Simple Syllabus is a platform (required for all UTSA undergraduate courses) designed to streamline syllabus creation and ensure consistency across courses and departments. Using Simple Syllabus reduces administrative burden and allows faculty to focus more on teaching and student engagement. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

• Standardization: Ensures all syllabi meet institutional and state requirements and include essential information. Students appreciate knowing where to find the syllabus in every class.  
• Ease of Use: Faculty can quickly build syllabi using templates and drag-and-drop features. Copying syllabi from one semester to the next is easy and effective.
• Integration: Available directly in Canvas and syncs with the Canvas calendar.
• Accessibility: Students can easily access syllabi from one centralized location, regardless of device.
• Compliance: Helps meet accessibility, accreditation and legal standards by embedding required policies and statements. 

For more on the Simple Syllabus tool, please review:

• Getting Started with Simple Syllabus (Faculty)
• Simple Syllabus FAQs

The syllabus is a foundational document that sets the tone for your students the entire semester. It communicates expectations, policies, learning objectives, and resources, serving as a contract between the instructor and students. A well-crafted syllabus fosters transparency, encourages student accountability, and reflects the instructor’s commitment to a supportive learning environment.

The syllabus is often the first impression students have of your course. A thoughtful and clearly organized syllabus can help students feel welcome and prepared, while also reducing confusion and potential disputes later in the semester. 

• Start Early: Begin drafting your syllabus well before the semester starts to allow time for review and feedback.  
• Be Clear and Concise: Use straightforward, student-friendly language and avoid jargon. Keep the formatting clean and organized.
• Update Regularly: Reflect changes in course structure, dates, assignments, or institutional policies as they are determined.  
• Reference the Syllabus: Encourage students to refer to the syllabus often when they have questions or need help.
• Solicit Feedback: Ask students for input on the syllabus during the first week to identify areas of confusion. Consider including a syllabus quiz in your course to ensure students get the most important information.
• Model Professionalism and Empathy: Your syllabus should reflect your teaching philosophy and respect for UTSA students’ diverse backgrounds and needs.  
• Use the Accessibility Checker: Check for reading order, headings, color contrast and image alt text.
• Review Others’ Syllabi: Find syllabi from your department in the repository to review and ask your colleagues for advice.
• Include Digital Tool Instructions: Include statements about how to use any tools you require in your course, including generative AI use. 

A comprehensive syllabus should include the following elements: 

Course Information: 

• Title, number, term, meeting times, location, and modality (online, hybrid, in-person). Note: Course information automatically populates to Simple Syllabus from other UTSA systems.  
• Instructor contact information and office hours.
• Why? Establishes clarity and accessibility.  

Course Description and Objectives: 

• A brief overview of the course content. Note: Course descriptions automatically populate to Simple Syllabus from other UTSA systems.  
• Clear, measurable learning outcomes that align with institutional goals and accreditation standards.
• Why? Aligns expectations and connects to program outcomes.  

Required Materials: 

• Textbooks, software, and other resources students need to succeed.
• Why? Ensures students are prepared and can plan their time and finances. 

Course Schedule: 

• A week-by-week breakdown of topics, readings, assignments, and exams.
• Why? Helps students plan and stay on track.

Grading Policy:  

• Breakdown of how grades are calculated.
• Rubrics or criteria for major assignments.
• Why? Promotes transparency.  

Class Policies: 

• Attendance, participation, late work, academic integrity, and technology use. Note: Some information automatically populates to Simple Syllabus for you. You can find it in the Essential Student Information section of the syllabus.
• Why? Reinforces institutional standards and student rights. 

Support Services: 

• Information on tutoring, counseling, accessibility services, and technical support. Note: Some information automatically populates to Simple Syllabus for you. You can find it in the Essential Student Information section of the syllabus.  
• Why? Normalizes seeking help.   

Positive Language and Tone: 

• Use welcoming, student-centered language.
• Why? Helps students better understand expectations. 

Including each of these elements ensures students have the information they need to navigate the course successfully and helps instructors maintain consistency and fairness.