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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Toronto Metropolitan University

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)

Boilerplate concerning the Email Policy can be copied directly from the Course Outline Policy section on the Secretary of Senate website. Please check the Senate page each semester for current policy.

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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Toronto Metropolitan University

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
  • Before class: Watch lecture video, complete readings, submit an answer to at least two of the guiding questions in D2L.
  • Attend the three hour class lecture.
  • After class: Submit a reflection on the class discussion to D2L.
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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Toronto Metropolitan University

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

Boilerplate concerning Missed class and/or evaluations can be copied directly from the Course Outline Policy section on the Secretary of Senate website. Please check the Senate page each semester for current policy.

Academic Consideration Requests

Boilerplate concerning Academic Consideration Requests can be copied directly from the resources section on the Secretary of Senate website. Please check the Senate page each semester for current policy.

Health certificates

Boilerplate concerning Health certificates can be copied directly from the Course Outline Policy section on the Secretary of Senate website. Please check the Senate page each semester for current policy.

Religious observance

Boilerplate concerning Religious observance can be copied directly from the Course Outline Policy section on the Secretary of Senate website. Please check the Senate page each semester for current policy.

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Toronto Metropolitan University

Faculty of Example
School or Department of Example

Academic integrity and plagiarism

Boilerplate concerning Academic integrity and plagiarism can be copied directly from the Course Outline Policy section on the Secretary of Senate website. Please check the Senate page each semester for current policy.

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.

Boilerplate concerning originality detection or Turnitin can be copied directly from the Course Outline Policy section on the Secretary of Senate website. Please check the Senate page each semester for current policy.

Virtual proctoring

Boilerplate concerning virtual proctoring can be copied directly from the Course Outlines and Suggested Template resources on the Secretary of Senate website. Please check the Senate page each semester for current policy.

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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Toronto Metropolitan University

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.

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:

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