1.3: Course Information & Syllabus

Criterion Overview

The course syllabus and Course Information area provide learners with the essential information they need to successfully navigate the course. Together, they communicate course expectations, grading practices, participation requirements, academic integrity, appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI), communication guidelines, and other policies that support student success.

The syllabus serves as the official course document, while the Course Information area provides quick, easy access to information students frequently reference throughout the semester. Organizing key policies within a clearly labeled Course Information section or Getting Started module makes essential information easier to locate, reduces unnecessary confusion, and encourages students to use course resources independently.

A well-designed Course Information area promotes transparency, establishes consistency, and helps learners understand what is expected before they begin coursework. When students clearly understand course expectations, they are better prepared to manage their time, participate actively, make informed decisions, and take ownership of their learning.

Why It Matters

Clear course expectations are one of the strongest predictors of student success in online learning. Students should never have to guess how grades are calculated, what constitutes participation, whether late work is accepted, or how artificial intelligence may be used within the course. Transparent policies create a fair, supportive, and predictable learning environment where students can focus on learning rather than interpreting course procedures.

The syllabus also serves as an important communication tool between the instructor and students. Beyond outlining institutional requirements, it establishes shared expectations and responsibilities for everyone in the course. Clearly communicating instructor response times, preferred communication methods, office hours, feedback timelines, and expectations for instructor-student interaction builds trust, encourages students to seek assistance, and supports Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI).

As generative AI tools become increasingly common in education, faculty should also provide clear guidance regarding their appropriate use. Students benefit from understanding when AI tools may support learning, when their use is prohibited, and how AI-assisted work should be acknowledged. Providing these expectations early promotes academic integrity while helping students develop responsible digital literacy skills.

Rather than presenting policies as a lengthy list of rules, organize information in a way that is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and written in student-friendly language. Breaking information into clearly labeled sections helps students quickly locate answers throughout the semester while reducing confusion and unnecessary emails.

What This Looks Like

The course includes a syllabus and/or Course Information area that clearly communicates:

• Course description and purpose.
• Course format (online, hybrid, or live online).
• Instructor contact information.
• Office hours and preferred communication methods.
• Instructor response times.
• Participation and attendance expectations.
• Grading scale and assignment weighting.
• Late work policy.
• Course completion requirements.
• Feedback timelines.
• Academic integrity expectations.
• Appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI).
• Course schedule or pacing expectations.
• Frequently asked questions or course procedures.
• Links to institutional policies and student support resources.

Information is easy to locate and organized into clearly labeled sections or pages rather than requiring students to search through lengthy documents.

Design Tips

Ask yourself: If a student had a question about grading, participation, AI use, communication, or course policies, could they quickly find the answer without needing to email me?

✔ Present important course information in both the syllabus and a clearly organized Course Information area within Canvas.

✔ Use Simple Syllabus to create a college-branded, ADA-compliant syllabus that integrates with Canvas while providing students with consistent access to essential course information.

✔ Use descriptive page titles such as Grading, Communication, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Course Policies so students can quickly locate information.

✔ Write policies in clear, student-friendly language and explain the purpose behind important expectations whenever possible.

✔ Clearly communicate how students should contact you, when they can expect a response, and how feedback will be provided.

✔ Explain both acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI and provide examples whenever appropriate.

✔ Use headings, bullet points, tables, and visual elements to improve readability and make information easier to locate.

✔ Keep information consistent across the syllabus, Canvas pages, and assignment instructions.

✔ Review and update course information before each semester to ensure policies, technology requirements, links, contact information, and AI guidance remain current.