Syllabus Design

Syllabus design

The syllabus provides the instructor and students with a common reference point that sets the stage for learning throughout the course. Make sure that your students have easy access to the course syllabus by posting a digital copy on the course website and (if applicable) handing out hard copies on the first day of class.

Caltech syllabus guidelines and resources

Many policies and recommended practices at Caltech are enacted at the division or option level, so be sure to connect with your division about expectations regarding syllabi. The institute also general guidelines that you'll want to explore as you build your syllabus.

• Caltech Course Syllabus Template
• Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Caltech Faculty Handbook
• Suggestions for creating an inclusive syllabus
• Other external resources for creating inclusive syllabi:
  • Syllabus rubric (scroll down the linked page to the "User Guide")
  • Syllabus Review
  • Using syllabi to create inclusive classrooms

Syllabus Basics

A syllabus is a formal document distributed to students at the start of a course that outlines everything they need to know to succeed in the class. It serves as a contract between instructor and student, setting shared expectations about content, workload, policies, and evaluation.

Most syllabi include the following:

• Course basics — the course title, number, section, units, meeting times and location, and term/year.
• Instructor information — the instructor's name, email, office location, office hours, and preferred contact method. TA contact information is usually also included.
• Course description and objectives — a brief summary of what the course covers, along with learning outcomes: the specific knowledge or skills students should have by the end.
• Required materials — textbooks, readings, software, lab supplies, or other resources students need to obtain.
• Schedule or course calendar — a week-by-week or class-by-class breakdown of topics, readings, and assignment due dates.
• Assignments and grading — a list of all assessments (exams, papers, projects, participation, etc.) with their point values or percentage weights, plus the grading scale.
• Course policies — expectations around attendance, late work, academic integrity, classroom conduct, and use of technology (e.g., laptops, AI tools).
• Accessibility and support — information about disability accommodations, campus tutoring, writing centers, and other student support services.

In short, a well-crafted syllabus gives students a clear roadmap for the course and reduces ambiguity for both parties throughout the term.