[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”3736.1px” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”24px” background_color=”#C1A875″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n The information on this page is effective for Fall 2026 classes.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Effective Fall 2026, the <\/span>definition of a syllabus is now prescribed by\u00a0<\/span><\/span>UNC Policy<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0for all UNC system schools to be a document that contains specific information:\u00a0<\/span>course prefix, name, & description; student learning outcomes; assessment of student performance; course materials required to be purchased; and a statement about\u00a0<\/span>diverse scholarly perspectives. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Check with your department for any addional required content, especially related to grading policies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Make sure to use the WCU Syllabus Template<\/a> when adding your course information. The following information needs to be included in every course syllabus and uploaded into the WCU repository:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-24-at-3.03.39-PM-150×150.png” alt=”Screenshot of syllabus template effective fall 2026″ title_text=”Screenshot 2026-04-24 at 3.03.39\u202fPM” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You can download the\u00a0<\/span>editable word document of the syllabus template<\/a>\u00a0(Version: 4.20.2026).<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/strong>To write strong learning outcomes, consider using frameworks such as Fink\u2019s Taxonomy of Significant Learning<\/a>, which emphasizes holistic, integrated learning, or Bloom\u2019s Taxonomy<\/a>, which focuses on cognitive skill levels. Both offer guidance for writing outcomes that are specific, meaningful, and measurable.<\/p>\n Liberal Studies Outcomes are a set of ten student learning objectives established by WCU\u2019s Liberal Studies Committee. If your course is part of the Liberal Studies curriculum, be sure to include the applicable learning outcomes from the Liberal Studies Assessment page.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Office of the Provost put together this list of frequently asked questions regarding the new syllabus regulation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How has the definition of a syllabus changed?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Effective Fall 2026,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>definition of a syllabus is now prescribed by\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>UNC Policy<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>for all UNC system schools to be a document that contains specific information:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>course prefix, name, & description; student learning outcomes; assessment of student performance; course materials required to be purchased; and a statement about\u00a0<\/span><\/span>diverse scholarly perspectives.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Does every course need to have a syllabus?” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The syllabus regulation has an allowed exception for courses that occur \u201coutside of organized course sections\u201d that provide \u201cindividual instruction in exchange for course credit.\u201d At WCU, the following course types do not require a syllabus:\u00a0<\/span>Cooperative (COP), Research (RES), Independent Study (IND), Internship (INT), and Thesis (THE).\u00a0<\/span>Nonetheless, faculty must convey information about the course and expectations to students. This information may be conveyed through a syllabus or other course materials. Documents related to course information and expectations can be distributed electronically (e.g., via Canvas) or by other means.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How do I know if my course is one of the activity types with an exception?” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Faculty can use the Schedule of Classes<\/a><\/span>\u00a0to determine the activity type for a specific course. The course activity designation is in the \u201cSchedule Type\u201d column. (This designation is separate and unrelated to course modality.)<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Is there a template for creating the syllabus?” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Yes<\/span>, there is<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>a template you should use.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>It is linked here on the\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>CFC main syllabus page<\/a>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can I modify the template?” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Generally,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>no, but t<\/span>here is some flexibility in how certain components can be conveyed. For example, if\u00a0<\/span><\/span>you\u00a0<\/span><\/span>utilize<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u201calternative grading\u201d that\u00a0<\/span><\/span>doesn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>fit into the more traditional percentage-based grading<\/span>, you can substitute a narrative.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What do I need to do to ensure my syllabus is digitally accessible?” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The provided template already\u00a0<\/span><\/span>contains<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>title and heading \u201ctags\u201d as well as alt-text for the tables. No\u00a0<\/span><\/span>additional<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>settings will be\u00a0<\/span><\/span>required<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>unless users\u00a0<\/span><\/span>modify<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the template. Use the built-in accessibility checker in MS Word to verify accessibility before converting to a pdf or uploading to the repository.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Where do I find accurate course titles and descriptions?” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Please refer to the\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>WCU Catalog<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>to get course titles and descriptions rather than using abbreviations, common names, or a self-drafted course description. Click \u201cCourse Information\u201d in the sidebar<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to search for your course.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Should I include other information about course policies or support resources like the academic integrity policy or information about the WaLC in my syllabus? ” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n No. These are important pieces of information to convey to students, but they are no longer part of the syllabus. A recent update to the Canvas template includes a module with a link to common content<\/a>. Within that module, you can also add other documents with information unique to your course. Suggested titles for this information include Additional Course Materials, Course Information, Class Expectations, Support Resources, etc. Avoid titles containing the term syllabus like Syllabus Addendum, Additional Syllabus Details, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”When do I need to have my syllabus ready?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Beginning with Fall 2026 classes, syllabi need to be prepared and posted to the online syllabus repository no later than one week\u00a0<\/span><\/span>(7 days)\u00a0<\/span><\/span>before the start of classes.<\/span> For Fall 2026 classes, the deadline is 8\/10\/2026 at 5:00 pm.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How do I upload my syllabus?” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Go to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>myWCU<\/span><\/span><\/a>. In the My Apps section, click on All Apps. Scroll or search to click on Syllabus Upload. (Before clicking you can \u201cpin\u201d the app to your homepage.) Your courses requiring a syllabus will be listed. Click \u201cUpload\u201d and follow the instructions for each course.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”When is the syllabus due if I teach an 8-week course in the second half of the semester? ” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The syllabus must be uploaded one week prior to the start date of the course as defined in Banner. For a course beginning in mid-October, the syllabus will not need<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to be uploaded\u00a0<\/span><\/span>until<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>October.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can a department head or administrative assistant upload a syllabus on a faculty member\u2019s behalf? ” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Generally, no.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>A person\u2019s permission to upload is connected to who is listed as the instructor in Banner. The only way another individual could upload a syllabus would be if they were\u00a0<\/span><\/span>assigned as\u00a0<\/span><\/span>an<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>instructor of the course.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Are there any exceptions to the timeline for posting syllabi?” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The only exception is if a delay is \u201cdue to reasonable institutional operational limitations, such as when a course is under development or the instructor is not yet assigned.\u201d In those\u00a0<\/span><\/span>special circumstances<\/span>, the syllabus must be\u00a0<\/span><\/span>posted no later than the first day of classes for the term.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”There is a shared syllabus for a multi-section course. Who uploads the syllabus?” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The instructor of record\u00a0<\/span><\/span>is responsible for<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>posting the syllabus to the online repository for each section of the course being taught. If an instructor is teaching multiple sections, the syllabus must be uploaded for each section.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What if I uploaded the wrong syllabus for a course?” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\nSyllabus Resources<\/h1>\n
Syllabus Checklist<\/h2>\n
\n
Guidance on Student Learning Outcomes<\/h2>\n
Liberal Studies Outcomes (if applicable)<\/h3>\n
Syllabus Regulation FAQ<\/h2>\n
Making the Syllabus<\/h3>\n
Posting the Syllabus<\/h3>\n