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Syllabus Template, Resources, and Support

Creating a clear, student-centered syllabus sets the tone for a successful learning experience. To make the process easier, the Coulter Faculty Commons offers a Syllabus Template, updated every summer, that you are welcome to use as a starting point.  

We are here to partner with you in making your syllabus a powerful, accessible tool for student success.
Reach out anytime for guidance! 

Using the Syllabus Template

  • Download the latest version of the CFC Syllabus Template (current version last updated June 2025). This Word document provides a foundational structure that includes all required and recommended syllabus elements, but it is meant to be customized to fit your course, teaching style, and modality. If you’re looking for inspiration or sample language, a companion guide with examples and suggestions will be available by the end of July.
  • Compare it with any department-specific requirements and update as needed. 
  • Check with your department for any required content, especially related to grading policies. 
  • Include a link to the Required Syllabus Content in your final syllabus.

Using the template is encouraged but not required. We are always happy to support you as you create or revise your syllabi. If you’d like individual help, visit our Consultation Page. 

Best Practices for Your Syllabus

Your syllabus should include: 

  • Course Purpose and Content Overview 
  • Student Learning Outcomes (including Liberal Studies outcomes, if applicable) 
  • Course Requirements (assignments, exams, projects, attendance, deadlines) 
  • Evaluation and Grading Procedures (include how final grades are determined) 
  • Course Calendar or Schedule (with flexibility noted as needed) 
  • A link to Required Syllabus Statements (e.g., accommodations for students with disabilities, academic integrity, and student resources)

Important Notes

  • A syllabus is best thought of as a roadmap for student success, not a legal contract. 
  • A Word or PDF version of your syllabus should be uploaded to Canvas, ideally linked through the “Syllabus” page for easy student access. 
  • Use the Canvas Syllabus Tool to automatically display assignments and due dates across students’ calendars, supporting better organization and success. 

Why a Document Syllabus Matters

  • A complete syllabus provides clarity, transparency, and sets shared expectations. 
  • Students often need syllabi for graduate school applications, transfer credits, or credentialing processes. 
  • Accreditors and university review processes require access to course syllabi. 

Additional Resources 

List of Revisions

Below is a list of revisions, reflecting updates to university policies and formatting improvements. 

Record of Changes
  • Version x.x.25 – Updated editable syllabus template, syllabus website, and xxx. 
  • 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).