How to best use your syllabi

What is a syllabus? Contract between you and your instructor Organized layout of the entire term Key reference point throughout the term- when in doubt, check your syllabus first!

Important components to look for: DUE DATES When are quizzes, tests, essays, drafts, and other assignments due? Instructor Contact Info: How can you get in touch with them? Do they have a preference for how you contact them? Office Hours: When and where are these held? Do you have other classes during them? If so, are there other ways to meet with the instructor? Required Materials: May include books, supplies, clickers, website access codes, etc.

Important Components Continued Course Evaluation and Grading Scales: How will I be graded? How many points is each assignment worth? How many points do I need to get an A, a B, a C… Scoring Rubrics: How will assignments, essays, etc. be graded Learner Expectations/ Class rules: expectations in regards to attendance, late assignments, behavior in class, etc. Breakdown of Assignments: Detailed explanation of what is required

Additional Components to look for Course-Specific Learning Outcomes Disability Statement: includes how to contact instructor about accommodations Academic Dishonesty Policy Course Pre-Requisites and Co-Requisites

The OSU Baccalaureate Core Goals & Values: “While courses in the major provide expertise in a specific field of study, courses in the Bacc Core offer students a broad sense of what it means to be an educated person and to be well equipped for the challenges of the workplace, citizenship, and constructing a life with meaning” (

Additional Syllabi Components for Bacc Core Courses Bacc core status of course Identify the bacc core categories the course fulfillscategories Skills: Writing 1, Writing 2, Speech, Mathematics, Fitness Perspectives: Biological & Physical Sciences, Cultural Diversity, Literature & the Arts, Social Processes & Institutions, Western Culture Synthesis: Contemporary Global Issues, Science Technology & Society Difference, Power, & Discrimination Writing Intensive Courses Identify learning outcomes fulfilled for each Bacc core category

What if I don’t find these things? Talk with your professor Ask questions