Course Syllabus Guidelines

Course Syllabus Guidelines

Student learning and student success are at the heart of each course taught at FGCU. The course syllabus sets the framework for learning and serves as a critical component of effective teaching. More than a collection of dates and assignments, the syllabus provides the opportunity to communicate proactively and intentionally about what it takes for a student to be successful.

The following information guides the development and posting of course syllabi at FGCU. Staff at the Lucas Center for Faculty Development are available to provide feedback and suggestions on FGCU course syllabi.

Syllabus Management and Repository

FGCU has adopted Simple Syllabus as its syllabus management tool and repository. Simple Syllabus is a centralized, template-driven solution designed to help instructors personalize and publish class syllabi. The tool also helps instructors save time, maintain consistency from semester to semester, and ensure an organized learning experience. For information on Simple Syllabus, please contact Merri Incitti, Director, Assessment and Accreditation, at mincitti@fgcu.edu.

Posting Deadline

Pursuant to the State University System of Florida, Board of Governors Regulation 8.003, syllabi must be posted 45 days in advance of the semester.  Individualized courses, such as directed individual studies, internships, thesis, dissertation defense and performance are exempt. The 45-day posting deadline is effective with summer 2026 syllabi.

If courses or sections of courses are added after the 45-day period, FGCU must post those syllabi when the course or course section are added in the system used for students to register. If instructors are assigned after the 45-day period, the syllabi must be posted when the instructor is added to the registration system. All course changes must be approved by the appropriate supervisor for the course (depending on college, department, and program requirements).

Syllabus Content

All syllabi at FGCU must include the following items. Using the Simple Syllabus templates will ensure each syllabus meets FGCU guidelines and expectations.

1. Course number, course reference number (CRN), and course title 
2. Semester and year and course credit hours 
3. Meeting times and locations, including final exam date and time (if applicable). Include Online/Synchronous/Hybrid/Blendflex/Flex/Off Campus course modality information (as applicable)  
4. Instructor's name, FGCU title/rank, and any relevant degree(s), licensure(s), and/or certification(s)  
5. Faculty office number, campus telephone number, email address, and office hours  
6. Course description (as listed in Gulfline)  
7. Pre and co-requisites for the course (as listed in Gulfline)  
8. College and department offering the course 
9. Student learning outcomes for the course  
10. Required, recommended, and optional textbook(s) and other course materials  
11. Grading scale, including grade categories and weights (e.g., exams 40%, group project 30%, daily quizzes 10%, etc.)
12. Attendance policy 
13. Policy regarding assignment completion deadlines 
14. If applicable, indicate if the course meets any of the following:
    1. the College-Level Writing Skills requirement
    2. the College-Level Mathematics Skills requirement
    3. the University Sustainability Course Graduation requirement
15. If the course is in the General Education Program, indicate which General Education subject area it satisfies (Communication, Mathematics, Humanities, Social Sciences, or Natural Sciences)
16. Special department or college policies (as applicable) 
17. FGCU Core Syllabus Policy Statement:

FGCU has a set of central policies related to student recording class sessions, academic integrity and grievances, student accessibility services, academic disruption, and religious observances that apply to all courses at FGCU. Be sure to review these online at: 
https://www.fgcu.edu/about/leadership/officeoftheprovost/core-syllabus-policy-statements

The following should be made available to students prior to the first day of classes, and can be included in the syllabus, or within the FGCU learning management system (Canvas).

1.  Schedule of course activities and assignments, including due dates for papers, projects, and exams, with note that schedule is subject to change with notice.
2. Evaluation methods, assessment, and grading policy, and relevant due dates.