Template

When writing a syllabus, "the primary purpose is to communicate to one's students what the course is about, why the course is taught, where it is going, and what will be required of the students for them to complete the course with a passing grade." (Altman and Cashin). There are GRCC policies to communicate, as well as information that relates to your own unique way of teaching. A syllabus template helps the institution "get on the same page," while allowing for academic freedom. The syllabus guide contains suggestions on how to fill in this template.

Examples

There are many examples of good syllabi. We've tried to pull a few together here. These syllabi may not follow the template, but they have the necessary elements and reflect good practice. Here's web-based versions of a campus and online course. Check out how to create and upload a web version of your syllabus below.

Web Version

Students want access to your syllabus 24/7. Putting your syllabus online helps you communicate expectations and helps learners answer their own questions. You may want to upload your syllabus in its current format (e.g. Word, PDF, HTML) or turn it into a web page. To upload your syllabus in its current format:

1. Go to http://www.grcc.edu/webbuilder and login using your Novell username and password. [view image]
2. Next, select the Webbuilder application. [view image]
3. Now, you're at the webbuilder "Switchboard." Click the "GRCC File Library" link. [view image]
4. The "GRCC Webbuilder File Center" will open in a new window. Go to the bottom, browse to the syllabus file and click "Add File." [view image]
5. Go to the top of the page. Find the link to your upload. Highlight and copy this link. This is the link for students to view your syllabus. [view image]

If you know how to use a HTML editor (or convert Word documents to HTML), there's another option. You can upload the HTML code and make your edits online. The advantage of this option is that you can always use the same web address or URL. Log into Webbuilder and get to the Switchboard using the steps above. Now, here's what you need to do:

1. Enter a title for a new page (e.g. BA 207 Syllabus) and click the "Add" button.
2. Next, enter an "alias" for the page that will be easy to remember ("ba207campus" in the example below). [view image]
3. Now, click the "Active Edit" link (preferred method) to cut and paste the HTML page and "Save to Database." If you are an expert at HTML coding, you can click the "HTML Code" link and paste in the actual HTML code. Make sure to click "Finish" after inserting your HTML code.
4. After you submit your HTML page using Active Edit or HTML Code, you'll be given the option to view your current page. Take a look at your new page and take note of the complete web address. You'll need to provide this to your students at GRCC or the MCCVLC (if you teach online).

Resources

Faculty should use CARP and institutional policies (outlined in the template above) to craft their syllabus. However, you're not alone! The Learning Academy for Faculty and Staff (310 Main) can help you with any of the steps we've outlined on this page. We even have computers and software to help you do that HTML editing if you want (photo on right). We also have a library of resources.

In addition to the library in the Academy, we're working to collect Internet resources that support your teaching. These resources include information on adult learning, instructional design, academic freedom and more. If you need support for a project, contact us or stop by the Learning Academy (310 Main). If you need support with research, we'll connect you with the Institute for Faculty Research and GRCC Library resources.