Undergraduate Course Syllabus
Updates to this policy have been approved effective for the Fall 2026 semester. For classes offered prior to Fall 2026, see the policy text here.
The distribution of course information is required for all University undergraduate courses on the first day of the class.
Syllabus
A statement of intent and schedule of topics/activities that serves as an implicit agreement between the instructor and students. This information must be posted to the course learning management page. An electronic copy must be retained by the offering department.
For co-convened 400/500-level classes, the instructor may use a single syllabus for the jointly-convened class, which must meet the requirements of both the Undergraduate and Graduate Syllabus Policies.
The following information must be provided in the syllabus:
Instructor Information
Name(s)
Office number(s)
Email address(es) and/or phone number(s)
Availability (i.e., office hours, open-door policy, response time to questions)
Course Information
Course Objectives - what will be covered in the course. This must align with the approved Course Catalog description.
Expected Learning Outcomes - what the student should learn or be able to do upon completing the course. Learning outcomes should be stated in measurable terms and should be aligned with the learning outcomes for the program (e.g., major, minor, general education).
Grading scale and grade policies - specify in detail the methods of evaluation, how these methods factor into the final grade, and the scale used to determine final grades (as defined in the course catalog). State how late assignments and extra credit opportunities, if any, will be handled.
Class Participation Policies & Expectations
State the class participation policies – what constitutes participation and how that will be evaluated.
For classes with required synchronous meeting patterns, state the class absence policies.
Classroom behavior policy – policies to foster a positive learning environment, including use of cell phones, mobile devices, etc.
Required Class Materials and Assignments
Required and recommended texts or readings and where to locate those readings.
Required special materials or supplies, if any.
Required examinations, papers, and other graded assignments. For co-convened courses using a single syllabus for graduate and undergraduate students, clearly distinguish between graduate and undergraduate requirements and workload expectations.
Required extracurricular activities – explain field trips, service-learning activities, etc., with the expected time commitment.
Final examination or project – identify the date and time of the final exam (or project due date) with a link to the Final Exam Regulations and Schedule.
Schedule of Topics and Activities
Present the weekly/daily schedule, including assignment due dates and exam dates.
University Policies
List the following statement:
All students must familiarize themselves with the policies and resources at the following link: https://catalog.arizona.edu/syllabus-policies
Or, list individual policies or policy links directly on syllabus:
Threatening Behavior by Students Policy, which prohibits threats of physical harm to any member of the University community.
Student Code of Academic Integrity that prohibits plagiarism.
Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy on prohibited behaviors.
Disability Syllabus Statement provided by the Disability Resources Center.
Religious Accommodation Policy; absences for any sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice will be accommodated where reasonable.
Absences pre-approved by the University Dean of Students (or dean’s designee) will be honored.
Subject to Change Statement
Include a statement indicating that the information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grade and absence policies, may be subject to change with reasonable advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
Individualized Learning Contract
For courses where the standard syllabus format does not adequately capture individualized learning experiences—such as internships or research projects—an Individualized Learning Contract may be utilized. This agreement between the student and instructor must address:
Learning outcomes aligned with the course catalog description
Expected activities (e.g., reading, lab work), time commitment, and total units of credit
Meetings and communication expectations
Work products and evaluation criteria
Applicable University syllabus policies (at the following link: https://catalog.arizona.edu/syllabus-policies)
The contract must be delivered to the student by email or hard copy and retained by the department.
Related Guidelines & Links: