Sent on behalf of Dr. Mark Bradbury, Interim Vice Provost for Academic Programming and Planning
Dear Faculty Members,
As you prepare your courses for the upcoming semester, we ask that you keep the following university policies and practices in mind:
Syllabus procedures
From the Academic Affairs Standard Operating Procedures — Chapter 2: Instructional Related Protocols (PDF):
OP 2.3 Syllabus. A syllabus must be prepared for each course. It should be distributed to students no later than the second class meeting in any term and placed on file with the department.
The syllabus shall include the following:
- course goals and objectives;
- any materials, including text(s), required of each student;
- contact information for the instructor and available meeting times;
- all assignments which the instructor expects students to complete;
- an explanation of how the final grade is to be determined.
Note: These procedures are currently under review and will be revised before the fall 2026 semester.
University policies to be included in syllabi
Current syllabi should also reflect the following policies and statements:
- Academic Integrity Code
- Access and Opportunity (accommodations for students with disabilities and mandatory reporting)
- Attendance Policy
- Statement on Student Engagement with Courses
You may either include the full text from Academic Affairs’ Syllabi Policy and Statement Information page or simply state in the syllabus that App State has official policies covering each of these categories and provide a link to the page.
Note: Visit the Accessibility and Accommodations page on the Academic Affairs website to learn more about digital accessibility, disability-related adjustments and accommodations and pregnancy or religious academic adjustments and accommodations.
Academic freedom and responsibility of faculty
As a university community, we are committed to upholding the principles of academic freedom, which are essential to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding (Faculty Handbook 2.1, 2.2). This commitment is balanced with our legal obligation to ensure all programs and activities are free from unlawful discrimination and that all individuals are treated equally under the law (Faculty Handbook 2.4 A). Review the Faculty Handbook for more information.
Optional syllabus statements
The Food Insecurity and Public Sharing of Course Materials statements found on Academic Affairs’ Optional Syllabi Policy and Statement Information page have been vetted and are consistent with university policies. They may be included on syllabi as desired.
There is also Artificial Intelligence (AI) Syllabus Guidance on the aforementioned page, including a link to a document titled “Initial Recommendations on Generative AI Policy and Philosophy.” The page also contains recommendations for possible syllabus statements based on the instructor's desire for AI usage in their course.
For classes that are part of the General Education Program, faculty are encouraged to include the following in the syllabus:the General Education component (PDF) the class contributes to, the designation the class meets (if appropriate), and the General Education program goals that their class meets. Faculty are also encouraged to match class assignments with those goals when appropriate. Speak to your department chairperson for information about courses in the General Education Program.
Final exams
While finalizing your syllabi, please keep in mind that final exams are part of the regular academic term, and that meeting time is figured into our SACSCOC and UNC System meeting time minimums.
Classes that have an asynchronous meeting pattern with no assigned meeting time have no assigned exam time.
Course withdrawals
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, students are allowed 16 credit hours of course withdrawals. Review the Course Withdrawal policy.
Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success
As you write your syllabus policies and make other course design decisions, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success (CETLSS) can assist you. Contact CETLSS today to request confidential, one-on-one teaching or career support.
Thank you for all you do for App State and our students.