All instructors are required to distribute a syllabus to enrolled students during the first week of class.
A syllabus is a roadmap to success in your course. A syllabus can be welcoming, supportive and demystifying. It can also generate enthusiasm for your course!
Syllabus Resources
- Check out the WSU Syllabus page for great resources on making your syllabus.
- Download a WSU undergraduate syllabus template (Word) here.
Generative Artificial Intelligence
- Appropriate use of GenAI falls under the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students—WAC 504-26-010 and WAC 504-26-202.
- The Provost Artificial Intelligence Resource Website is a great starting point for answering some of your questions around AI.
- Including language around permitted use of GenAI in your course is highly encouraged. Consider the University of Delaware’s Center for Teaching and Assessment of Learning, which distill the four basic approaches that instructors can take in their syllabi.
Some commonly used resources:
- Required and Recommended Elements of the Course Syllabus on the WSU website
- Elements found in the University Syllabus are automatically loaded into the Canvas course space and are not needed in your syllabus; you can also include a link in Canvas.
- WSU Undergraduate Learning Goals
Getting the point across in your syllabus:
- Make sure your syllabus is an accessible document.
- Can’t decide between a list or a table? Try both! Multiple representations of important information communicate better.
- Less is more. Consider using summarizing bullet points, even if more explanation is needed later.
- Put the main points of your syllabus on the front page.
- Encourage interaction with the syllabus via scavenger hunt, syllabus quiz and/or introductory video.