Syllabus Support
Crafting a Syllabus //
Per University Faculty Senate Policy 43-00, a syllabus must be distributed to students in either written or electronic format. Partner with the CTE to craft a print or digital syllabus.
2024-2025 Syllabus Checklist
Use our checklist to ensure your syllabus contains the most updated policy language.
Syllabus Template Information
This document is created to provide a more direct copy of text from document to document.
Accessible Syllabus Template
Edit each section of this template to quickly create an accessible word document syllabus.
Canvas Template
Copy/paste the entire document into your Canvas syllabus page HTML editor to create a web syllabus.
Past Syllabus Checklists
- Download a copy of the 2024-2025 (Spring) Syllabus Checklist.
- Download a copy of the 2024-2025 (Fall) Syllabus Checklist.
Required Syllabus Statements //
The following statements are required on all Penn State Harrisburg syllabi:
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest, and responsible manner. Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at The Pennsylvania State University, and all members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle.
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity, an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Please be aware that Turnitin may be utilized as a plagiarism detection tool in this course. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
See also the Penn State academic integrity resources and the academic integrity policy of Penn State Harrisburg.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Success in college depends heavily on your personal health and wellbeing. Please recognize that some stress and anxiety is an expected part of life and the college experience, which can be compounded by unexpected setbacks or life changes outside the classroom. Penn State Harrisburg has a number of support options listed in this syllabus.
If you are experiencing issues that feel unmanageable, you reach the point that you have difficulty concentrating and/or feeling motivated, or experience anxiety or depression that interferes with your ability to take care of yourself or your daily responsibilities, please consider talking with someone in our CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) office. CAPS provides a range of services to help you navigate issues that are impacting your ability to be healthy, well, and productive at college.
You can learn more about the confidential mental health services available on campus at CAPS by visiting the CAPS website or by calling (717) 948-6025 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. CAPS is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Enrichment Center (SEC), in Suite 205.
You can speak to an available counselor 24/7/365 any time by calling 1-877-229-6400 or by texting “LIONS” to 741741.
Mandated Reporting
Penn State is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, or physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Gender-based and sexual harassment, including sexual violence, are forms of gender discrimination in that they deny or limit an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from University programs or activities. For reporting resources, and support, please visit Penn State’s Title IX website.
Penn State strongly encourages all members of the campus community to take appropriate action by providing support and encouraging those impacted by such incidents to submit a report to Student Advocacy, Dr. Kelly Weaber or Aimee Wheeler (information below). You may also submit a report online by using the Incident Report Form found here: Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response Incident Report Form. If the University Title IX staff receives information about an incident, they will reach out to offer information about resources, rights, and procedural options available to you.
At Penn State Harrisburg, your contacts are:
Dr. Kelly Weaber, Associate Director, Student Advocacy
Penn State Harrisburg
212 Student Enrichment Center
717-948-4396
Krw5476@psu.edu
Aimee Wheeler, Student Advocacy Specialist
Penn State Harrisburg
212 Student Enrichment Center
717-948-4396
Asw5677@psu.edu
Penn State’s Title IX Coordinator is:
Title IX Coordinator
titleix@psu.edu
The mandated reporting section above is required; the section below is optional.
Other resources that are available include:
- Penn State Harrisburg Counseling and Psychological Services
SEC 205 – 717-948-6025
PSU Crisis Service Lines (24/7): Text “LIONS” to 741741 or call (877) 229-6400
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – 988
- Department of Safety & Police
Campus Police – 717-979-7976
Emergency – 911 - Rape Crisis Center – 717-238-7273 or 1-800-654-1211
- Penn State Harrisburg Student Health Services
220 Capital Union Building – 717-948-6015 - Penn State Hotline 800-560-1637 (Anonymous reporting)
Disability Access
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. Penn State values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to a climate of mutual respect and full participation. Our goal is to create environments that are usable, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming. Every Penn State campus has a Student Disability Resources (SDR) office. SDR at Penn State Harrisburg is located in the Student Enrichment Center (SEC) Suite 205.
