A young student asking,

A course syllabus can seem like a long, boring document that isn't worth reading, but don't be fooled! Your syllabus gives you a lot of important information that will help you get through the course.

Basic Information

The first page or top of your syllabus will give you things like your instructor's contact information, the time and location of the course, and the course description.

These may be things you already knew when you registered, but they're still important to have as a reference.

Patrick from Schitt's Creek saying

Objectives And Requirements

The most important part of your syllabus are Learning Objectives and Course Requirements.

Brain icon

Learning Objectives tell you what you'll get out of the course. They often include phrases like,"You will be able to..."

Checklist

Course Requirements lists all the things you need to do to pass the class. This includes readings, papers, discussion boards, other assignments, and due dates.

Caution Icon Make sure you put any important due dates from the Course Requirements into your personal calendar!

Policies And Expectations

Review your syllabus for some of the policies that your instructor or institution has in place.

Some important policies are:

  • attendance

  • due dates and late work

  • technology use

  • accessibility and accommodations

  • nondiscrimination and harassment

It's a good idea to go through each of these before the course starts and highlight anything that stands out to you as important or confusing.

Tim Robinson saying

Quiz

Kris has ADHD. He's having issues with his instructor about receiving extra time on his exam. Which part of the syllabus should he review before he speaks to the department head?

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