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New Part-Time Faculty

This guide supports the onboarding of our valued part-time faculty at Marian University.

Syllabus Format

The information in this section is summarized from the Faculty Handbook. The syllabus is a key communication tool that provides students with essential course information. Faculty must provide a syllabus to all students during the first week of class and upload the syllabus to the faculty activity reporting system by the third week of the semester. Per the Faculty Handbook, required syllabus components include the following:

1. Course Information

  • Date Submitted
  • Department
  • Course Number & Title
  • Room, Meeting Days & Times
  • Semester & Year
  • Instructor Name & Contact Information
  • Credit Hours (include lecture and lab periods per week)
  • Required Texts & Materials (include lab manuals or references as applicable)
  • Course Description (must match the catalog description)

2. Learning Outcomes & Expectations

  • Student Learning Outcomes:
    • Clearly state assessable learning outcomes.
    • Indicate assessment methods (e.g., exams, papers, presentations, etc.).
    • If applicable, align course outcomes with program or general education learning outcomes.
  • Methods & Procedures:
    • Describe topics covered and teaching methods (e.g., lectures, discussions, labs, experiential learning).
    • Specify required assignments or deliverables.
    • Note any prerequisite knowledge or skills.
  • Course Requirements:
    • Outline the type and number of activities (e.g., book reviews, quizzes, presentations, projects, etc.).
    • Explain grading weight for each assignment type.

3. Attendance Policy

  • Clearly state whether attendance impacts grades.
  • Explain how absences affect learning and course progress.
  • Generally accepted practice: Students missing more than 20% of class hours may fail or be withdrawn.

4. Assessment & Grading Criteria

  • Assessment Procedures:
    • Detail how student learning will be evaluated (e.g., rubrics, exams, peer reviews).
  • Grading Policy:
    • Outline grading criteria and weight distribution.
    • Ensure alignment with course objectives.

5. Course Outline

  • Provide a weekly or daily schedule of topics, assignments, and assessments.
  • Include due dates for major assignments and exams.
  • If applicable, reference additional details on the Learning Management System (LMS, currently Canvas).

6. Syllabus Policies Link

To shorten your syllabus, keeping it focused on your own classroom policies, a link to Marian University Syllabus Policies can be included: Marian Syllabus Policies (https://www.marian.edu/center-for-teaching-and-learning/resources-for-student-success/marian-syllabus-policies/)