho
w to
com
-pl
ete
maj
or c
ours
e pr
ojec
ts a
ctiv
ities
or p
aper
s
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
det
aile
d gu
idan
ce o
n ho
w to
com
plet
e m
ajor
co
urse
pro
ject
s a
ctiv
ities
or p
aper
s an
d off
ers
links
to e
xam
-pl
es a
nd il
lust
ratio
ns a
s ap
prop
riate
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(subm
issio
n)
Sylla
bus
requ
ires
stud
ents
to s
ubm
it co
urse
as
sign
men
ts in
a s
ingl
e or
spe
cific
way
Sy
llabu
s al
low
s fo
r spe
cific
stu
dent
s to
sub
mit
cour
se
assi
gnm
ents
in a
ltern
ativ
e fo
rmat
s w
ith p
rior i
nstr
uc-
tor a
ppro
val
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
mul
tiple
way
s fo
r all
stud
ents
to s
ubm
it co
urse
ass
ignm
ents
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(gra
ding
)
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se re
quire
men
ts
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se
requ
irem
ents
and
offe
rs d
etai
l on
item
s re
quiri
ng
furt
her c
larifi
catio
n
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se re
quire
men
ts
and
offer
s de
tail
on it
ems
requ
iring
furt
her c
larifi
catio
n an
d lin
ks to
inst
ruct
or g
radi
ng ru
bric
s
Cour
se
Cale
ndar
Sylla
bus
has
no (o
r min
imal
) inf
orm
atio
n in
ca
lend
ar fo
rm
Sylla
bus
utili
zes
a co
urse
cal
enda
r to
spec
ify d
ue
date
s fo
r cou
rse
activ
ities
Sy
llabu
s an
d Le
arni
ng M
anag
emen
t Sys
tem
(LM
S) u
tiliz
e a
cour
se c
alen
dar t
o sp
ecify
and
per
iodi
cally
rein
forc
e du
e da
tes
hi
ghlig
htin
g ke
y co
urse
eve
nts
and
activ
ities
Stud
ent
Reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns n
o in
form
atio
n ab
out
stud
ent-
orie
nted
cam
pus
reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns g
ener
al in
form
atio
n ab
out s
tu-
dent
-orie
nted
cam
pus
reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns g
ener
al in
form
atio
n ab
out s
tude
nt-o
rient
ed
cam
pus
reso
urce
s an
d hi
ghlig
hts
spec
ific
addi
tiona
l res
ourc
es
that
may
be
uniq
ue to
this
cou
rse
Form
at
(leng
th)
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
bas
ic in
form
atio
n in
a fe
w
page
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns a
ll co
urse
info
rmat
ion
gui
danc
e
and
exam
ples
but
may
be
cum
bers
ome
for s
ome
to
navi
gate
Sylla
bus
is c
aref
ully
cra
fted
to p
rovi
de s
uffici
ent i
nfor
mat
ion
and
guid
ance
yet
cle
arly
link
s to
add
ition
al re
sour
ces
and
exam
ples
avo
idin
g a
text
hea
vy d
ocum
ent
Form
at
(acc
essib
le)
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
har
dcop
y fo
rm o
n th
e fir
st d
ay o
f cla
ss
Sylla
bus
is m
ade
avai
labl
e in
har
dcop
y an
d el
ectr
oni-
cally
upo
n st
uden
t req
uest
Sy
llabu
s is
mad
e av
aila
ble
to s
tude
nts
as a
n ac
cess
ible
ele
c-tr
onic
doc
umen
t and
in h
ardc
opy
form
Form
at
(visi
ble)
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
har
dcop
y fo
rm o
n th
e fir
st d
ay o
f cla
ss
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
mul
tiple
way
s so
stu
dent
s ca
n ac
cess
info
rmat
ion
as n
eede
d th
roug
hout
the
cour
se
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d an
d po
sted
in m
ultip
le w
ays
so s
tude
nts
can
acce
ss in
form
atio
n ea
sily
and
repe
ated
ly K
ey it
ems
are
perio
dica
lly re
view
ed
Balancing Conciseness and CompletenessWhen designing your syllabus consider whether you want it to convey only basic information about your class or whether you would also like it to be a learning tool or ldquocourse manualrdquomdashthat is a docu-ment students will refer to often throughout the semester For example students in one CMU course read a diverse set of articles before each class period To help them appreciate the learning goal for each day the instructor follows her traditional five-page syllabus with an annotated list of the readings that provides information about the history behind each article set why she assigned the articles and the questions that will be discussed in class Students are encouraged to read the rationale behind each article set before they begin to read
Many instructors augment basic information about their course sections with narrative or graphics that provide an intellectual framework for their courses as described in DePaul Universityrsquos online Teaching Commons (2014)
Twenty years ago many instructors would have described the syllabus as a ldquotable of contentsrdquo or alternatively a ldquocontractrdquo Todayrsquos books on college teaching and course design are likely to draw on different metaphors the syllabus is a map or travelogue as it both describes the intended destination and explains why one might want to go in the first place (Nilson 27) The most effective syllabus goes beyond listing the logistics and the topics covered in the course ndash it (a) articulates the conceptual framework for the course (b) introduces students to the key questions or problems facing experts in the field (c) suggests the ways in which an understanding of the course subject matters and (d) identifies the specific skills and knowledge students will be able to demonstrate upon leaving the course (paras 1minus2)
Regardless of whether your syllabus is short or a self-contained manual for the course a table of con-tents helps instructors organize information logically and helps students find information (eg Course Description amp Learning Goals Course Policies Resources Answers to Frequently-Asked Questions Course Calendar) One option is to duplicate a short (ie traditional) syllabus for distribution in class (if permitted by the department) but also post a longer course manual for easy download to a computer or tablet
Choosing a FormatMost instructors of CMU on-campus classes are not required to use a particular syllabus style or tem-plate Two general styles are the traditional words-only syllabus and what is sometimes called the visual syllabus (that is one that looks more like a web page as in Figure 1) CMU instructor Troy Hicks shared these reasons for creating a more visual syllabus for English 315 (January 22 2014)
Both because my existing syllabus had become bulky with tons of text and because I wanted to rethink major elements of the course I opted to create a visual syllabus after meeting with an instructional designer from FaCIT [Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching] As I streamlined assignments readings and proceduresmdashincluding a new collaborative assignment based on what I had learned in the High Impact Teaching AcademymdashI composed the visual syllabus so it would reflect the overall organization of the course as well as the ways in which individual assignments related to one another
8 | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | 9
Introduction to Course Syllabus Design Introduction to Course Syllabus Design
Regardless of which format you choose a syllabus should be logically organized and well-written with related information chunked together a header structure that helps students find information and a course calendar that makes it easy for students to spot upcoming exams and due dates In Figure 2 for example notice how easy it is for students to skim the right column to see when assignments are due This instructor used the Insert-Table function in Microsoft Word and chose a table format that had alter-nating white and shaded lines which visually chunks descriptions of course activities for each week of the term Other organizing techniques include using icons to flag different types of assignment and color-coding activities as in this example (from the Schedule of Assignments Exams and Activities for online ENG 201 Intermediate Composition CMU)
Figure 1 Many instructors are opting to use photographs flow charts and other features to create more engaging syllabi (This generic example was produced using placeholder photographs and Lorem Ipsum which is placeholder text) Because some students will print a black and white copy of posted syllabi during the course of the term always check that your syllabus is visible when printed in black and white
Your XXX 100 Course Calendar
I like to be responsive to the needs of individual classes so this course calendar is subject to change if we need more time on a topic or decide to make a side trip into an unexpected topic
Date Topic Reading AssignmentsExams
Tu Aug 26 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit
Th Aug 28 Nam a imperdiet elit Pellentesque augue sem bibendum eget aliquet no
Smith pp 1ndash8 Elders ch 2
Complete Blackboard Quiz 1 by 200 pm
ETC
Figure 2 A multiple-column course calendar with the dates of assignmentsexams in the right-most column helps students plan their week and makes it easier for them to transfer due dates from all classes into a single planning tool
Color keyGreen Reading assignmentPurple DraftingBlue Peer review assignments and drafts for instructor reviewOrange Discussion board assignmentsRed Opening dates and deadlines for exams
ReferencesCentral Michigan University (2015) Central Michigan University curriculum authority document Retrieved
from httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsCAD2011-17-1520FINALpdf
DePaul University (2014) Teaching Commons Constructing a syllabus Retrieved from httpteachingcommonsdepauleduCourse_Designconstructing_a_syllabusindexhtml
General Education Committee (2014 Fall) The General Education Program A Basic Documents Set Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsThe20General20Education20Program20-20A20Basic20Documents20Set20-20FINAL20-200320102014pdfsearch=The20General20Education20Program3A20A20Basic20Documents20Set2C202014
Harnish R K McElwee R O Slattery J M Frantz S Haney M R Shore C M amp Penley J (2011) Creating the foundation for a warm classroom climate Observer 24(1) Retrieved from httpwwwpsychologicalscienceorgindexphppublicationsobserver2011january-11creating-the-foundation-for-a-warm-classroom-climatehtml
UDLUniversecom (nd) Universal Design for Learning A rubric for evaluating your course syllabus Retrieved from httplgdatas3-website-us-east-1amazonawscomdocs2205289066UDL_Syllabus_Rubric_UPDATED_2-9-2012pdf
UDL-Universe (2014a) Impact on students Retrieved from httpenactsonomaeducontentphppid=218878ampsid=2028831
UDL-Universe (2014b) Nine common elements for Universal Design for Learning in higher education Retrieved from httplgdatas3-website-us-east-1amazonawscomdocs2205397910Nine_Common_UDL_Elements_2-10-12pdf
Photograph courtesy University Communications
10 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 11
Project Title Project Title
Appendix Sample Policy Language
Accommodating DisabilitiesSource ADA Handbook Faculty and Teaching Staff 7-07 Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostacademic_administrationFPSDocumentsADA20Handbook20Faculty20and20Teaching20Staff207-07pdfsearch=ada
CMU provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs activities or services Students with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should first register with the office of Student Disability Services (120 Park Library telephone 989-774-3018 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 989-774-2568) and then contact me as soon as possible
Recording Classroom ActivitySource Message from the CMU Faculty Association on December 12 2012 Retrieved from httpcmufacomdocumentsFinalRecordingStatementInSyllabipdf
In order to protect the intellectual property interests of the instructor the privacy interests of student members of the class and to encourage an open and fair exposition of all student views in the classroom without fear that student views expressed will be recorded and possibly posted in another forum recording of classroom lectures and conversations is not permissible without the express prior written consent of the instructor Unauthorized recording of classroom activity shall be considered a violation of the CMU Student Code of Rights Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures as disruptive of a studentrsquos right to learn under 323 Disruption of Learning
Individual instructors may want to consider adding the following clarification
Because instructors hold the copyright for their presentation materials photographing presentation screens or other lecture material is also prohibited
