{"id":199,"date":"2020-06-30T09:22:04","date_gmt":"2020-06-30T13:22:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/ctl\/?page_id=199"},"modified":"2026-09-02T11:43:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T15:43:13","slug":"syllabus","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/ctl\/teaching-resources\/designing-courses\/syllabus\/","title":{"rendered":"Crafting and Revising Your Syllabus"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Crafting and Revising Your Syllabus<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The syllabus provides a vital function for your classes. It acts as the guide for what will happen over the semester;\u00a0it sets\u00a0expectations\u00a0for your students about what you will do and what they should do;\u00a0and it is, in many ways, your chance to make a great first impression, as the syllabus is typically the first document that students will receive from you at the start of the semester.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Since your syllabus acts as a guide and a contract, it is important to spend time developing and fine-tuning this critical document. There are many websites that provide ideas for how to craft a new syllabus\u00a0and\u00a0how to revise an existing syllabus. We would recommend checking out the following first:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/crlt.umich.edu\/gsis\/p2_1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cCreating Your Syllabus\u201d from the University of Michigan<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cmu.edu\/teaching\/designteach\/design\/syllabus\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cWrite the Syllabus\u201d from Carnegie Mellon University<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you prefer, click\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=QJ7zzqU5ljM\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to see\u202fto watch a video on designing a syllabus from Northern Illinois University.\u00a0You can also check out books on syllabus design from the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.libib.com\/u\/ctlbooks\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">CTL Library<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, including\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.libib.com\/u\/ctlbooks?id=58260418\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The\u00a0Course Syllabus: A Learning-Centered Approach<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0by\u00a0Judith Grunert O&#8217;Brien, Barbara J. Millis, Margaret W. Cohen\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.libib.com\/u\/ctlbooks?id=58260505\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The\u00a0Graphic Syllabus and the Outcomes Map: Communicating Your Course<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0by\u00a0Linda B. Nilson.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When developing a new syllabus\u00a0or an updated course schedule, it is important to keep in mind the flow and key times of the semester so that you can plan accordingly.\u00a0Check the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/registrar\/academic-calendars\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">academic calendar<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and consult a list of\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/spiritualandreligiouslife\/resources\/religious-holidays-and-observances\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">religious holidays<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. If you are teaching multiple courses, consider how your own effort can be spread across courses and time during the semester, so that you\u00a0aren\u2019t\u00a0doing all your grading for multiple courses at the same time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Course Policies:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The syllabus is also a key place to convey your classroom policies to students. At Trinity, faculty place a high value on academic freedom, and there is no required language for syllabi. However,\u00a0several\u00a0centers and groups\u00a0on campus offer recommended language. You might consider using or adapting the following statements about resources and policies:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/sarc\/faculty\/suggested-syllabus-statement\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Academic Accommodations<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0language from SARC<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Policy and contract for\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/sarc\/students\/accessibility-information\/audio-recording\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">classroom recording<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Information about\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/writing-center\/writing-center\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Writing Center<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/lits\/digital-scholarship\/ai-resource-center\/ai-syllabus-policy\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">AI Policy<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0statement options from\u00a0Academic\u00a0Learning &amp; Scholarship<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many faculty also include technology use policies in their syllabi. (For a thoughtful discussion of these policies, check out\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.libib.com\/u\/ctlbooks?id=100432724\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Distracted: Why Students Can\u2019t Focus and What\u00a0You Can Do About It<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0by\u00a0James M. Lang\u00a0from the CTL library.)\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0also wise to articulate a policy on\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/ctl\/course-design-and-policies\/late-work-and-extensions\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">late work and extensions<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and\u00a0possibly on\u00a0attendance, keeping in mind how attendance policies may affect student athletes, students with certain academic accommodations, and students who live off campus.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can also use\u00a0the syllabus as an opportunity to link students to resources such as the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/counseling-wellness-center\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Counseling\u00a0and Wellness\u00a0Center<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/community-belonging\/student-emergency-and-equity-fund\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Student Emergency and Equity Fund<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/dean-of-students\/community-standards\/student-integrity-contract\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Student Integrity Contract<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/trincoll-studenthandbook-25-26.catalog.prod.coursedog.com\/table-of-contents\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Student Handbook<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and\/or the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/title-ix\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Title IX Office<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Crafting and Revising Your Syllabus\u00a0 The syllabus provides a vital function for your classes. It acts as the guide for what will happen over the semester;\u00a0it sets\u00a0expectations\u00a0for your students about what you will do and what they should do;\u00a0and it is, in many ways, your chance to make a great first impression, as the syllabus [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":196,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-199","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.5 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Crafting and Revising Your Syllabus - Center for Teaching and Learning<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trincoll.edu\/ctl\/teaching-resources\/designing-courses\/syllabus\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Crafting and Revising Your Syllabus\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Crafting and Revising Your Syllabus\u00a0 The syllabus provides a vital function for your classes. 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