Expectations Setting Language in Syllabi

Expectation-setting in your syllabus can cover a wide range of topics, including technical instructions as well as behavioral and value-setting language. The questions below are not comprehensive, but instead are meant to provide a starting place for you in online or in person teaching settings.

Canvas and Communications

What behavior do you expect on a discussion board?

Example syllabus language: The purpose of the discussion boards is to allow students to freely exchange ideas. It is imperative to remain respectful of all viewpoints and positions and, when necessary, agree to respectfully disagree. While active and frequent participation is encouraged, cluttering a discussion board with inappropriate, irrelevant, or insignificant material will not earn additional points and may result in receiving less than full credit. Frequency matters, but contributing content that adds value is paramount. Please remember to cite all sources—when relevant—in order to avoid plagiarism. Please post your viewpoints first and then discuss others’ viewpoints.

What communication expectations do you have for your students?

Example syllabus language:  Interacting with your instructor and peers in discussions, you will be expected to communicate by Canvas message, email, and sync session.

Example syllabus language: Your instructor may also make themselves available by phone or text. In all contexts, keep your communication professional and respect the instructor’s posted availability. Just as you expect a response when you send a message to your instructor, please respond promptly when your instructor contacts you. Your instructor will expect a response within two business days. This will require that you log into the course site regularly and set up your notifications to inform you when the instructor posts an announcement, provides feedback on work, or sends you a Canvas message. For guidance on setting your notifications, please review How do I set my Canvas notification settings as a student? It is also recommended that you check your u.northwestern e-mail account regularly, or forward your u.northwestern e-mail to an account you check frequently.

In-Class Behaviors

Are there any documents students should have open during a synchronous session or an in-person class?

Example syllabus language: Prior to joining each class meeting, please download the handout for class (available under the “Modules” tab on Canvas), which will be required to follow the class presentation and discussion.

How should students get your attention for a technical issue or content question during an online synchronous session?

Example syllabus language: If your question pertains to Zoom troubleshooting (your audio/video isn’t working, you have any kind of logistical issue, etc.), please notify your TA through Zoom’s Chat window. If you would like to make a comment or ask a question about the content of the class, please select the Raise Hand icon.

How should students manage their video and audio during your session?

Example syllabus language: If you are not talking, have your microphone off. I encourage you to keep your video on throughout the class if possible, but it is not required. You may choose to use the alternative background feature on Zoom if you want to.

What kind of participation expectations do you have during synchronous sessions?

Example syllabus language: Some class or discussion sections will use the Polls feature. These polls will prompt you to answer specific questions about course materials (lecture or readings) or the class itself. Please answer promptly to ensure a productive flow of discussion.

Example syllabus language: Please participate in the shared learning environment and try to avoid distractions. During our sessions, do your best to avoid any online and other activities, as well as communications that do not relate directly to the class. If possible, put your phone away or limit its use to class-related activities, and/or technical questions.

Example syllabus language:  Know that you may be required to share your screen to present your work, and/or other related class materials. Therefore, what’s visible in your screen and browser should be appropriate for a scholarly environment.

Value-Setting Language

What kind of classroom culture do you want to create, either in-person or during synchronous sessions?

You may find that in addition to language about logistical expectations, you also want to create a statement describing your goals around classroom culture. We've compiled the following resources to help get you started.

AccessibleNU offers a variety of syllabus statement examples of expectations-setting language around accommodations and the appreciation of diversity.

The Searle Center for Advancing Learning & Teaching also offers a page of DEI syllabus statement resources, including both example syllabus statements and questions to consider as you develop your statement.

If you're giving thought to including a land acknowledgement in your syllabus, the website for Northwestern's Native American Inclusion Initiative offers a page with a land acknowledgement graphic and resources to support your inclusion of a land acknowledgement in your course(s).