Syllabus Essentials

The following includes the University's essential text for syllabi, as well as the minimum information that is required to create a usable syllabus. For more in-depth resources, see:

• Syllabus Guidelines - updated information about what to include in your syllabus
• Syllabi@WWU - list of policies written with students as the audience; can be linked to from syllabi
• Student-Centered Syllabus - tips for orienting your syllabus toward student learning

WWU School Policies (required on syllabi)

Academic Dishonesty - Sample Minimum Statement



• Western Washington University has an official policy concerning academic dishonesty that is published in the General Catalog in Appendix D. All students in this seminar are expected to abide by this and other policies listed in the official catalog.
  
  
• For more information students could be referred to:
• Plagiarism Policies & Guidelines at WWU WWU Libraries
• The Student's Guide to Avoiding Plagiarism  WWU Dept. of Sociology
• Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism (brochure) WWU Libraries
  
• Appendix D of the Western Catalog: Academic Honesty Policy and Procedure. 
  
• WWU Academic Honesty: Policy, Process, and Procedures

Accommodations - Sample Minimum Statement



• To request disability accommodation, please contact the Disability Access Center, 360-650-3844, or for student assistance related to required course procedures, please contact the Office of Student Life, 360-650-3706 or email student.life@wwu.edu.
  
  See detailed version here: Syllabi@WWU

Ethical Computing - Sample Minimum Statement



• Students are also responsible for knowing and adhering to WWU's standards for ethical computing. Refer to these web sites:
  
  
• Responsible Computing and Acceptable Use
  https://atus.wwu.edu/responsible-computing-acceptable-use
  
  
• Ethical Conduct with WWU Network and Computer Resources
  https://atus.wwu.edu/responsible-computing-acceptable-use

Essential Elements

• Current year and quarter
• Course number, course title, and number of credits
• Instructor name, office location, office hours
• Instructor contact information (office telephone number, campus email address)
• Title and author(s) of textbook(s), including ISBN; other required materials
• NOTE: ISBN for each text is required. RCW28B.10.590
• Course description, explaining how the course fits into the curriculum
• Departmental goals/learning objectives
• Course goals/learning objectives
• Grading standards, including a definition of S/U, P/NP grading options 
• Assignments and other required activities (e.g. field trips, research projects)
• Course agenda (by week), important due dates and assignments, and holidays
• Flexibility Statement such as "This syllabus is subject to change. Changes, if any, will be announced in class or in Canvas. Students will be held responsible for all changes."