Faculty must provide students a detailed course syllabus. [Review a Syllabus Template]
The course syllabus must be available on public pages for prospective students so they can have an advance view.
This syllabus can be an abbreviated version. It is maintained in a folder created by the Distance Learning office and should be submitted to them by the faculty member early in the development process.
Provide a course description.
(Use the course catalog description or a statement describing the nature of the course, what the student can expect to learn, and an overview of course activities).
List the course objectives.
(Faculty must deliver the same content in an online course as they would in a classroom section of the same course. This is very important. If the course differs from the on-campus version it must presented to the Curriculum Committee for approval. The video- or CD-ROM-based or online course should have the same course content with a different delivery style).
List course requirements.
(Make sure the students understand what they will need in order to take the course in terms of computer skills, hardware and software requirements, required access to technologies used in the course, and technical competence required of students in the course).
Textbook information is correct and posted
(w/source and supplementary materials listed).
If a separate purchase for any additional resources, beyond the textbook, is required, this should be noted in the syllabus.
(Student should be informed of estimated or average course costs (including access if a web-based course).
The selection of technologies is based on appropriateness for the students and the course (e.g. Excel in an accounting course). It is recognized that availability, cost, and other issues are often involved, but course documentation should include specific consideration of the match between technology and the course).
Include the course website address.
Describe testing procedures.
Describe grading procedures.
List the course grading scale.
Course Ground Rules section should be a reiteration and emphasis of certain rules and course expectations.
(For example, Participation is required, Expected to communicate with other students in team projects, Learn how to navigate in My VolState Online, Keep abreast of course announcement., Use the assigned college or university e-mail address as opposed a personal e-mail address, Address technical problems immediately, Observe course netiquette at all times).
Timelines for assignments and faculty response times to electronic communication are included in the course syllabus
E-Mails and Student Questions posed to the faculty need to be responded to in a timely manner.
(Posted by faculty in syllabus, 24-36 hour response time recommended except weekends)
Only list methods of communication on the syllabus that the faculty will actually use.
(Don’t list an email address on the syllabus if you will never check or respond to email).
Include guidelines for the type or types of communication to be used.
(E-Mail, Discussion or Message Boards, Chat, Fax, Telephone).
Include Web Resources related to communication or communication guidelines.
Include library contact information students will use in the course.
(Telephone numbers, e-mail address, website addresses, etc).
Include the institution's recommended statement concerning disabilities.
Include a statement that explains how any syllabus changes will be transmitted to the students. (E-Mail, Discussion or Message Board, or other).
