Why have a class syllabus?

Your class syllabus is an important working document. It contains the instructor's contact information and class schedule, what students can expect to learn from the course (SLOs), recommended and required books and materials, and an orientation of the instructor's expectations of academic conduct and performance.

The syllabus should be a great resource for students, including campus support information. It is not just a list of class rules. Key highlights of the syllabus should include your class expectations on how you will specifically address the following with your students:

Academic Policies & Procedures

COVID-19 syllabus language guidance - Butte College students, faculty, and staff are responsible for maintaining an appropriate learning environment in all instructional settings. 

Attendance Guidelines - California Education Code requires attendance must be taken for the first two weeks of regular classes for census. Faculty need to have clear policies describing their withdrawal procedures.

Academic Integrity - Students are encouraged to discuss homework problems with others but need to produce assignments that are a result of their own independent effort.  

Academic Accommodations and DSPS - Students will have academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, services and/or instruction provided through a DSPS approved academic accommodation plan.

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Academic Resources

In addition, the syllabus needs to be a resource where students can quickly and easily locate information to assist them after hours and obtain additional help when needed. Here are some very useful academic resources and links which you can include in your syllabus (please copy and paste these into your syllabus):

• CAS (Center for Academic Success) provides academic support services to Butte College students. It is located inside the Learning Resource Center on main campus, in CHC 230 at the Chico Center, and in GCC 105 at the Glenn County Center. Free services include Tutoring, Computer Labs, Workshops, Group Study Rooms on main campus, and TIP Sheets. Students may take a Critical Skills for College Success ½-unit course through CAS.

• Butte College Library services never close with our 24/7 Live Chat feature, plus you can easily search for library resources from your home computer. Our librarians at the Main Campus and Chico Center libraries can help you with locating research guides, books, journal articles, newspaper articles, and much more. The Library also has laptop computers and mobile WiFi hotspots available for week-long check-out! 

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Students should also be directed to these technical resources:

Free Office 365 software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive and Outlook

Technical Quick Start for Students including Butte College student email and Student Technical Support

Canvas Student Guides for 24/7 assistance with Canvas

 

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Online Course Development

Have you considered teaching online? For information about online course development, go to the Butte College Distance Education page or contact our TMI staff. TMI's New Semester Guides offer a wide variety of supplemental tools, training, and support for Canvas 24/7!