12.01.99.R0.05 Guidelines for Content and Distribution of Syllabi: Roles and Responsibilities of Faculty
Effective July 2002

1. In compliance with standards of sound academic practice and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Criteria for Accreditation, faculty at A&M-Commerce commit to the following guidelines.

2. Faculty must select instructional techniques in accord with the purpose of the institution and appropriate to the specific goals of an individual course.

3. Faculty members are responsible for selecting instructional methods and delivery systems that provide students with the opportunity to achieve the stated objectives of each course.

4. Faculty members must provide the following written information to students:

a. the goals and requirements of each course,
b. the nature of the course content (course description), and
c. the methods of evaluation to be employed.

Except in extenuating circumstances, such written information should be made available to the students on the first day of instruction.

5. Faculty must assure that methods of instruction are appropriate to the goals of the course, capabilities of the students, and at the specified level of study; i.e., baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral.

6. Faculty must evaluate their instruction regularly and use the results to insure quality instruction.

7. Faculty experimentation with methods to improve instruction must be adequately supported and critically evaluated.

8. Except in extenuating circumstances, faculty must provide a copy of the syllabus specific to the respective course section to the Department Head prior to the first class meeting. The specific course section syllabus must be in line with the common course syllabus on file in the department office. Copies of syllabi may be requested by external and internal review bodies. Course syllabi are designed to support program plans supportive of the University mission: Texas A&M University-Commerce nurtures and educates for success through access to academic, research, and service programs of high quality.

9. Faculty must inform students of their accessibility for out-of-class advisement and professional consultation relative to course performance and academic achievement. Office hours, a minimum of which are required for each full-time and part-time faculty, should be maintained pursuant to A&M-Commerce Academic Affairs Procedure A12.25.

10. Faculty are encouraged to include in their course syllabi the following statement:

Students requesting accommodations for disabilities must go through the Academic Support Committee. For more information, please contact the Director of Disability Resources & Services, Halladay Student Services Bldg., Room 303D, (903) 886-5835.

11. Faculty are required to include in their course syllabi the following statement:

“All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment.” (See Student’s Guide Handbook, Policies and Procedures, Conduct)

12. This procedure will be regularly reviewed by the Provost Office and will be distributed to all faculty via the Faculty Handbook to be found online.

References: SACS Criteria for Accreditation
A&M-Commerce Student Guidebook
Procedure on Office Hours, A12.25; Procedure A12.08

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CONTACT FOR INTERPRETATION: Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR SYLLABUS

* Course Description (as presented in the current catalog)
Course Title, Value, Class Time and Location
Supplemental Description

* Instructor’s Name, Office Location and Posted Hours for Advising/Consultation, and Other Contact Information (Phone, E-Mail, etc.)

* Goals of the Course
Measurable Objectives

* Course Requirements and Assignments (with Due Dates, optional)
Instructional Methods and Delivery Systems to be Used

Overview of Lessons

Methods of Student Evaluation/Assessment of Student Outcomes
Grading Scale

Tips on How to be Successful in This Class

Methods Used to Evaluate Instruction

Statement on Student Behavior from Student Guidebook
Statement on Accommodations for ADA eligible students

* Required