Syllabus Requirements
Your syllabus is the definitive description of the learning objectives, assignments, requirements, and expectations for performance. Every student has a right to a fully articulated syllabus, and every faculty member has an obligation to provide one for each course. Timely access to syllabi helps students select courses that fulfill their educational objectives. In addition, the university is obligated to keep syllabi on file and review them as part of the regular accreditation process.
Syllabi (in any form) should be available on or before the first day of class to all students. There are several options available when choosing the format in which you will present your syllabus. Some faculty choose traditional paper formats, while most others choose to embed course information in Blackboard or Canvas.
Required Syllabus Elements: GMU Catalog Policy AP.2.5, passed by the Faculty Senate in Fall 2023 and effective for Fall 2024 courses, stipulates “course-specific structural elements” that all syllabi must include. For details, please refer to the Mason Korea Required Syllabus Information Template.
Regardless of your modality, please take time during the first week to ensure that all students can find your syllabus and policies, know how to access basic course and contact information, and have clear instructions on how to access the schedule and assignment information.
Additional information for writing a clear, complete syllabus that supports student learning is available from the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning.