A strong syllabus works as the foundation for the information conveyed through your course and as a standalone document. This resource was developed to help instructors create an effective course outline based on the principles of UDL (Universal Design for Learning). For additional helpful tips on building your course outline, click on the
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Faculty of Example
School or Department of Example
ABC 101: Course Title
Semester and Year, Section
Classroom Number, Class
Time(s), Place(s)
Instructor information
- (416) 979 - 5000 ext. ______
- Email address: example@torontomu.ca
Email policy
Include any instructions or limitations on students’ use of email in the course, as well as any preference for other means of contact. For more ideas on how to more efficiently deal with communications from students, refer to Responding to Student Email. (Opens new tab)
Course description
Copy and paste the course description from the Toronto Metropolitan University Calendar, which typically includes the course designation (Professional, Professionally-Related or Liberal Studies), hours per week, prerequisites, anti-requisites, and any other course exclusions. Course descriptions for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies are available at Toronto Metropolitan University Calendar. (opens new tab)
Course overview
Teaching methods
A description of the teaching method(s) and technology that will be used.
- You can also describe the format the class will take, for example, laboratory, studio, problem-based learning, seminar, field work, or You can also note if lecture content will be live, pre-recorded or if live sessions will be recorded depending on in person or remote learning.
- If you will be using technology, please indicate which technologies you will use (e.g. Zoom, Google Meet, Google Suite). For remote teaching clarify how the course will be delivered (asynchronously vs synchronously) and which tools will be used for each aspect of the course. You can also note if lecture content will be live, pre-recorded or if live sessions will be recorded depending on in person or remote learning.
- In cases where there are multiple sections of the same course that share a common outline, students should be provided with at least a brief instructor-specific version.
Course materials
Information about textbooks, course readings, and other or and how to access them. Specific details on any in course work, assignments, or exams.
Textbook and learning material costs New for Winter 2025
The Ministry of Colleges and Universities now requires that Course Outlines must include individual pricing for any textbook or other learning material that is mandatory or optional for which a student would incur additional costs. In the event that the cost for the current year is not available at the time the course outline is prepared, the most recent cost should be included with a note indicating that it may change. Also, please include information as to whether there are any restrictions that would prevent a student from using a second-hand copy of the textbook or other learning material. See the CELT Guide to sharing information about textbooks and learning materials in your course outline for more information.
Course learning outcomes
describe what students are expected to have learned or achieved; as a result, they usually describe what students will be capable of doing, or what evidence will be provided to substantiate learning.
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Faculty of Example
School or Department of Example
Topics and course schedule
and corresponding readings (as well as any field trips or required activities outside of class time). Ensure your
Week | Date | Readings | |
---|---|---|---|
Week 1 | September 9 |
|
Chapter readings: 1 & 2 |
Week 2 | |||
Week 3 | |||
Week 4 | |||
Week 5 | |||
Week 6 | |||
Week 7 | |||
Week 8 | |||
Week 9 | |||
Week 10 | |||
Week 11 | |||
Week 12 |
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Faculty of Example
School or Department of Example
Evaluation
- A list and (at least tentative) schedule of all exams, and other work to be graded, and
- The exam, and/or
- A notice if any unscheduled evaluations will be used as part of the grading scheme (e.g. pop quizzes).
- An indication of approximately when the first assessment results or other grades will be returned to students (this should be before the last date to drop the class).
- A statement regarding how late work will be evaluated.
- For online or hybrid courses, a note on whether the final exam will be conducted online or in person.
Assessment weighting breakdown
Evaluation component | Percentage of final grade |
---|---|
Total: | 100% |
University policies
Students must be reminded that they are required to adhere to all relevant university policies found in their online course shell in D2L and/or on the Senate website.
Missed class and/or evaluations
Academic Consideration Requests
Health certificates
Religious observance
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Faculty of Example
School or Department of Example
Academic integrity and plagiarism
Originality detection
An indication of any requirement for the submission of work to an electronic originality detection service or the use of a virtual proctoring system.
Virtual proctoring
Important resources available at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Library
The Library provides research workshops and individual assistance. If the University is open, there is a Research Help desk on the second floor of the library, or students can use the Library's virtual research help service to speak with a librarian.
Student Life and Learning Support
Student Life and Learning Support offers group-based and individual help with writing, math, study skills, and transition support, as well as resources and checklists to support students as online learners.
Copyright
Information on Copyright for Faculty and students.
Other
on significant dates, academic standings, exam schedules, etc., visit the Current Students website.
- The student guide summarizes the policies, fees, procedures and services you’ll need to know as a Toronto Metropolitan University student.
- If taking a remote course, familiarize yourself with the tools you will need to use for remote learning. The Remote Learning guide for students includes guides to completing quizzes or exams in D2L Brightspace, with or without Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, using D2L Brightspace, joining online meetings or lectures, and collaborating with the Google Suite.
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Faculty of Example
School or Department of Example
Accessibility
- Similar to an accessibility statement, use this section to describe your commitment to making this course accessible to students with disabilities. Improving the accessibility of your course helps minimize the need for accommodation.
- Outline any technologies used in this course and any known accessibility features or barriers (if applicable).
- Describe how a student should contact you if they discover an accessibility barrier with any course materials or technologies.
Academic Accommodation Support
Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) is the university's disability services office. AAS works directly with incoming and returning students looking for help with their academic accommodations. AAS works with any student who requires academic accommodation regardless of program or course load.
- Learn more about Academic Accommodation Support
- Learn how to register with AAS
Academic Accommodations (for students with disabilities) and Academic Consideration (for students faced with extenuating circumstances that can include short-term health issues) are governed by two different university policies. Learn more about Academic Accommodations versus Academic Consideration and how to access each.
Wellbeing Support
At Toronto Metropolitan University, we recognize that things can come up throughout the term that may interfere with a student’s ability to succeed in their coursework. These circumstances are outside of one’s control and can have a serious impact on physical and mental well-being. Seeking help can be a challenge, especially in those times of crisis.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 and go to the nearest hospital emergency room. You can also access these outside resources at anytime:
- Distress Line: 24/7 line for if you are in crisis, feeling suicidal or in need of emotional support (phone: 416–408–4357)
- Good2Talk: 24/7-hour line for postsecondary students (phone: 1-866-925-5454)
- Keep.meSAFE: 24/7 access to confidential support through counsellors via My SSP app or 1-844-451-9700
If non-crisis support is needed, you can access these campus resources:
- Centre for Student Development and Counselling: 416-979-5195 or email csdc@torontomu.ca
- Consent Comes First (Office of Sexual Violence Support and Education): 416-919-5000 ext: 553596 or email osvse@torontomu.ca
- Medical Centre: call (416) 979-5070 to book an appointment.
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