Creating a University Level Syllabus

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Creating a University Level Syllabus

• Dr. Gayle A. Kearns
• Associate Dean
• College of Arts, Media, Design

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Why An Effective Syllabus?

• After todays session, you will be able to
• Identify the elements that can strengthen a class
  session and
• Describe the 15 points for an effective syllabus.

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Why Do Students Attend College?

• Get a Better Job 81
• Learn about things that
• interest me 75
• Make more money 68
• Gain a general education 58
• Prepare for graduate work 48

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Why!! cont. . . .

• Meet new people 47
• Learn study skills 33
• Get away from home 10
• Could not get a job 8
• Nothing better to do 2

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Characteristics of A Good Instructor . . .

• The ability to be fair and consistent to students
• Knowledge of the subject matter (SME)
• Ability to personalize the instruction
• The willingness to be flexible

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Characteristics . . .

• The ability to reflect a positive attitude--nods,
  smiles, humor
• Skill in establishing definite examination
  procedures--objective based, instructional
  sequence
• Willingness to provide study aids

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A Good Instructor . . .

• The ability to perceive the material or task from
  the students point of view
• Skilled in asking questions that make students
  think without being threatened
• A clear and concise SYLLABUS!!!

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What About That First Day of Class??

• Be specific
• State the name of the course
• Identify yourself and some credentials
• Let the students introduce themselves
• (optional and if possible due to size)

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That Infamous First Day!

• Review the syllabus thoroughly (sign)
• Ask for student questions and/or feedback
• Review the course outline

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15 Points for An Effective Syllabus

• First, just what is a syllabus?
• A syllabus is the official document of the
  course.
• Next, what does it show?
• It shows what will be required and expected
  throughout the semester in terms of course work.

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An Effective Syllabus . .

• Thirdly, how does it aide the student?
• It helps to establish boundaries of what students
  can expect from their professor/instructor in
  terms of instructional pace, grading and personal
  interactions.

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Regents Policies

• Oklahoma State Board of Regents states a
  syllabi will be prepared for all courses and
  filed with the departmental Chairperson and the
  college Dean. Syllabi will be distributed to
  students during the first week of class.

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1 - Name of the Course

• Identify the name, number, section and meeting
  times and place
• An addendum may be the prerequisites required to
  insure that the student is in the correct
  sequence of course work

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2 - Professors Name

• State your name on the syllabus (in addition to
  your oral introduction)
• Professional/educational background
• Credentials to teach the course
• Special interest in the course subject (SME)

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3 - Office Hours and Phone/E-Mail/Fax Numbers

• List office hours and office location (give
  location markers)
• List office phone and fax numbers, as well as
  e-mail address (home numbers are optional and
  personally not recommended)
• Encourage students to use office hours (or make
  appts)

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4 - Textbook Information and other Resources

• Discuss the benefits of the textbook
• Discuss the strengths of any enhancement
  resources (self-made packets, manuals, etc.)
• Give a brief bio of the author (optional)

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5 - Course Objectives

• List all course objectives (complete course)
• Describe what will be learned
• Discuss the importance of learning this
  information and/or this skill
• Relate the importance of this information to the
  students educational objectives

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6 - Nature of the Course

• Discuss the methodologies to be used throughout
  the course, such as lecture, discussion, webct
  enhancement, projects
• Describe the importance of student participation
  concerning classroom interaction, independent
  study, lab sessions, service-learning etc.

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7 - Course Requirements

• Keep in mind, if it is not stated specifically
  and accurately in the syllabus, anyone who
  questions (or files a grievance) will have a much
  better chance in their defense
• Also, watch undue hardships on students with
  disabilities--ADA does state that certain
  concessions must be made--Be Alert and
  Accommodate!!!

