Course Syllabus

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Directions for instructor: Choose Edit to paste a copy of your syllabus into this field. 

Save your Syllabus as a PDF and add it in Files. Include a link to the Syllabus document  for students to click and download and print.

Below is a template for your consideration. 

Syllabus Template

Syllabus Guidelines

Intent: The course syllabus template below is intended to serve as a reference tool that describes components of a comprehensive course syllabus.  If this template is not used to construct a syllabus, faculty are encouraged to include this type of information in their course syllabi in order to clarify expectations and to support student learning and success.  Syllabi have been considered by courts to be almost as binding as contracts, so please take care to write a comprehensive and substantive syllabus.

COURSE SYLLABUS TEMPLATE

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Prefix and Number

Course Title

Quarter

Course Credits

Prerequisites

Course Start/End Dates

Course Location/Times

Required (and/or Recommended) Textbook(s) -- List required course textbooks. Include detail such as full name of textbook, author, edition, ISBN, description (if desired), and if it is a text rental or where it can be purchased. If a required text is available online, indicate where it can be accessed.

Required Materials and Aids -- Include costs of materials, lab fees, lab clothes, kits, special tools, etc.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor Name and preferred title

Phone number

College e-mail address

Office Hours/Availability to students

Office Location

 

COURSE CONTENT

Course Description -- This should match description printed in college catalogue.

Course Objectives – Found on the course outline            

       http://www.southseattle.edu/programs/course-outlines/

Grade Calculation Procedure – how grades will be determined and the weighting of assignments

Grading Scale -- The Seattle Colleges use a numerical grading system. 

Note: This is the example for academic Programs. Other programs use different grade scales. Check with your department for the grade scale. 

Numerical grades may be considered equivalent to letter grades as follows:

Letter Grade

Numeric Grade

Letter Grade

Numeric Grade

A

4.0 - 3.9

C

2.1 - 1.9

A –

3.8 - 3.5

C –

1.8 - 1.5

B +

3.4 - 3.2

D +

1.4 - 1.2

B

3.1 - 2.9

D

1.1 - 1.0

B –

2.8 - 2.5

F

0.0

C +

2.4 - 2.2

 

 

Non-Traditional Grading Options:

  • I — Incomplete. Indicates that the student performed at a passing level, completed most of the course requirements, and intends to make up the missing work. An Incomplete is given only at the discretion of the instructor when the student has attended regularly, done satisfactory work, and furnished satisfactory proof to the instructor that the work cannot be completed because of illness or other circumstances beyond the student's control. Coursework must be completed during the following quarter, excluding summer quarter. If the student fails to remove the "I" by completing the coursework in the specified time period, the "I" will remain on the transcript. The instructor must file a written statement of reasons for giving the Incomplete, listing a description of the work which the student will need to do to remove it, with the dean of the division in which the course is offered. If the student elects to repeat a course rather than make up the work, the "I" will remain on the transcript. The grade earned will compute in the GPA; after receiving an "I" in a course, a student may repeat that course only once.
  • NC — No Credit. Indicates that the student did not fulfill the requirements for receiving an "S" grade, an "N" grade or a numerical grade in the course. A student in good standing may request an "NC" symbol from the instructor prior to the final examination, granted at the instructor's discretion. After an "NC" is issued, the course may be repeated no more than one (1) more time. An "NC" does not affect a student's GPA but may affect a student’s financial aid or visa status.

Evaluation Rubrics and/or Grading Approach – Evaluation rubrics are assessment tools used to measure students' work. There will be a rubric available for each assignment.

Course Withdrawal:  If you decide to drop this course for any reason, and you do not wish your current grade to appear on your transcript, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw with the Registrar’s office by the dates listed in the South Seattle College catalog.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and Assessments  

Note to instructor: Login to Inside Seattle Colleges -> Automated Course Approval -> Course Inventory -> Supplemental to MCO for current course outlines that list applicable SLOs.  Delete all that do not apply to this course.

  • Communication - Read and listen actively to learn and communicate.
  • Communication - Speak and write effectively for academic and career purposes.
  • Computation - Use arithmetic and other basic mathematical operations as required by program of study.
  • Computation - Apply quantitative skills for academic and career purposes.

Ex: 3.1       Human Relations - Use social skills to work in groups effectively.

Ex. 3.2       Human Relations – Have knowledge of the diverse cultures represented

in our multicultural society.

