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Let Your Syllabus Be Your Guide

August 21st, 2011

Students should not underestimate the importance of the course syllabus. It is a valuable piece of the academic pie. All professors must complete a syllabus because it outlines the course particulars and expectations. Its purpose is to communicate to students the basic essentials like why the class is needed, learning objectives, and student responsibilities for course completion.

Each professor is responsible for creating his or her course syllabus. Therefore, some content is standard and some can vary for each course. The standard elements, which are extremely important, usually consist of course description, course calendar, textbook listing, grading scale, and instructor contact information. Students should also become familiar with another portion of the syllabus known as course policies. These directives are essential because they can impact the student’s class grade. The internet will keep you aware of the latest information about online college listing.

Syllabuses that include comments on tardiness and class attendance should not be taken lightly. You can generally find this policy on syllabuses written for freshman and sophomore courses. The objective of this policy is to help students who suffer from time management deficiencies for habits that promote consistent attendance and on- time arrivals. The policy might also include specifics like the number of attended classes required to pass the class, as well as penalties for tardiness. Attending class and being on time can help keep your grade up.

It is best to check and see how class participation factors into the course grade. Classes that are taught in large lecture halls usually require little to no active participation; consequently, there is minimal chance of in-class participation affecting the grade. However, classes that are conducted in a more intimate setting will more than likely require active participation. Thus, participation may be part of the grade. If it is, the professor will clearly note it on the syllabus.

The section on missed exams and class assignments should be of supreme interest to the student, as this significantly affects the student’s grade. The syllabus may contain specific information informing students whether exams and assignments can be made up. If it does not, you may want to inquire to your professor, at the start of the class, about the policy of make-up work and/or extra credit.

One course policy that may not be in all syllabuses, but certainly should be, is information on available support services. These valuable instructional support services are available to help struggling students achieve academic excellence. However, many may not act on them because the professor does draw attention to the learning opportunities. Thankfully, some instructors include a section in the syllabus telling students where they can get tutorial assistance. You should always weigh the value of colleges online.

Probably the one consistent policy found on every professor’s syllabus is the “plagiarism” and “cheating” policy. Because plagiarism is so complex and involves several different elements, many students are clueless about what constitutes plagiarism. Now days, many syllabuses include a detailed explanation about the subject, inclusive of examples. Learning and understanding the ills of plagiarism and cheating can help the student walk the straight and narrow.

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