Syllabus Resources

Since 2007, TCU has provided syllabus templates consistent with TCU policies and best practices. Starting in the Spring of 2025, it is required that all faculty use the template as you create your course syllabi.

Creation of the syllabus template was an iterative process that took place over the course of many months. The Streamlining the Syllabus Template Committee included representation from the faculty senate and faculty as well as undergraduate and graduate student government representatives.

1. Accessibility: An accessible template ensures all students can access the content in your syllabus through screen readers and other types of technology.
2. Accreditation: A syllabus template with a common format is an efficient way to provide documentation of many elements required for SACSCOC accreditation.
3. Clear & Consistent: Including clear and consistent expectations, policies, and procedures in the syllabus provide better outcomes for all.
4. Student-Focused: A syllabus that is accessible, well-organized, and includes elements based on best-practices can have a positive impact on students (e.g. DiClementi & Handelsman, 2005; Harrington & Gabert-Quillen, 2015; Richmond et al., 2013; Richmond et al., 2014; Richmond et al., 2016;  Saville et al., 2010).

Required headings and content in the template are denoted by a red asterisk in the image below.

If an item in the template does not have a red asterisk next to it, it is optional.

After copying the content from your old syllabus, use these keyboard and mouse shortcuts to ensure accessibility and consistent formatting. When copying and pasting, you need to make sure that you select “Use of match Destination Styles/Theme/Formatting.”

To ensure consistency, please use the headings provided. If you would like to change the order of the headings, please check with your college leadership first.

Once you have the required items in your syllabus, feel free to add headings and/or content that you think are important. Let students know who you are and what you think is important. While the format of the common syllabus is standard, the choice of fonts, colors and graphics as well as the tone in which you communicate expectations to students is up to you.

1. Course Component Type: To find out your course’s component type, look it up in Class Search. Look at the three digit code under “Type”. Explanations of these codes can be found here.
2. Preferred Method of Contact: Remember to include your preferred method of contact whether it’s email, text, D2L, or some other method.
3. Connection Among Each Assignment and Learning Outcome(s): Show the connection between each assignment and your learning outcomes. An easy way to do this is to number each of your learning outcomes and list the outcomes after each assignment or within the table of each assignment ‘s contribution to the final grade.

Accessibility of documents can be challenging. We’ve created an on-demand video that specifically addresses the accessibility features of the syllabus template. If you still have questions about accessibility after watching the video, please email us at koehlercenter@tcu.edu.

If you have questions while working on your syllabi, please reach out for help. We offer on demand videos on our website as well as one-on-one consultations.