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The Provost requires an up-to-date syllabus for each course, per UAM 6501: Syllabus Policy. For all courses, faculty members must distribute a course syllabus to students by the end of the first week of class. Syllabi can be provided on paper or by electronic means, including email or by posting in a visible location on the course page in the University's learning management system, WebCampus.

For in-depth guidance on syllabus design, see the Advancements in Teaching Excellence's Syllabus Design guide.

Required syllabus components

The syllabus must include, but is not limited to, the following information:

• Instructor information: Name and contact information (office location, phone number, email address, office hours in accordance with the faculty availability policy, etc.).
  • UAM 2,665: Faculty Availability Policy
• Course identification: Course number, section, title.
• Course description and prerequisites:
• Core objectives (if applicable): If the course satisfies one or more undergraduate core objectives (CO), include the CO designation as listed in the official course record, i.e. in the University general catalog, and the CO short description.
  • Core objectives information
• Student learning outcomes: Syllabus must include all SLOs in the official course record, i.e. course description in the University general catalog.
  • for course description lookup
• List of required course materials: For reading, in-class work, writing, homework, viewing, and listening, including calculators, specialized materials or equipment, and computer software.
• Unique class procedures/structures: Such as web-based or web-assisted, cooperative exercises, panel presentations, case study methods, class journals or learning logs, attendance at events outside of class, etc.
• Topics outline or course calendar:
  • Academic Calendar
• Approximate schedule of exams and due dates: For graded assignments, e.g., homework, quizzes, papers and projects.
• Grading criteria, scale, and standards: Including statements on whether or not plus/minus grading will be used. See the NSHE Grading Policy.
• For combined 400/600 courses, delineation of expectations and evaluation for undergraduate and graduate credits should be detailed and clear.
  • UAM 6,501: Syllabus Policy
• Policies regarding late work and make-up exams:
  • UAM 3,020: Class Absence Policy
  • For special policies related to student-athletes, see UAM 3,030: Intercollegiate Athletics Academic Integrity Policy
• Description of course requirements: e.g., exams, quizzes, projects, papers, and the proportion each counts toward the final grade. If class participation and/or attendance are factored in, explain how these are evaluated.
  • UAM 3,020: Class Absence Policy
• Statement for academic success services: "Your student fees cover usage of the University Math Center, University Tutoring Center, and University Writing and Speaking Center. These centers support your classroom learning; it is your responsibility to take advantage of their services. Keep in mind that seeking help outside of class is a sign of a responsible and successful student."
  • UAM 6,501: Syllabus Policy
• Statement on academic dishonesty: "The University Academic Standards Policy defines academic dishonesty and mandates specific sanctions for violations. See the University Academic Standards policy: UAM 6,502."
  • UAM 6,502: Academic Standards Policy
• Statement of disability services: Use either the traditional or online statement in addition to the last sentence regarding third-party materials.
  • For traditional or seated classrooms: Any student with a disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with me or the Disability Resource Center as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations.
  • For online courses: If you are a student who would normally seek accommodations in a traditional classroom, please contact me as soon as possible. You may also contact the Disability Resource Center for services for online courses by emailing drc@unr.edu or calling (775) 784-6000. Academic accommodations for online courses may be different than those for seated classrooms; it is important that you contact us as soon as possible to discuss services. The University of Nevada, Reno supports equal access for students with disabilities. For more information, visit the Disability Resource Center.
  • Disability Resource Center
• Statement on content accessibility: "This course may leverage 3rd party web/multimedia content. If you experience any issues accessing this content, please notify your instructor."
  • Accessibility Policy website
  • Office of Digital Learning accessibility resources
• Statements on audio and video recording:
  • Student-created recordings: "Surreptitious or covert video-taping of class or unauthorized audio recording of class is prohibited by law and by Board of Regents policy. This class may be videotaped or audio recorded only with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate students with disabilities, some students may have been given permission to record class lectures and discussions. Therefore, students should understand that their comments during class may be recorded."
  • Instructor-created recordings: "Class sessions may be audio-visually recorded for students in the class to review and for enrolled students who are unable to attend live to view. Students who participate with their camera on or who use a profile image are consenting to have their video or image recorded. If you do not consent to have your profile or video image recorded, keep your camera off and do not use a profile image. Students who unmute during class and participate orally are consenting to have their voices recorded. If you do not consent to have your voice recorded during class, keep your mute button activated and only communicate by using the "chat" feature, which allows you to type questions and comments live."
• Civil Rights & Equal Access statement:
  "The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to providing a safe learning and work environment for all. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, or stalking, whether on or off campus or need information related to immigration concerns, please contact the University's Office of Civil Rights & Equal Access."
  • Office of Civil Rights & Equal Access (Renamed in 2024; UAM may still reference them as the Office of Civil Rights & Equal Opportunity)
• Statement on failure to comply with policy: (Including as outlined in this syllabus) or directives of a University employee:
  "In accordance with section 6,502 of the University Administrative Manual, a student may receive academic and disciplinary sanctions for failure to comply with the policy, including this syllabus, for failure to comply with the directions of a University Official, for disruptive behavior in the classroom, or any other prohibited action. "Disruptive behavior" is defined in part as behavior, including but not limited to failure to follow course, laboratory, or safety rules, or endangering the health of others. A student may be dropped from class at any time for misconduct or disruptive behavior in the classroom upon the recommendation of the instructor and with the approval of the college dean. A student may also receive disciplinary sanctions through the Office of Student Conduct for misconduct or disruptive behavior, including endangering the health of others, in the classroom. The student shall not receive a refund for course fees or tuition.
• Statement on campus closures and delays:
  "In the event of class cancelations or delays caused by inclement weather conditions, fire/smoke conditions, or other unforeseen emergencies, the safety and well-being of students are the University’s top priority. Official notifications will be disseminated through the University website and other official channels with details related to any campus delays or closures.
  In the event of a campus closure, you will be informed as to whether the class will be offered remotely or if it will be canceled. If the class is canceled, you will receive information on how to address any missed course content.
  Students facing significant impacts due to these events are encouraged to communicate with their instructor for potential accommodations."
• In addition to the required information listed above, it is strongly recommended that the syllabus include the following:
  • Communication: Methods for communicating with students outside the classroom regarding matters such as class cancellations, meeting times or room changes.
  • AI statement: Sample language is available in the syllabus template.

Additional syllabus reminders and information

Any course involving Service Learning and/or internship in an off-campus setting is subject to UAM 3100, and submission of the following documents is required: (1) a Site Assessment form; (2) an Organization Agreement; (3) a Student Learning Agreement; and (4) a Student Waiver, Release and Indemnification Agreement. These forms can be found on the websites for Nevada Career Studio, the Office of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement and the Center for Student Engagement.

Information on accessibility requirements and resources is available on the University's accessibility portal.