AA/PPS 02.03.02 - Syllabus

POLICY STATEMENT

Texas State University upholds a commitment to academic transparency and excellence through a standardized syllabus policy.

1. SCOPE

   1. The purpose of this policy is to establish requirements for syllabus content and accessibility at Texas State University. This policy aligns with state regulations mandating specific syllabus elements and supports consistent communication of course expectations, grading criteria, and instructional methods.

   2. This policy ensures that all syllabi provide essential course information to support student success and are aligned with Texas Education Code, Section 51.974 requirements.

2. DEFINITIONS

   1. Contact Hours – the time dedicated to direct instruction and student engagement, specified in course schedules.

   2. Course Designations – specialized labels (e.g., AI-Engage, AI-Discover) that identify and enhance courses with substantial content in specific focus areas knowledge and skills for students, advisors, and stakeholders. They facilitate course selection, advising, employer understanding of graduate competencies, and institutional tracking of learning outcomes in emerging fields.

   3. Instructional Modality – the method by which the course is delivered (e.g., in-person, online, hybrid).

   4. Learning Outcomes – the skills or knowledge students are expected to gain and acquire upon completing the course.

   5. Syllabus – a document outlining essential course information, including descriptions, grading policies, assignments, learning materials and resources, and institutional policies.

3. REQUIRED SYLLABUS COMPONENTS

   Each course syllabus must contain the following elements:

   1. Couse Information – course title, prefix/number, semester/year, instructor name, contact information, office hours, course designator (if needed), and class meeting times and location.

   2. Course Description – Instructors must use the course description provided in the catalog and the course management system (CIM) on the syllabus.

   3. Student Learning Outcomes – The specific learning outcomes provided in the course management system (CIM) identify skills and knowledge the student will learn and achieve during the course and must be explicitly stated on the course syllabus. Additional outcomes needed for accreditation or similar requirements may be added as a subsection of learning outcomes.

   4. Teaching Modality – description of the instructional modality, attendance requirements, and options for accessing course recordings, if applicable.

   5. Course Materials – required and recommended textbooks, learning materials and resources, and any necessary required technology or devices.

   6. Grading Policy – criteria for grading, including the weight of each assignment, attendance policies, and details on late work and make-up assignments.

   7. Classroom and Behavioral Expectations – policies on attendance, participation, behavior, and professional standards. Provisions for respectful discourse and content warnings for sensitive material must be included.

   8. Artificial Intelligence Expectation Statement – a statement indicating expectations for student use of artificial intelligence in the course. Faculty can find guidance and sample Artificial Intelligence (AI) statements on the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship webpage.

   9. Academic Integrity – statement on adherence to Texas State’s Honor Code, with consequences for violations.

   10. University Policies and Resources – information on university policies, including academic integrity, classroom learning and testing accommodations, health and well-being, and emergency management.

4. ACCESSIBILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

   1. In accordance with Texas Education Code, Section 51.974, each syllabus must be accessible to students through the Texas State online learning platform (Canvas). All syllabi should be published before the first day of class each semester and remain accessible throughout the course.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES

   1. Office of Curriculum and Academic Programs – ensures compliance with syllabi publication and accessibility standards.

   2. Faculty and Instructors – responsible for creating, updating, and distributing syllabi in accordance with this policy.

   3. Academic Departments – monitor and ensure that all syllabi meet policy standards.

6. REVIEWERS OF THIS PPS

   1. Reviewers of this PPS include the following:

      Position	Date
      Vice Provost for Academic Innovation	June 1 E5Y
      Associate Vice Provost for Curriculum and Academic Programs	June 1 E5Y
      Chair, University Curriculum Committee	June 1 E5Y
      Chair, Faculty Senate	June 1 E5Y

7. CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

   This PPS has been approved by the following individuals in their official capacities and represents Texas State Academic Affairs policy and procedure from the date of this document until superseded.

   Vice Provost for Academic Innovation; senior reviewer of this PPS

   Senior Vice Provost

   Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs