Syllabus Resources for Faculty

This page provides a checklist, template, and additional recommendations in alignment with the syllabus requirements in the Syllabus Policy SP 24-07.

The syllabus is your first opportunity to build a connection with your students and give them an impression of what they can expect from you and the course. In addition to policies, objectives, and assignments, your syllabus can demonstrate your teaching style, values, and commitment to helping every student in your course. An inclusively designed syllabus can contribute to the overall student success in your course.

These syllabus templates are designed for accessibility (including the tables inserted as placeholders). Using either syllabus template is your first step toward creating an accessible syllabus.

TLi strongly recommends that faculty use CI Docs for all course syllabi, as it enhances access for both instructors and students, simplifies updates when needed, reduces clutter in the Files area of CI Learn, and prevents file duplication. Also, the Grackle Docs plugin can be used to verify accessibility.

Syllabus Checklist

A quick checklist that can be used against an existing syllabus to ensure you have all the required syllabus components following the CSUCI Syllabus Policy. You can either:

• Preview the Syllabus Checklist in CI Docs (myCI login required)
• Download a copy of the Syllabus Checklist as a PDF

Syllabus Templates

Two versions of the syllabus template are available, each as a Gdoc in CI Docs and a Microsoft Word Document: a text-based version and a text with banner version.

CI Docs

You must be logged in to your CI Docs Account to view or make a copy of either version of the syllabus template, to ensure that the Grackle Docs plugin is available. There are two options below:

Text-based Syllabus Template

• Preview the Text-based Syllabus Template in CI Docs
• Make a copy of the Text-based Syllabus Template in CI Docs

Text with Banner Syllabus Template

• Preview the Text with Banner Syllabus Template in CI Docs
• Make a copy of the Text with Banner Syllabus Template in CI Docs

For assistance with making a copy, please refer to the directions below.

Directions to Make a Copy of CI Docs Syllabus Template

1. If prompted to sign in to Google, be sure to enter your email with @myci.csuci.edu
   For example, first.last@myci.csuci.edu (Not your Webmail address)
2. Proceed to log in to myCI
3. Once logged in, you’ll be prompted to make a copy
   You’ll be able to edit your copy of the syllabus

Microsoft Word

The syllabus templates are also available as Word Documents.

• Download the Text-based Syllabus Template Word File
• Download the Text with Banner Syllabus Template Word File

TLi Recommendations

Below are some additional considerations to include in your syllabus or CI Learn course.

• Provide guidance about AI.
  • Explain how students may or may not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your course.
  • If you plan to allow different uses based on the assignment, let students know that you will provide clear expectations for each assignment.
  • It is a good idea to encourage students to ask about ways they can or cannot use AI anytime they are unsure.
  • As we determine how AI will impact teaching and learning, maintaining open communication and encouraging students to ask questions will help you support students in maintaining academic integrity while also learning how to make ethical decisions when using AI.
  • Currently, AI detection software is inaccurate and unreliable. It is also biased against non-native English writers and students with disabilities.
• Establish a Disruption plan (i.e., natural disasters, people are displaced)
  • A communication plan with students about needs, safety, and how adjustments will be made
• Use student-centered language that is affirming, supportive, and welcoming
  • Rather than focusing on the course content that will be taught, focus on what students will learn, what they will need to do, and the skills they will gain.
• Add due dates in CI Learn for all Assignments to support student learning and time management.
• Sign in to CI Learn and import the TLi Course Starter Kit to supplement the Syllabus template and improve course navigation for your students.
• Include guidance on how to be successful in your course, and include directions on how to troubleshoot/submit a ticket when students experience problems

Syllabus Creation Assistance

For questions about syllabus development, please consult with your Program Chair or Dean.

TLi can offer assistance with student-friendly language and creating a liquid syllabus to simplify updates, as well as guidance on syllabus accessibility and adding the syllabus to your CI Learn course Syllabus area.