After Reading This Page, Do the Following:
- Download each course syllabus. (5 minutes)
- Read each syllabus and identify the due date for your first assignment. (10 minutes per syllabus)
- Place important dates and due dates on a calendar or planner. (15 minutes per class)
Introduction to the Syllabus
View the transcript of this video
Start the semester by collecting and reading all your course syllabi. The syllabus is the instrument your instructor uses to set the course expectations.
Read each syllabus to find out:
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How to contact the instructor. The instructor's email address and phone contact (if available) will be listed. Unless it's the weekend or a holiday, your instructor will usually respond to contact within 24 hours.
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The objectives or outcomes for your class. These will help you identify what you can expect to learn and accomplish at the end of the class
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What the assignments and tests are for each class and when they are due. You should record the due dates of assignments on a calendar or planner.
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What learning materials are used in the class. Some content will be in the Learning Materials link in eCampus or in a different area of the class as specified by your instructor.
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How you are graded. This information is available on the syllabus so you understand how you will be graded.
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The plagiarism and cheating policy. Students often run into trouble because they don't understand what counts as plagiarism or cheating. For instance, copying and pasting answers into an assignment from information found on the internet can have severe consequences.
For additional tips, please see
The Importance of Reading the Course Syllabus.