Syllabus

A syllabus is the primary communication mechanism for course goals, expectations, and assessment criteria. As one of the earliest messages students receive about a course, the syllabus serves many purposes, including an invitation to learn, an academic plan, and a guiding reference for policies and resources.

The Office of Academic Excellence has developed a syllabus template document with elements required by the New York State Education Department and sample language that can be adapted. This template is a detailed guide to writing a syllabus and should be used when creating your own syllabus. 

Download the Syllabus Template (DOC)

Why write a syllabus?

Students perform better, have fewer misunderstandings, and are less likely to challenge grades when they receive transparent and detailed communication about course goals, expectations, and assessment criteria (Harrington and Thomas 2023). Students get this information from the syllabus and from in-class verbal explanations that reinforce it throughout the semester. Further, students benefit when the syllabus communicates welcome, ignites curiosity, and invites them to learn (Germano and Nicholls 2020).

Functions of a Syllabus

Syllabi fulfill several important functions, including:

  • Setting a welcoming tone for the course
  • Communicating what, when, and how students will learn
  • Locating the course within a broader academic context
  • Clarifying expectations and student responsibilities
  • Describing course policies and grading
  • Providing guidelines for communication and receiving support

Syllabus Components

Syllabus components required by the New York State Education Department are marked “required” and must be included on all University of Rochester syllabi. Additional components may be required at the school level; contact your Dean’s Office or reach out to the Teaching Center for additional support.

All required language and instruction is outlined in detail in the syllabus template.

Download the Syllabus Template (DOC)

Course information:

  • Course name and semester (required*)
  • Course number
  • Meeting days and times (required*)
  • Meeting place
  • Course format and modality
  • Course website/link to Blackboard
  • Course description (required*)
  • Prerequisite courses (required*)
  • Credits hours (required*)
  • Bibliographic or other resources (required*)
  • Course schedule (required*)

*For required elements, see the detailed instructions and sample language in the syllabus template (DOC).

Instructor information:

  • Instructor name (required*)
  • Instructor contact information and preferences
  • Office location and hours
  • Teaching assistant name(s) and responsibilities
  • Teaching assistant contact information and preferences

*For required elements, see the detailed instructions and sample language in the syllabus template (DOC).

Course objectives and learning outcomes:

  • Purpose statement
  • Course objectives (required*)
  • Course learning outcomes (required*)

*For required elements, see the detailed instructions and sample language in the syllabus template (DOC).

Learning activities and assignments:

  • Learning overview
  • Learning activities
  • Graded assignments (required*)

*For required elements, see the detailed instructions and sample language in the syllabus template (DOC).

Grades and related policies:

  • Success statement
  • Methods for assessing student achievement (required*)
  • Feedback statement
  • Final exam date(s)
  • Late and make-up work policy
  • Basis of grade determination (required*)
  • Academic honesty policy (required*)
  • Generative AI policy

*For required elements, see the detailed instructions and sample language in the syllabus template (DOC).

Other policies and expectations:

  • Communication (e.g. class announcements)
  • Classroom culture and environment (e.g. learning environment, community norms and expectations, attendance policy)
  • Accessibility and academic accommodations
  • Religious holidays
  • Anti-discrimination and harassment
  • Title IX
  • Student resources

References

Germano, W. & Nicholls, K. 2020 Syllabus: the remarkable document that changes everything. Princeton.

Harrington, C. & Thomas, M. (2023). Designing a Motivational Syllabus: Creating a Learning Path for Student Engagement (First edition.). Routledge.