Teaching Handbook

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:

WWU School Policies (required on syllabi)

  • 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

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
  • 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."