Academic DishonestySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to) looking at notes during an exam reading another studentrsquos answers during an exam copying another studentrsquos homework assignment and turning in work you previously completed for another class without obtaining your current instructorrsquos permission Academic dishonesty is seriously discouraged in college In this class violations of CMUrsquos integrity policy will result in [automatic failure in the class or your penalty statement here] and a report of the incident will be made to detect if you have been turned in by more than one instructor Your rights and obligations are explained in CMUrsquos Policy on Academic Integrity (httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsAcademic20Integrity20Policy20-20Approved20--3-26-13pdf)
Email PolicySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Please check your CMU email each day so you do not miss class announcements and individual notes from me The CMU campus is a professional work place and all facets of this class are designed to promote the skill-building that will help you achieve goals here and beyond your campus life To this end this class has an email policy to promote skilled communication All email to me should be written with college-level grammar punctuation and a professional tone Please note that I will return nonprofessional email for editing revisions before answering the questions contained in them Irsquom not being meanmdashjust caring about your future success (Consult the Writing Center website or the Blackboard site for this course for a review of college-level email conventions)
Campus ClosingsSource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
In the event of a campus closing (eg a weather-related closing) check the opening announcements on Blackboard for information about changes to the course schedule
Religious HolidaysSource Adapted from an example in the Manual of University Policies Procedures and Guidelines Accommodation of Religious Obligations Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf
CMU students are permitted to make up work when they are absent from class or examinations to observe religious holidays (except when make-up opportunities would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course) According to the Manual of University Policies it is your responsibility to provide me with written notice of the holiday you will be observing and the date you will be absent at least two weeks prior to the date of the religious holiday Please visit httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf to view the complete policy
Sexual Misconduct Policy and My Reporting ObligationsThe University and its faculty are committed to assuring a safe and productive educational environ-ment for all students In order to meet this commitment and to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 the Violence Against Womenrsquos Act the University developed the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy You can find information regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct and the resources available to you in the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy httpswwwcmicheduoffice_presi-dentOCRIEPagesSexual_Misconductaspx
Please familiarize yourself with the reporting requirements Because I am a faculty member I am a ldquoResponsible EmployeerdquomdashI have to report to the Title IX Coordinator if you tell me that you were a victim or perpetrator of any of the following actions dating violence domestic violence and intimate partner violence sexual assault sexual exploitation sexual harassment or stalking
12 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 13
Project Title Project Title
Classroom EtiquetteSource Based on the Central Michigan University Manual of Board of Trustees Policies Practices and Regulations 31 General Regulations Concerning Student Conduct Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduessstudentaffairsPagesResponsibilities-of-Studentsaspx
According to university regulations CMU students should not obstruct disrupt or interfere or attempt to disrupt or interfere with another studentrsquos right to study learn participate or a teacherrsquos right to teach during a class This includes but is not limited to such behaviors as talking at inappropriate times drawing unwarranted attention to him or herself engaging in loud or distracting behaviors or refusing to leave a classroom when ordered to do so Thank you in advance for creating a positive learning environment for everyone Please let me know if a studentrsquos behavior or something about the classroom is interfering with your ability to hear participate or otherwise enjoy our time together
Class-Specific RulesSyllabus suggestions
Each CMU instructor adopts the classroom rules that will provide students with the best learning environment to achieve course goals This semester we have [] classroom rules in addition to the other policies described in this syllabus
[no cell phone] Cell phones must be turned off and stowed away during class
[no hand-held devices] Cell phones and other hand-held devices (eg MP3 players cameras) should be turned off and stowed away during class
[no electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets may not be used for note taking
[welcome electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets are welcome for note taking
[computer penalty] If used for non-academic purposes or your usage becomes distracting to your peers you may be asked to power down If you are caught repeatedly engaging in distracting behavior your final grade may be assessed a penalty of up to [] points
[no food approved drink] Due to the classroom location no food is allowed and bever-ages must be in containers with lids
[food welcome] Feel free to enjoy snacks and a beverage during class but please avoid crunchydistracting food
[return lost items] Please return lost items you find to me and retrieve your lost items in [building lost and found room]
Our Electronics-Free ZoneDue to recent studies on the impact of electronic devices on learning and brain function the use of devices is not allowed during class time (Individuals with a condition that requires an electronic device should speak with me about getting a waiver of this policy)
Many instructors at CMU are trying out this policy with great success and students are enjoying their breaks from multi-tasking These findings convinced this happily plugged-in professor to declare my class a no-electronics zone
Compared to students who take notes by hand students who take notes on a computer do worse at recalling concepts largely because they record information literally but without thinking about what that information means
Electronic devices are the ldquosecond-hand smokerdquo of attention Your attention and learning suffer when you sit next to someone who is using a computer
Incorporating CMU Writing Center Services into Your SyllabusSource Dan Lawson Director Writing Center (Check the Writing Center website for updated locations and hours Please contact the Writing Center if you plan to incorporate their services into your course)
Because writing is such an important part of a college education CMU provides free writing center support to all CMU writers at any stage of the process from brainstorming to final editing and for any class I encourage you to attend regularly on your own However if I feel that you would benefit from additional peer feedback I may ask you to go to the Writing Center as part of this class If this occurs I will talk with you about the details of what I expect and the consequences of not meeting this requirement
Writing Center locations and hours [List current locations and hours here]
Because the Center gets busy it helps to go well before assignments are due be sure to take your draft and assignment guidelines with you
4 | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | 5
Introduction to Course Syllabus Design Introduction to Course Syllabus Design
Traditional Enhanced and Exemplary SyllabiThere are suggestions for enhancing a syllabus in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles These guidelines suggest ways to design classes to meet the needs of all students regardless of their indi-vidual circumstances learning preferences or disabilities Instead of writing policies that explain how exceptions will be made to meet the special circumstances of a few students instructors embracing UDL build procedures into classes such that the need for exceptions is minimized For an introduction to UDL see the website for the National Center on UDL
Research findings indicate that UDL course features benefit all students and reduce the disparity in grades that typically exists between students with and without disabilities (UDL-Universe 2014a) Furthermore both groups of students rate UDL features as very important for their satisfaction with a course (UDL-Universe 2004b)
Several websites including one for the National Center on Universal Design for Learning have open-ac-cess information to help instructors design courses and syllabi Although some suggestions in these resources are not relevant or desirable for every class the rubric in Table 1 may give you some useful ideas (UDLUniversecom nd)
Creating an Inviting ToneSeveral resources provide advice and examples for how to create a warm inviting tone with your sylla-bus For example consider these contrasting examples from Harnish and his colleagues (2011 Table 1)
Syllabus Checklist Course number title credit hours section number
location time and UP subgroup (if applicable)
Prerequisites and recommended preparatory courses (perhaps with an explanation of why completion of these courses is important for student success)
Cross-listing statement (if applicable) eg ldquoHST 326 is cross-listed with WST 328 and is therefore exactly the same course If applicable make sure you are enrolled in the course that meets your degree requirements Credit may not be earned in more than one of these coursesrdquo
Instructorrsquos name office location office hours and office phone number with a statement about office hour policy (eg drop-in or by appointment only) and an invitation to make appointments for other times in the event of time conflicts
Other options for connecting with the instructor (at the instructorrsquos discretion) such as email
Required materials including textbooks lab manuals and examination books
Brief description of the course content and format (ie delivery method)
Student learning outcomes from the master course syllabus and if the course is in a UP subgroup a description of how course content addresses student learning outcomes for that subgroup
Statement on attendance if applicable A reference to the universityrsquos missed class policy may be helpful to students (Find the current policy at wwwcmichedu)
Statement on assessment methods (This should be reasonably specific eg the number of examinations and their weighting graded assignments and requirements for class participation or other contributions as applicable) Students appreciate knowing how assessments align with course learning objectives
Grading scale (composition of final grade and its translation to the universityrsquos A-E system) If using points also display how points convert to percentages
Policiesprocedures regarding missed exams and late assignments
A statement that the instructor reserves the right to make changes to the class outline and syllabus policies as needed
Schedule of classes including (as applicable) deadlines assignments and examination dates including a statement on how the final examination time period will be used Any required out-of-class time experiences should also be included (eg required field trips) Clearly flag which assessments are to be completed in versus outside of class
Disabilities accommodations and Sexual Misconduct Policy statements (see the Appendix)
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty policy (see the Appendix)
Other classroom policies (at the instructorrsquos discretion see the Appendix for examples)
Resource lists (eg textbook companion websites web addresses or information on Blackboard regarding manuscript preparation library searches etc campus resources)
