Communication

Instructor guidelines are indicated on the left side of the page, with student guidelines on the right side of the page. Supporting language and resources are included below guidelines. Note, language included below guidelines is not required, but suggested by the Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) to support implementation.

Implementation Resource – Set Communication Preferences

Your syllabus should be designed with your students in mind and provide clear guidance on how students should contact you. If you utilize the YSU Common Syllabus Templates, you’ll see a place where you can put your Preferred Contact Method. Common contact methods include YSU Email address, campus phone number, or Blackboard message. Consider including your preferred contact method as well in your email signature or on your voice mail recording.

Implementation Resource – Preferred Titles and Pronouns

Consider adding a line to your introduction in your syllabus about how you want students to address you, and then asking students to share with you how they would like to be addressed. You can create a short quiz in Blackboard to gather preferred name or use index cards in class. Blackboard also offers tools for instructors and students to add and record pronunciation to a Blackboard profile.

The Common Syllabus Templates also include a place for you to indicate your preferred pronouns, along with a link to pronoun use in the classroom. Including gender pronouns in your introduction, syllabus and email signature not only helps students know how to refer to you, but it also sets an inclusive tone that makes it safer for students to share their pronouns. (Ex: “I'm Dr. Smith and I use the pronouns she, her, and hers. Using the right pronoun, like using someone’s correct name, is a way to show respect.”)

Implementation Resource – Streamlining Electronic Communication

Faculty-student contact outside the classroom is one of the most important factor that increases a student’s sense of belonging, critical to student retention (Bowen, 2012). Following many of the tips above, like posting the course syllabus to Blackboard or sharing your expected turnaround for feedback, should reduce the amount of student emails you receive. Additionally, beyond responding to student emails in a timely manner, you can make yourself accessible through an effective use of Student Support Hours (office hours). Student Support Hours are an easy means to fostering rich relationships with students, and a prime opportunity to answer student questions and for additional learning experiences. Learn more about how you can be approachable to students outside the classroom.

Implementation Resource – Communicating Course Information

In addition to utilizing the YSU Common Syllabus Templates, here are some other ways you can be clear and organized in communicating information to your students:

1. Use a course calendar that lists readings, assignments, and activities by day.
2. Regular refer to your course calendar.
3. Link your course activities to course learning outcomes.
4. Clearly preview and review past and future course content.
5. Use weekly announcements as previews.

For more information on designing a clear and organized course structure, learn about the Backward Design Model and how it encourages and supports student learning in your courses.

Implementation Resource – Supporting Student Success

Let students know that you want them to succeed in your course. Define what “success” means for the specific course and your expectations for them as students enrolled in the course. Include any expectations you may have for participation and/or engagement with the course and course content. Encourage students to attend your “Student Support Hours” to answer any course questions they may have. Explain to them that you are committed to using the Faculty Alert System to support their success in your course.

Implementation Resource – Sample Syllabus Statement

Consider including the following language from the Common Syllabus Templates.

• Understanding Early Alerts: In all your classes, your professors can create a “flag” related to your performance in a class. Professors may indicate that you are having difficulty understanding course record, and they are NOT used in any way as a penalty against you. The alerts are used to help you find a solution that is realistic and helps you succeed.
• How to Get Help: YSU is committed to your success. As a student you have access to several resources that may be instrumental in helping you succeed in this course and others. Please do not hesitate to utilize any of these free support services to support your academic success, physical and mental health, and help you navigate your time as a YSU student.