The purpose of the syllabus is to provide information about the course and the broader university learning environment: course objectives, readings, assignments, policies, forms of academic support, and other relevant information to support the student
learning experience. The syllabus outlines the course design and content, providing an overview of what students can expect from the course and professor and the responsibilities and requirements they are expected to fulfill. The syllabus is
a kind of contract between the students and the instructor.
Given the key role that the syllabus plays in guiding student learning and expectations, university policy states that syllabi are required for all classes. All instructors should provide each student with a paper or electronic copy of the syllabus on
the first day of class. For online classes, syllabi should be posted to Canvas before the first day of class. In addition, all faculty members must post their syllabi to Canvas by the end of the first week of class.
Certain items must be included in every course syllabus at The New School, such as a course description, the attendance policy, and the academic honesty policy. All requirements for the 2023–2024 academic year are listed in the
New School Syllabus Requirements. Faculty may find
the Complete Syllabus Template helpful in incorporating these requirements into the syllabus.
The course design section on the Provost's Office faculty development site provides additional information.
In addition to the required items on the syllabus, faculty may want to include supplementary material to help students succeed in the course.
For example, faculty could provide one or more of the following:
- Helpful hints on how to study, take notes, or do well in class
- Glossary of technical terms used in the course
- References on specific topics for more in-depth exploration
- Bibliography of supplemental readings
- Calendar of campus lectures, plays, events, exhibits, or other activities of relevance to your course