Academic Affairs Committee
MINIMUM INFORMATION FOR SYLLABI ACCOMPANYING COURSE PROPOSALS
The syllabus should contain minimum information that instructs the student about the course. This minimum information shall include the following:
Course prefix, number, title, and credits
example: ABCD 999: Title: 3 credits
Instructor and contact information
example: Professor XYZ Central Hall 1 Phone 231-0000
Office hours: MTR 2:00-3:00 pm
Bulletin description
Should be consistent with the course description in the current NDSU Bulletin.
Course objectives
State the objectives, goals, aims, and outcomes for the course.
All general education course syllabi and course web sites must identify the course as having been approved for meeting General Education requirements and include the general education category and outcomes for which each course is approved. (General Education Course Syllabi Requirements)
Evaluation procedures and criteria
How will the students be evaluated? This may include tests, quizzes, papers, assignments, the weight of the assignments, and whatever else is included in the grading scheme. Also include how course grades will be determined.
If this course is to be offered for both undergraduate and graduate credit, the additional requirements for graduate students must be clearly described on the syllabus.
Attendance
According to NDSU Policy 333, attendance in classes is expected. Only the course instructor can excuse a student from course responsibilities. (The term "course" includes class, laboratory, field trips, group exercises, and or other activities.)
If class attendance is a component of the course grade, the course instructor must clearly communicate this to the class in writing in the syllabus.
Note: Students are responsible for all registration activity. However, instructors have the option to administratively drop students who have not attended the first week or first meeting of a lecture or lab. If departments wish to exercise the administrative drop option, this must be clearly stated in the syllabus and course notes section of the Schedule of Classes.
Course schedule/outline/calendar of events
Provide the students with a projected outline of significant events that will occur throughout the semester, including assignments, projects, exams, field trips, quest speakers, etc.
Required student resources
List books, lab manuals, calculators, or whatever else the student will need to complete the requirements of the course.
Americans with disabilities statement about students with special needs
"Any students with disabilities or other special needs, who need special accommodations in this course are invited to share these concerns or requests with the instructor and contact the Disability Services Office as soon as possible."
Approved academic honesty statement
This statement is to appear on all syllabi and is to be explained at the beginning of each course. This may be a statement of a college honor code or the following:
"The academic community is operated on the basis of honesty, integrity, and fair play. NDSU Policy 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct applies to cases in which cheating, plagiarism, or other academic misconduct have occurred in an instructional context. Students found guilty of academic misconduct are subject to penalties, up to and possibly including suspension and/or expulsion. Student academic misconduct records are maintained by the Office of Registration and Records. Informational resources about academic honesty for students and instructional staff members can be found at www.ndsu.edu/academichonesty."