ColdOffice hours 131 Psychology T amp R 830 ndash 930 am jsmitheduedu
If you need to contact me you may email me or con-tact the department and leave a message I will return your call
No make-up exams will be allowed without documen-tation of illness death in the family or other suitably traumatic event
WarmerStudent Hours 131 Psychology T amp R 830 ndash 930 am jsmitheduedu
Individual assistance is always available by appoint-ment I look forward to seeing you during student hours Stop in
Illnesses death in the family or other traumatic events unfortunately are a part of life A make-up exam will be given if you contact me within 24 hours and provide documentation
Consult the website for Project Syllabus sponsored by the Society for the Teaching of Psychology for more recom-mendations and sample syllabi
Syllabus Requirements for University Program CoursesIn addition to items in the syllabus checklist syllabi for University Program (UP) courses should list the UP subgroup the course represents (eg ldquoUniversity Program Subgroup II-Ardquo) Also syllabus narrative should describe how this section of the course meets the learning objectives for that UP subgroup (Consult the current version of the Curriculum Authority Document Appendix C Central Michigan University 2015) Instructors are not required to list the UP learning objectives verbatim but they can assist the program evaluation process by making the relationship between objectives and course content transparent
Evaluating Your Course SyllabusA well-designed syllabus offers more than the instructorrsquos contact information and a course outline It also provides information about course goals and objectives grading procedures support services and course policies regarding class participation missed examinations late assignments and academic integrity
~Howard University
copy Central Michigan University | 7
Introduction to Course Syllabus DesignTa
ble
1 U
nive
rsal
Des
ign
for L
earn
ing
A R
ubric
for E
valu
atin
g Yo
ur C
ours
e Sy
llabu
s
Elem
ents
Trad
ition
al Sy
llabu
s En
hanc
ed Sy
llabu
s Ex
empl
ary S
ylla
bus
Inst
ruct
or
Info
rmat
ion
Sylla
bus
offer
s va
ried
way
s to
con
tact
inst
ruct
or fo
r st
uden
t que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
sSy
llabu
s off
ers
varie
d w
ays
to c
onta
ct in
stru
ctor
for s
tu-
dent
que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
s an
d pr
ovid
es b
rief o
verv
iew
of
inst
ruct
or
Text
book
sSy
llabu
s pr
ovid
es a
sin
gle
way
to c
onta
ct
inst
ruct
or fo
r stu
dent
que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
sSy
llabu
s lis
ts re
quire
d an
d re
com
men
ded
text
book
s w
ith in
form
atio
n ab
out w
here
they
can
be
purc
hase
d
Shor
t sta
tem
ent p
rovi
ded
as to
why
the
text
book
w
as s
elec
ted
Sylla
bus
lists
requ
ired
and
reco
mm
ende
d te
xtbo
oks
with
in
form
atio
n ab
out w
here
they
can
be
purc
hase
d E
lect
roni
c eq
uiva
lent
pro
vide
d or
text
s or
dere
d ea
rly to
ens
ure
timel
y co
nver
sion
in a
n al
tern
ativ
e fo
rmat
Sho
rt s
tate
men
t pro
vide
d as
to w
hy th
e te
xtbo
ok w
as s
elec
ted
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(exp
lana
tion)
Sylla
bus
iden
tifies
all
lear
ning
obj
ectiv
es
cour
se re
quire
men
ts a
ssig
nmen
ts a
nd
appr
opria
te d
ue d
ates
Sylla
bus
iden
tifies
and
exp
lain
s al
l lea
rnin
g ob
ject
ives
co
urse
requ
irem
ents
ass
ignm
ents
and
app
ropr
iate
du
e da
tes
Sylla
bus
clea
rly e
xpla
ins
and
links
all
lear
ning
obj
ectiv
es
cour
se re
quire
men
tsa
ssig
nmen
ts a
nd a
ppro
pria
te d
ue d
ates
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(exa
mpl
es)
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
info
rmat
ion
on h
ow to
co
mpl
ete
maj
or c
ours
e pr
ojec
ts a
ctiv
ities
or
pape
rs
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
det
aile
d gu
idan
ce o
n ho
w to
com
-pl
ete
maj
or c
ours
e pr
ojec
ts a
ctiv
ities
or p
aper
s
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
det
aile
d gu
idan
ce o
n ho
w to
com
plet
e m
ajor
co
urse
pro
ject
s a
ctiv
ities
or p
aper
s an
d off
ers
links
to e
xam
-pl
es a
nd il
lust
ratio
ns a
s ap
prop
riate
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(subm
issio
n)
Sylla
bus
requ
ires
stud
ents
to s
ubm
it co
urse
as
sign
men
ts in
a s
ingl
e or
spe
cific
way
Sy
llabu
s al
low
s fo
r spe
cific
stu
dent
s to
sub
mit
cour
se
assi
gnm
ents
in a
ltern
ativ
e fo
rmat
s w
ith p
rior i
nstr
uc-
tor a
ppro
val
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
mul
tiple
way
s fo
r all
stud
ents
to s
ubm
it co
urse
ass
ignm
ents
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(gra
ding
)
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se re
quire
men
ts
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se
requ
irem
ents
and
offe
rs d
etai
l on
item
s re
quiri
ng
furt
her c
larifi
catio
n
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se re
quire
men
ts
and
offer
s de
tail
on it
ems
requ
iring
furt
her c
larifi
catio
n an
d lin
ks to
inst
ruct
or g
radi
ng ru
bric
s
Cour
se
Cale
ndar
Sylla
bus
has
no (o
r min
imal
) inf
orm
atio
n in
ca
lend
ar fo
rm
Sylla
bus
utili
zes
a co
urse
cal
enda
r to
spec
ify d
ue
date
s fo
r cou
rse
activ
ities
Sy
llabu
s an
d Le
arni
ng M
anag
emen
t Sys
tem
(LM
S) u
tiliz
e a
cour
se c
alen
dar t
o sp
ecify
and
per
iodi
cally
rein
forc
e du
e da
tes
hi
ghlig
htin
g ke
y co
urse
eve
nts
and
activ
ities
Stud
ent
Reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns n
o in
form
atio
n ab
out
stud
ent-
orie
nted
cam
pus
reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns g
ener
al in
form
atio
n ab
out s
tu-
dent
-orie
nted
cam
pus
reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns g
ener
al in
form
atio
n ab
out s
tude
nt-o
rient
ed
cam
pus
reso
urce
s an
d hi
ghlig
hts
spec
ific
addi
tiona
l res
ourc
es
that
may
be
uniq
ue to
this
cou
rse
Form
at
(leng
th)
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
bas
ic in
form
atio
n in
a fe
w
page
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns a
ll co
urse
info
rmat
ion
gui
danc
e
and
exam
ples
but
may
be
cum
bers
ome
for s
ome
to
navi
gate
Sylla
bus
is c
aref
ully
cra
fted
to p
rovi
de s
uffici
ent i
nfor
mat
ion
and
guid
ance
yet
cle
arly
link
s to
add
ition
al re
sour
ces
and
exam
ples
avo
idin
g a
text
hea
vy d
ocum
ent
Form
at
(acc
essib
le)
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
har
dcop
y fo
rm o
n th
e fir
st d
ay o
f cla
ss
Sylla
bus
is m
ade
avai
labl
e in
har
dcop
y an
d el
ectr
oni-
cally
upo
n st
uden
t req
uest
Sy
llabu
s is
mad
e av
aila
ble
to s
tude
nts
as a
n ac
cess
ible
ele
c-tr
onic
doc
umen
t and
in h
ardc
opy
form
Form
at
(visi
ble)
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
har
dcop
y fo
rm o
n th
e fir
st d
ay o
f cla
ss
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
mul
tiple
way
s so
stu
dent
s ca
n ac
cess
info
rmat
ion
as n
eede
d th
roug
hout
the
cour
se
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d an
d po
sted
in m
ultip
le w
ays
so s
tude
nts
can
acce
ss in
form
atio
n ea
sily
and
repe
ated
ly K
ey it
ems
are
perio
dica
lly re
view
ed
Balancing Conciseness and CompletenessWhen designing your syllabus consider whether you want it to convey only basic information about your class or whether you would also like it to be a learning tool or ldquocourse manualrdquomdashthat is a docu-ment students will refer to often throughout the semester For example students in one CMU course read a diverse set of articles before each class period To help them appreciate the learning goal for each day the instructor follows her traditional five-page syllabus with an annotated list of the readings that provides information about the history behind each article set why she assigned the articles and the questions that will be discussed in class Students are encouraged to read the rationale behind each article set before they begin to read
Many instructors augment basic information about their course sections with narrative or graphics that provide an intellectual framework for their courses as described in DePaul Universityrsquos online Teaching Commons (2014)
Twenty years ago many instructors would have described the syllabus as a ldquotable of contentsrdquo or alternatively a ldquocontractrdquo Todayrsquos books on college teaching and course design are likely to draw on different metaphors the syllabus is a map or travelogue as it both describes the intended destination and explains why one might want to go in the first place (Nilson 27) The most effective syllabus goes beyond listing the logistics and the topics covered in the course ndash it (a) articulates the conceptual framework for the course (b) introduces students to the key questions or problems facing experts in the field (c) suggests the ways in which an understanding of the course subject matters and (d) identifies the specific skills and knowledge students will be able to demonstrate upon leaving the course (paras 1minus2)
Regardless of whether your syllabus is short or a self-contained manual for the course a table of con-tents helps instructors organize information logically and helps students find information (eg Course Description amp Learning Goals Course Policies Resources Answers to Frequently-Asked Questions Course Calendar) One option is to duplicate a short (ie traditional) syllabus for distribution in class (if permitted by the department) but also post a longer course manual for easy download to a computer or tablet
Choosing a FormatMost instructors of CMU on-campus classes are not required to use a particular syllabus style or tem-plate Two general styles are the traditional words-only syllabus and what is sometimes called the visual syllabus (that is one that looks more like a web page as in Figure 1) CMU instructor Troy Hicks shared these reasons for creating a more visual syllabus for English 315 (January 22 2014)
Both because my existing syllabus had become bulky with tons of text and because I wanted to rethink major elements of the course I opted to create a visual syllabus after meeting with an instructional designer from FaCIT [Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching] As I streamlined assignments readings and proceduresmdashincluding a new collaborative assignment based on what I had learned in the High Impact Teaching AcademymdashI composed the visual syllabus so it would reflect the overall organization of the course as well as the ways in which individual assignments related to one another
8 | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | 9
Introduction to Course Syllabus Design Introduction to Course Syllabus Design
Regardless of which format you choose a syllabus should be logically organized and well-written with related information chunked together a header structure that helps students find information and a course calendar that makes it easy for students to spot upcoming exams and due dates In Figure 2 for example notice how easy it is for students to skim the right column to see when assignments are due This instructor used the Insert-Table function in Microsoft Word and chose a table format that had alter-nating white and shaded lines which visually chunks descriptions of course activities for each week of the term Other organizing techniques include using icons to flag different types of assignment and color-coding activities as in this example (from the Schedule of Assignments Exams and Activities for online ENG 201 Intermediate Composition CMU)
Figure 1 Many instructors are opting to use photographs flow charts and other features to create more engaging syllabi (This generic example was produced using placeholder photographs and Lorem Ipsum which is placeholder text) Because some students will print a black and white copy of posted syllabi during the course of the term always check that your syllabus is visible when printed in black and white
Your XXX 100 Course Calendar
I like to be responsive to the needs of individual classes so this course calendar is subject to change if we need more time on a topic or decide to make a side trip into an unexpected topic
Date Topic Reading AssignmentsExams
Tu Aug 26 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit
