Syllabus

Instructors have four options to choose from while setting up the course:

• Use BYU Learning Suite Syllabus: to create a syllabus integrated with Learning Suite.
• Upload a syllabus: to upload a file that contains the syllabus. Select Upload a Syllabus. Click Choose… and locate the correct file in the computer. Click Open. This will provide a link for the students to download the file when they click on the Syllabus tab in Learning Suite.
• Link to another website: to navigate the students to a website containing the syllabus. Enter the website URL in the text box. Once saved, the Link button will appear next to the website URL entered. This gives the option of opening the website entered and saved. Students will see the link when they click on the Syllabus tab in Learning Suite.
• Do not include a syllabus: to not create a syllabus in Learning Suite and the Syllabus tab will not appear to students.
  Note: Some departments require professors to include an online syllabus. Check your department’s policies for more information.

After selecting the preferred option, click Save.

Note: Instructors can change the type of syllabus used at anytime. To do so, click Setup from the Syllabus navigation menu. Change to the desired option. Click Save.

Use BYU Learning Suite Syllabus

Instructors who have selected Learning Suite Syllabus for their course can edit the syllabus according to preference.

The Instructors/TAs and Class Information items are automatically selected on the Syllabus.

This information carries over from the Users and Setup pages on the course Home page.

Note: Co-instructors and TAs have full access to your course, so add users with discretion.

Policies

The Policies section will display the three mandatory University policies that are permanently included in your syllabus. Add University additional policies by clicking the appropriate checkbox. Click Save.

To add personal policies, click Create new policy.

Enter the new policy field name. Click Save. Open the policy tab, then Edit Field Policy to type personal course policies in the text box provided.

Users can either type directly or copy and paste information from an old syllabus using the add document icon (using this button will help preserve previous formatting). To erase previous formatting and make all old text uniform to Learning Suite text, click the Remove Format button. Click Save.

1. Click the checkbox(es) next to the section(s) to include in the syllabus. Each item selected will be a section heading in the syllabus under which information can be entered. The items already listed are not required fields and will not be included in the syllabus unless they are selected.

2. Click Add Field to add a section not listed. A dialog window will appear. Type the name of the additional field in the Field Name text box. Click Save.

Note: This step reflects the process for setting the course prerequisites, grading policy, participation policy, attendance policy, classroom procedures, study habits, and teaching philosophy.

Course Description

The description will provide students with a brief overview of why the course is being offered, what will be taught and what they can expect to learn. It should be information similar to what is found in the course catalog.

Type the course description in the text box provided. Users can either type directly into these fields, or copy and paste information from an old syllabus using the add document icon (using this button will help preserve previous formatting). Click Save and Continue.

Prerequisites 

Instructors may consider including courses, experiences, or skills they feel that students need in order to succeed. Distinguish between those that are required and those that are recommended. Also include any required evidence students to produce.

Materials

The preset Materials section is connected to the BYU Store’s database. Any texts or materials linked to your course through that database will automatically appear on this page. Click Edit Booklist to change any required course materials. The user will be directed to the BYU Store external website. Click Save and Continue.

Note: Learning Suite hosts course material information through the BYU Store website. For more information help from the BYU Store, please call 801-422-3004.

Grading scale

Determine how final grades are calculated by setting the grade scale. Grade scales can be created based on points, percent, or distribution. Click Save and Continue. Click here to learn more about setting a grade scale.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes set the purpose for the course. Learning Outcomes required by the department are already listed.

Note: Learning outcomes added in Learning Suite will automatically appear on the Learning Outcomes website (learningoutcomes.byu.edu) listed under this course and the instructor's name.

Grading Policy

Having a grading policy essentially creates a contract between the instructor and their students. It may include information about extra credit, late work, class participation, a grading curve, and such.
Example of a Grading Policy: " To receive full credit, assignments must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on the due date. Late assignments will be reduced 10 percent per day (including weekends). Assignments will not be accepted for credit five days after the due date."

Participation Policy

Students want to know about anything that affects their grades. If participation is important in an instructor's course, they may want to discuss the following topics:

• How participation affects grades
• What constitutes participation
• Who evaluates participation    

Attendance policy

If attendance is important in the course, the instructor may want to discuss the following topics:

• How attendance will affect grades
• If attendance will be taken
• What happens if students arrive late or leave early
• What is an excused absence
• How to get information about what happened in class when a student was unable to attend
• How students should submit assignments due in class if they cannot attend that day
• What happens when students are late due to inclement weather

Classroom Procedures

Topics may include:

• The policy concerning cell phones, laptops, food and drink in class
• The materials students should bring to class
• The best way for students to communicate with you and other instructors or TA’s
• Classroom safety

Study habits

Topics may include:

• How to effectively read the textbook
• Effective note taking
• Memorization techniques
• Time-management tips
• Group study tips
• Preparing for tests

Distribute Syllabus

• Link: Share the syllabus with anyone, regardless if they are a user on Learning Suite, by distributing the link.
• Print: Click on the Print icon, then select the desired information to print.

Note: The box items under Course Information will need to be checked before opening the print menu in order for these to be selected.