  • Critical Thinking—Think critically in evaluating information, solving problems, and making decisions.
  • Technology - Select and use appropriate technological tools for academic and career tasks.
  • Personal Responsibility – Uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity.       
  • Personal Responsibility – Respect the rights of others in the classroom, online, and in all other school activities.
  • Personal Responsibility – Attend class regularly, complete assignments on time, and effectively participate in classroom and online discussions, group work, and other class-related projects and activities.
  • Personal Responsibility – Abide by appropriate safety rules in laboratories, shops, and classrooms.
  • Information Literacy— Independently access, evaluate, and select information from a variety of appropriate sources.
  • Information Literacy – Have knowledge about legal and ethical issues related to the use of information
  • Information Literacy - Use information effectively and ethically for a specific purpose.

COURSE SCHEDULE AND DUE DATES

Course Schedule/Topical Outline

Critical Dates: (Exams, project due dates, etc.)

If course is online, hybrid, or web-enhanced:

  • Face-to-face meeting, instructor availability, and speed-of-response

            guidelines

  • Communication policy in case of student, faculty, or platform difficulties
  • Help desk contact information
  • Guidelines for “netiquette”
  • Hints/tips for success in the course
  • Links (to tutoring, eLearning, instructor’s site, etc.)

STUDENT ABSENCES FOR REASONS OF FAITH OR CONSCIENCE STATEMENT

Seattle Colleges will grant reasonable accommodation so that students who are absent for reasons of faith or conscience, or for an organized activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization will not have their grades or other learning opportunities from the class be negatively affected. Such absences must be requested in writing within the first two weeks of the quarter.

STUDENT RESOURCES

  • Counseling: School and life in general can be stressful! Sometimes it’s good to know you can talk to someone about difficult times, get some resources, and some help. South Seattle College provides counseling services who help students with personal, academic, and career issues. They are very helpful. You can make appointments by phone or by walking into the Robert Smith Building and going to the Information Desk, located between the registration and financial aid areas. More information can be accessed on the Counseling webpage: https://southseattle.edu/counseling.

Information Desk/Counseling appointment line: (206) 934-6409

    • Yvonne Willis-Oguntuwase - Counselor
    • Don Howard - Counselor
    • Stephen Coates-White – Counselor

 

  • Tutoring: South Seattle College is committed to the success of its diverse student population. Academic support, drop-in centers, small group tutoring and online tutoring are available to ensure that students get the help they need and are able to complete their educational goals. All tutoring is free of charge. The college has several centers that are open during the week, evenings, and weekends. All of the centers have experienced, trained tutors available as well as computers with printing capability. Tutors offer encouragement, flexible schedules, clear explanations, and help students develop good study skills. For more information, please visit: https://southseattle.edu/tutoring.
  • Math Tutoring: Drop in help for students needing assistance in developmental math courses are available in the Math and Learning Lab (MALL) located in LIB 215/216. Help with college-level math and science classes is available in the Math and Science Center (MAST) located in RSB 18.
  • Writing Center: You can find additional writing help at South Seattle Writing Center in LIB 215. There, you will find FREE assistance to help you successfully complete your writing assignments for this course.  In addition to writing workshops, you can also sign up to work with a tutor one-on-one to help you through all stages of the writing process--from understanding your assignment, to outlining, to the revision and refinement stages of paper writing process.  For more information, please visit: https://southseattle.edu/tutoring/writing-center.
  • Northwest E-Tutoring Consortium: An online-only service. Their e-writing lab allows students to submit a draft of one’s paper to a tutor, ask for specific feedback, and receive a tutor’s response within 24-28 hours.  Additional services such as live tutoring via chat and an e-questions discussion board are available for interested students as well.  Visit https://southseattle.edu/tutoring/e-tutoring for more information.
  • Computer Labs: There are computers at various locations on campus, including the Library and Writing Center. If you do not have a computer or printer of your own, arrange to use these public resources well before an assignment is due. Visit http://www.southseattle.edu/computer-labs/ for information.
  • The WALL (Writing and Learning Lab). Similar to the Writing Center, but more focused on grammar and mechanics.  This is a great place to meet students and create study groups.  Located in RSB 16.
  • Academic Accommodations: SSC’s Disability Support Services serves students with a wide array of learning challenges and disabilities. If you are a student who has a physical or mental limitation for which you have documentation or have seen someone for treatment and if you feel you may need accommodations in order to be successful in college, please contact the Disability Support Service’s office at Robert Smith Building, room 12, or call (206) 934-5137. Any contacts and/or information will remain strictly confidential.  For more information, please visit: http://www.southseattle.edu/disability-services/
  • Campus emergencies: If you want to know whether or not the campus has closed due to snow, ice, or any other reason, you can:

