In college, syllabi are very important tools for professors to communicate their expectations to students. It is your responsibility as a student to carefully review the syllabus and ask your instructor questions if you do not understand something.
A syllabus is a document that outlines how a course is structured. A well-developed syllabus contains all of the information a student needs to understand what being a member of the class entails. This usually includes:
- Instructor’s policies on attendance and grading
- Course number and description
- Required textbooks and other materials
- Weekly schedule listing due dates for assignments and tests
- Instructor’s name, email address, office location, and office hours
Some instructors distribute a paper copy of the syllabus during the first week of class, while others email it to the class or post it in Canvas. If you do not receive a syllabus, be sure to ask for one.
