6,501: Syllabus Policy

Revised: September 2020

For all courses, faculty members are required to distribute a course syllabus to students by the end of the first week of class. Syllabi can be provided in paper form or by electronic means by email or posting in a visible location on the course page in the university's learning management system, WebCampus.

The syllabus must include, but is not limited to the following information:

• Instructor information: Name and contact information (office location, phone number, email address, office hours in accordance with the Faculty Availability Policy, etc.)
• Course identification: Course number, section, title
• Course description and prerequisites
• Student learning outcomes
• List of required course materials for reading, in-class work, writing, homework, viewing, and listening, including calculators, specialized materials or equipment, and computer software.
• Unique class procedures/structures, such as web-based or web-assisted, cooperative exercises, panel presentations, case study methods, class journals or learning logs, attendance at events outside of class, etc.
• Topics outline or course calendar
• Approximate schedule of exams and due dates of graded assignments, e.g., homework, quizzes, papers, projects
• Grading criteria, scale, and standards, including statements on whether or not plus/minus grading will be used. See the NSHE Grading Policy, Title 4, Chapter 16, Section 37.
• For combined 400/600 courses, delineation of expectations and evaluation for undergraduate and graduate credits should be detailed and clear. 
• Policies regarding late work and make-up exams
• Information on special policies associated with student athletes, as detailed in UAM 3,030.
• Description of course requirements, e.g., exams, quizzes, projects, papers AND the proportion each counts toward the final grade. If class participation and/or attendance are factored in, explain how these are evaluated. For university policy regarding class absence, see UAM 3,020.
• Statement on Academic Success Services: "Your student fees cover usage of the University Math Center, University Tutoring Center, and University Writing and Speaking Center. These centers support your classroom learning; it is your responsibility to take advantage of their services. Keep in mind that seeking help outside of class is the sign of a responsible and successful student."
• Statement on Academic Dishonesty: The University Academic Standards Policy defines academic dishonesty and mandates specific sanctions for violations. See the University Academic Standards policy: UAM 6,502.
• Statement of Disability Services: "Any student with a disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with the Disability Resource Center as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations."
• Statement on Audio and Video Recording: "Surreptitious or covert video-taping of class or unauthorized audio recording of class is prohibited by law and by Board of Regents policy. This class may be videotaped or audio recorded only with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate students with disabilities, some students may be given permission to record class lectures and discussions. Therefore, students should understand that their comments during class may be recorded."
• The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to providing a safe learning and work environment for all. If you believe you have experienced unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, or stalking, whether on or off campus, or if you need information related to immigration concerns, please contact the University's Equal Opportunity & Title IX office at (775) 784-1547. Resources and interim measures are available to assist you. For more information, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX. 

In addition to the required information listed above, it is strongly recommended that the syllabus include:

• Methods for communicating with students outside the classroom regarding matters such as class cancellations, meeting times, or room changes