Syllabus Checklist
A syllabus is the instructor's contract with a student. It is the document which can determine the outcome of a dispute between the instructor and the student. Careful writing is essential for a syllabus that will stand the test of an institutional or legal dispute. This checklist is designed to assist faculty members in developing a syllabus that will stand up in such disputes. Most legal disputes between students and Harper are about students’ grades and the criteria stated in the syllabus.
General Course Information
√ /REQUIRED
/ √ /BEST PRACTICE
Course title, catalog number, section, IAI designation if applicableSemester, year
Class dates; meeting times; location
Modality (online, blended, face-to-face)
If blended, what will be online and what on-ground
Additional locations if applicable (lab, studio, etc.)
Instructor Information
√ /REQUIRED
/ √ /BEST PRACTICE
NameContact information: phone, email, preferred method for communication
Office location
Office hours
Course Description
√ /REQUIRED
/ √ /BEST PRACTICE
Course description (provided by department/catalog) / Course overviewCourse outcomes, stated in measurable terms, as listed in Curricunet / Educational/technology proficiencies expected
Prerequisite requirements clearly stated / Other requirements of the department/college
Instructional and Technological Information
√ /REQUIRED
/ √ /BEST PRACTICE
Required and recommended textbooks, eBooks, and/or materials / Teaching method: lecture, discussion, group work, etc.Hardware, software or internet services required / Instructional materials available in Blackboard; online
Course Assignments and Assessments
√ /REQUIRED
/ √ /BEST PRACTICE
Grading scale / *Assignment details: description of assignments and grading scaleMissed assessment policy / *Detail of how assignments align with course outcomes
Final Exam Date / *Explanation of how student work will be assessed and what feedback to expect
*Course evaluation information listed (WHEN APPLICABLE)
*Writing and style requirements
Course Culture
√ /REQUIRED
/ √ /BEST PRACTICE
Attendance requirements (If Applicable) / What students can expect from the faculty memberAcademic Dishonesty policy / Student Expectations
• Course conduct
• Use of Technology
• Statement of Understanding
• Use of technology in class (cell phones, lap tops, etc.)
Course conduct: in class, online, privacy of course discussions, respect for others’ views
Student Code of Conduct Statement
Statement of Understanding
Student Support Resources and Required Statements
√ /REQUIRED
/ √ /BEST PRACTICE
Students with Disabilities and Academic Accommodations / Sexual Misconduct/Title IX/HEATEqual Opportunity Statement / Helpdesk
Writing Center
Tutoring
Student Success Services
Library resources
Weekly Content
√ /REQUIRED
/ √ /BEST PRACTICE
Weekly schedule of readings and assignments / *Weekly topics and goals*Assignment and test due dates
*Designates best practices that are often required for IAI panel approvals.