Overview
A course syllabus can function like a roadmap for a course, communicating important information like course-level learning outcomes, necessary prerequisites, instructor grading policies, etc. CSU Channel Islands has a Syllabus Policy for required items and recommendations for additional items to be included in course syllabi.
This article includes policy for required syllabus items, updated information for some required elements, and recommended items (with draft language) for inclusion in course syllabi.
CSUCI Academic Senate Policy
Click to view the Syllabus Policy.
Required Syllabus Items
According to Syllabus Policy, syllabi are required to include the following elements:
- Professor name(s), office location(s), office hours, and contact information
- Course information (time, place, virtual)
- Course description from catalog (including pre-requisites, co-requisites, and GE areas met)
- All student learning outcomes listed in the approved course proposal
- Additional student learning outcomes from General Education (if it’s a GE course)
- Required elements, which may include assignments, readings, fees, attendance, course participation, trips, equipment, experiential learning, or other course specific requirements
- Grade information, academic honesty information, disability statement (see below)
- “Subject to Change” disclaimer
If needed, you can find helpful templates and additional information about constructing your syllabus.
Updated information for some of these required elements is included below, along with some recommended items that you may wish to use.
Disability Statement
If you are a student with a disability requesting reasonable accommodations in this course, please visit Disability Accommodations and Support Services (DASS) located on the second floor of Arroyo Hall, or call 805-437-3331. All requests for reasonable accommodations require registration with DASS in advance of need. You can apply for DASS services online. Faculty, students and DASS will work together regarding classroom accommodations. You are encouraged to discuss approved accommodations with your faculty.
Attendance Policy
[If your syllabus includes an attendance policy, please add this language] For absences with extenuating circumstances related to a medical condition or disability for which you may require reasonable accommodation, please refer to the Disability Statement.
Academic Dishonesty
By enrolling at CSU Channel Islands, students are responsible for upholding the University’s policies and the Student Conduct Code. Academic integrity and scholarship are values of the institution that ensure respect for the academic reputation of the University, students, faculty, and staff. Cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration with another student, knowingly furnishing false information to the University, buying, selling or stealing any material for an examination, or substituting for another person may be considered violations of the Student Conduct Code (located at http://www.csuci.edu/campuslife/student-conduct/academic-dishonesty.htm). If a student is found responsible for committing an act of academic dishonesty in this course, the student may receive academic penalties including a failing grade on an assignment or in the course, and a disciplinary referral will be made and submitted to the Dean of Students office. For additional information, please see the faculty Academic Senate Policy on Academic Dishonesty, also in the CI Catalog. Please ask about my expectations regarding academic dishonesty in this course if they are unclear.
It is also recommended that faculty discuss academic dishonesty policies throughout the semester with students. To that end, two documents are specifically recommended:
- a UC Davis guide to distinguish between collaboration and plagiarism:
- our CSUCI guide for faculty and students (see especially pp. 3-4 on “Strategies to Prevent Academic Dishonesty”).
Recommended Syllabus Items
- A tentative class schedule, so students can plan ahead for assignments and time commitments.
- Showing students how course learning outcomes relate to program or major outcomes, the CI Mission Statement and the Institutional Mission Based Outcomes, other CSUCI graduation requirements met (Multicultural, Title V, Service Learning), or standards and outcomes from outside organizations and accrediting agencies.
- Final exam day/time
- Course specific policies (attendance, automatic drop, late work, course participation, bringing children to class, taping/recording, cell phone, computers, extra credit, use of dolphin email).
- Digital Course Content (ALLY) statement
- Preferred Pronouns
Additional recommended items follow.
Digital Accessible Course Materials–ALLY
CSUCI is committed to providing you the best learning experience possible. With this goal, we have activated ALLY in your Canvas courses. ALLY is a product that focuses on making digital course content more accessible to all students. You will now be able to download most course files in the format that fits best with your learning needs; PDF, HTML, .EPUB, and Audio files are now available for most content items. To learn more about formats available as well as what each format offers visit Ally Support. Should you have any questions or experience issues while using ALLY, please contact Shared Services Solution Center at (805) 437-8552.