Th Aug 28 Nam a imperdiet elit Pellentesque augue sem bibendum eget aliquet no
Smith pp 1ndash8 Elders ch 2
Complete Blackboard Quiz 1 by 200 pm
ETC
Figure 2 A multiple-column course calendar with the dates of assignmentsexams in the right-most column helps students plan their week and makes it easier for them to transfer due dates from all classes into a single planning tool
Color keyGreen Reading assignmentPurple DraftingBlue Peer review assignments and drafts for instructor reviewOrange Discussion board assignmentsRed Opening dates and deadlines for exams
ReferencesCentral Michigan University (2015) Central Michigan University curriculum authority document Retrieved
from httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsCAD2011-17-1520FINALpdf
DePaul University (2014) Teaching Commons Constructing a syllabus Retrieved from httpteachingcommonsdepauleduCourse_Designconstructing_a_syllabusindexhtml
General Education Committee (2014 Fall) The General Education Program A Basic Documents Set Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsThe20General20Education20Program20-20A20Basic20Documents20Set20-20FINAL20-200320102014pdfsearch=The20General20Education20Program3A20A20Basic20Documents20Set2C202014
Harnish R K McElwee R O Slattery J M Frantz S Haney M R Shore C M amp Penley J (2011) Creating the foundation for a warm classroom climate Observer 24(1) Retrieved from httpwwwpsychologicalscienceorgindexphppublicationsobserver2011january-11creating-the-foundation-for-a-warm-classroom-climatehtml
UDLUniversecom (nd) Universal Design for Learning A rubric for evaluating your course syllabus Retrieved from httplgdatas3-website-us-east-1amazonawscomdocs2205289066UDL_Syllabus_Rubric_UPDATED_2-9-2012pdf
UDL-Universe (2014a) Impact on students Retrieved from httpenactsonomaeducontentphppid=218878ampsid=2028831
UDL-Universe (2014b) Nine common elements for Universal Design for Learning in higher education Retrieved from httplgdatas3-website-us-east-1amazonawscomdocs2205397910Nine_Common_UDL_Elements_2-10-12pdf
Photograph courtesy University Communications
10 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 11
Project Title Project Title
Appendix Sample Policy Language
Accommodating DisabilitiesSource ADA Handbook Faculty and Teaching Staff 7-07 Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostacademic_administrationFPSDocumentsADA20Handbook20Faculty20and20Teaching20Staff207-07pdfsearch=ada
CMU provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs activities or services Students with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should first register with the office of Student Disability Services (120 Park Library telephone 989-774-3018 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 989-774-2568) and then contact me as soon as possible
Recording Classroom ActivitySource Message from the CMU Faculty Association on December 12 2012 Retrieved from httpcmufacomdocumentsFinalRecordingStatementInSyllabipdf
In order to protect the intellectual property interests of the instructor the privacy interests of student members of the class and to encourage an open and fair exposition of all student views in the classroom without fear that student views expressed will be recorded and possibly posted in another forum recording of classroom lectures and conversations is not permissible without the express prior written consent of the instructor Unauthorized recording of classroom activity shall be considered a violation of the CMU Student Code of Rights Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures as disruptive of a studentrsquos right to learn under 323 Disruption of Learning
Individual instructors may want to consider adding the following clarification
Because instructors hold the copyright for their presentation materials photographing presentation screens or other lecture material is also prohibited
Academic DishonestySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to) looking at notes during an exam reading another studentrsquos answers during an exam copying another studentrsquos homework assignment and turning in work you previously completed for another class without obtaining your current instructorrsquos permission Academic dishonesty is seriously discouraged in college In this class violations of CMUrsquos integrity policy will result in [automatic failure in the class or your penalty statement here] and a report of the incident will be made to detect if you have been turned in by more than one instructor Your rights and obligations are explained in CMUrsquos Policy on Academic Integrity (httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsAcademic20Integrity20Policy20-20Approved20--3-26-13pdf)
Email PolicySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Please check your CMU email each day so you do not miss class announcements and individual notes from me The CMU campus is a professional work place and all facets of this class are designed to promote the skill-building that will help you achieve goals here and beyond your campus life To this end this class has an email policy to promote skilled communication All email to me should be written with college-level grammar punctuation and a professional tone Please note that I will return nonprofessional email for editing revisions before answering the questions contained in them Irsquom not being meanmdashjust caring about your future success (Consult the Writing Center website or the Blackboard site for this course for a review of college-level email conventions)
Campus ClosingsSource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
In the event of a campus closing (eg a weather-related closing) check the opening announcements on Blackboard for information about changes to the course schedule
Religious HolidaysSource Adapted from an example in the Manual of University Policies Procedures and Guidelines Accommodation of Religious Obligations Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf
CMU students are permitted to make up work when they are absent from class or examinations to observe religious holidays (except when make-up opportunities would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course) According to the Manual of University Policies it is your responsibility to provide me with written notice of the holiday you will be observing and the date you will be absent at least two weeks prior to the date of the religious holiday Please visit httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf to view the complete policy
Sexual Misconduct Policy and My Reporting ObligationsThe University and its faculty are committed to assuring a safe and productive educational environ-ment for all students In order to meet this commitment and to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 the Violence Against Womenrsquos Act the University developed the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy You can find information regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct and the resources available to you in the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy httpswwwcmicheduoffice_presi-dentOCRIEPagesSexual_Misconductaspx
Please familiarize yourself with the reporting requirements Because I am a faculty member I am a ldquoResponsible EmployeerdquomdashI have to report to the Title IX Coordinator if you tell me that you were a victim or perpetrator of any of the following actions dating violence domestic violence and intimate partner violence sexual assault sexual exploitation sexual harassment or stalking
12 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 13
Project Title Project Title
Classroom EtiquetteSource Based on the Central Michigan University Manual of Board of Trustees Policies Practices and Regulations 31 General Regulations Concerning Student Conduct Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduessstudentaffairsPagesResponsibilities-of-Studentsaspx
According to university regulations CMU students should not obstruct disrupt or interfere or attempt to disrupt or interfere with another studentrsquos right to study learn participate or a teacherrsquos right to teach during a class This includes but is not limited to such behaviors as talking at inappropriate times drawing unwarranted attention to him or herself engaging in loud or distracting behaviors or refusing to leave a classroom when ordered to do so Thank you in advance for creating a positive learning environment for everyone Please let me know if a studentrsquos behavior or something about the classroom is interfering with your ability to hear participate or otherwise enjoy our time together
Class-Specific RulesSyllabus suggestions
Each CMU instructor adopts the classroom rules that will provide students with the best learning environment to achieve course goals This semester we have [] classroom rules in addition to the other policies described in this syllabus
[no cell phone] Cell phones must be turned off and stowed away during class
[no hand-held devices] Cell phones and other hand-held devices (eg MP3 players cameras) should be turned off and stowed away during class
[no electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets may not be used for note taking
[welcome electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets are welcome for note taking
[computer penalty] If used for non-academic purposes or your usage becomes distracting to your peers you may be asked to power down If you are caught repeatedly engaging in distracting behavior your final grade may be assessed a penalty of up to [] points
[no food approved drink] Due to the classroom location no food is allowed and bever-ages must be in containers with lids
[food welcome] Feel free to enjoy snacks and a beverage during class but please avoid crunchydistracting food
[return lost items] Please return lost items you find to me and retrieve your lost items in [building lost and found room]
Our Electronics-Free ZoneDue to recent studies on the impact of electronic devices on learning and brain function the use of devices is not allowed during class time (Individuals with a condition that requires an electronic device should speak with me about getting a waiver of this policy)
Many instructors at CMU are trying out this policy with great success and students are enjoying their breaks from multi-tasking These findings convinced this happily plugged-in professor to declare my class a no-electronics zone
Compared to students who take notes by hand students who take notes on a computer do worse at recalling concepts largely because they record information literally but without thinking about what that information means
Electronic devices are the ldquosecond-hand smokerdquo of attention Your attention and learning suffer when you sit next to someone who is using a computer
Incorporating CMU Writing Center Services into Your SyllabusSource Dan Lawson Director Writing Center (Check the Writing Center website for updated locations and hours Please contact the Writing Center if you plan to incorporate their services into your course)
Because writing is such an important part of a college education CMU provides free writing center support to all CMU writers at any stage of the process from brainstorming to final editing and for any class I encourage you to attend regularly on your own However if I feel that you would benefit from additional peer feedback I may ask you to go to the Writing Center as part of this class If this occurs I will talk with you about the details of what I expect and the consequences of not meeting this requirement
Writing Center locations and hours [List current locations and hours here]
Because the Center gets busy it helps to go well before assignments are due be sure to take your draft and assignment guidelines with you
copy Central Michigan University | 7
Introduction to Course Syllabus DesignTa
ble
1 U
nive
rsal
Des
ign
for L
earn
ing
A R
ubric
for E
valu
atin
g Yo
ur C
ours
e Sy
llabu
s
Elem
ents
Trad
ition
al Sy
llabu
s En
hanc
ed Sy
llabu
s Ex
empl
ary S
ylla
bus
Inst
ruct
or
Info
rmat
ion
Sylla
bus
offer
s va
ried
way
s to
con
tact
inst
ruct
or fo
r st
uden
t que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
sSy
llabu
s off
ers
varie
d w
ays
to c
onta
ct in
stru
ctor
