Making Your Syllabus Student-Friendly

The course syllabus is likely the first interaction your students will have with you and your course. You can make this interaction more welcoming, motivating, and supportive through choices in language and structure. 

We have created a list of recommendations (see below), drawn from evidence-based practices, to help you create a syllabus that engages students. The strategies are organized around three key principles that transform your syllabus from a list of requirements into a warm invitation to the course:

  • Creating Connection: Build a welcoming environment through personal introductions, inclusive language, and community-building statements that make students feel they belong and that their success is important to you. 
  • Offering Support: Provide options, flexible policies, and information about campus and academic resources to support diverse learning needs and minimize barriers to success. 
  • Providing Clarity: Establish trust by setting clear expectations, explaining policy rationales, and organizing information in a way that helps students navigate the course with confidence.

We hope you find these recommendations helpful as you revise existing syllabi or develop new ones. Note that not all strategies will be appropriate for every course, so you will want to choose strategies that align with your context and teaching approach. Small, targeted changes often make the biggest impact, so start with a few key areas rather than attempting a complete redesign.

If you would like someone to review your syllabus with you and discuss ways to make it more student-friendly, schedule a consultation with a TLC staff member. 

Additional Resources

Recommended Strategies

No. Recommendation Why Example
1 Includes 2-3 sentence personal introduction with teaching philosophy humanizes instructor and builds connection "I believe every student can succeed with the right support, because I have seen students thrive when they feel valued and challenged appropriately."
2 Uses "we will" instead of "you must" in at least 3 places  creates partnership rather than hierarchy "We will explore different perspectives, because diverse viewpoints enrich everyone's understanding" vs. "You must analyze multiple viewpoints" 
3 Language welcomes diverse perspectives and experiences validates different backgrounds  "Your varied experiences will enrich our class discussions, because real-world connections deepen learning for everyone." 
4 Course description includes energizing words like "exciting," "explore," or "discover" generates enthusiasm  "We will explore fascinating questions about human behavior, because curiosity drives deeper learning" vs. "This course covers psychology topics"
5 Eliminates threatening language like "will not be tolerated" or "no exceptions" creates welcoming rather than defensive tone Use supportive language like 'to help ensure fairness' instead of 'violations will not be tolerated', because positive framing builds trust.
6 Language assumes students want to learn  builds positive relationships from the start "When you need support" vs. "If you fail to complete work", because assuming positive intent creates a supportive environment.

 

No. Recommendation Why Example
1 Student consultation hours (see APSCUF CBA Article 23.A.1.c) and preferred communication methods are clearly stated

removes barriers to getting help

 "Email me for quick questions (24-hour response), because immediate clarification prevents confusion. Visit student consultation hours for longer discussions, because complex topics need dedicated time."
2 Late work policy includes options for catching up or making arrangements  supports students facing challenges  "Contact me within 48 hours of a missed deadline to discuss options, because I understand that unexpected situations arise and want to support your success." 
3 Assignment descriptions include choices when possible  gives students agency and ownership "Choose your research topic from the provided list or propose your own, because personal interest increases motivation and engagement." 
4 Accommodation statement appears in first half of the syllabus  signals priority and welcomes all learners "Please contact me early in the semester about accommodations, because I want to ensure you have what you need to succeed from the beginning." 
5 Includes specific study strategies, campus resources, or success tips  provides concrete help for achievement 
  • "Form study groups by week 3, because research shows collaborative learning improves retention and understanding." 
  • “This course is designed to be academically challenging. While there is no LARC tutoring for this class, the LARC offers general academic support services including general study skills and time management. Don’t hesitate to use this resource when you need support.” 
  • "We know you cannot learn effectively when you are worried about basic needs. The WCU resource pantry offers free food and basic supplies to help reduce those worries so you can focus on learning, and also provides information about other community support resources.” 
  • “In these uncertain times, you may experience increased stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns that can impact your ability to focus on coursework. The Counseling Center provides confidential counseling and mental health support to help you navigate these difficulties when they arise." 

 

No. Recommendation Why Example
1 Expanded catalog course description provides information on what students will be able to do by the end  helps students see value and relevance "By the end of this course, you will be able to analyze complex data sets, because this skill is essential for research and decision-making in your field" vs. "This course covers statistics"
2 Skills required for success are explicitly stated in course description  reduces anxiety and helps students prepare  "This course requires comfort with algebra and writing 5-page papers, because these skills form the foundation for our advanced topics."
3 AI use policy is clear and specific about what is/isn't allowed  provides guidance in evolving technology landscape  "AI tools may be used for brainstorming ideas because they can spark creativity, but not for writing final drafts, since I need to see your thinking and writing development."
4 All major assignment due dates are listed in one place helps students plan and manage workload  "All major due dates are listed below, because effective time management supports your learning and reduces stress."
5 Assignment descriptions explain how they connect to course learning goals  shows purpose beyond grades "This project develops your ability to synthesize research, because you will use this skill in your capstone and future career." 
6 Grading criteria and expectations are clearly explained  reduces confusion and grade disputes  "Papers are graded on argument strength, evidence use, and clarity, because these skills demonstrate your mastery of course concepts." 
7 Course policies include clear rationale for why they exist builds understanding rather than resentment   "Late penalties help ensure fair grading timelines for all students, because timely feedback supports everyone's learning." 
8 Course schedule is separate document or clearly separated section  improves navigation and updates "The schedule is a separate document, because it may need updates. This keeps the syllabus manageable."
9 Course policies are limited to essential information only  prevents overwhelming students with unnecessary details  "Include only necessary policies, because too much information can obscure what is most important."
10 Course attendance policy is explicit about expectations and consequences  reduces confusion and anxiety  "You may miss 2 classes without penalty, because life happens. After that, each absence affects attendance grades, since regular engagement is essential for learning."
11 Attendance policy explains how attendance supports learning  emphasizes educational value over compliance  "Regular attendance helps you engage with complex concepts through discussion, because peer interaction clarifies difficult ideas."