Speaker 1: A good syllabus establishes reasonable expectations, creates a strong first impression, and sets the tone for the course. Hi, I'm J.D. Wright, a teaching consultant at the University Center for Teaching and Learning. In this video, we'll offer you some tips that will help you use the syllabus checklist to create a stellar syllabus. Before we get started, please keep in mind that although the University of Pittsburgh does not have an institution-wide syllabus template, some schools and departments do. So it's always a good idea to ask your chair or department administrator about any requirements that you'll have to follow in crafting your syllabus. Take a look at the syllabus checklist. The first and second pages mostly list must-have elements of the syllabus, like information about the course, grading policies, and the schedule. Near the middle of page 2, you'll find a list of additional supplemental information that you might want to include, things like rubrics, an FAQ, or a summary of your teaching philosophy. On pages 2 and following, you'll find some language for policies and statements, an academic integrity statement, and a disability statement are required elements of your PITT syllabus, while others can be added depending on your own personal preferences and priorities. Beyond its content, think about the tone of your syllabus. In a 2011 study at Penn State, researchers found that when given a syllabus with a warm tone, students perceived the instructor as much more approachable and motivated to teach. They also thought that the class with a cold tone syllabus was harder, even with the exact same syllabus content. Lastly, think about the visual arrangement of your syllabus. Above all, a syllabus should be comprehensive without being too long, and it should be easy to read and navigate. Using subheadings, bolded text, and bullet points can help. And don't be afraid to get a little creative with color, call-out boxes, quotes, images, and other elements that can add visual appeal to your document. This technique makes it more likely that students will return to and re-read your syllabus. Speaking of reading the syllabus, there are several ways to encourage your students to engage with your syllabus in a meaningful way beyond just reading it. Check out our handout with five tips about getting your students to engage with the syllabus. If you need help preparing a stellar syllabus, contact the Center for Teaching and Learning to set up a consultation.