for s
tu-
dent
que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
s an
d pr
ovid
es b
rief o
verv
iew
of
inst
ruct
or
Text
book
sSy
llabu
s pr
ovid
es a
sin
gle
way
to c
onta
ct
inst
ruct
or fo
r stu
dent
que
stio
ns o
r con
cern
sSy
llabu
s lis
ts re
quire
d an
d re
com
men
ded
text
book
s w
ith in
form
atio
n ab
out w
here
they
can
be
purc
hase
d
Shor
t sta
tem
ent p
rovi
ded
as to
why
the
text
book
w
as s
elec
ted
Sylla
bus
lists
requ
ired
and
reco
mm
ende
d te
xtbo
oks
with
in
form
atio
n ab
out w
here
they
can
be
purc
hase
d E
lect
roni
c eq
uiva
lent
pro
vide
d or
text
s or
dere
d ea
rly to
ens
ure
timel
y co
nver
sion
in a
n al
tern
ativ
e fo
rmat
Sho
rt s
tate
men
t pro
vide
d as
to w
hy th
e te
xtbo
ok w
as s
elec
ted
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(exp
lana
tion)
Sylla
bus
iden
tifies
all
lear
ning
obj
ectiv
es
cour
se re
quire
men
ts a
ssig
nmen
ts a
nd
appr
opria
te d
ue d
ates
Sylla
bus
iden
tifies
and
exp
lain
s al
l lea
rnin
g ob
ject
ives
co
urse
requ
irem
ents
ass
ignm
ents
and
app
ropr
iate
du
e da
tes
Sylla
bus
clea
rly e
xpla
ins
and
links
all
lear
ning
obj
ectiv
es
cour
se re
quire
men
tsa
ssig
nmen
ts a
nd a
ppro
pria
te d
ue d
ates
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(exa
mpl
es)
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
info
rmat
ion
on h
ow to
co
mpl
ete
maj
or c
ours
e pr
ojec
ts a
ctiv
ities
or
pape
rs
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
det
aile
d gu
idan
ce o
n ho
w to
com
-pl
ete
maj
or c
ours
e pr
ojec
ts a
ctiv
ities
or p
aper
s
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
det
aile
d gu
idan
ce o
n ho
w to
com
plet
e m
ajor
co
urse
pro
ject
s a
ctiv
ities
or p
aper
s an
d off
ers
links
to e
xam
-pl
es a
nd il
lust
ratio
ns a
s ap
prop
riate
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(subm
issio
n)
Sylla
bus
requ
ires
stud
ents
to s
ubm
it co
urse
as
sign
men
ts in
a s
ingl
e or
spe
cific
way
Sy
llabu
s al
low
s fo
r spe
cific
stu
dent
s to
sub
mit
cour
se
assi
gnm
ents
in a
ltern
ativ
e fo
rmat
s w
ith p
rior i
nstr
uc-
tor a
ppro
val
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
mul
tiple
way
s fo
r all
stud
ents
to s
ubm
it co
urse
ass
ignm
ents
Cour
se
Assig
nmen
ts
(gra
ding
)
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se re
quire
men
ts
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se
requ
irem
ents
and
offe
rs d
etai
l on
item
s re
quiri
ng
furt
her c
larifi
catio
n
Sylla
bus
stip
ulat
es g
radi
ng c
riter
ia fo
r all
cour
se re
quire
men
ts
and
offer
s de
tail
on it
ems
requ
iring
furt
her c
larifi
catio
n an
d lin
ks to
inst
ruct
or g
radi
ng ru
bric
s
Cour
se
Cale
ndar
Sylla
bus
has
no (o
r min
imal
) inf
orm
atio
n in
ca
lend
ar fo
rm
Sylla
bus
utili
zes
a co
urse
cal
enda
r to
spec
ify d
ue
date
s fo
r cou
rse
activ
ities
Sy
llabu
s an
d Le
arni
ng M
anag
emen
t Sys
tem
(LM
S) u
tiliz
e a
cour
se c
alen
dar t
o sp
ecify
and
per
iodi
cally
rein
forc
e du
e da
tes
hi
ghlig
htin
g ke
y co
urse
eve
nts
and
activ
ities
Stud
ent
Reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns n
o in
form
atio
n ab
out
stud
ent-
orie
nted
cam
pus
reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns g
ener
al in
form
atio
n ab
out s
tu-
dent
-orie
nted
cam
pus
reso
urce
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns g
ener
al in
form
atio
n ab
out s
tude
nt-o
rient
ed
cam
pus
reso
urce
s an
d hi
ghlig
hts
spec
ific
addi
tiona
l res
ourc
es
that
may
be
uniq
ue to
this
cou
rse
Form
at
(leng
th)
Sylla
bus
prov
ides
bas
ic in
form
atio
n in
a fe
w
page
sSy
llabu
s co
ntai
ns a
ll co
urse
info
rmat
ion
gui
danc
e
and
exam
ples
but
may
be
cum
bers
ome
for s
ome
to
navi
gate
Sylla
bus
is c
aref
ully
cra
fted
to p
rovi
de s
uffici
ent i
nfor
mat
ion
and
guid
ance
yet
cle
arly
link
s to
add
ition
al re
sour
ces
and
exam
ples
avo
idin
g a
text
hea
vy d
ocum
ent
Form
at
(acc
essib
le)
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
har
dcop
y fo
rm o
n th
e fir
st d
ay o
f cla
ss
Sylla
bus
is m
ade
avai
labl
e in
har
dcop
y an
d el
ectr
oni-
cally
upo
n st
uden
t req
uest
Sy
llabu
s is
mad
e av
aila
ble
to s
tude
nts
as a
n ac
cess
ible
ele
c-tr
onic
doc
umen
t and
in h
ardc
opy
form
Form
at
(visi
ble)
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
har
dcop
y fo
rm o
n th
e fir
st d
ay o
f cla
ss
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d in
mul
tiple
way
s so
stu
dent
s ca
n ac
cess
info
rmat
ion
as n
eede
d th
roug
hout
the
cour
se
Sylla
bus
is o
ffere
d an
d po
sted
in m
ultip
le w
ays
so s
tude
nts
can
acce
ss in
form
atio
n ea
sily
and
repe
ated
ly K
ey it
ems
are
perio
dica
lly re
view
ed
Balancing Conciseness and CompletenessWhen designing your syllabus consider whether you want it to convey only basic information about your class or whether you would also like it to be a learning tool or ldquocourse manualrdquomdashthat is a docu-ment students will refer to often throughout the semester For example students in one CMU course read a diverse set of articles before each class period To help them appreciate the learning goal for each day the instructor follows her traditional five-page syllabus with an annotated list of the readings that provides information about the history behind each article set why she assigned the articles and the questions that will be discussed in class Students are encouraged to read the rationale behind each article set before they begin to read
Many instructors augment basic information about their course sections with narrative or graphics that provide an intellectual framework for their courses as described in DePaul Universityrsquos online Teaching Commons (2014)
Twenty years ago many instructors would have described the syllabus as a ldquotable of contentsrdquo or alternatively a ldquocontractrdquo Todayrsquos books on college teaching and course design are likely to draw on different metaphors the syllabus is a map or travelogue as it both describes the intended destination and explains why one might want to go in the first place (Nilson 27) The most effective syllabus goes beyond listing the logistics and the topics covered in the course ndash it (a) articulates the conceptual framework for the course (b) introduces students to the key questions or problems facing experts in the field (c) suggests the ways in which an understanding of the course subject matters and (d) identifies the specific skills and knowledge students will be able to demonstrate upon leaving the course (paras 1minus2)
Regardless of whether your syllabus is short or a self-contained manual for the course a table of con-tents helps instructors organize information logically and helps students find information (eg Course Description amp Learning Goals Course Policies Resources Answers to Frequently-Asked Questions Course Calendar) One option is to duplicate a short (ie traditional) syllabus for distribution in class (if permitted by the department) but also post a longer course manual for easy download to a computer or tablet
Choosing a FormatMost instructors of CMU on-campus classes are not required to use a particular syllabus style or tem-plate Two general styles are the traditional words-only syllabus and what is sometimes called the visual syllabus (that is one that looks more like a web page as in Figure 1) CMU instructor Troy Hicks shared these reasons for creating a more visual syllabus for English 315 (January 22 2014)
Both because my existing syllabus had become bulky with tons of text and because I wanted to rethink major elements of the course I opted to create a visual syllabus after meeting with an instructional designer from FaCIT [Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching] As I streamlined assignments readings and proceduresmdashincluding a new collaborative assignment based on what I had learned in the High Impact Teaching AcademymdashI composed the visual syllabus so it would reflect the overall organization of the course as well as the ways in which individual assignments related to one another
8 | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | 9
Introduction to Course Syllabus Design Introduction to Course Syllabus Design
Regardless of which format you choose a syllabus should be logically organized and well-written with related information chunked together a header structure that helps students find information and a course calendar that makes it easy for students to spot upcoming exams and due dates In Figure 2 for example notice how easy it is for students to skim the right column to see when assignments are due This instructor used the Insert-Table function in Microsoft Word and chose a table format that had alter-nating white and shaded lines which visually chunks descriptions of course activities for each week of the term Other organizing techniques include using icons to flag different types of assignment and color-coding activities as in this example (from the Schedule of Assignments Exams and Activities for online ENG 201 Intermediate Composition CMU)
Figure 1 Many instructors are opting to use photographs flow charts and other features to create more engaging syllabi (This generic example was produced using placeholder photographs and Lorem Ipsum which is placeholder text) Because some students will print a black and white copy of posted syllabi during the course of the term always check that your syllabus is visible when printed in black and white
Your XXX 100 Course Calendar
I like to be responsive to the needs of individual classes so this course calendar is subject to change if we need more time on a topic or decide to make a side trip into an unexpected topic
Date Topic Reading AssignmentsExams
Tu Aug 26 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit
Th Aug 28 Nam a imperdiet elit Pellentesque augue sem bibendum eget aliquet no
Smith pp 1ndash8 Elders ch 2
Complete Blackboard Quiz 1 by 200 pm
ETC
Figure 2 A multiple-column course calendar with the dates of assignmentsexams in the right-most column helps students plan their week and makes it easier for them to transfer due dates from all classes into a single planning tool
Color keyGreen Reading assignmentPurple DraftingBlue Peer review assignments and drafts for instructor reviewOrange Discussion board assignmentsRed Opening dates and deadlines for exams
ReferencesCentral Michigan University (2015) Central Michigan University curriculum authority document Retrieved
from httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsCAD2011-17-1520FINALpdf
DePaul University (2014) Teaching Commons Constructing a syllabus Retrieved from httpteachingcommonsdepauleduCourse_Designconstructing_a_syllabusindexhtml
General Education Committee (2014 Fall) The General Education Program A Basic Documents Set Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsThe20General20Education20Program20-20A20Basic20Documents20Set20-20FINAL20-200320102014pdfsearch=The20General20Education20Program3A20A20Basic20Documents20Set2C202014
Harnish R K McElwee R O Slattery J M Frantz S Haney M R Shore C M amp Penley J (2011) Creating the foundation for a warm classroom climate Observer 24(1) Retrieved from httpwwwpsychologicalscienceorgindexphppublicationsobserver2011january-11creating-the-foundation-for-a-warm-classroom-climatehtml
UDLUniversecom (nd) Universal Design for Learning A rubric for evaluating your course syllabus Retrieved from httplgdatas3-website-us-east-1amazonawscomdocs2205289066UDL_Syllabus_Rubric_UPDATED_2-9-2012pdf
UDL-Universe (2014a) Impact on students Retrieved from httpenactsonomaeducontentphppid=218878ampsid=2028831
UDL-Universe (2014b) Nine common elements for Universal Design for Learning in higher education Retrieved from httplgdatas3-website-us-east-1amazonawscomdocs2205397910Nine_Common_UDL_Elements_2-10-12pdf
Photograph courtesy University Communications
10 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 11
Project Title Project Title
Appendix Sample Policy Language
Accommodating DisabilitiesSource ADA Handbook Faculty and Teaching Staff 7-07 Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostacademic_administrationFPSDocumentsADA20Handbook20Faculty20and20Teaching20Staff207-07pdfsearch=ada
