Syllabus Template, Resources, and Support

Learning outcomes are clear, measurable statements that describe what students will know, be able to do, or value by the end of a course. These outcomes set the foundation for course design and help ensure alignment between assessments, learning activities, and content.

Why it’s important to include:
Learning outcomes communicate expectations to students and serve as a roadmap for their learning journey. Well-crafted outcomes support transparency, help students take ownership of their learning, and make it easier for instructors to design assessments and evaluate success. Including thoughtfully constructed outcomes also supports accreditation and curriculum mapping processes.

Suggested language for linking to resources:
To write strong learning outcomes, consider using frameworks such as Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning, which emphasizes holistic, integrated learning, or Bloom’s Taxonomy, which focuses on cognitive skill levels. Both offer guidance for writing outcomes that are specific, meaningful, and measurable.

Liberal Studies Outcomes are a set of ten student learning objectives established by WCU’s Liberal Studies Committee. 

Why it’s important to include:
If your course is designated as part of the Liberal Studies Program, listing the relevant outcomes in your syllabus is both required and essential for transparency. It helps students understand how your course contributes to their broader educational experience and ensures alignment with university-wide goals. 

Suggested language for linking to resources:
If your course is part of the Liberal Studies curriculum, be sure to include the applicable learning outcomes from the Liberal Studies Assessment page. 

This section lists the required and recommended resources students will need to succeed in your course, including textbooks, software, equipment, or access to online platforms.

For textbooks, include full citation information and ISBNs. WCU’s Book Rental Program covers the cost of most undergraduate textbooks. When choosing course materials, prioritize books already in the rental program or those that can be added, since it’s one of the most effective ways to make learning more affordable for your students.

Important Resources:

• For guidance on listing required textbooks, see the WCU Bookstore’s Textbook Adoptions page.

• If you are using OER (Open Educational Resources), review the Hunter Library OER Guide. If you are thinking about adopting OER for your classes, consider applying for the OER Grant Program.

This section describes the major assignments, assessments, and activities students will complete in your course, along with how each contributes to the final grade. It should include a clear breakdown of grade weights and match the structure used in your Canvas course.

Canvas Gradebook Set-up Resources:

How do I add a grading scheme in a course?

How do I weight the final course grade based on assignment groups?

• Version 06.04.25 – Updated editable syllabus template, syllabus website, and Required Institutional Policies and Student Support Resources. 
• Version 11.20.23 – Updated the syllabus template and WCU Required Additional Content. 
• Version 8.8.23 – Updated module syllabus template and WCU Additional Content. 
• Version 9.27.21 – Model Syllabus Update. Moved all non-course required content (Policies and Support Resources) to persistent web page for Required Additional Syllabus Content with link in the body of Model Syllabus.  
• Version 7.29.24 – Updated instructions. 
• Version 1.11.21 – Updated text in academic integrity section to include self-plagiarism.  
• Version 8.10.20 – Updated Statement on Wearing of Masks.  
• Version 8.06.10 – Section on Course Recording and Broadcasting updated with most recent guidance from the office of legal counsel.  
• Version 7.19.20 – For Writing and Learning Commons section – corrected website and added information about supplemental instruction.  
• Version 6.26.20 – Statement on Wearing of Masks.  
• Version 5.18.20 – Guidelines for using Respondus LockDown Browser and/or LockDown Monitor.  
• Version 4.30.20 – Updated contact information for campus offices during COVID-19 stay-at-home order.  
• Version 2.01.20 – Added Community Vision for Inclusive Excellence Statement.  
• Version 12.19.19 – Updated Grading Table to Grading Section.  
• Version 5.8.19 – Updated Accessibility Statement, as suggested by the Office of Accessibility Resources.  
• Version 5.19.19 – Alignment to the policy on Academic Integrity, as maintained by the Dean of Students website; alignment to new contact email address and website for the Office of Accessibility Resources.  
• Version 9.13.18 – Inclusion of new Liberal Studies Learning Outcomes verbiage.  
• Version 8.7.18 – A link to the Liberal Studies Learning Goals website (to assist faculty teaching courses part of the Liberal Studies CORE).  
• Version 7.17.18 – A statement about learning outcomes for courses part of the Liberal Studies program.  
• Version 6.21.18 – Information about LMS downtime.  
• Version 5.25.18 – Updates about WALC, Math Tutoring center, Institutional Policies: Course Recording and Broadcasting, Institutional Policies: Accommodations for Students with Disabilities, Academic Integrity Policy and Reporting Process (corrected a typo).