University policies regarding the content of syllabi for undergraduate courses have recently changed, while policies regarding graduate level courses have not changed. Click here for a summary of the changes in the policy. The information below represents requirements and recommendations for undergraduate course syllabi, including the policy changes, but this information may be considered as best practice for a syllabus on any level.
Instructors are required to make a complete course syllabus available on the first day of class, containing the information noted in the three sections below. There is no requirement that the syllabus be printed. Any changes to the syllabus made after the first day of class must be announced and must be clearly represented with the date of the revision.
Also see Useful Information for Preparing the Syllabus and the TLTC's Syllabus Guidance & Template page.
Indicate specifically how students should contact you to:
You may want to provide a model for how to contact the course instructor or TA by email and/or indicate to students how you would like to be addressed and what kind of issues are appropriate for email contact. You may also wish to indicate how students should communicate with you about issues such as course-related questions, absence from exams, the disclosure of a disability with request for accommodations, etc. Request on your syllabus that students notify you about an absence either before or as soon after the missed class as possible. In the case of religious observances, athletic events, and other planned absences, notification must be sent during the schedule adjustment period.
Note: The Policy on Excused Absences has recently changed. Click here for a summary of the changes.
Indicate the role that the TA will play in the course. The instructor of record is responsible for the overall management of the course, which includes delegation of tasks to TA’s. Clarify to students whether they should take a grade complaint directly to you or begin with the TA.
Instructors should be available during their announced office hours, and may additionally offer to meet with students by appointment as well.
Include information on how grades will be made available to students and how students will have access to review graded work, including the final examination.
Sample text: Policies relevant to Undergraduate Courses are found here: https://ugst.umd.edu/courserelatedpolicies.html. Topics that are addressed in these various policies include academic integrity, student and instructor conduct, accessibility and accommodations, attendance and excused absences, grades and appeals, copyright and intellectual property.