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| A course syllabus is an important document given to you by your professor on the first day of class. Ideally, a course syllabus can be viewed as a roadmap of your course -- it contains valuable information that will help you succeed and stay organized throughout the entire semester. To fully benefit from the course syllabus, you need to read it, understand it, and keep it handy, as you will continually refer to it throughout your course. |
What does the syllabus cover?
Depending on which courses you take, some syllabi may be more detailed or will structure information in different ways. But each syllabus will cover at least these four topics.
Instructor information Near the top of the syllabus you will find the name of your instructor, their contact information, and office hours.
Reading materials and supplies This syllabus section lists books, online resources, and other content you will need for class. Additional tools, like a calculator or specific software, will be listed here, too. Typically there is a note about which materials are required and which are recommended.
Policies A syllabus will outline how you will be graded, attendance requirements, and how the professor expects students to behave. This section may also include university-wide policies on academic honesty and respect, or how students with disabilities can request support.
Class schedule The syllabus will include when assignments are due and when tests will be given. This section contains all coursework for the class, including in-class assignments, homework, essays, labs, and assessments.
How can I access the syllabus?
In the past, professors handed out paper copies of the syllabus on the first day of each class. Today, most instructors of college classes put their syllabi online. If your university uses Blackboard, Canvas, or another digital course management system, you might find your syllabus there. You may also get it as a link from your professor or can find it on your course website.
If you do not know where to find the syllabus for any of your classes, your professor or teaching assistant can help. Make sure to ask them on the first day of class so that you are prepared for the rest of the semester.
Why is the syllabus important?
A course syllabus will help you plan your semester efficiently and help limit confusion and stress if properly utilized. In short, a course syllabus will indicate what you as a student will be expected to do in a course and how your performance throughout the course will be evaluated and graded.
Taking time to read and understand the syllabus might not sound like fun, but it can be really useful. Your syllabus will help you:
Meet deadlines
Be prepared for class
Understand assignments
Know how you will be graded
Manage your time
Stay organized
Connect with professors and classmates
Common questions about a course can often be answered by reading and understanding the course syllabus; What will I be learning in this course? What are the required textbooks? What happens if I miss an exam? What is the policy on late work? Where do I go if I am struggling in my courses? How will I be graded on my work? When are the due dates for my assignments? How can I contact my professor out of class?
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