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

(e.g. lab safety policies, field trip information, etc. as appropriate) – lab classes must include

  • Lab Safety instructions and requirements
  • Indication that lab waiver form will need to be signed and submitted (note that these forms are in the Academic Programs Canvas shell)

COURSE POLICIES

  • Plagiarism, or academic dishonesty, is presenting someone else’s ideas or writing as your own. In your writing for this class, you are encouraged to refer to other people’s thoughts and writing — as long as you cite them. Many students do not have a clear understanding of what constitutes plagiarism, so feel free to ask questions about these matters at any time. Plagiarism includes:
    • failing to cite sources of ideas
    • failing to cite sources of paraphrased material
    • failing to site sources of specific language and/or passages
    • submitting someone else’s work as his or her own
    • submitting his or her own work produced for another class
    • submitting his or her own work that has been heavily edited and/or rewritten by another

If you have any doubt about how to cite or acknowledge another’s writing, please talk to me. It is always better to be safe than sorry. As a matter of policy, any student found to have plagiarized any piece of writing in this class will automatically receive 0 points without the possibility of make-up and an incident report will be filed with the Dean of Academic Programs.  If a student plagiarizes more than once over the course of a quarter, he or she will receive a 0.0 grade for the course as a whole.

OTHER

  • Extra Credit Opportunities (if applicable)
  • Lake homework and assignments policy
  • Participation policy
  • Alternative Grading policy -- Incomplete (I) and No Credit (NC) Grade procedure

IMPORTANT STATEMENTS

Diversity Statement:

South Seattle Community College is one of the most diverse colleges in the Pacific Northwest. While this strength stems from the demographics of our campus population, we as a community believe our identity goes beyond that. We strive to create a welcoming learning community for all.  We encourage multiple perspectives and the free exchange of unbiased and non-prejudicial ideas and experiences, which broaden our understanding of one another and the world around us. The expectation is that you will join us in this endeavor by contributing to an accessible, safe, and respectful classroom environment, free of discrimination and harassment.  If you are offended, hurt or made to feel unsafe by something that either another student does or says, please let me know. In the same way, please let me know if you are offended, hurt, or made to feel unsafe by something I say or do. It is my intention to ensure this classroom is a safe place for all.

Equal Opportunity Statement

South Seattle College is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disabled veteran status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability, except where a disability may impede performance at an acceptable level. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. https://southseattle.edu/campus-information/equal-opportunity-statement-accommodation

FERPA Information

https://southseattle.edu/registration/ferpa

Recording Release

If you are recording sessions with students, include a statement in your course. Also, have a release waiver in your course for students to acknowledge and accept recording if they are participating.

Whenever you record, repeatedly remind students that the session is being recorded, especially as people join your session. 

If sharing your screen, make sure all personal information is closed. Always use "student view" when showing Canvas. 

Title IX Statement

 South Seattle College is committed to fostering a safe, productive learning environment. Title IX and our school policy (per WAC 132F-121-110) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, which regards sexual misconduct — including harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. We understand that sexual violence can undermine students’ academic success and we encourage students who have experienced some form of sexual misconduct to talk to someone about their experience, so they can get the support they need. You can reach out to me, or anyof the following you feel most comfortable with:

    • Counselors, 206.934.6409, for appointments
    • Linda Manning, Director of HR, South Seattle College 206.934.6415, Manning@seattlecolleges.edu
    • District Compliance Officer
      934.3873
    • Campus Security, 206.934.0911

ALL reports are handled with utmost care and sensitivity.

  • Mandatory Reporting: As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment on our campus, and I also have a mandatory reporting responsibility. It is my goal that you feel able to share information related to your life experiences in classroom discussions, in your written work, and in our one-on-one meetings. I will seek to keep information you share private to the greatest extent possible. However, I am required to share information regarding sexual misconduct or information about a crime that may have occurred on South’s campus with the Title IX Coordinator. ALL reports are handled with utmost care and sensitivity.

Please see Campus Information web page at http://www.southseattle.edu/student-resources/policies-issues-rights.aspx to learn more about campus policies, procedures and rights on these issues.

Emergency Preparedness

South campus emergency preparedness web page is at http://www.southseattle.edu/emergency/

Sign up for emergency alerts:  https://www.getrave.com/login/seattlecolleges 

In case of an Earthquake:  Duck, hold, and cover-don’t run.

In case of an active shooter:  Run, hide, fight.                               

COMPLAINT PROCESS

When possible, students are encouraged to talk with their instructor about any concerns or problems they are encountering in class. 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due