Syllabus Checklist
The Syllabus Required Components Checklist (v. March 2023) assists instructors to construct a course syllabus based on Faculty Senate policies. It also recommends additional information that helps clarify course structure and class policy. This post provides a list of sample statements instructors can use in the course syllabi directly.
Sample Statements and Guidance
1.Guidance for Absence Policy
It is very important to have an absence policy that complies with the procedure detailed under University policy E-11. Students need to know how they will make up work or evaluative events they miss because of Covid or other emergency reasons. The instructor may require use of the class absence form. In some situations, making up missed classes or evaluative events may not be possible. However, a reasonable and clearly stated make-up policy on your syllabus and following that policy for all students is an important step to quickly resolving the issue.
Faculty members also should have a plan for what to do if they themselves are in similar situation. Here is a list of Suggested Teaching Strategies in Residential Courses for Temporary Instructor or Student Absence (v. Jan. 05, 2022)
2. Disability Accommodation Sample Statement - Behrend
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities. The Office for Disability Services (ODS) Web site provides contact information for every Penn State campus: http://equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources/campus-disability-coordinators. For further information, please visit the Office for Disability Services Web site: http://equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation: http://equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources/applying-for-services. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
3. Academic Integrity Sample Statement (Aug. 9, 2023)
Please refer to https://aiai.psu.edu/sample-syllabus-statements/
4. Educational Equity Sample Statement - Behrend
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, harassment, and/or incivility due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity at the Report Bias site: https://equity.psu.edu/reportbias. Penn State’s Code of Conduct can be found at the following link https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/support-safety-conduct/student-conduct/code-conduct.
Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to
Andy Herrera
Director, Educational Equity and Diversity Programs
Penn State Behrend
aah10@psu.edu
814-898-7101
5. Title IX Statement Sample Statement - Behrend
Penn State University is committed to fostering an environment free of harassment and discrimination. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in public and private educational institutions that receive Federal funds. The University has dedicated many resources to addressing suspected prohibited conduct under Title IX. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, including sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, and stalking, please know that help and supportive resources are available.
Faculty members are not required to disclose information to the Title IX Coordinator. However, Penn State strongly encourages all members of the community to take appropriate action by providing support and encouraging those impacted by such incidents to submit a report to the Title IX Coordinator. You may also submit a report online by using the incident form found here: Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response Incident Report Form (maxient.com). If the University Title IX staff receives information about an incident, they will reach out to offer information about resources, rights, and procedural options available to you.
Penn State’s Title IX Coordinator is:
Amber Grove
Title IX Coordinator
328 Boucke Building
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 867-5088
https://titleix.psu.edu
At Penn State Behrend, contact for supportive resources, academic and housing accommodations:
Kelly Shrout
Associate Director of Student Affairs
kaw148@psu.edu
(814) 898-6111
https://titleix.psu.edu
6. Class recording Sample Statements
You can find a couple of statements that explain when a class can be recorded and how it should be used: https://keepteaching.psu.edu/teaching-and-testing/course-policies-and-syllabus/class-recording-guidelines/
How to Share Kaltura/Zoom Recordings on Canvas? Check out the three options in the article below:
https://commonwealthteaching.psu.edu/guides/how-to-share-kaltura-zoom-recordings-on-canvas/
7. Camera policies guidance and sample statements
8. Tutoring at Behrend Sample Statement (Jan. 02, 2024)
Why tutoring? Tutors can help you find gaps in your understanding of concepts, show you how to get the most out of your textbook, give you advice about how to prepare for tests and study for the course.
See a tutor by appointment (in person and online) or stop by one of the four drop-in centers. A schedule for all options is available on TutorTrac at tutorapp.bd.psu.edu
Learning Resource Center | 203 Lilley Library | 814-898-6140
behrend.psu.edu/lrc | BDtutor@psu.edu
Exam Prep Sessions are offered for this course. Peer tutors hold group sessions a few days before each exam. Come with questions on content you’re not sure about and areas you find harder to understand. It’s much better to find out where your understanding is weak before the test instead of during it.
9. Behrend Lion's Pantry Sample Statement
The Behrend Lion’s Pantry is a completely free and anonymous year-round resource for all students to access safe and nutritious food, hygiene items, and period products. Complete the online order form via the Penn State Go app or find it on the Behrend Lion’s Pantry website.
