Syllabus Checklist
The syllabus serves as a contract with students and sets the tone for the learning environment. An
effective syllabus provides critical information for students and clearly outlines the course outcomes, the
instructors’ expectations of student participation, and the evaluation methods for determining grades.
Below are required elements for your course syllabi. Note that there are additional requirements for
courses in professional-technical programs and for online courses. Electronic copies of all syllabi should
be submitted quarterly to [email protected].
Questions? Contact your Department Chair.
Required syllabus content for all courses
Course Information
title, number, quarter, time, credit hours, class location
optional information (if listed, double-check for accuracy):
o prerequisites (required classes or skills the class may assume)
o general education or program requirements met by the course (e.g., distribution/elective, W, D, G,
S, etc.)
Instructor Information
instructor name
office location and hours (required for full-time faculty and optional for part-time faculty)
office phone number and Whatcom Community College email address
Required and/or recommended texts and materials
textbooks (include title, author, edition, publisher)
materials (packets, lab supplies, calculators, etc.)
Course Description
general summary of topics covered
optional information:
o philosophical importance of the course
o requirements met by course for major planning to transfer
Course Outcomes (on page 1 or 2 of your syllabus)
Course outcomes are developed by discipline/program faculty and are consistent across sections.
Faculty may choose to add their own course outcomes to the list.
Refer to the resources how to write course outcomes and the checklist for writing course outcomes.
Finalized courses outcomes are available here (\\Burrows\Users\PUBLIC\Curriculum &
Scheduling\Approved Course Outcomes Forms). Contact your department chair for guidance if the
class you are teaching does not yet have approved course outcomes.
Program Outcomes
Only list program outcomes if you are teaching a professional-technical course.
Only the program outcomes that are assessed in the particular course need to be listed.
College Outcomes (Core Learning Abilities or CLAs)
Until further notice, faculty can omit the old CLAs from their syllabi.
Information about the new CLAs for your syllabi will be available in fall 2013, with listing of
appropriate CLAs to begin winter 2014.
Updated May 30, 2013
Course Requirements and Policies
factors included in grade (e.g. class assignments, exams, etc); grade weighting; grading scale,
including definition of “S/U”; statement about incompletes (click here for new Incomplete
Guidelines)
missed/make-up exams or assignments
Note: both the “D-” and “V” grades have been recently eliminated at WCC
Disability accommodations
A statement regarding reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities is required by law.
Recommended statement: Any student with a disability requiring auxiliary aids, services, or other
reasonable accommodations should contact the Disability Support Services office in the Entry and
Advising Center (LDC116, 360-383-3080 or 360-255-7182 [VP]).
Student Conduct Expectations
expectations for student participation, classroom conduct, and academic honesty
refer to the following online resources: guidelines for classroom and student topics, guidelines for
instructors in dealing with academic dishonesty, and guidelines for classroom management and
dealing with disruptive students
Tentative Course Schedule (may be on an attached sheet)
daily or weekly schedule of topics, class activities or assignments, such as readings, videos, field
trips, projects, etc.
dates for major exams, papers, announced quizzes and other forms of assessment
dates of recommended special events
start and end dates for the quarter
Recommended information for all courses
Support services and resources available
information on library, tutoring, computer labs, advising, student help desk
Additional requirements for online courses
Communication Guidelines
guidelines for interacting with other students (“netiquette”)
guidelines for contacting the instructor
instructor policy for replying to student questions (e.g., within 24 hours, within 2 business days)
Classroom meetings
identify any meetings or exams that require a physical presence by the students
Technology requirements
internet browser restrictions
software requirements, add-ons, or plug-ins
Updated May 30, 2013