Syllabus Review

Understanding and using a course syllabus effectively are very important skills for all college students. Professors and instructors use the syllabus to convey crucial information for students to know so they can thoughtfully and intentionally engage with their courses. 

The syllabus can serve many functions, including as instructions on how to be a student in the course, agreements or contracts between the instructor and the students, and as an administrative tool to meet institutional expectations and policies.  

To put it more simply, students can use their syllabi as course learning guides for the semester.

What’s in the Syllabus? 

While each syllabus is unique to the professor’s pedagogical approach to teaching and their field, the common elements included in the syllabus are: 

• Course Information and Instructor Information
  • What is the name of the course? Where and when does it meet? How often?
  • Who is the instructor? How can the student contact them?
• Course Description
  • A short overview or synopsis of what the course is about.
• Course Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes
  • What the students can expect to take away from the course – what they can expect to learn.
• Required Tools, Materials, and Texts
  • What does the student need to complete the course?
• Assessments / Assignments
  • What are the ways that students can demonstrate their learning? Examples may include: projects, papers, and exams.
• Policies and Expectations
  • Examples include expectations and policies associated with lateness, attendance, participation, et cetera.
• Institutional Policies and Resources
  • Examples include resources for writing and academic support services, accessibility services, and counseling services.

Benefits of Reviewing the Syllabus? 

There are numerous reasons why you should review your syllabus: 

• Preparation: When you know what to expect from the course, you are better able to prepare for not only each class period and for the semester.
• Organizational Planning and Management of Resources: The syllabus will contain information about what the required resources, tools, and materials are for you to be successful in the course, as well as where and when you’ll need to access them.
• Stress Management: The syllabus includes course policies, assignment expectations, and a learning schedule, and reviewing this information up front and throughout the semester can aid in stress management and improve clarity and understanding.

Effectively Using Your Syllabus for Academic Success 

Keep the following things in mind when you’re reviewing your syllabus: 

• What are the policies, expectations, and learning goals or objectives for this course? 
  • Metacognitive question: Why did the professor or instructor include them?
• What are the important due dates for assignments or exams? 
  • Metacognitive question: What learning objectives are associated with those assignments (and exams)?
• How can you apply the information found in the syllabus for your short-term and long-term planning for goal setting, scheduling and organizational systems, and metacognitive learning?
  • Metacognitive question: Why is it important to consider these things? 

It is recommended that you review your syllabus on the first day of classes (if it is not built into the class period), because you can set yourself up for success by knowing all the important information and beginning to build your systems early on. On the first day of class, some things you may want to do with your syllabus include: 

• Highlight important dates/deadlines
• Exchange information with at least one classmate for accountability to study with or compare notes with, and to check in with if you miss class. 
• Fill out the OAS Syllabus Review Sheet or compile important information in one place using the suggested questions below. 

Questions to Ask Yourself When Reviewing Your Syllabi: 

• Where, when, & how often does class meet?
• How do I contact my professor?
• What are the learning goals for the course?
• What is the course format?
• What are the course expectations?
• What are the specific course policies?
• Are there exceptions for any of the course expectations or policies?
• What is the course schedule?
• What are my course assignments?
• When are my course assignments due?
• Are there exams? When are they?
• Are there any rubrics or grading scales listed?
• What are the materials or tech required?
• Is there any other important information shared in the syllabus that seems helpful? 

If you cannot find information on the syllabus that you think would be useful to know, ask your professor in class, over email, and/or at office hours.  

Don’t forget that syllabi are subject to change, so it’s important to attend your classes and make updates on your syllabus review sheets / the syllabus itself, calendars, in your planners, and/or whatever other systems you use to keep on track. 

References: 

Interpreting a syllabus. (n.d.). Hidden Curriculum, Duke University. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://hiddencurriculum.undergrad.duke.edu/preparing-for-class/interpreting-a-syllabus/ 

Gauthier, G., Banner, J., & Winer, L. (2025). What is the syllabus for? Revealing tensions through a scoping review of syllabus uses. International Journal for Academic Development. https://doi.org/10.1080/1360144X.2025.2465363 

Soonpa, N. (2018). The ins and outcomes of writing an effective syllabus. Journal of Legal Education, 67(3), 833-852. 

The importance of reviewing course syllabi. (n.d.). Northeast State Community College Help Desk. Retrieved April 18, 2026, from https://helpdesk.northeaststate.edu/knowledgebase.php?article=45