The University of Iowa

The University and College require that every organized course has a syllabus. Syllabi may be handed out in class, included in a course packet, or posted at the course web site.  All information listed below must be included on every syllabus.

DEOs must review syllabi for compliance with departmental and CLAS policies, checking, for example, that final exams are offered only during finals week and that other exams are not scheduled during the last week of classes. The complete CLAS exam policy may be found at this link.

The review of syllabi by the DEO should be completed before the new semester or session begins so that problematic issues may be corrected. Any questions should be referred to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Services.

New instructors wishing to see a syllabus template with suggested headings may visit this link. The sample syllabus gives suggested headings that instructors might find helpful.

Some of the information required on the syllabus is better incorporated into the body of the syllabus, such as that listed in the next section. The rest of the required information is best attached to the syllabus as a separate page (see insert).

Required Information

According to the University Operations Manual, the Office of the Provost, and CLAS policy, the following information must be included on every syllabus.

• The number and title of the course as listed on ISIS. Include all cross-listed numbers and the departmental home of the course. Include any changes in information about the course from that which appears in official University notices.
• The instructor's name, office address, office hours, phone number, email address, and DEO contact information. Teaching assistants must also provide the course supervisor's name, office address, office hours, and directory information.
• A minimum of three office hours per week. Include days, times, place and “by appointment” since the College requires instructors to be available for a reasonable amount of time by appointment.
• Course description and topics covered. Note: If the course is approved for General Education, this fact must be included in the course description. State the GE category fulfilled and how the GE outcomes are met. (This information must also be on the ISIS course description.)
• Course goals and objectives. Note: If the course is approved for General Education, GE outcomes must be incorporated into the syllabus, noting their relation to the GE Program and to the topic at hand. (This explanation should also be on the ISIS course description.)
• Texts and other course materials and where they may be found, including the use of any electronic sites (such as ICON).
• Grading procedures, including the role of plus/minus grading. The College and EPC recommend a very judicious use of the A+ grade, asking that it be used only in extraordinary situations. The College encourages instructors to note this recommendation in the syllabus, especially in lower-level introductory General Education courses.
• Expectations for attendance, assignments, and examinations, including any expectations for electronic means of participation. A summary of expected student workload is available at this link.
• Dates and times of midterms and finals. (See Registrar examination policies concerning final exams.) Please note that dates and times for final exams are now published at the above link and should be included in the syllabus. Room assignments will be available for spring by mid-April.
• Information about resources for students as appropriate. The Writing Center and the Campus Information Center's Tutor Referral Service at the IMU are excellent examples of such resources.

Additional Required UI and CLAS Policy and Procedures

Every syllabus must also contain important UI and CLAS policies and procedures found on this insert, which may be attached as the last page of the syllabus. Many DEOs simply copy this insert and make it available to all instructors in the department. Faculty may also use their own language on the following topics as long as students are given references for additional information.

• A statement indicating that the administrative home of the course is the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. See the CLAS policy insert.
• A statement referring to the University policy specifying that students are responsible for all official correspondence sent to the UI address (@uiowa.edu). See CLAS policy insert.
• The College policy on academic fraud. See CLAS policy insert.
• Statement on accommodations for students with disabilities. See CLAS policy insert.
• Procedures for student complaints. See the CLAS policy insert.
• Statement on the University sexual harassment policy. See CLAS policy insert.
• A statement summarizing where and how class members should seek shelter during severe weather occurring within class time. See CLAS policy insert.
• For off-cycle courses, please include a reminder of significant deadlines, as stated on the official deadline calendar.

Note: A syllabus is not required for an independent study, a practicum, a research colloquium, or a similar educational experience.