Expectations for Course Syllabi

July 8, 2016

Dear BGSU Faculty Colleagues:

In this second joint communication on implementing our new collective bargaining agreement, we wanted to share information regarding expectations for course syllabi.

The University and the BGSU Faculty Association share a common goal of supporting student success. The role of the faculty is critical to this success, which begins in the classroom and occurs during each class period and each class assignment. The syllabus plays a key role in communicating to the student a faculty member’s expectation of the student as well as what the student can expect of their faculty. As such, the bargaining teams worked collaboratively to include common expectations for BGSU course syllabi (Article 9, Section 2.6). Specifically, BGSU course syllabi are now to include at a minimum:

• A clear statement on course expectations
• The schedule and methods of assessment
• Indicators of support for student success
• Pedagogical efforts that engage students in the learning process

Clicking on the links above will take you to examples and related resources that may be helpful as you review and revise (as needed) your course syllabi for the fall semester. In addition, you can click on examples of complete syllabi that incorporate the new expectations.

In addition, the Center for Faculty Excellence offers resources and a regular schedule of workshops and events on these topics (see CFE Workshop Schedule) and also are happy to schedule consultations with departments/schools. Please contact cfe@bgsu.edu.

This joint communication, along with links above, will be archived on the Provost website. Best wishes for a safe and productive summer.

Rodney K. Rogers, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President

David J. Jackson, Ph.D.
President, BGSU Faculty Association