CMU provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs activities or services Students with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should first register with the office of Student Disability Services (120 Park Library telephone 989-774-3018 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 989-774-2568) and then contact me as soon as possible
Recording Classroom ActivitySource Message from the CMU Faculty Association on December 12 2012 Retrieved from httpcmufacomdocumentsFinalRecordingStatementInSyllabipdf
In order to protect the intellectual property interests of the instructor the privacy interests of student members of the class and to encourage an open and fair exposition of all student views in the classroom without fear that student views expressed will be recorded and possibly posted in another forum recording of classroom lectures and conversations is not permissible without the express prior written consent of the instructor Unauthorized recording of classroom activity shall be considered a violation of the CMU Student Code of Rights Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures as disruptive of a studentrsquos right to learn under 323 Disruption of Learning
Individual instructors may want to consider adding the following clarification
Because instructors hold the copyright for their presentation materials photographing presentation screens or other lecture material is also prohibited
Academic DishonestySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to) looking at notes during an exam reading another studentrsquos answers during an exam copying another studentrsquos homework assignment and turning in work you previously completed for another class without obtaining your current instructorrsquos permission Academic dishonesty is seriously discouraged in college In this class violations of CMUrsquos integrity policy will result in [automatic failure in the class or your penalty statement here] and a report of the incident will be made to detect if you have been turned in by more than one instructor Your rights and obligations are explained in CMUrsquos Policy on Academic Integrity (httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsAcademic20Integrity20Policy20-20Approved20--3-26-13pdf)
Email PolicySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Please check your CMU email each day so you do not miss class announcements and individual notes from me The CMU campus is a professional work place and all facets of this class are designed to promote the skill-building that will help you achieve goals here and beyond your campus life To this end this class has an email policy to promote skilled communication All email to me should be written with college-level grammar punctuation and a professional tone Please note that I will return nonprofessional email for editing revisions before answering the questions contained in them Irsquom not being meanmdashjust caring about your future success (Consult the Writing Center website or the Blackboard site for this course for a review of college-level email conventions)
Campus ClosingsSource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
In the event of a campus closing (eg a weather-related closing) check the opening announcements on Blackboard for information about changes to the course schedule
Religious HolidaysSource Adapted from an example in the Manual of University Policies Procedures and Guidelines Accommodation of Religious Obligations Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf
CMU students are permitted to make up work when they are absent from class or examinations to observe religious holidays (except when make-up opportunities would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course) According to the Manual of University Policies it is your responsibility to provide me with written notice of the holiday you will be observing and the date you will be absent at least two weeks prior to the date of the religious holiday Please visit httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf to view the complete policy
Sexual Misconduct Policy and My Reporting ObligationsThe University and its faculty are committed to assuring a safe and productive educational environ-ment for all students In order to meet this commitment and to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 the Violence Against Womenrsquos Act the University developed the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy You can find information regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct and the resources available to you in the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy httpswwwcmicheduoffice_presi-dentOCRIEPagesSexual_Misconductaspx
Please familiarize yourself with the reporting requirements Because I am a faculty member I am a ldquoResponsible EmployeerdquomdashI have to report to the Title IX Coordinator if you tell me that you were a victim or perpetrator of any of the following actions dating violence domestic violence and intimate partner violence sexual assault sexual exploitation sexual harassment or stalking
12 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 13
Project Title Project Title
Classroom EtiquetteSource Based on the Central Michigan University Manual of Board of Trustees Policies Practices and Regulations 31 General Regulations Concerning Student Conduct Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduessstudentaffairsPagesResponsibilities-of-Studentsaspx
According to university regulations CMU students should not obstruct disrupt or interfere or attempt to disrupt or interfere with another studentrsquos right to study learn participate or a teacherrsquos right to teach during a class This includes but is not limited to such behaviors as talking at inappropriate times drawing unwarranted attention to him or herself engaging in loud or distracting behaviors or refusing to leave a classroom when ordered to do so Thank you in advance for creating a positive learning environment for everyone Please let me know if a studentrsquos behavior or something about the classroom is interfering with your ability to hear participate or otherwise enjoy our time together
Class-Specific RulesSyllabus suggestions
Each CMU instructor adopts the classroom rules that will provide students with the best learning environment to achieve course goals This semester we have [] classroom rules in addition to the other policies described in this syllabus
[no cell phone] Cell phones must be turned off and stowed away during class
[no hand-held devices] Cell phones and other hand-held devices (eg MP3 players cameras) should be turned off and stowed away during class
[no electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets may not be used for note taking
[welcome electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets are welcome for note taking
[computer penalty] If used for non-academic purposes or your usage becomes distracting to your peers you may be asked to power down If you are caught repeatedly engaging in distracting behavior your final grade may be assessed a penalty of up to [] points
[no food approved drink] Due to the classroom location no food is allowed and bever-ages must be in containers with lids
[food welcome] Feel free to enjoy snacks and a beverage during class but please avoid crunchydistracting food
[return lost items] Please return lost items you find to me and retrieve your lost items in [building lost and found room]
Our Electronics-Free ZoneDue to recent studies on the impact of electronic devices on learning and brain function the use of devices is not allowed during class time (Individuals with a condition that requires an electronic device should speak with me about getting a waiver of this policy)
Many instructors at CMU are trying out this policy with great success and students are enjoying their breaks from multi-tasking These findings convinced this happily plugged-in professor to declare my class a no-electronics zone
Compared to students who take notes by hand students who take notes on a computer do worse at recalling concepts largely because they record information literally but without thinking about what that information means
Electronic devices are the ldquosecond-hand smokerdquo of attention Your attention and learning suffer when you sit next to someone who is using a computer
Incorporating CMU Writing Center Services into Your SyllabusSource Dan Lawson Director Writing Center (Check the Writing Center website for updated locations and hours Please contact the Writing Center if you plan to incorporate their services into your course)
Because writing is such an important part of a college education CMU provides free writing center support to all CMU writers at any stage of the process from brainstorming to final editing and for any class I encourage you to attend regularly on your own However if I feel that you would benefit from additional peer feedback I may ask you to go to the Writing Center as part of this class If this occurs I will talk with you about the details of what I expect and the consequences of not meeting this requirement
Writing Center locations and hours [List current locations and hours here]
Because the Center gets busy it helps to go well before assignments are due be sure to take your draft and assignment guidelines with you
8 | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | 9
Introduction to Course Syllabus Design Introduction to Course Syllabus Design
Regardless of which format you choose a syllabus should be logically organized and well-written with related information chunked together a header structure that helps students find information and a course calendar that makes it easy for students to spot upcoming exams and due dates In Figure 2 for example notice how easy it is for students to skim the right column to see when assignments are due This instructor used the Insert-Table function in Microsoft Word and chose a table format that had alter-nating white and shaded lines which visually chunks descriptions of course activities for each week of the term Other organizing techniques include using icons to flag different types of assignment and color-coding activities as in this example (from the Schedule of Assignments Exams and Activities for online ENG 201 Intermediate Composition CMU)
Figure 1 Many instructors are opting to use photographs flow charts and other features to create more engaging syllabi (This generic example was produced using placeholder photographs and Lorem Ipsum which is placeholder text) Because some students will print a black and white copy of posted syllabi during the course of the term always check that your syllabus is visible when printed in black and white
Your XXX 100 Course Calendar
I like to be responsive to the needs of individual classes so this course calendar is subject to change if we need more time on a topic or decide to make a side trip into an unexpected topic
Date Topic Reading AssignmentsExams
Tu Aug 26 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit
Th Aug 28 Nam a imperdiet elit Pellentesque augue sem bibendum eget aliquet no
Smith pp 1ndash8 Elders ch 2
Complete Blackboard Quiz 1 by 200 pm
ETC
Figure 2 A multiple-column course calendar with the dates of assignmentsexams in the right-most column helps students plan their week and makes it easier for them to transfer due dates from all classes into a single planning tool
Color keyGreen Reading assignmentPurple DraftingBlue Peer review assignments and drafts for instructor reviewOrange Discussion board assignmentsRed Opening dates and deadlines for exams
ReferencesCentral Michigan University (2015) Central Michigan University curriculum authority document Retrieved
from httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsCAD2011-17-1520FINALpdf
DePaul University (2014) Teaching Commons Constructing a syllabus Retrieved from httpteachingcommonsdepauleduCourse_Designconstructing_a_syllabusindexhtml
General Education Committee (2014 Fall) The General Education Program A Basic Documents Set Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsThe20General20Education20Program20-20A20Basic20Documents20Set20-20FINAL20-200320102014pdfsearch=The20General20Education20Program3A20A20Basic20Documents20Set2C202014
