LA&PS offers optional course templates to support instructors at different stages of course development and teaching. In addition to these templates, instructors can explore an alternative course outline approach with the visual syllabi to help enhance clarity and student engagement, and an exam cover page template to support communication of key assessment policies and expectations. Additional resources are also available on the Teaching Hub related to course policies, sourcing course materials and teaching with the course outline.
Course Outline Templates
Two optional course outline templates are available, which include recommended sections and sample language aligned with the Senate Guidelines for the Preparation of Course Outlines/Syllabi as well as faculty and institutional Course and Grading Policies. Instructors are encouraged to use the template(s) that best suit their timeline and teaching context.
Course Outline Template
The Course Outline Template is a comprehensive document intended for finalized course syllabi.
This template is recommended once course details are confirmed and prior to the submission deadline.
Short Course Outline Template
The Short Course Outline is a streamlined planning document for instructors to prepare and share tentative core course information ahead of the deadline for the full Course Outline. Providing key course details ahead of time can help students make informed enrolment decisions and minimize churn at the start of the semester.
The Short Course Outline focuses on essential course details and while not final, aims to provide students with core information to support their enrolment planning. Note: Instructors using this template will still be expected to provide their final Course Outline once course planning is complete.
Using the Course Outline Template
The course outline template can support instructors in developing their final course outline, by:
- Using it as a planning guide: Refer to the template early as a guidepost while developing and reviewing course details.
- Finalizing details: Add confirmed and reviewed course information to the template once planning is complete.
- Sharing with students: Distribute the finalized course outline as early as possible. If feasible, share ahead of the submission deadline.
For further guidance on required university policies and suggested alternative wording for course outlines, please visit the LA&PS Course Policies page.
Interested in Visual Syllabi?
Visual syllabi can help transform how students engage with a course from day one. They complement existing course outlines by visualizing learning outcomes, course topics and assessment deadlines at a glance. Usually only 1–2 pages in length, visual syllabi can support students with engaging in course expectations and planning for upcoming assessments.
Interested in creating a visual version of the course outline to support clarity, engagement, and navigation? Reach out to the LA&PS Teaching & Learning team to browse examples or get support in creating a tailored version for any teaching context. Reach us at lapsteach@yorku.ca.
LA&PS Exam Cover Page Template
LA&PS offers an optional and customizable test cover page template to support academic honesty during tests and exams. The template includes a checklist sharing expectations related to academic honesty, including reminders about unauthorized aids and technologies in test settings. The information shared in the template can be changed and customized to fit tests and exams in any course.
