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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
Undergraduate Courses, Curricula, and Academic Standards

Syllabi Guidance for Students

Information on this page comes from the Syllabus Regulation, which defines items that must be present (if applicable) in each of your class syllabi. Each section has a number and title, which is reflected here on the left-hand side (eg “2.1 Basic Course Information”) so that you can reference the regulation’s language as well. The questions and other bullet points on the right-hand side offer translations, related questions, and additional helpful information where possible.

If a section isn’t represented in your class syllabus, then it’s not applicable to that class. For example, if there isn’t information about transportation, then you will not be required to provide your own transportation to field trips etc.

If you have any questions about or issues with your syllabus, be sure to contact your instructor! If you need to, you can also take questions to your advisor. The Student Ombuds also provides a space to talk any issues through and find solutions.

As a student you may experience a range of personal issues that can impede learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug concerns, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance and may impact your ability to participate in daily activities. It is very important that you have a support system and that you ask for help when you are struggling. The Counseling Center at NC State offers confidential mental health services for full-time NC State students, including same-day emergency services. Please visit https://counseling.dasa.ncsu.edu/ to get connected.

Basic Information

  • Course name and number
  • Semester/session the course is offered
  • Format (in-person, virtual, pre-recorded)
  • When/where/how to contact the instructor
  • Information about a graduate teaching assistant
  • How to submit assignments, locate resources, etc.
  • What is this course about?
  • Is there anything specific about this section that the instructor wants you to know?(ex: does it focus on a specific writer in a general literature course)

This area summarizes the skills and abilities that this course will teach you

  • These are also the skills and abilities that the instructor will assess you on throughout the course!
  • Sometimes these outcomes are tied to things like the General Education Program, licensure, or accreditation.

This section can help you understand the components that go into the course such as assignments, schedules, and additional requirements so that you can accordingly.

  • How does the course operate?
    • Are there labs or discussions?
    • Are there field trips?

Practicalities

If participation/attendance are graded, this section should tell you how to get 100% in this area. If you have questions, reach out to your instructor!

  • How are you getting assessed in this class – essays, tests, projects?
  • How is your grade determined for each of these?
  • How do these grades come together to make your final grade?
  • What grading scale is being used in this course?
    • Unless otherwise specified, undergraduate classes generally use the NC State Standard Scale with normal rounding rules.
  • If the course offers S/U or Audit, the requirements for Satisfactory and successful completion of Audit will be included.
    • Generally, per Reg 02.20.15, “The student’s performance in a credit-only course will be reported as S (satisfactory grade for the credit-only course and given when course work is equivalent to C- or better) or U (no credit grade for the credit-only course).”
    • If there is no S/U or Audit information, the course does not offer these options.
  • For specific information regarding incomplete (IN) grades, please visit https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/your-grades/general-info/#incompletegrades

A good schedule will make it clear to you how things like readings, assignments, and projects/texts flow with class topics.

Schedules will look different based on the course topic and discipline, but will ideally include information such as:

  • Outline of topics
  • Readings/materials
  • Assignments assigned dates
  • Assignments due dates
  • Test/Exam dates
  • Field Trips

Find a few examples of course schedules here.

This section helps you plan financially for the class.

  • What books are required and how much might they cost?
  • What materials or technology is required and how much might it cost?
  • Are there any entrance or ticket fees or travel fees associated? How much are those?

How will your instructor receive late assignments, if applicable?

  • Pay attention to timing and communication expectations!
  • How do you alert your instructor about an absence?
  • What forms of absences are excused versus not excused?
    • Check out REG 02.20.03 for information about what is considered a university-excused absence!
  • How many absences are allowed for this course?

If this class includes off-site locations, this section will tell you how you’re expected to get there.

  • Is transportation being provided?
  • Are you supposed to arrange travel on your own?

Rules, Regulations, and Resources

  • This section details any specifics needed for things like group work, copying, etc.
  • It should also include reference to the Code of Student Conduct and the Pack Pledge
  • Violations of academic integrity will be handled in accordance with the Student Discipline Procedures (NC State REG 11.35.02).

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with the Disability Resource Office at Holmes Hall, Suite 304, 2751 Cates Avenue, Campus Box 7509, 919-515-7653.

For more information on NC State’s policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation (NC State REG 02.20.01).

  • What sites or online services are used in this course?
  • What privacy rights and responsibilities do you have in using those materials?
  • Is the course being recorded?
    • If it is and the recording will be used outside of the class, you have the right to opt-out of being recorded. Contact your instructor.
  • If software is being used in the course to detect the originality of student submissions, the name of the software should also be listed here.
    • If it is possible to check your work prior to submission, resources to assist should be listed as well.

To ensure course continuity, changes made to the method of instructional delivery, course structure, course schedule, number of assignments, grading, or other aspects of the course after the start of the term should be communicated to all students in written form (e.g., dated syllabus revision or syllabus addendum) when course changes are implemented.

  • If the class includes things like laboratory work, physical activities, or field trips that may involve a level of safety training and/or assumption of risk, those will be described here.
    • These topics will be covered in class as early as possible

Students are responsible for knowing their rights and responsibilities. The following is a list of all of the Policies, Rules, and Regulations mentioned in the Syllabus Regulation (either within individual sections above or only here).