Harnish R K McElwee R O Slattery J M Frantz S Haney M R Shore C M amp Penley J (2011) Creating the foundation for a warm classroom climate Observer 24(1) Retrieved from httpwwwpsychologicalscienceorgindexphppublicationsobserver2011january-11creating-the-foundation-for-a-warm-classroom-climatehtml
UDLUniversecom (nd) Universal Design for Learning A rubric for evaluating your course syllabus Retrieved from httplgdatas3-website-us-east-1amazonawscomdocs2205289066UDL_Syllabus_Rubric_UPDATED_2-9-2012pdf
UDL-Universe (2014a) Impact on students Retrieved from httpenactsonomaeducontentphppid=218878ampsid=2028831
UDL-Universe (2014b) Nine common elements for Universal Design for Learning in higher education Retrieved from httplgdatas3-website-us-east-1amazonawscomdocs2205397910Nine_Common_UDL_Elements_2-10-12pdf
Photograph courtesy University Communications
10 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 11
Project Title Project Title
Appendix Sample Policy Language
Accommodating DisabilitiesSource ADA Handbook Faculty and Teaching Staff 7-07 Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostacademic_administrationFPSDocumentsADA20Handbook20Faculty20and20Teaching20Staff207-07pdfsearch=ada
CMU provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs activities or services Students with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should first register with the office of Student Disability Services (120 Park Library telephone 989-774-3018 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 989-774-2568) and then contact me as soon as possible
Recording Classroom ActivitySource Message from the CMU Faculty Association on December 12 2012 Retrieved from httpcmufacomdocumentsFinalRecordingStatementInSyllabipdf
In order to protect the intellectual property interests of the instructor the privacy interests of student members of the class and to encourage an open and fair exposition of all student views in the classroom without fear that student views expressed will be recorded and possibly posted in another forum recording of classroom lectures and conversations is not permissible without the express prior written consent of the instructor Unauthorized recording of classroom activity shall be considered a violation of the CMU Student Code of Rights Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures as disruptive of a studentrsquos right to learn under 323 Disruption of Learning
Individual instructors may want to consider adding the following clarification
Because instructors hold the copyright for their presentation materials photographing presentation screens or other lecture material is also prohibited
Academic DishonestySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to) looking at notes during an exam reading another studentrsquos answers during an exam copying another studentrsquos homework assignment and turning in work you previously completed for another class without obtaining your current instructorrsquos permission Academic dishonesty is seriously discouraged in college In this class violations of CMUrsquos integrity policy will result in [automatic failure in the class or your penalty statement here] and a report of the incident will be made to detect if you have been turned in by more than one instructor Your rights and obligations are explained in CMUrsquos Policy on Academic Integrity (httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsAcademic20Integrity20Policy20-20Approved20--3-26-13pdf)
Email PolicySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Please check your CMU email each day so you do not miss class announcements and individual notes from me The CMU campus is a professional work place and all facets of this class are designed to promote the skill-building that will help you achieve goals here and beyond your campus life To this end this class has an email policy to promote skilled communication All email to me should be written with college-level grammar punctuation and a professional tone Please note that I will return nonprofessional email for editing revisions before answering the questions contained in them Irsquom not being meanmdashjust caring about your future success (Consult the Writing Center website or the Blackboard site for this course for a review of college-level email conventions)
Campus ClosingsSource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
In the event of a campus closing (eg a weather-related closing) check the opening announcements on Blackboard for information about changes to the course schedule
Religious HolidaysSource Adapted from an example in the Manual of University Policies Procedures and Guidelines Accommodation of Religious Obligations Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf
CMU students are permitted to make up work when they are absent from class or examinations to observe religious holidays (except when make-up opportunities would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course) According to the Manual of University Policies it is your responsibility to provide me with written notice of the holiday you will be observing and the date you will be absent at least two weeks prior to the date of the religious holiday Please visit httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf to view the complete policy
Sexual Misconduct Policy and My Reporting ObligationsThe University and its faculty are committed to assuring a safe and productive educational environ-ment for all students In order to meet this commitment and to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 the Violence Against Womenrsquos Act the University developed the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy You can find information regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct and the resources available to you in the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy httpswwwcmicheduoffice_presi-dentOCRIEPagesSexual_Misconductaspx
Please familiarize yourself with the reporting requirements Because I am a faculty member I am a ldquoResponsible EmployeerdquomdashI have to report to the Title IX Coordinator if you tell me that you were a victim or perpetrator of any of the following actions dating violence domestic violence and intimate partner violence sexual assault sexual exploitation sexual harassment or stalking
12 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 13
Project Title Project Title
Classroom EtiquetteSource Based on the Central Michigan University Manual of Board of Trustees Policies Practices and Regulations 31 General Regulations Concerning Student Conduct Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduessstudentaffairsPagesResponsibilities-of-Studentsaspx
According to university regulations CMU students should not obstruct disrupt or interfere or attempt to disrupt or interfere with another studentrsquos right to study learn participate or a teacherrsquos right to teach during a class This includes but is not limited to such behaviors as talking at inappropriate times drawing unwarranted attention to him or herself engaging in loud or distracting behaviors or refusing to leave a classroom when ordered to do so Thank you in advance for creating a positive learning environment for everyone Please let me know if a studentrsquos behavior or something about the classroom is interfering with your ability to hear participate or otherwise enjoy our time together
Class-Specific RulesSyllabus suggestions
Each CMU instructor adopts the classroom rules that will provide students with the best learning environment to achieve course goals This semester we have [] classroom rules in addition to the other policies described in this syllabus
[no cell phone] Cell phones must be turned off and stowed away during class
[no hand-held devices] Cell phones and other hand-held devices (eg MP3 players cameras) should be turned off and stowed away during class
[no electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets may not be used for note taking
[welcome electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets are welcome for note taking
[computer penalty] If used for non-academic purposes or your usage becomes distracting to your peers you may be asked to power down If you are caught repeatedly engaging in distracting behavior your final grade may be assessed a penalty of up to [] points
[no food approved drink] Due to the classroom location no food is allowed and bever-ages must be in containers with lids
[food welcome] Feel free to enjoy snacks and a beverage during class but please avoid crunchydistracting food
[return lost items] Please return lost items you find to me and retrieve your lost items in [building lost and found room]
Our Electronics-Free ZoneDue to recent studies on the impact of electronic devices on learning and brain function the use of devices is not allowed during class time (Individuals with a condition that requires an electronic device should speak with me about getting a waiver of this policy)
Many instructors at CMU are trying out this policy with great success and students are enjoying their breaks from multi-tasking These findings convinced this happily plugged-in professor to declare my class a no-electronics zone
Compared to students who take notes by hand students who take notes on a computer do worse at recalling concepts largely because they record information literally but without thinking about what that information means
Electronic devices are the ldquosecond-hand smokerdquo of attention Your attention and learning suffer when you sit next to someone who is using a computer
Incorporating CMU Writing Center Services into Your SyllabusSource Dan Lawson Director Writing Center (Check the Writing Center website for updated locations and hours Please contact the Writing Center if you plan to incorporate their services into your course)
Because writing is such an important part of a college education CMU provides free writing center support to all CMU writers at any stage of the process from brainstorming to final editing and for any class I encourage you to attend regularly on your own However if I feel that you would benefit from additional peer feedback I may ask you to go to the Writing Center as part of this class If this occurs I will talk with you about the details of what I expect and the consequences of not meeting this requirement
Writing Center locations and hours [List current locations and hours here]
Because the Center gets busy it helps to go well before assignments are due be sure to take your draft and assignment guidelines with you
10 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 11
Project Title Project Title
Appendix Sample Policy Language
Accommodating DisabilitiesSource ADA Handbook Faculty and Teaching Staff 7-07 Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostacademic_administrationFPSDocumentsADA20Handbook20Faculty20and20Teaching20Staff207-07pdfsearch=ada
CMU provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs activities or services Students with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should first register with the office of Student Disability Services (120 Park Library telephone 989-774-3018 Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 989-774-2568) and then contact me as soon as possible
Recording Classroom ActivitySource Message from the CMU Faculty Association on December 12 2012 Retrieved from httpcmufacomdocumentsFinalRecordingStatementInSyllabipdf
In order to protect the intellectual property interests of the instructor the privacy interests of student members of the class and to encourage an open and fair exposition of all student views in the classroom without fear that student views expressed will be recorded and possibly posted in another forum recording of classroom lectures and conversations is not permissible without the express prior written consent of the instructor Unauthorized recording of classroom activity shall be considered a violation of the CMU Student Code of Rights Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures as disruptive of a studentrsquos right to learn under 323 Disruption of Learning
Individual instructors may want to consider adding the following clarification
