Resources for Faculty
Writing Your Syllabus
UAS Syllabus Requirements
http://www.uas.alaska.edu/facultyhandbook/docs/faculty-handbook.pdf (Faculty Handbook - search for "syllabus" to find the correct section and verify the latest requirements.
The section currently (Fall 2012) reads:
Syllabus
The syllabus serves as a contract between the instructor and student. It should reflect the competencies that the student can expect to master in that class. The general competencies emphasized in the curriculum at UAS include communication, information technology, critical thinking, information literacy, professional behavior, and quantitative skills.[1]
A course syllabus must be provided to each student at the first class session of a course, with a copy also being filed with the appropriate Dean’s office. UAS Online provides each course with a web site (http://www.uas.alaska.edu/online) where a course syllabus may be posted either by faculty or their department.
A course syllabus is required to contain the following:
(1) objectives of the course;
(2) scope of the material to be covered in the course;
(3) required texts and readings;
(4) grading method[2] to be used (pass/fail or letter grade, including whether “+ or -” will be employed);
(5) the basis for awarding student grades: exams, papers, quizzes, projects, or other along with their due dates and weighting towards calculation of the final grade;
(6) notification that class evaluation will occur at some point during the last three weeks of class; and
(7) other pertinent information concerning course management and instructor expectations of students. (Sample in Appendix 2)
Occasionally two or more courses are scheduled in the same classroom at the same time (e.g., ENGL 218/418, Themes in Literature and Advanced Themes in Literature). These are referred to as “stacked courses.” The semester class schedule will indicate if a course is being offered in stacked format. Separate syllabi are required for each stacked course reflecting the distinct and appropriate differences in course requirements and grading and explaining the nature of stacked courses. Sample syllabi can be found on UASOnline or obtained from faculty administrative assistants, or UAS faculty members.
[1] See academic catalog for detailed descriptions.
[2] See academic catalog for grading information.
More about UAS Core Competencies
Additional Elements which should be in your syllabus
Beyond the minimum requirements, these are additional elements which you should include in your syllabus
- Your course policies (late work, incompletes, participation etc.)
- Statement about academic integrity
- Statement about accomodations/special needs
- Contact information for student support services (Helpdesk, Sitka Student Success Center, etc.) - make sure the contact information is up to date.
Sample Syllabus
Sample Syllabus Template ( Sitka Campus ) - Microsoft Word Document - Choose "Save" rather than "Open" to save to your computer. (or Right-Click and choose "Save Target As...". Instead of Right-Click, use Cntrl-Click on a Macintosh).
Note: This document has not been revised yet for the latest requirments (described above) and is not a required template - it is here to provide some examples and sample text to help you when writing your syllabus. Suggestions, requests, or contributions of additional examples from faculty are welcome.
Step-by-Step Instructions for uploading your syllabus
Uploading your Syllabus on your UAS Online Blackboard Course
Blackboard - Follow this link for additional Blackboard Resources
More help: iTeach 2012 course on Blackboard - click on the "Syllabus" link for more help. You may also be interested in the "Getting Started" section.
More Resources
Evaluate your online Course
You can use this self-evaluation form to assess your online course. Use it to evaluate an existing course or as a check list when you are preparing a new course.
Self-Evaluation Form (MS Word document)
Student Assessment
Online Discussion Rubric -- here is one set of criteria that can be used to assess quality of student's participation in an online discussion.
Copyright issues
Information on Fair Use - how does "Fair Use" come into play when you are using copyrighted material in your class?
Information on the TEACH Act - The Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act determines how "Fair Use" is applied in distance delivered courses.