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Course Requirements, Point 7

• Written assignments
• State specifically if the written assignments are
  required, suggested, extra credit
• State the length expected
• Identify the acceptable format--computer-generated
  , hand-written, MLA, APA

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More Course Requirements for 7

• Tests, quizzes and exams
• Be specific on the types--scantron, essay, etc
• Material to be covered and sources--study
  packets, readings
• Cumulative or not
• No surprisestest only on identified, measurable
  information

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Course Requirements . .

• Special projects, such as independent/group
  studies, term papers, oral presentations, book
  reports, etc
• Specify length (what counts)
• Acceptable format--computer generated,
  handwritten, APA
• Topical areas to be considered

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Course Requirements . .

• Labs
• Type of lab--meeting times and locations
• Lab requirements, present with syllabus or at
  first lab session
• Location(s) of lab(s)
• Support system within lab(s)

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8 - Resources, References and Supplies

• Be specific on the listing of resources, outside
  readings, bibliographies, visitations, etc
• Identify supplies required
• Give specific details on operation of special
  equipment

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Point 9 - Grading and Evaluation

• DO NOT CHANGE THIS DURING THE SEMESTER (if you
  do have to make changes, insure that everyone
  receives a revised copy)!!
• Identify what work will be graded
• Explain evaluation of assignments--in addition to
  correct answers, tell if you are grading
  punctuation, spelling, grammar

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Point 9

• Explain level of comprehension (give scale for
  grades) of tests, special projects, assignments
• Identify what percentage each component
  contributes to the final grade--tests, quizzes,
  exams, special projects, labs, attendance, class
  participation

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Point 10 - Attendance

• This is a very big issue/trouble spot on all
  higher ed campuses
• There is no formal university policy--professors
  set their own
• Take attendance each class if possible
• Specifically state what your policy is in regard
  to absences--what is excused vs. unexcused

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Point 10, cont.

• Be specific on how work may be made up with an
  excused absence--give an exact time line
• State what is expected of students who miss class
  due to extracurricular activities, illness, etc.
  (remember that school supported activities are to
  be excused, but the student is responsible for
  informing you of his/her school activity or
  sport)

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Point 11 - Special Accommodations

• According to the Americans with Disabilities Act,
  it is the responsibility of each student to
  notify the University of his/her disability
• UCO policy states that the following statement
  should be included in your syllabus

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Disability Statement

• ADA Statement The University of Central
  Oklahoma complies with Section 504 of the
  Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
  Disabilities Act. Students with disabilities who
  need special accommodations should make their
  request by contacting the Coordinator of
  Disability Support Services at 974-2549.

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Point 12 - Fees (optional)

• Fees are now included with the students tuition
  statement for extracurricular requirements, such
  as A fashion trip to NYC, purchase of a laptop
  computer, articulation with a professional
  association which requires a membership

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Point 13 - Drop/Add Policy (Optional)

• State the university policy on dates to be
  followed
• List the last day to withdraw from a class
• Refer the student to UCONNECT for information on
  activities on campus, enrollment, grades, etc.
• This information is located on http//www.ucok.edu
  , drop down menu to Academic Affairs, click on
  forms and go to Faculty Issues, Student
  Information Sheet

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Point 14 - Additional Information

• Other important information students need to
  know, such as, other duties you perform
  (Residency Teacher/Student Teacher supervision,
  Faculty Senate responsibilities, etc.
• Use of cell phones, pagers and other electronic
  devices during class, email requirement (students
  need to use their UCO email through webct)

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Point 14 - continued

• Other expectations or guidelines for student
  conduct beyond attendance, i.e., habitual
  tardiness
• Be very specific about plagiarism, cheating,
  and academic honesty for your class as well as
  the entire campus

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Point 15 - Course Outline/Calendar

• Address all major content areas, objectives for
  course
• Class meetings by date, topics/chapters to be
  discussed
• Dates for quizzes, exams, mid-term and final
• Due dates for homework assignments, special
  projects, term papers, etc. (be specific)

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In Summary

• An effective syllabus will establish boundaries
  for student expectation!!
• An effective syllabus will protect you, the
  professor, by validating what is expected
  throughout the semester in terms of course
  requirements!!