Avoiding unexpected surprises from your students is an important goal that syllabi should meet. This list of statements is provided to add essential information that may be specific to your course, such as fieldwork or service learning study. You can choose any number of these additions as they are relevant to your course. These may be used verbatim on your own syllabus. If you would like to add or share a statement here, please feel free to email at fctl@mail.ucf.edu.
Disability Access Statement
Disability statement provides readily available information for students with disabilities, and how to get accommodations for the course. A disability statement can be made to include accommodation details, or the following sample disability statement may also be used:
The University of Central Florida is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities who need accommodations in this course must contact the professor at the beginning of the semester to discuss needed accommodations. No accommodations will be provided until the student has met with the professor to request accommodations. Students who need accommodations must be registered with Student Disability Services, Student Resource Center Room 132, phone (407) 823-2371, TTY/TDD only phone (407) 823-2116, before requesting accommodations from the professor.
On the question of media , the assumption is that everything is accessible so the only language that would be appropriate would be some sort of reinforcing statement on the syllabus stating something like this:
The instructional media and materials for this class are accessible to students with disabilities. Students who are having difficulty accessing them should contact the faculty member.
Return to Top
Ethics statement
An Ethics statement shows the guidelines of which your class will be run. This statement discusses Plagiarism, cheating, honor and what is expected of students with respect to these aspects. The following two sample statements may be displayed:
Short Version
As reflected in the UCF creed, integrity and scholarship are core values that should guide our conduct and decisions as members of the UCF community. Plagiarism and cheating contradict these values, and so are very serious academic offenses. Penalties can include a failing grade in an assignment or in the course, or suspension or expulsion from the university. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with and follow the University’s Rules of Conduct (see http://www.osc.sdes.ucf.edu/).
Long Version
UCF faculty support the UCF Creed. Integrity - practicing and defending academic and personal honesty - is the first tenet of the UCF Creed. This is in part a reflection of the second tenet, Scholarship: - I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of membership in the UCF community. - Course assignments and tests are designed to have educational value; the process of preparing for and completing these exercises will help improve your skills and knowledge. Material presented to satisfy course requirements is therefore expected to be the result of your own original scholarly efforts.
Plagiarism and cheating - presenting another’s ideas, arguments, words or images as your own, using unauthorized material, or giving or accepting unauthorized help on assignments or tests - contradict the educational value of these exercises. Students who attempt to obtain unearned academic credentials that do not reflect their skills and knowledge can also undermine the value of the UCF degrees earned by their more honest peers.
UCF faculty members have a responsibility for your education and the value of a UCF degree, and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and when necessary respond to infringements of academic integrity. Penalties can include a failing grade in an assignment or in the course, or suspension or expulsion from the university. See http://www.osc.sdes.ucf.edu/ for more information about UCF's Rules of Conduct.
Return to Top
UCF Creed
The UCF Creed
Integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence are the core values that guide our conduct, performance, and decisions.
Integrity
I will practice and defend academic and personal honesty.
Scholarship
I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of my membership in the UCF community.
Community
I will promote an open and supportive campus environment by respecting the rights and contributions of every individual.
Creativity
I will use my talents to enrich the human experience.
Excellence
I will strive toward the highest standards of performance in any endeavor I undertake.
Return to Top
Academic Integrity/Plagiarism
The Academic Integrity/Plagiarism Statement elaborates on the line between seeking help from other sources or students, and cheating, and the consequences for plagiarism. This statement will help define your attitudes towards cheating, and helps clarify further student expectations in the class. The following is a sample Plagiarism Statement:
Plagiarism and Cheating of any kind on an examination, quiz, or assignment will result at least in an "F" for that assignment (and may, depending on the severity of the case, lead to an "F" for the entire course) and may be subject to appropriate referral to the Office of Student Conduct for further action. See the UCF Golden Rule for further information. I will assume for this course that you will adhere to the academic creed of this University and will maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. In other words, don't cheat by giving answers to others or taking them from anyone else. I will also adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity, so please do not ask me to change (or expect me to change) your grade illegitimately or to bend or break rules for one person that will not apply to everyone.