To receive consideration for academic accommodations, auxiliary aids, and/or services, please contact SDR. SDR will engage students in an individualized, interactive, and confidential process to review requests on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please visit the SDR website (harrisburg.psu.edu/disability-services).
Please contact the SDR Office at Penn State Harrisburg if you have any questions or would like to discuss accommodations. You can call 717-948-6025, email hbgsdr@psu.edu, or visit the office Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m
Educational Equity
Penn State takes great pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, harassment, and/or incivility due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through the Educational Equity at the Report Bias site: https://equity.psu.edu/reportbias. Penn State’s Code of Conduct can be found on the Student Affairs Student Code of Conduct website.
Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Inclusive Excellence Center at clj15@psu.edu or (717) 948-6256.
Student Attendance Policy
NOTE: The syllabus is required to include attendance, lateness, policy for missed classes under Course Policies. The language below is suggested as an option for the course attendance policy.
Student Attendance Policy
Class attendance and evaluation of student performance are to occur in accordance with Academic Administrative Policy E-11. As indicated in this policy, “Class attendance is a critical element of student success and one of the most important ways students learn and understand course materials. Students may need to miss a class meeting to participate in a regularly scheduled university-approved curricular or extracurricular activity or due to unavoidable or other legitimate circumstances (including participation in local, state, and federal governmental elections and religious observances).”
In relation to missing an exam or other evaluative event in class, the policy states, “When an absence or other circumstance covered in such policies results in a student being unable to complete an evaluative event that contributes to the final grade, the student or their representative is expected to inform their instructor, who is expected to provide the student, within reason, the opportunity to complete missed evaluative events. The instructor may require use of the class absence form. Even if the absence meets the expectations of University policies listed above, in some situations, making up missed classes or missed evaluative events may not be possible.”
Additional information regarding missed classes and exams can be located in Academic Administrative Policy E-11: Class Attendance and Evaluation of Student Performance.
Suggested Syllabus Statements //
The following statements are optional, but suggested, for all Penn State Harrisburg syllabi:
COVID-19 Guidance
Penn State provides resources to help individuals stay safe and healthy, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. Penn State’s guidance regarding COVID-19 and other viruses, including information on quarantine and isolation, can be accessed at Penn State’s Virus Info website.
Learning Center and Undergraduate Advising
The Russell E. Horn Sr. Learning Center:
The Russell E. Horn Sr. Learning Center may have a tutor who can assist you with this course. An appointment is recommended. Tutoring sessions are available in-person or on Zoom, depending on your preference. All services are free of charge to Penn State Harrisburg students.
To make an appointment:
- Visit: Student Enrichment Center 201
- Go to: starfish.psu.edu and click on “My Success Network”
- Call: 717-948-6475
- Email: PSHLearningCtr@psu.edu
The Learning Center can help you in a variety of ways:
Academic Success Coaching
Get help with time management, organization, test-taking, study skills, as well as speech and presentation preparation and delivery.
Subject Area Tutoring
Courses including accounting, biological and behavioral sciences, computer science, economics, finance, mathematics, physical sciences, statistics, engineering, and some world languages are supported by peer tutoring.
Writing
Get help with the development of essays, papers, resumes, cover letters, scholarship applications and much more. We can help at any stage of the writing process from brainstorming ideas to polishing your final product, including citations.
The Lambert Undergraduate Advising Center:
The Lambert Undergraduate Advising Center can assist you with exploring majors and minors, understanding academic policies, and planning courses for future semesters. You can see your assigned advisor in the “My Advisors” box in LionPATH.
Drop-in Quick Question Advising is available during the fall and spring semesters both in-person and online (no appointment necessary). See dates, times, and locations as well as tutorials and more at: bit.ly/whatsnexthbg.