Because instructors hold the copyright for their presentation materials photographing presentation screens or other lecture material is also prohibited
Academic DishonestySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to) looking at notes during an exam reading another studentrsquos answers during an exam copying another studentrsquos homework assignment and turning in work you previously completed for another class without obtaining your current instructorrsquos permission Academic dishonesty is seriously discouraged in college In this class violations of CMUrsquos integrity policy will result in [automatic failure in the class or your penalty statement here] and a report of the incident will be made to detect if you have been turned in by more than one instructor Your rights and obligations are explained in CMUrsquos Policy on Academic Integrity (httpswwwcmicheduAcademicSenatesecureDocumentsAcademic20Integrity20Policy20-20Approved20--3-26-13pdf)
Email PolicySource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
Please check your CMU email each day so you do not miss class announcements and individual notes from me The CMU campus is a professional work place and all facets of this class are designed to promote the skill-building that will help you achieve goals here and beyond your campus life To this end this class has an email policy to promote skilled communication All email to me should be written with college-level grammar punctuation and a professional tone Please note that I will return nonprofessional email for editing revisions before answering the questions contained in them Irsquom not being meanmdashjust caring about your future success (Consult the Writing Center website or the Blackboard site for this course for a review of college-level email conventions)
Campus ClosingsSource A CMU class syllabus used with permission of the instructor
In the event of a campus closing (eg a weather-related closing) check the opening announcements on Blackboard for information about changes to the course schedule
Religious HolidaysSource Adapted from an example in the Manual of University Policies Procedures and Guidelines Accommodation of Religious Obligations Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf
CMU students are permitted to make up work when they are absent from class or examinations to observe religious holidays (except when make-up opportunities would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course) According to the Manual of University Policies it is your responsibility to provide me with written notice of the holiday you will be observing and the date you will be absent at least two weeks prior to the date of the religious holiday Please visit httpswwwcmicheduoffice_provostOIDODEresourcesDocumentsp03016pdf to view the complete policy
Sexual Misconduct Policy and My Reporting ObligationsThe University and its faculty are committed to assuring a safe and productive educational environ-ment for all students In order to meet this commitment and to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 the Violence Against Womenrsquos Act the University developed the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy You can find information regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct and the resources available to you in the CMU Sexual Misconduct Policy httpswwwcmicheduoffice_presi-dentOCRIEPagesSexual_Misconductaspx
Please familiarize yourself with the reporting requirements Because I am a faculty member I am a ldquoResponsible EmployeerdquomdashI have to report to the Title IX Coordinator if you tell me that you were a victim or perpetrator of any of the following actions dating violence domestic violence and intimate partner violence sexual assault sexual exploitation sexual harassment or stalking
12 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 13
Project Title Project Title
Classroom EtiquetteSource Based on the Central Michigan University Manual of Board of Trustees Policies Practices and Regulations 31 General Regulations Concerning Student Conduct Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduessstudentaffairsPagesResponsibilities-of-Studentsaspx
According to university regulations CMU students should not obstruct disrupt or interfere or attempt to disrupt or interfere with another studentrsquos right to study learn participate or a teacherrsquos right to teach during a class This includes but is not limited to such behaviors as talking at inappropriate times drawing unwarranted attention to him or herself engaging in loud or distracting behaviors or refusing to leave a classroom when ordered to do so Thank you in advance for creating a positive learning environment for everyone Please let me know if a studentrsquos behavior or something about the classroom is interfering with your ability to hear participate or otherwise enjoy our time together
Class-Specific RulesSyllabus suggestions
Each CMU instructor adopts the classroom rules that will provide students with the best learning environment to achieve course goals This semester we have [] classroom rules in addition to the other policies described in this syllabus
[no cell phone] Cell phones must be turned off and stowed away during class
[no hand-held devices] Cell phones and other hand-held devices (eg MP3 players cameras) should be turned off and stowed away during class
[no electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets may not be used for note taking
[welcome electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets are welcome for note taking
[computer penalty] If used for non-academic purposes or your usage becomes distracting to your peers you may be asked to power down If you are caught repeatedly engaging in distracting behavior your final grade may be assessed a penalty of up to [] points
[no food approved drink] Due to the classroom location no food is allowed and bever-ages must be in containers with lids
[food welcome] Feel free to enjoy snacks and a beverage during class but please avoid crunchydistracting food
[return lost items] Please return lost items you find to me and retrieve your lost items in [building lost and found room]
Our Electronics-Free ZoneDue to recent studies on the impact of electronic devices on learning and brain function the use of devices is not allowed during class time (Individuals with a condition that requires an electronic device should speak with me about getting a waiver of this policy)
Many instructors at CMU are trying out this policy with great success and students are enjoying their breaks from multi-tasking These findings convinced this happily plugged-in professor to declare my class a no-electronics zone
Compared to students who take notes by hand students who take notes on a computer do worse at recalling concepts largely because they record information literally but without thinking about what that information means
Electronic devices are the ldquosecond-hand smokerdquo of attention Your attention and learning suffer when you sit next to someone who is using a computer
Incorporating CMU Writing Center Services into Your SyllabusSource Dan Lawson Director Writing Center (Check the Writing Center website for updated locations and hours Please contact the Writing Center if you plan to incorporate their services into your course)
Because writing is such an important part of a college education CMU provides free writing center support to all CMU writers at any stage of the process from brainstorming to final editing and for any class I encourage you to attend regularly on your own However if I feel that you would benefit from additional peer feedback I may ask you to go to the Writing Center as part of this class If this occurs I will talk with you about the details of what I expect and the consequences of not meeting this requirement
Writing Center locations and hours [List current locations and hours here]
Because the Center gets busy it helps to go well before assignments are due be sure to take your draft and assignment guidelines with you
12 | Appendix | copy Central Michigan University copy Central Michigan University | Appendix | 13
Project Title Project Title
Classroom EtiquetteSource Based on the Central Michigan University Manual of Board of Trustees Policies Practices and Regulations 31 General Regulations Concerning Student Conduct Retrieved from httpswwwcmicheduessstudentaffairsPagesResponsibilities-of-Studentsaspx
According to university regulations CMU students should not obstruct disrupt or interfere or attempt to disrupt or interfere with another studentrsquos right to study learn participate or a teacherrsquos right to teach during a class This includes but is not limited to such behaviors as talking at inappropriate times drawing unwarranted attention to him or herself engaging in loud or distracting behaviors or refusing to leave a classroom when ordered to do so Thank you in advance for creating a positive learning environment for everyone Please let me know if a studentrsquos behavior or something about the classroom is interfering with your ability to hear participate or otherwise enjoy our time together
Class-Specific RulesSyllabus suggestions
Each CMU instructor adopts the classroom rules that will provide students with the best learning environment to achieve course goals This semester we have [] classroom rules in addition to the other policies described in this syllabus
[no cell phone] Cell phones must be turned off and stowed away during class
[no hand-held devices] Cell phones and other hand-held devices (eg MP3 players cameras) should be turned off and stowed away during class
[no electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets may not be used for note taking
[welcome electronic note taking] Laptop computers and tablets are welcome for note taking
[computer penalty] If used for non-academic purposes or your usage becomes distracting to your peers you may be asked to power down If you are caught repeatedly engaging in distracting behavior your final grade may be assessed a penalty of up to [] points
[no food approved drink] Due to the classroom location no food is allowed and bever-ages must be in containers with lids
[food welcome] Feel free to enjoy snacks and a beverage during class but please avoid crunchydistracting food
[return lost items] Please return lost items you find to me and retrieve your lost items in [building lost and found room]
Our Electronics-Free ZoneDue to recent studies on the impact of electronic devices on learning and brain function the use of devices is not allowed during class time (Individuals with a condition that requires an electronic device should speak with me about getting a waiver of this policy)
Many instructors at CMU are trying out this policy with great success and students are enjoying their breaks from multi-tasking These findings convinced this happily plugged-in professor to declare my class a no-electronics zone
Compared to students who take notes by hand students who take notes on a computer do worse at recalling concepts largely because they record information literally but without thinking about what that information means
Electronic devices are the ldquosecond-hand smokerdquo of attention Your attention and learning suffer when you sit next to someone who is using a computer
Incorporating CMU Writing Center Services into Your SyllabusSource Dan Lawson Director Writing Center (Check the Writing Center website for updated locations and hours Please contact the Writing Center if you plan to incorporate their services into your course)
Because writing is such an important part of a college education CMU provides free writing center support to all CMU writers at any stage of the process from brainstorming to final editing and for any class I encourage you to attend regularly on your own However if I feel that you would benefit from additional peer feedback I may ask you to go to the Writing Center as part of this class If this occurs I will talk with you about the details of what I expect and the consequences of not meeting this requirement
Writing Center locations and hours [List current locations and hours here]
Because the Center gets busy it helps to go well before assignments are due be sure to take your draft and assignment guidelines with you