Course Basics
This section of the syllabus usually lists the course title, instructor name, office hours, and contact information.
What is the course information (or course overview) section?
This table or list shows how much each assignment type—like exams, papers, and participation—counts toward your final grade.
What is the grading breakdown?
This policy explains how often you are expected to attend class and what happens if you miss too many sessions.
What is the attendance policy?
This part of the syllabus shows what topics will be covered each day or week and what readings are due.
What is the course schedule or course calendar?
This part of the syllabus tells you the instructor’s email and the best way and time to contact them.
What is the instructor contact information?
This short description explains what the class is about and what topics will be covered.
What is the course description?
This part explains how letter grades (A, B, C, etc.) correspond to percentage ranges.
What is the grading scale?
This section covers expectations for how students should behave during class discussion, group work, and online forums.
What are classroom conduct or behavior expectations?
These are the specific dates listed on the syllabus when major assignments, like essays or projects, must be submitted.
What are assignment due dates?
These are scheduled times when you can meet with the instructor outside of class to ask questions or get help.
What are office hours?
These statements describe what you should know or be able to do by the end of the course.
What are the learning outcomes or course objectives?
These assignments are usually given to check your understanding of smaller chunks of material, and often count less than exams.
What are quizzes or short assessments?
This part describes whether you can use laptops, phones, or tablets during class and for what purposes.
What is the technology or electronics policy?
These are the scheduled test days that are often bolded or highlighted on the syllabus.
What are exam dates?
This section explains how and where course announcements, grades, and assignments will be posted online.
What is the learning management system (LMS) or course website information?
This part of the syllabus lists the books, articles, or online materials you must have for the course.
What are the required texts or required materials?
This policy explains what happens if you turn in an assignment after the deadline, including any point deductions or cutoffs.
What is the late work policy?
This section outlines how the course supports students with documented needs, such as extra time on tests or note-taking support.
What is the disability accommodations or accessibility statement?
This note lets you know that the instructor may change due dates or topics and tells you how you’ll be informed of those changes.
What is the “schedule subject to change” or syllabus change policy?
This part of the syllabus directs you to places like the writing center, tutoring services, library, or counseling office.
What are campus resources or student support services?
This section tells you what you need to do before class begins, such as readings, assignments, or technology setup.
What is the pre-course or preparation section?
This section describes how academic honesty applies to tests, papers, and group work, and what consequences may follow violations.
What is the academic integrity or academic honesty policy?
This policy explains how the instructor handles situations when you suspect a grading error or want feedback on a grade.
What is the grade appeal or regrade policy?
This is the part of the syllabus where you find information about the last day to drop or add the class or to withdraw with a certain grade notation.
What are key academic calendar dates or withdrawal deadlines?
This policy explains how quickly the instructor will reply to your emails and what kind of subject lines or information you should include.
What is the email or communication policy?