Syllabus - What do great syllabi look like?
A great syllabus includes all the information a student will need to successfully complete the course in an organized, accessible format. The other thing to consider is our students. Many first generation students could benefit from language that is more plain and direct. For example, consider changing "office hours" to "time you can come ask me questions in my office."
A lot of work has been done at Highline College to develop a syllabus template Links to an external site. instructors can use when they're developing a course. In addition, the Academic Affairs department provides information about required and recommended syllabus elements. Be sure to review these syllabus resources to ensure a great syllabus for your students.
In addition, each quarter your course shell will always include a module with College Services and Policies. Consider referring to that module in your syllabus to ensure that students review the content there. Below is an example of what that module looks like. Note that this instructor added a link showing students how to get MS Office 365 for free, which is an excellent service to inform students about.
For more information
Creating Culturally Responsive Curriculum Links to an external site. -- see the section titled "Reflects a Diversity of Voice" (from Portland State University)
How to Create a Syllabus: Advice Guide Links to an external site. (from The Chronicle of Higher Education)
How to Improve Your Teaching With the Course Syllabus Links to an external site. (from Drew C. Appleby on the Association for Psychological Science web page)
How to Write a Syllabus Links to an external site. (from Cult of Pedagogy)
Organizing Syllabi for Online Courses Links to an external site. (from UC Davis)
Syllabus Rubric Links to an external site. (from the Center for Teaching Excellence at UVA)
Writing a Good Syllabus Links to an external site. (from UC Davis)