Syllabus Preparation
The course syllabus is one of the central artifacts of higher education. It is a critical means of communication between teacher and student and is often the first form of interaction. The syllabus can help set the tone, create an inclusive climate, and establish the culture for learning in the course.
Syllabus Requirements
In support of students’ access to course expectations and schedules, as well as their ability to track their progress in a class, all RIT faculty are required to post course syllabi and student grades in myCourses (RIT Policy D05.0 – Grades). Course shells open to students in myCourses one week before the official start date of the semester / term. Your syllabus should be available to review before the first day of class to enable students to make informed decisions about enrollment.
Required RIT Policies
The following policies must be included in your syllabus:
The Statement on Academic Accommodations is required in your syllabus. The required text is:
RIT is committed to providing academic accommodations to students with disabilities. If you would like to request academic accommodations such as testing modifications due to a disability, please contact the Disability Services Office. Contact information for the DSO and information about how to request accommodations can be found at www.rit.edu/dso. After you receive academic accommodation approval, it is imperative that you contact me as early as possible so that we can work out whatever arrangement is necessary.
Your syllabus must reference RIT’s Title IX policy regarding faculties' and students’ respective responsibilities and rights. As this policy language is under frequent review and edit, please refer to the RIT Title IX policy on the Title IX Resources and Information page (scroll to the bottom of the page and you will find the Syllabus Statement for Faculty under the Information Toolkit).
RIT has developed Policy P05.0 Diversity Statement for all community members. RIT is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, and students can thrive both professionally and personally. Through equitable policies and practices, RIT upholds its values of diversity and fairness while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
Your syllabus must reference the RIT Honor Code and RIT’s Academic Integrity Policy in an Academic Integrity Statement.
Example: As an institution of higher learning, RIT expects students to behave honestly and ethically at all times, especially when submitting work for evaluation in conjunction with any course or degree requirement. The Department of [NAME] encourages all students to become familiar with the RIT Honor Code and with RIT's Academic Integrity Policy:
See Suggested Policy References for other statements and policies you might want to consider including in your syllabus.
Regardless of where you are in the syllabus-design process, you can always request one-on-one consultations with a CTL staff member for support.