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How to Read a Syllabus

October 06, 2025

Posted by �Թ��� in Reading Resources 

Your course syllabus provides important information about your course, instructor and expectations. Many student questions are answered in a course syllabus, and this handout covers what to expect in a typical syllabus as well as how to read it for details.

What is a Syllabus:

• Includes instructor’s contact information and office hours.
• Highlights course information/topics, prerequisites, assignments.
• Explains assessments, policies, deadlines, and where to go for help.

Contact Information:

• I know how to reach my instructor.
• I found the instructor’s office hours and where to go.
• I know how my instructor prefers me to reach out, such as via email.

Course Information:

• I can locate the course information, including location, meeting day/time as well as perquisites, course description, objectives, and outcomes.
• I know what required materials I need, including a textbook, and where to purchase these materials.
• I read and understand the course schedule and assignments, including deadlines, and will plan time to work on my assignments.
• I read and understand my instructor’s policies about participation, missing class, and deadlines.
• I understand the importance of academic integrity, including plagiarism, and will follow those policies.
• I read and understand how assignments are weighted and how my grade will be determined.
• I know how to go to Academic Success & Tutoring for free tutoring on any subject area.
• I will reach out to my instructor for help understanding anything in the syllabus.