To contact the Advising Center:
- Visit: Student Enrichment Center Room 204
- Or call: 717-948-6604
- Or email: HBGAdvisingCenter@psu.edu
SEEQ and MSEEQ
During the fall and spring semesters you will receive information for completing the Midsemester Student Educational Experience Questionnaire (MSEEQ) and, later in the semester (for all semesters), information for completing the Student Educational Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). You will receive this information via your Penn State email and Canvas Notifications. Both the MSEEQ and the SEEQ are an opportunity for you to provide me with anonymous feedback regarding your learning experience in this course. Your feedback is important because it helps me to understand your experience in this course and it provides me with helpful information to improve the learning experience for future students. I welcome and appreciate the anonymous feedback that you provide.
Madlyn L. Hanes Library
Library Services
Harrisburg librarians are available for research appointments via email, Zoom, phone, and scheduled in-person appointments. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a librarian and you know who your School’s liaison librarian is, you can email them directly. Otherwise, visit libraries.psu.edu/ask and select “Schedule a Research Appointment.”
If you need immediate research assistance, stop by the Reference Desk on the ground floor of the library, or use the “Ask a Librarian” service to email, text, or chat with a Penn State library employee: libraries.psu.edu/ask.
Print and Other Physical Resources
Textbooks that are part of our physical course reserves collection are available for checkout from the Circulation Desk. Electronically available course reserves can be found in the library’s e-reserves system.
To see what books are available at the Hanes Library or other Penn State campuses, use the library catalog. Use ILLiad to request items not available at a Penn State library.
Archives and Special Collections is located on the 3rd floor of the library and open for research on Mondays (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or by appointment. To use the archives, email the Archivist, Heidi Abbey Moyer (hna2@psu.edu).
Electronic Resources
Library databases can be accessed from the Databases A-Z page.
Library guides list databases, books, journals, and other resources for specific majors and courses.
Library Building
Due to construction in the library, certain spaces and/or the entire building may be unavailable on certain dates. Please visit libraries.psu.edu/harrisburg for the current building status and hours.
Contact the Library
For contact information, hours of operation, and more information about library services and resources, visit libraries.psu.edu/harrisburg.
Information Technology Services
Information Technology Services (ITS) is available to assist students with their Access Account, Multi-Factor Authentication, and other hardware and software issues. Information on the support available can be located at ITS website. Students can also access in-person support in the Lower Level of Olmsted Building during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Technology support is available via phone 24/7 at +1-717-948-6188.
Student-Initiated Recording of Class
According to University Policy AD40, Recording of Classroom Activities and Note-Taking Services, students must obtain the express permission of the faculty member responsible for instruction in the course to record class sessions. Screenshots showing instructors and students are considered recordings. Authorized student-initiated recordings must be used only for the education of the students enrolled in the initiating student’s class during the period in which the student is enrolled in the class. In addition to the requirements in the preceding paragraph, an authorized student-initiated recording must not be made available to anyone outside of the students enrolled in the class in any manner, including posting online or through other media without the express written consent of the faculty member responsible for the course or the cognizant University administrator.
Optional Guidance //
The following information is intended to guide faculty towards recommendations concerning advanced tools that impact teaching.
Statement on Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools
If faculty have concerns about student use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools with completing course assignments, projects, papers, and assessments, it is recommended that guidelines around use of these tools be included in the course syllabus. Statements regarding use of generative AI tools can be connected to the statement on academic integrity. Faculty can allow use of the tools and they can provide limitations or restrictions around use of these tools. Faculty can obtain additional information and resources about use of generative AI tools at the following sites:
- libraries.psu.edu/LLMs, which includes information from Penn State University Libraries.
- psu.edu/guidelines, which includes AI Guidelines.
- psu.edu/ai-education, which includes information on the AI Literacy Modules in Canvas that can be integrated into courses for student use.
The purpose of syllabus activities during the first week of class is for students to engage with the syllabus material in a relevant way so they may feel greater ownership of the course and may experience greater success in the course.
Suggested Syllabus Activities
Review our suggested syllabus activities for ideas on engaging your students with your course syllabus.
Syllabus Activities – Canvas Files
Download the .zip files for each of our suggested syllabus activities, and refer to these instructions on importing Canvas quiz files into your course.