How Important Is a Syllabus, Anyway?

What is a syllabus?

• A syllabus is your guide to a course and what will be expected of you in that course.

• Generally, it will include course policies, rules and regulations, required texts, and a schedule of assignments.

• It also tells you how much quizzes, tests, papers, and participation are factored into your final grade.

• A syllabus should be able to tell you nearly everything you need to know about how a course will be run and what will be expected of you.

Types of syllabi: paper vs. electronic

Some professors give you physical pieces of paper during the first class.

• Copy those.

• Laminate them.

• Never lose them.

• Other teachers will email them to you or post them online.

• Bookmark them.

• You can print your syllabi and keep them together in a binder.

What to look for on a syllabus

A syllabus is usually a short document that’s packed with lots of info. Here are the dates and expectations to take special note of:

• Final examination

• Final Paper

• Midterm Examination

• Midterm Paper

• Quizzes

• Brief Papers

• Weekly reading records

• Discussion questions or weekly online posts

• Allowed # of excused absences

• Add/drop dates for classes

• Teacher and TA office hours

How to make the most of your syllabus

Everyone operates differently and it may take some trial and error to find the system that works for you. But there are some basic steps that can help anyone get started.

Calendars and planners

You’ll need a readily accessible calendar or planner at all times.

• Use your smartphone as a calendar.

• Post a calendar on your wall or desk.

• Keep a calendar in your planner.

• Do all of the above.

• Daily planners give you more writing room overall, but calendars are helpful for seeing everything at once.

Getting started

When you’re just starting out in college, it can be overwhelming to know how to prioritize. Here’s a step-by-step plan to help you get organized and put those syllabi to good use.

• Collect all syllabi.

• Get your calendar/planner.

• Add all important dates and assignments to your calendar or planner.

• Review your course load from month to month, then from week to week.

• Some assignments will be announced or changed in class, and will not be on the syllabus. Be sure to take note of these.

Plan start dates for studying and paper completion with the following guidelines:

• Review 3 or 4 days ahead of tests.

• Start writing short papers one week ahead of due date.

• For longer term papers, you will likely need to start planning steps a month in advance.

• Schedule in any heavy reading loads or due dates for reading assignments.

• Set regular reminders in your phone.

Monitor your calendar and update as necessary including:

• Study sessions

• Make-up classes

• Parent visits and holidays

• Office hours

• TA Sessions

• Changes in test or due dates

Cross off calendar days and assignments when they’re done!