The following is a second sample Plagiarism Statement:
Many incidents of plagiarism result from students’ lack of understanding about what constitutes plagiarism. However, you are expected to familiarize yourself with UCF’s policy on plagiarism. All work you submit must be your own scholarly and creative efforts. UCF’s Golden Rule defines plagiarism as follows: “whereby another’s work is used or appropriated without any indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own.”
Similarly, please see an Ethics statement.
Return to Top
Turnitin.com
If your course is using Turnitin.com as a form of detecting plagiarism, students would find this information useful for checking their own work. Information that may be included is information related to using turnitin.com, such as specific login accounts available to them.
The following is a sample Turnitin.com statement:
In this course we will utilize turnitin.com, an automated system which instructors can use to quickly and easily compare each student's assignment with billions of web sites, as well as an enormous database of student papers that grows with each submission. Accordingly, you will be expected to submit all assignments in both hard copy and electronic format. After the assignment is processed, as an instructor I receive a report from turnitin.com that states if and how another author’s work was used in the assignment. For a more detailed look at this process, visit http://www.turnitin.com.
For those classes where you want to selectively use Turnitin.com, here is a sample syllabus statement:
In this course we may utilize turnitin.com, an automated system which instructors can use to quickly and easily compare each student's assignment with billions of web sites, as well as an enormous database of student papers that grows with each submission. Accordingly, you may be expected to submit assignments in both hard copy and electronic format. After the assignment is processed, as an instructor I receive a report from turnitin.com that states if and how another author’s work was used in the assignment. For a more detailed look at this process, visit http://www.turnitin.com.
Return to Top
Webcourses
A Webcourses statement will help in portraying to students when, how and why will the web application be used. Helpful comments include how often Webcourses will be used, the semantics involved in online communication, and for what purposes will Webcourses be used for, such as a forum for communication and announcements, and/or a medium for turning in assignments.
The following is an example of a Webcourses statement:
Webcourses is an online course management system (accessed through my.ucf.edu and then the "Online Course Tools" tab) which will be used as a medium for turning in assignments and a forum for communicating with your teammates. Under the "Discussion" section, you will have a designated forum section. My recommendation is to check Webcourses every 2-3 days for updates from your teammates or myself.
Return to Top
Technology/Software Requirements
If there are specific software or hardware used, the Technology/Software Requirements statement can help further define what available resources must the students have access to. Additional information may include troubleshooting/installation tips, how to access free versions of the products if available, and what computer labs provide the specified software and hardware. For computer lab information, please visit (http://registrar.sdes.ucf.edu/webguide/index_quickfind.aspx).
The following is a Software Requirements example:
You will be required to have access Macromedia Dreamweaver MX version 6.0 for your assignments for this course. My recommendation is that you have Dreamweaver installed on your personal computer since you will be using this software frequently throughout the semester. Please see the UCF bookstore for details on student discounts for this software. In addition, Dreamweaver is available in <insert location> computer lab.
And the following is an example of a Technology Requirement:
Students will be expected to have access to a computer frequently, as all writing assignments used will be typed out and not handwritten. The software you use to write your assignments is irrelevant, as long as you follow my writing guidelines outlined later in my syllabus. I recommend to have access to a computer weekly. If you do not own a computer, there are computer accessible to you in all UCF's computer labs. For further information on computer labs, please see the following website: http://registrar.sdes.ucf.edu/webguide/index_quickfind.aspx.
Similarly, please see the Internet Usage statement for more details on addressing internet/email usage.
Return to Top
Internet Usage
An Internet Usage statement may be utilized if your course requires accessing the internet, such as using email. The statement can highlight expectations of students in relation to how often must a student have access to the internet, how frequent must email be checked per week, and the semantics involved in online communication. Most computer labs are connected to the internet. For computer lab information, please visit (http://registrar.sdes.ucf.edu/webguide/index_quickfind.aspx).
The following is an Internet Usage example:
You will be expected to have daily access to the internet and email, since I will be emailing you constantly about assignment updates, additions and changes. If you do not have an email account, there are free providers available to you, including Pegasus email, Hotmail and yahoo mail. If you do not own a computer, there are computer accessible to you in all UCF's computer labs, and most computer labs have computers connected to the internet. For further information on computer labs, please see the following website: http://registrar.sdes.ucf.edu/webguide/index_quickfind.aspx.
