Syllabi Guidelines

Identifying Information

Include the following identifying information:

• course and faculty member identification and location information,
• course name and code number;
• number of credits;
• day(s), time(s) and location of when and where the course meets;
• faculty member’s name, office location, office hours, office telephone number, and email address.

Course Description

This brief description of the disciplinary nature of the course typically corresponds to the catalogue description.

Student Learning Objectives (SLOs)

Learning objectives (also referred to as learning outcomes or learning goals) are statements describing what successful students will know or be able to do upon completion of the course. List which programmatic learning objectives the course addresses. Add learning objectives that are specific to the course. 

Course Calendar

List dates for the following: examinations, assignments, students’ presentations, guest speakers, topic introductions, etc. If calendar flexibility is desired, indicate that on the syllabus.

Attendance Policy

Outline what your course attendance policy is, and what students should do if they need to miss class. See the Faculty Success Guide and the Attendance policy for further guidance.

Course Requirements

Delineate exactly what work students are expected to complete and what will, and will not, count toward the final grade. In the syllabus, or in separate documents referred to in the syllabus, provide specific instructions for completing required written work, projects, presentations, etc.

Texts and Other Materials

List the required and recommended/supplementary texts and other materials for the course, and where they may be obtained (e.g., the bookstore, library reserve, handouts provided in class, purchase course packs, etc.).

Grading Policy

Explain how final grades are determined. Include the portion of the final grade that is assigned to each requirement, as well as the basis on which these requirements are evaluated (e.g., clarity, argument, adherence to format, etc.).

Required Statements

Support for Individuals Impacted by Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Violence

If you have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence, the Office of Equal Opportunity (oeo [at] emerson.edu (oeo[at]emerson[dot]edu); 617-824-8999) is available to meet with you and discuss options to address concerns and to provide you with support resources. Your instructor is another resource, but please note that as an Emerson employee, they must share information related to discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence with the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you would like to connect with a confidential resource, please contact the Healing & Advocacy Center (advocate [at] emerson.edu (advocate[at]emerson[dot]edu), 617-824-8857), the Emerson Wellness Center (emersonwellnesscenter [at] emerson.edu (emersonwellnesscenter[at]emerson[dot]edu), 617-824-8666), or the Center for Spiritual Life (spiritual_life [at] emerson.edu (spiritual_life[at]emerson[dot]edu), 617-824-8036).

Support for Students with Disabilities

Emerson is committed to providing equal access and support to students with disabilities, through the provision of reasonable accommodations, to allow them to fully participate in Emerson programs and activities. If you have a disability that may require accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services for information about the registration process and/or to schedule (SAS [at] emerson.edu (SAS[at]emerson[dot]edu); 617-824- 8592).

Students are encouraged to contact SAS early in the semester. Please be aware that accommodations are not applied retroactively.

Plagiarism

It is the responsibility of all Emerson students to know and adhere to the College’s policy on plagiarism, which can be found at emerson.edu/policies/plagiarism. If you have any questions concerning the Emerson plagiarism policy or about documentation of sources in work you produce in this course, speak to your instructor. Additionally, The Working with Research and Avoiding Plagiarism (WRAP) Quiz is available to all students through the Writing and Academic Resource Center's self-enrollment Canvas course. One-on-one consultations are available.

Suggested Statement

Community, Culture, and Belonging

Among the College’s Strategic Plan goals is to “Support a vibrant community culture and experience that fosters creativity, curiosity, belonging, accessibility, and well-being.” Diversity of identity, heritage, thought, lived experience, languages, and perspective is valued in our community, and we are committed to cultivating productive learning environments that respect and celebrate our differences. The instructor will make every effort to ensure that an inclusive environment exists for all students.

If you have concerns or general comments about what Emerson can do to increase innovation, curiosity, creativity, or create more inclusive classroom environments, you may share your suggestions with Dr. Tuesda Evans in Academic Affairs. Her email is tuesda.evans [at] emerson.edu (tuesda[dot]evans[at]emerson[dot]edu).

If you have any concerns or suggestions for improving how Emerson approaches its culture or community-building efforts as an institution, please do not hesitate to contact the Division of Community, Culture, & Belonging. Their email isccb [at] emerson.edu ( ccb[at]emerson[dot]edu).

Optional Statements

Additional Support

General Support for Students

Students may face a variety of challenges during the semester that can impact their well-being and academic performance. These may include but are not limited to: general wellbeing concerns, significant medical or mental health issues, academic pressure or burnout, or major family responsibilities such as caregiving or loss. If you are experiencing difficulties, please know that support is available.  

You are encouraged to explore Emerson’s ConcernCenter, an interactive tool that connects you with campus resources based on your specific concerns. You may also reach out to the Office of Student Care and Support at care [at] emerson.edu (care[at]emerson[dot]edu) to help you navigate your situation and resources, or talk with me if you need help identifying next steps.

Support for Students Concerned About Financial Resources

Emerson offers a wide range of resources to support students who may be facing financial challenges. These include: 

• The Student Success basic needs pantry
• IT Helpdesk loaner laptop program
• Open Education Resources (run through the Library)
• career closet
• student assistance fund
• free headshot photobooth on Walker 2
• low-to-no-cost resources for students
• financial wellness programs
• and so much more.

Name Changes, Gender Identity, and Pronouns

Whenever possible, please notify your instructor of your name or gender pronoun early in the semester, or as you are comfortable doing so. Many of Emerson’s record-keeping systems can be formally updated at any time. For more information, please visit the Division of Community, Culture, & Belonging’s Gender Inclusion website, or the Cultural Engagement Center Website, or intercultural [at] emerson.edu (email Cultural Engagement Center).

Support with Immigration Accommodations and English Language Support

The Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) offers English language support services as well as immigration advising to assist international students in maintaining their required full-time registration. Students needing English language assistance or immigration accommodations (including an authorized reduced course load for academic or medical reasons in their final term) should contact OISA staff by email at oisa [at] emerson.edu (oisa[at]emerson[dot]edu )or by appointment, or may submit a reduced course load request via Terra Dotta.