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Syllabus

What Is a Syllabus?

A syllabus serves a few different purposes and each of them are important—

  • An introduction to your course

A syllabus lets students know who you are, what the course is, what the Student Learning Outcomes are, what materials are required and suggested, and what they'll need to succeed. 

  • A guide & map for your course

The syllabus provides logistical details such as the schedule for the course and office hours, as well as rationale for the pedagogy. It also let's students know exactly what is included in course content and how grading will work.

  • A contract and permanent record of your course

 A syllabus is a sort of contract between instructors and students —documenting rights and responsibilities as well expectations for assignments and grades. It also serves as a permanent record of the course.

Adapted from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Teaching & Learning-  Creating a Syllabus and Queen's University Teaching and Learning- What Exactly Is a Syllabus?

Olympic College Syllabus Template


Zero Module in Canvas

Each quarter your Canvas shells will include a Zero Module which contains the most up-to-date information about institutional policies and student supports, created by folks in the Center for Learning Innovation. Keep this visible to students to ensure you have current links and information.

Your syllabus can indicate student check the Zero Module for policies and services info.

woman with a book on her face

WAC 132E-122-080 (6)

Rights and responsibilities regarding course syllabi. 

Students have the right to expect the class instructor to follow their course syllabus and if any changes are made to the grading system and/or course requirements during the quarter, the students must be promptly notified. If a different instructor is assigned to the class during the quarter, the original course syllabus shall be followed; however, if the new instructor determines a need to modify the syllabus for the portion of the class they are teaching, the students must be promptly notified. The students are responsible for reading and understanding the information provided in the course syllabus and any changes made to it during the quarter.

NWCCU Standard 1.C.3 (Accreditation Standards)

"Information on expected student learning outcomes for all courses is provided to enrolled students."