Similarly, please see the Technology/Software Requirements statement for more details on addressing computer related usage.
Return to Top
University Course Requirements
Please note if your class meets Gordon Rule, Diversity, or GEP requirements, and what requirements specifically are met through your course. Such information is helpful on behalf of the students for tracking their own progress throughout their college career. For more information, please see the Gordon Rule website (found in http://www.catalog.sdes.ucf.edu) and the current course catalog (http://www.ucf.edu/catalog/current/) for Diversity and GEP course requirements.
Example:
This course may count as a GEP Humanities requirement and a Diversity requirement for some majors. For more information about GEP and Diversity requirements, please see the current course catalog (http://www.ucf.edu/catalog/current/) for Diversity and GEP course requirements.
Return to Top
Learning Teams
This section describes the importance of learning teams. You may include the purpose for having learning teams, such as improved learning for study groups, working on a team project, or working on group quizzes. Students may also would like to know when and how they will be grouped, the number of people per group, and what kinds of activities and tasks will be expected to be accomplished while in groups. Such information is important for students who feel less confident about working in groups and would like to be more familiar with what is required. This statement is also important to further inform students of what is expected of them and whether they feel they will be more successful compared to another course sections.
Example:
This course relies heavily on teamwork and cooperation throughout the semester. Early on in the semester, you will be assigned into groups of four at random and will be asked to accomplish various tasks in a group effort. Since your final grade is mostly composed of grades on various team projects, teamwork skills are essential for this class. If you are having difficulties with working in groups, please feel free to discuss this with me and whether this course is ideal for you.
Return to Top
myUCF Grades
Students will want to know how you are reporting their grades back to them. The three most common methods are handing tests and material directly back to students, using Webcourses's online gradebook, or using the standalone online gradebook accessible in the portal called myUCF Grades.
Example:
Graded tests and materials in this course will be returned individually only by request. You can access your scores at any time using "myUCF Grades" in the portal. If you need help accessing myUCF Grades, see the online tutorial: https://myucfgrades.ucf.edu/help/.
Return to Top
Classroom Response Clickers
We will be using e-instruction in class on a regular basis. You will need to purchase a CPS pad (commonly called a “clicker”) from the bookstore or computer store and bring it with you to every class session. It would be wise to bring extra batteries as well, as we will be using the pads in activities that count for class points. The purchase of a CPS pad is NOT optional; it will be used as an integral part of this course. I will provide a short demonstration of how to use CPS in class.
Note: Students should purchase ONLY ONE “CLICKER” because the same unit can be used in every class that chooses to use the CPS system.
After you purchase your clicker, you must register your clicker online for this class. It is imperative that every student register their unit no later than __________. Instructions for the registration process can be found at the end of the syllabus.
Return to Top
How to Study for Course
The Study statement is a list of observations that you found helped students succeed in your course. For example, if the textbook and/or supplemental materials are technical and not easy to read for students, you may provide tips in this statement as to how to read it. Also, you may give suggestions about how to study for a test in your course, such as group studying or practicing problems.
Example:
Since the textbook is technical and in depth about the topics, I recommend skimming through the reading first, then reading it again in more detail so that you have a greater grasp of the material. I would also like to recommend making a list of questions or confusing points in the reading so that I can emphasize it more in my lecture. I have seen that study groups that go over key concepts is the most effective way to studying for my tests.
Return to Top
Fieldwork
If fieldwork is required for the course, a Fieldwork statement is important for a student's health and success in your course. Essential information includes what kinds of allergens will students be exposed to, what kinds of fieldwork will be done, how will they be done, and how often will students be engaged in these activities. In order to provide a more general idea of the fieldwork done, you may further provide your purpose for the fieldwork, the importance of the fieldwork in the course, and how it will change and/or enhance student learning experience. Also, feel free to include materials that students are expected to have, and where they are readily available.
Example:
This class will require catching water and species samples in the Loxahatchee River for identifying, testing and dissecting. You are expected to visit a designated area of the river twice a week for a two months, and bring the samples back to the lab for further analysis. If you are allergic to plants near the water, daisies that grow regularly near the river at this time, or feel uncomfortable with dissecting, I would strongly recommend you to not sign up for this section.
