- Contact information for the instructor(s) and TA(s), including email, offices and their location.
- Course description that explains the course's scope and purpose as well as the format of the course.
- List of readings or other resources students may need.
- List of learning goals: the content, skills and ways of thinking that students will learn and practice throughout the course.
- Percentage breakdown of how different assignments will contribute to the final grade.
- Description of major assignments.
22Feb’22
Penn has no official set of statements that an instructor must include on their syllabus. The following is a list of policies and statements that instructors might consider. In some places, CTL has linked out to samples from other instructors but for some things each instructor will have to create unique language.
Basic Information About the Course
Setting Expectations
- Describe pre-requisites
- Communication and email policy
- Statements that welcome students to the class
- Recommended Syllabus Language from Disability Services
- Recitation guidelines
- Explanation of office hours
- Setting expectations regarding active learning
- Advice about how to succeed
- Grading standards for essays
Information about Penn Semesters and Resources
Additional Issues to Include
Instructors may be interested in addressing other issues in their syllabus as well. The links below outline some ideas for creating some syllabi that address specific concerns.
Syllabus Language & Policies
- Overview
- Academic Integrity Statements for Your Syllabus
- Advice on How to Succeed
- Attendance & Absences
- Communications & Email
- Course Costs
- Electronic Devices
- Essay Grading
- Expectations about Active Learning
- FGLI Friendly Policies
- Late Papers
- Missed Exams & Quizzes
- Office Hours
- Participation
- Recitation Guidelines
- Regrade Policies
- Setting a Welcoming Tone
- Wellness Syllabus Language
- Writing a Course Description
More Reources
- Overview
- Supporting Your Students
- Inclusive & Equitable Teaching
- Teaching with Technology
- Structured Active In-class Learning (SAIL)
- Syllabus Language & Policies
- Academic Integrity
- Course Evaluations
- Teaching Online
- Course Roster, Classroom & Calendar Info
- Policies Concerning Student-Faculty Interactions
- For New Faculty
- Teaching Grants for Faculty