Policy on Course Syllabi

I. Purpose

SGU is committed to maintaining academic quality, transparency, and consistency across all programs. To ensure that students have a clear understanding of course expectations and requirements, every course that offers credit toward a degree must have a course syllabus that is distributed to students on the first day of term. All syllabi must be provided to the Office of the University Registrar at the end of each term.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all credit-bearing courses that form part of a degree offered at SGU across every School and Program.

III. Requirements

1. Syllabus Requirement
   1. Every credit-bearing course must have a written syllabus approved by the relevant department or program.
   2. The syllabus must be made available to students electronically via the Learning Management System on the first day of term.
2. Major Required Components
   Each syllabus must contain, at minimum, the following elements:
   1. Course Identification: Course title, course code, credit hours, program name.
   2. Instructor Information: Name(s), department name, school, office location, contact information, office hours descriptor, course/instructor e-mail.
   3. Course Description: A brief overview of course content, purpose, and scope of the content and the assessment system for the course.
   4. Learning Outcomes: Clearly stated, measurable outcomes aligned with course, program and institutional goals.
   5. Required Materials: Details of textbooks, readings, literature, software, or other instructional resources required to complete the course.
   6. Course Schedule: Major topics and activities by week, including examination dates, assignment deadlines, and holidays, or a link to such information.
   7. Assessment and Grading: Explanation of how students will be evaluated, including weight of exams, assignments, participation, projects, and grading scale.
   8. Attendance/Participation Requirements: Expectations for class participation, engagement, and conduct.
   9. Policies on Academic Integrity: University or Program standards and consequences for violations.
   10. Course and Instructor Evaluation: Statement that student participation in SGU’s Course and Instructor Critique Program is required.
   11. Accessibility and Support Services: Information on accommodations, student support services, tutoring, advising, and health services; or links to such support services.
   12. Communication of Changes: Statement that the instructor reserves the right to adjust the schedule or requirements, with timely notice provided to students.
3. Compliance
   1. Course Directors and Department Chairs are responsible for ensuring that syllabi are prepared and distributed in compliance with this policy.
   2. Any changes made to a syllabus after the start of a course should be avoided and if changes are necessary there must be timely notification via the Learning Management System.

IV. Authority

Office of the Provost; reviewed every 3 years.

V. Version History

(1025009)