Campus Public Health Requirements
County Department of Public Health to promote safety during the COVID-19 pandemic for CSUCI students, employees, and visitors on the campus, to help prevent and protect oneself and others from the spread of the virus. Students are required to adhere to all health and safety requirements outlined on the University’s website regarding COVID-19, including wearing masks properly during each class session.Failure to do so may result in removal from the classroom and, in keeping with CSU policy, the student may also be denied access to campus/programs.
Campus Tutoring Services
You are encouraged to make early and regular use of campus tutors and/or peer-led study groups. For campus tutoring locations, subjects and hours, go to the Learning Resources Center page.
Civil Discourse
It is recommended that you include information on your syllabus as to appropriate communication in your course (i.e. cell phones/laptops, email policy, participation requirements, etc.). Please review Ch. 7 and 9 in the Recognize & Refer Handbook for more information and ideas on how to respond to disruptive behavior. You may wish to include the following statement:
All students, staff and faculty on our campus are expected to join in making our campus a safe space for communication and civil discourse. If you are experiencing discomfort related to the language you are hearing or seeing on campus (in or out of classes), please talk with a trusted faculty or staff member. Similarly, please consider whether the language that you are using (in person or on Canvas) respects the rights of others to “engage in informed discourse and express a diversity of opinions freely and in a civil manner” (language from Academic Senate Resolution SR 16-01, Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Civil Discourse within our Diverse Campus Community).
In addition, students whose conduct adversely affects the learning environment in this classroom may be subject to disciplinary action. Students that disrupt this course may receive a verbal and written warning from the instructor, they may be excused from the class for the day, they may be excused from the class for up to one class period, and/or they may be referred to the Dean of Students office for further review and possible disciplinary action.
Basic Needs Program (BNP)
If you face challenges securing food, housing, or other basic needs, you are not alone, and CSUCI wants to help during this time of crisis. One helpful resource is the community of staff available through the Basic Needs Program (BNP) located on the first floor of Arroyo Hall, Room 114. Students can call 805-437-2067, email basicneeds@csuci.edu, or drop in during open hours and talk with a BNP student assistant or professional staff member for resources, ideas, and strategies connected to basic needs challenges. Students can complete a referral form to request services for themselves or others by going to www.csuci.edu/basicneeds. The BNP is known for the Dolphin Pantry located at Arroyo Hall 114, but there are other resources available and staff who can help you work through housing insecurity or displacement as well as financial insecurity. Undergraduate students living in California are especially encouraged to explore CalFresh (grocery money each month for eligible students) as a resource. Domestic undergraduate students living in California are likely to be eligible for CalFresh and BNP staff are skilled with helping students navigate this process.
Please also notify your instructor about your concerns if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable them to provide any resources that they may possess.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS is pleased to provide a wide range of services to assist students in achieving their academic and personal goals. Services include confidential short-term counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric consultation, and 24/7 phone and text support. CAPS is located in Bell Tower East, 1867 and can be reached at 805-437-2088 (select option 2 on voicemail for 24/7 crisis support; or text “Hello” to 741741); you can also email us at caps@csuci.edu or visit the CAPS website.
Title IX and Inclusion
Title IX & Inclusion manages the University’s equal opportunity compliance, including the areas of affirmative action and Title IX. Title IX & Inclusion also oversees the campus’ response to the University’s nondiscrimination policies. CSU Channel Islands prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of a protected status (i.e., age, disability, gender, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, and Veteran or Military Status). This prohibition on harassment includes sexual harassment, as well as sexual misconduct, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. For more information regarding CSU Channel Islands’ commitment to diversity and inclusion or to report a potential violation, please contact Title IX & Inclusion at 805.437.2077 or visit the Title IX website.
Preferred Pronouns
I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate/preferred name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. You may also update your pronouns or preferred name in myCI Student Center. Visit the Registrar’s Gender Identity and Pronouns page for instructions.
COVID-19
During virtual instruction, consider including statements in your syllabus about attendance, engagement, and privacy in Zoom class sessions if you hold synchronous (live/same-time) sessions. For more information and example language, view our Zoom Recording and Privacy Considerations page.
