Simple Syllabus
What is Simple Syllabus?
Simple Syllabus is a robust centralized platform integrated with Canvas that revolutionizes the way instructors create, manage, and share course syllabi. By leveraging institutional data such as university policies and course details, it auto-populates key content, significantly reducing faculty workload while ensuring alignment with accreditation standards and institutional requirements. Its use of standardized templates guarantees the inclusion of essential information, like those required by BOG Regulation 8.003 Textbook and Instructional Materials Affordability and Transparency, while still allowing for easy customization. The platform also enhances transparency and student engagement by offering a digital, mobile-friendly format where learners can instantly access the most up-to-date syllabus content. With built-in analytics and real-time revision visibility, Simple Syllabus not only streamlines administrative tasks but also fosters a more connected and informed academic experience.
Simple Syllabus Log In:
Syllabi Deadlines:
- Summer 2026 – Syllabi due May 4, 2026 (first day of term) in Simple Syllabus
- Beginning Fall 2026 – Annual Deadlines:
- Fall Syllabi due May 15 each year
- Spring Syllabi due November 15 each year
- Summer Syllabi due March 15 each year
BOG Regulation 8.003 states that the submission deadline is 45 days before term begins (same deadlines as Textbook and Instructional Materials).
Faculty Resources:
- Sign up for your Simple High Ed account: https://simplesyllabus.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
- Instructor Experience Help Articles… https://simplesyllabus.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/categories/16740554765325-Instructor-Experience
- FGCU training resources
- Provost Website: Course Syllabus Guidelines
FAQ
Is it required that faculty use Simple Syllabus to create a syllabus?
- Yes, effective Summer 2026 and beyond, any faculty member teaching a lab, lecture,
discussion, or clinical course at FGCU must use Simple Syllabus to create their syllabus.
- This includes internships, independent studies, and directed research.
The platform was chosen for its efficiency, with the goal of saving faculty time. It also helps FGCU faculty meet requirements specified in various BOG regulations—for example, it will serve as the system for completing the required course materials attestation.
What components cannot be edited and are indicated in red as required for submission?
- Course Curriculum – Approved course description, CLOs, credit hours and Prerequisites & Corequisites will pre-populate and cannot be edited.
- Required/Recommended Textbooks (This comes directly from Barnes and Noble)
What components can be edited and indicated in red are required for submission?
- Other Required/Recommend Materials
- Performance Measurement (Grading Scale)
- Instructor Information
- Assignments (See question below)
Do I need to complete a Schedule of Assignments in addition to setting up assignments in Canvas?
No. You only need to use one option. If you complete the Schedule of Assignments, you do not need to add assignments in Canvas. If you use Canvas assignments, you do not need to complete the Schedule of Assignments. You will need to enter “N/A” or “none” in the Schedule of Assignments if you choose Canvas assignments.
Can I add a component that does not already exist?
- Yes, you can add a new component using the Add New Component button at the bottom of the syllabus. Each new component will appear at the bottom of the syllabus.
Can I rearrange components?
- Yes, use the Reorder button on the left-hand side to move the component to the area where you want it to be. Please note, Simple Syllabus does not have drag-and-drop capabilities.
What is the process for changing a course description or course learning outcome?
- For updates to course descriptions or course learning outcomes, contact your college or school administrator.
What is the difference between “public” or “private”?
- When editing, you can make non-required components Public or Private.
- Public means that anyone who sees the final, published syllabus can see this component. Meaning, anyone can see the information in the FGCU Syllabus Library without credentials.
- If a component is set to private, it will only be visible to students enrolled in the class, the instructor, any approvers, and site administrators.
What is the difference between “visible” or “invisible”?
- When editing, you can make non-required components visible or invisible.
- Visible means that students can see the published version of the component. If it is invisible, no one can see the component.
Where is my syllabus viewed? Who can see my syllabus?
- There is a public syllabus library where anyone in the general public can view components marked as public in any syllabus once they have been published. No login or credentials are required to access public syllabi.
- When using FGCU credentials (through SSO), users who are enrolled in or assigned to teach a course can view the syllabi for the specific courses and sections in which they have a role. In this case, they will see both public and private component content for those courses.
Note: Students can only view the syllabus for the course on which they are enrolled. They can access it through the LMS (Canvas) course shell or the Simple Syllabus library. This is especially important for cross-listed or merged courses, as students will only see the version associated with their enrollment section.
Can I edit a syllabus in Canvas?
- Use the Simple Syllabus link on the left-hand navigation menu in your Canvas course. All syllabus edits must be made in Simple Syllabus, not directly in Canvas.
If I made changes to the Canvas assignments, do I need to change the syllabus?
- Yes, you need to refresh your LMS integration. Refreshing the LMS integration ensures that assignment changes in Canvas are accurately reflected in your Simple Syllabus.
Can another instructor import or copy from my syllabus?
- Yes, it is possible to copy content from one instructor to your syllabus. Please refer for the instructional link https://simplesyllabus.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/categories/16740554765325-Instructor-Experience
What is the difference between course learning outcomes (CLOs) and course goals?
- Course goals reflect the instructor’s instructional intentions, whereas CLOs represent the expected and approved learning outcomes for students.
I am an adjunct without an official office number. Do I need to list my personal phone number?
- No, you can put XXX-XXX-XXXX. You may also direct students to Canvas where they can find your number.
How can I download a PDF or print my syllabus?
- Please refer to the following link for step by step instructions: https://simplesyllabus.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/26723090757517-How-can-I-download-a-PDF-or-print-my-document
Who can I contact if I have questions about the Simple Syllabus template?
- Each college/ school has a designated editor for the template. Please contact your college/school’s leadership office for more information.
Questions? Contact Us:
Planning & Institutional Performance
Merri Incitti-239-590-7048- mincitti@fgcu.edu
Alexis Arnow-239-590-7669- aarnow@fgcu.edu
Wheatly Dorsainvil-239-590-7641- wdorsainvil@fgcu.edu
Brenda Depasquale Gerson-239-745-4629- bgerson@fgcu.edu
