Accessibility
Considerations: An accessibility policy signals to students that you are committed to equity and students’ diverse learning access needs. You
Course Design
Syllabus Policy Language
Course and university policies you choose to include in your syllabus are an opportunity to develop an inclusive and supportive learning environment. University policies—such as accessibility, academic honesty, and Title IX—provide information and resources that connect students to the Notre Dame community. Course policies—attendance, participation, technology, etc.— communicate your expectations of student behavior in your specific course.
These sample syllabus policies are provided as a starting point for adding policies to your syllabus. Instructors typically select those policies that are most relevant to their course context and modify them as needed. We recommend using inclusive, student-centered language that signals your commitment to student learning and growth.
Attendance
Considerations: The best attendance policy is one that promotes student learning. Your policy should explicitly state your requirements for class
Honor Code
Language that you might use to highlight the Honor Code in a syllabus for an undergraduate course. (source: email from Patrick Murphy, August
Inclusiveness
Considerations: Including a statement on inclusion illustrates your commitment to creating spaces where all students are welcome, valued, and provided
Mental Health
Considerations: A mental health or wellbeing statement signals your care for students as individuals and your commitment to their success
Privacy
Considerations: Privacy and confidentiality policies communicate when and how student data will be collected and used and/or outline the expectation
Resilience
“In the event of an emergency situation or disruption to normal campus operations (weather, health emergency, etc.), our class will
Smart Use of Technology
Considerations: Your technology policy should outline the appropriate use of laptops, cell phones, and other personal devices in accordance with
Syllabi and Generative AI
Let’s face it: Our students are using generative AI tools (whether we think they should or not!). How we respond to that use in our classrooms is up to instructors on an individual basis and will vary based on course goals and disciplinary norms.
Title IX
Considerations: Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in all university programs and activities, including, but not limited to, admissions, recruiting, financial