Return to Top
Why study "______"?
The statement answers a student's potential question about your course: "Why even bother knowing this material?". In this section of the syllabus, you have the opportunity to answer this question. In order to help portray this, you may link your topic to other disciplines, real-life applications, and unexpected applications. The statement also gives you an opportunity to briefly explain why do you study this particular field.
The following is an example:
Computer Science is a rewarding field to study, since its application is used in a variety of fields. For example, the study of sorting algorithms takes intuitive ways that humans normally sort any set of items, such as cards, lists, or documents, and improves them using a variety of changes. Think about how you would sort objects. It can most likely be linked to any one of the more common sorting algorithms. Computer Science is connected strongly in math, engineering and the sciences in general, while the study of how users interact with computers is highly connected to psychology and humanities, and the theory is related deeply in history. I would recommend all students to take Intro to C and get a sense of what this exciting field is about.
Return to Top
Service Learning
For students who are new to service learning, this statement provides insight into service learning in general. You can help students introduce what is service learning, why you chose it for this course, and how will it be built into the course. You may also explain in further detail what kinds of projects can the students get involved in, such as the organization(s) the students will be working with, what will the projects(s) involve, what kinds of extra-curricular work would be required, and whether the project(s) will be done individually or in a group. If done in groups, you may add a Learning Teams statement as well.
The following is a sample service learning statement:
Service learning gives students a venue to apply what they learned in the classroom to a real-life setting, giving them valuable experience in the field. Your service-learning project will involve making a website for an organization that will be assigned to you. You will be responsible for content, graphics, design, and other aspects of this project, and I highly recommend you to be in constant communication with your Organization contacts for developing and feedback. To assist in feedback, you will be required to present your work in progress at a meeting for your Organization at least once during the semester. You will be designing this in groups no more than three. Please do not feel overwhelmed by service learning; it has been my experience that once the projects are underway, completing the project becomes easier.
Return to Top
Controversial Content
A controversial content statement acts as a disclaimer for classes that may show some form of problematic content as part of study. The statement is to inform students who are sensitive to these issues and to outline your expectations. The following is a sample statement:
Since we will be studying art throughout history, there may be times when some of this art may have nudity in it. If you feel uncomfortable with this, please let me know and we can make accommodations.
Return to Top
Library Skills
If your course requires frequent trips to the library, this statement may be useful to portray your student expectations. You may also provide a link to the library's website for easy access.
The following is an example Library Skills statement:
Since this course requires writing several research papers, you are expected to know how to use the library's resources. If you are not familiar with using the library, please ask for assistance from the library's personnel, take workshops provided by the library, or visit the library's website (http://library.ucf.edu/).
Return to Top
Prerequisite Skills
The Prerequisite Skills statement highlights what courses are needed, or even more specifically, what skills from those courses are needed to succeed in this course. This may be a simple list of pre-requisite or co-requisite courses, or you may briefly explain what concepts you expect students to have already mastered from each course. You may also add a brief list of course that aren't pre-requisites or co-requisites, but ones that you personally found helpful for students.
An example of a Prerequisite Skills Statement is the following:
College algebra and Geometry is a pre-requisite for this course, since you will be working with 2-D coordinate systems frequently. Also, I have found taking Statistics (STA 2023) facilitates in learning is course material.
Return to Top
Online Learning
Students may want to be clarified about what is Online Learning, and what does it require from the student to succeed. Expectations about course interaction, participation, self-pacing and whether it's feasible may be expressed in this section. You may also describe some qualities you recommend online students should have, and what behavior will and will not make a student successful with respect to an online course.
The following is an example of an Online Learning statement:
Online learning is not for everyone; some people may not be able to manage a course that does not meet face to face to learn. Online learning requires lots of planning and self-pacing so that you may be successful in my course. Since I will be covering much material in 16 weeks, I would highly recommend treating this course like a regular lecture course, and keeping up with lectures and assignments. Please do not be tempted to skip two weeks of lectures and expect to catch up easily.
