The goal of the syllabus is to summarize the course content, set policies for the course, and set expectations for students in the course. When creating or controlling a course, it is encouraged to have both a syllabus vary greatly in content and length, but good examples usually include the sections below. 

Additional resources for syllabus and course policy is available through the Office of the Provost. All new, revised, and deactivated courses must be approved by the Office of the Provost upon the recommendation of the department, the college, and, in the case of 400- through 500-level courses, the Graduate College. Changes to existing programs or proposals for new programs are reviewed by the Office of the Provost and are subject to approval by the Academic Senate, Board of Trustees, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Higher Learning Commission, and Department of Education.

FAQ on free speech/academic freedom relating to demonstrations

Syllabus Content Checklist

Required items in a syllabus when creating or revising a course

Course Information

  • Course number, title and credit in hours.
  • Instructor and/or TA’s preferred contact information, including office hours.
  • Course meeting time and place.
    • Contact hours – It is customary for courses to meet 14 to 20 contact hours per semester for each hour of credit earned. (Example: a traditional three-credit-hour course usually meets three times a week for 50 minutes each session resulting in 43 total contact hours for the semester.) This ratio should be observed for organized instruction, which excludes laboratory, independent study, special problems, and thesis research courses. A contact hour is equal to 50 minutes of instruction.
  • Prerequisites for the course
  • Course description

Course Expectations

  • Student learning objectives (Upon completion of this course, students will be able to ... )
  • Lists of texts and readings
  • Weekly calendar (encouraged to list in weeks instead of specific dates)
    • Weekly objectives and topics
    • Work required of students – Assignments, examinations, etc.
  • Descriptions of assignments and assessments

Grading and Credit

  • Basis for determining grade
    • Number of assignments, exams, class participation; % of the total grade for each or points for each
    • Scale of final grades, A=90%, or at some indication of how that will be calculated
    • Ensure scale provides out to the 100th decimal place or points needed to earn corresponding grade
    • There is no University of Illinois standard grading scale, however instructors are required to provide a grading scale to students and adhere to it
  • Variable credit
    • What are the extra requirements/expectations
    • How they will be accounted for in the final grade
  • Graduate level credit is assessed differently by campus - please refer to section 2.1 of the graduate handbook

Course Policies

  • Absences and make-ups
  • Late assignments
  • Expectations for behavior and classroom conduct

Syllabus statements

The following five statements are required to be included in all syllabi presented to the campus for approval. There are additional statements to include in syllabus when appropriate, but they are not specifically required at this time. 

Required Syllabus Statements

  • Academic Integrity Statement
    • The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Student Code should also be considered as a part of this syllabus. Students should pay particular attention to Article 1, Part 4: Academic Integrity. Read the Code at the following URL: http://studentcode.illinois.edu/.
    • Academic dishonesty may result in a failing grade. Every student is expected to review and abide by the Academic Integrity Policy: http://studentcode.illinois.edu/. Ignorance is not an excuse for any academic dishonesty. It is your responsibility to read this policy to avoid any misunderstanding. Do not hesitate to ask the instructor(s) if you are ever in doubt about what constitutes plagiarism, cheating, or any other breach of academic integrity.
  • Students with Disabilities Statement 
    • To obtain disability-related academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids, students with disabilities must contact the course instructor and the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) as soon as possible. DRES provides students with academic accommodations, access, and support services. To contact DRES you may visit 1207 S. Oak St., Champaign, call 333-4603 (V/TDD), or e-mail a message to disability@illinois.edu. Visit https://www.disability.illinois.edu/ for more information. If you have a DRES accommodations letter, upload your letter using the link in the course site.
    • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Statement 
      • Any student who has suppressed their directory information pursuant to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) should self-identify to the instructor to ensure protection of the privacy of their attendance in this course. See https://registrar.illinois.edu/academic-records/ferpa/ for more information on FERPA.
    • Sexual Misconduct Policy and Reporting
      • The University of Illinois is committed to combating sexual misconduct. Faculty and staff members are required to report any instances of sexual misconduct to the University’s Title IX and Disability Office. In turn, an individual with the Title IX and Disability Office will provide information about rights and options, including accommodations, support services, the campus disciplinary process, and law enforcement options.
      • A list of the designated University employees who, as counselors, confidential advisors, and medical professionals, do not have this reporting responsibility and can maintain confidentiality, can be found here: wecare.illinois.edu/resources/students/#confidential
      • Other information about resources and reporting is available here: wecare.illinois.edu.
    • INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT
      • The effectiveness of this course is dependent upon the creation of an encouraging and safe classroom environment. Exclusionary, offensive or harmful speech (such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, etc.) will not be tolerated and in some cases is subject to University harassment procedures. We are all responsible for creating a positive and safe environment that allows all students equal respect and comfort. I expect each of you to help establish and maintain an environment where you and your peers can contribute without fear of ridicule or intolerant or offensive language.

      Recommended Syllabus Statements