Syllabus Changes for Faculty

Wilmington UniversityNew Syllabus Format and Delivery : 

Wilmington UniversityNew Syllabus Format and Delivery Beginning for Spring 2010 Courses

Syllabus Prior to Spring 2010 : 

Syllabus Prior to Spring 2010 One Document contains all “Syllabus” information, including: Course Description Goals and Objectives Textbook Information Evaluation Methods Course Outline/Schedule Major Assignments All instructor-specific information University Policies

Each term, instructors had to : 

Each term, instructors had to Download a fresh ‘generic syllabus’ Fill in their personalized course information in the right areas (do you know…?)

The Problem : 

The Problem Individual instructors are currently responsible for ensuring ALL information in the document is included, current, and accurate. Most instructors reuse documents from previous terms instead of starting from newest, most-up-to date ‘generic’. Students may get outdated or inaccurate information.

Generic Syllabus Challenges : 

Generic Syllabus Challenges Managing accurate Generic Syllabus documents is challenging Approximately 1000 generic syllabus documents Each time a University policy changes, ALL generic documents must be updated.

The Solution : 

The Solution Separate the single document into its component parts. Require instructors to only give students the information they are directly responsible for. Standard/Basic CourseInformation Course Description Goals and Objectives Textbook Information University Policies Instructor-provided information Evaluation Methods Course Outline/Schedule Major Assignments All instructor-specific information

The Solution : 

The Solution Use Blackboard to separate syllabus contentinto different components. Provide active links in Blackboard to the University web site for correct, up-to-date information where possible. ‘Generic Syllabus’ will be renamed ‘Basic Course Information’

Slide 10: 

View/Download Basic Course Information

The Benefits : 

The Benefits Instructors no longer solely responsible for providing students all accurate information previously contained in the generic syllabus. The University will distribute accurate information through Blackboard and the Web Site. Instructors can focus on providing their personalized information for their section of the course.

Pilot Program : 

Pilot Program Piloted new syllabus format inSpring 2009 Block I ENG 111, HUM 361, NUR 333, MSN 7741 Positive feedback from instructors and students via survey Student negative - unable to print whole syllabus as single document

Implementation : 

Implementation Format approved by Academic Council Implement in Spring 2010 Term Blackboard courses for Spring 2010 will be available the beginning of November 2009

Questions? : 

Questions? Contact the Office of Faculty Development and Support Ernie Linsayernest.c.linsay@wilmu.edu302.356.6728