“It’s on the Syllabus”

 
1.  Course goals, objectives and requirements  

    Why should I take this course?
    What will I learn?
    How will this help me get a good job?
    What are the pre-requisites?
    Do I really need them?
    Is this class required for my major?


2.  The instructor's grading policy, including whether +/- grades will be assigned

    What do I need to do to earn an A?
    How are grades assigned?
    What do I have to do to pass this course?
    How much time outside of class is required by the average student?
    Are +/- grades assigned in this course? 


3.  Attendance requirements  

    Is attendance mandatory?
    Do you take attendance?
    Do I have to be on time?If I am late, should I enter the room late or miss class?
    If I can not come to class, should I tell you?
    What is the best way to notify you?Can I leave early?
    I had to miss class yesterday, did you cover anything important?
    Can you give me a summary?
    Can I bring my children/grandchildren/niece/nephew/brother/sister/neighbor’s kid to your class? Why or why not?


4.  Policy on due dates and make-up work

    Can I take a make-up lab exercise/quiz/exam/group discussion?
    Can papers/assignments be turned in late?  Are there penalties?
    When are the papers due?

5.  Required texts and other materials

    Do I have to buy the textbook?
    Is the textbook available in the library?
    What other readings will be assigned?  Where can we get these assignments?
    Do I really need to read the textbook/readings etc?


6.  Policy on assignments

    How many exams/quizzes/assignments?
    What type of exams/quizzes will be given?
    How many papers? 
    Do they have to be typed?
    When are the papers due?
    Can papers/assignments be turned in early for you to give feedback before the paper is turned for a grade?
    How will the papers be graded?
    Are the field trips mandatory?  
    Do I have to do the service learning exercise?
    I don’t need another laboratory class, can I just take the lecture and skip the lab

7.  The availability of the instructor outside of class, including office hours, office telephone number and/or email address

    What is your phone/email/office number?
    When can I come to your office?
    Can I make an appointment?  How do I do that?

8.  That in courses for which some or all of the above information is not appropriate, students be advised of the expectations for such courses, that any such information be made available to students no later than the end of the first week of classes; and that any changes in course requirements be communicated to students in an expedient and timely manner.

    What happens to me when my cell phone goes off?
    I need to have my cell phone, why can’t I have my cell phone make noise during class?
    Is it ok to read my chemistry book or do my algebra homework during your class?    
    How will changes to the course be communicated to students?  
 

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