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.
Instructor
On the first day of classes, instructors commit to provide the syllabus (a draft, at minimum, including required texts/materials, tentative schedule), unless there are extenuating circumstances such as a late course assignment.
By the 7th business day of the semester, instructors commit to provide a completed syllabus (3rd day for 7-week courses).
Student
On the first day of classes, students should have the syllabus (a draft, at minimum, including required texts/materials, tentative schedule), unless there are extenuating circumstances such as a late course assignment.
By the 7th business day of the semester, students should have a completed syllabus (3rd day for 7-week courses).
Implementation Resource - YSU Academic Calendar
The YSU Academic Calendar can be found online at: https://catalog.ysu.edu/calendar/
Instructor
Instructors commit to post their syllabi to Blackboard.
Student
Students commit to read and comprehend their syllabi.
Implementation Resource - Posting your Syllabus in Blackboard
Having an online version of your syllabus allows students access to the clickable links in your document and have a centralized location for referring to the syllabus. ITL recommends you save your final syllabus as a PDF document. This ensures optimal viewing on mobile devices. After finalizing your syllabus, post your syllabus in your Blackboard course shell. The Instructional Design and Development Center (IDDC) can provide Blackboard support to faculty. Email iddc@ysu.edu or contact the IDDC main number at 330-941-3244.
Instructor
Material deviations from the syllabus must not harm the students. Updates to the syllabus must be posted and communicated to students in writing.
Student
Students commit to stay informed about any changes to the syllabus by referring to any updated syllabus version.
Implementation Resource - Syllabus Changes
Occasionally, adjustments to the syllabus are warranted. In those cases, ensure that when changes are made, they are made to benefit the students, and provide an updated syllabus (including the revision date) to the class. Be sure to upload the updated version to Blackboard. While Section 19.2 of the OEA Agreement outlines instances of syllabus changes that may constitute an academic grievance, it specifically indicates that the problematic syllabus changes are those that are detrimental to the student or class.
Instructor
The syllabus should contain elements in the YSU Common Syllabus.
Student
Students commit to ask clarifying questions about the syllabus as soon as possible.
Implementation Resource - Effective Syllabus Design
Your syllabus should be designed with your students in mind. Research points to several benefits of designing a "learner-centered syllabus," such as increased rapport between students and faculty, increased retention of course details, and increased student perception of effective teaching (Richmond, 2016). Academic Senate endorsed and the Institute for Teaching and Learned maintains a Common Syllabus Template webpage, which includes premade templates for a learner-centered syllabus. The page includes a recommended syllabus template, a required-items only template, and a link to request a Blackboard syllabus template. In addition, there are links to required university policies and student support services, enabling you to free up space in your syllabus by directing students to a webpage with the most up-to-date policies and resources.
Using the YSU Common Syllabus templates are optional, but the elements in the required template must be included. These ADA-compliant Microsoft Word templates were designed with your students in mind and utilize language and design that focuses on the learner. Templates are updated before the start of each semester. Staff in the Institute for Teaching and Learning is available to provide feedback and guidance on your syllabus, email ysuitl@ysu.edu or book a Syllabus Review consult online.