Syllabus Resources

Per UNC System 400.1.6[R], organized course sections, whether delivery is face-to-face, online or mixed, a course syllabus is required to clearly state:

Course Name, prefix, and course description

Your syllabus should include:

  • Course Name (example: Principles of Biology I)
  • Prefix and Number (example: BIOL 1100)
  • Section Number (example: 001)
  • Course Description from ECU’s Course Catalog (example: Molecular biology, bioenergetics, cellular structure, and physiology. Molecular basis of inheritance and control of gene expression.)

Required Course Materials for Purchase

Faculty Manual Part VI, Section I provides information about required course materials for purchase. ECU’s Dowdy Student Store provides textbooks and other course materials through Barnes & Noble College. For additional information about the ECU First Day textbook program, visit Faculty Frequently Asked Questions.

Student Learning Outcomes or Objectives

Learning objectives should be clearly stated and describe measurable outcomes. The should address content mastery and critical thinking ability. Clear instructions for achieving course objectives and learning outcomes should be provided. (Faculty Senate Distance Education and Learning Technology Committee)

Assessment of Student Performance, Including

Grading Scale

Instructors assign grades on the basis of their evaluation of the academic performance of each student enrolled in their courses. Course grades are based on the quality of the student’s performance as evaluated by the performance criteria stated in the course syllabus. The Faculty Manual (Part VI, Section I, VIII) provides information about grading methods, posting, recording, changing, and giving an incomplete as a grade. The ECU Course Catalog details the grade point system that is used to calculate student scholarship.

Major Assignments and Their Percentages of Final Grade

Performance on tests, quizzes, and examinations are one important indicator of student learning. Instructors should clearly describe the procedures and schedule for tests and quizzes on the course syllabus. Students who are absent from intermediate tests and quizzes with an excuse acceptable to the instructor may be given a make-up test or an excuse from taking the test at the discretion of the instructor. (FS Resolution #10-08, February 2010) (Faculty Manual, Part VI, Section I, VI)

The expectation is that the completion of both face-to-face and online courses will include a final examination or an alternate method of evaluating student progress. Final examinations are required at the discretion of the faculty member and, if given synchronously, must be given at the time indicated in the published final exam schedule, and all students shall have the full scheduled period. Students arriving late may be turned away. If a final examination is not given during the final examination period, the scheduled time for the exam must use the final exam week for instructional purposes. The chair of the unit is responsible for monitoring adherence to scheduled examination requirements.

The University establishes the final examination schedule each semester to reduce conflicts in course final examinations and to meet the UNC established course hour requirements. There will be no departure from the schedule officially published as part of the ECU Academic Calendar except for clinical and non-traditional class schedules, including graduate level courses. Changes for individual student emergencies of a serious nature will be made only with the approval of the instructor. An incomplete (I) for the course will only be given in the case of a student absent from the final examination who has presented a satisfactory excuse to the instructor.

No test serving as a final exam may be given during regular class meetings. Faculty may not give an examination or an assignment in lieu of an examination on Reading Day. (FS Resolution #11-51, April 2011; FS Resolution #18-46, May 2018; FS Resolution #19-79, December 2019) (Faculty Manual, Part VI, Section I, VII)

Attendance/Participation if Portion of Final Grade

“A student’s participation in the work of a course is a precondition for receiving credit for the course. Students are expected to attend punctually all lecture and laboratory sessions and field experiences and to participate in course assignments and activities as described in the course syllabus. Absences are counted from the first class meeting after the student registers. Students registering late are expected to make up all missed assignments in a manner determined by the instructor.

Each instructor shall determine the class attendance policy for each of his or her courses as long as the instructor’s policy does not conflict with university policy. The instructor’s attendance policy, along with other course requirements, will be provided to the class on a syllabus distributed at the first class meeting. Class attendance may be a criterion in determining a student’s final grade in the course if the instructor provides a written statement to this effect in the course syllabus. In determining the number of unexcused absences which will be accepted, the instructor should consider carefully the nature of the course, the maturity level of the students enrolled, and the consequent degree of flexibility included in the instructor’s policy.

Students should consult with their instructors about all class absences. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor immediately about class absences, to provide appropriate documentation for an absence, and discuss any missed class time, tests, or assignments. Except in university-excused absence (UEA) situations where the correct timeline policy has been followed (see below), it is the decision of the instructor to excuse an absence or to allow for any additional time to make up missed tests or assignments. Excused absences should not lower a student’s course grade, provided that the student, in a manner determined by the instructor, is able to make up the work that has been missed and is maintaining satisfactory progress in the course.”

See Faculty Manual, Part VI, Section I, X for information regarding medical absences and university excused absences.