Return to Top
Rules/Protocols of Communication
Whether your students communicate using a Discussion forum or through email, you may wish to have a set of rules of appropriate ways to communicate. You may discuss topics on "netiquette", email, discussion forums, online chatting, whiteboard, when to come to office hours, how to schedule appointments, and other forms of communication.
The following are three sample rules:
- Before posting in a forum, always make sure your posting has no grammar, punctuation or spelling errors. You may do this by copying and pasting the text into Microsoft Word, and pasting it back to the posting area.
- If you would like to send me email, please add the following to the subject line: "<course prefix>: <Student's last name, first name>". Since I get a variety of email each day, I do not read all emails I receive. By having this heading in the subject line, I will read your email immediately.
- No shorthand notation or acronyms (such as "TTYL", " LOL", or "IMO") may be used at any time for this course. I feel it is unprofessional to use and is ambiguous for those unfamiliar with the acronym. Furthermore, please use smiley sparingly.
Return to Top
University Writing Center
A University Writing Center statement may be used as a quick reference for a resource that students can get access to. The UWC statement covers relevant information about the UWC, such as what it offers and how students can get help.
You may use any of the two sample statements provided:
Short Version:
The University Writing Center (UWC) is a free resource for UCF undergraduates and graduates. At the UWC, a trained writing consultant will work individually with you on anything you're writing (in or out of class), at any point in the writing process from brainstorming to editing. Appointments are recommended, but not required. For more information or to make an appointment, visit the UWC website at http://www.uwc.ucf.edu, stop by MOD 608, or call 407.823.2197.
Long Version:
The University Writing Center (UWC) is a free resource for UCF undergraduates and graduates.
The UWC's most popular service is the individualized writing consultation: a trained writing consultant will spend 30 minutes with you (an hour if your paper is longer than 7 pages, or if you are writing a paper with a group*) reviewing your work and making recommendations for revision. You can bring your work to the UWC at any point in the process--even if you haven't started writing yet. Your consultation will be most helpful if you take the time to:
- prepare: identify specific issues on which you want feedback
- participate: actively discuss your paper with the consultant
- reflect: decide which of the possibilities raised during the consultation are helpful to you
- act: revise your paper
The UWC will help with writing in any subject, including out-of-class writing such as job application letters. The UWC will also help you organize oral presentations. After each consultation, you will receive a Record of Consultation (RoC) form which summarizes what was discussed. It is best to make an appointment; however, the UWC does accept walk-ins. You may use the UWC computers to work on your writing without an appointment; available software includes Microsoft Office 2000, and specialized software (Editor, Writer's Helper, Minklink, Inspiration) for brainstorming, organizing, problem-solving, proofreading, and editing. The UWC does not write, proofread, or grade papers. For more information or to make an appointment, visit the UWC website at http://www.uwc.ucf.edu, stop by MOD 608, or call 407.823.2197.
NOTE: If you are working on a group-written paper, please have all group members come to the appointment.
Return to Top
Unauthorized Use of Class Notes
Faculty have reported errors in the class notes being sold by third parties, and the errors may be contributing to higher failure rates in some classes. The following is a statement appropriate for distribution to your classes or for inclusion on your syllabus:
Third parties may be selling class notes and other materials from this class without my authorization. Please be aware that such class materials may contain errors, which could affect your performance or grade. Use these materials at your own risk.
Return to Top
Email (Knightsmail) Policy
Students may have multiple emails recorded with the university, including "campus email" and "personal email," and they may be confused about how you will communicate with them. The following is a statement appropriate for distribution to your classes or for inclusion on your syllabus:
In this class our official mode of communication is through email. All communication between student and instructor and between student and student should be respectful and professional. As of 2009, Knightsmail is the only official student email at UCF. Class rosters list Knightsmail addresses rather than external email addresses, and all official class communications will be sent only to the Knightsmail addresses. Students are responsible for checking their Knightsmail accounts regularly. See www.knightsemail.ucf.edu for further information.
If you instead use Webcourses to communicate with students by email, here is a sample statement for the syllabus:
In this class our official mode of communication is through email located inside Webcourses. All communication between student and instructor and between student and student should be respectful and professional. It is the student's responsibility to check the "coursemail" tool frequently. You may also wish to create a Knight's Email account at www.knightsemail.ucf.edu for separate official communication from the university.
Return to Top
