Amy Jauman

I think I am echoing everyone's thoughts, but I wanted to add that I always include the phrase "this addendum is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor" and then I explain on the first night of class that I respect them as adults with busy lives so I want to give them advance notice regarding due dates. BUT I will always be focused on doing what is right for the class and that may involve changing information on the syllabus based on their learning needs. When I describe it that way, the changes are usually received well.

Diane Carey

I create a syllabus with due dates with the understanding that dates may be variable when circumstances arise that are uncontrollable, i.e. class is postoned on due date due to inclement weather.
by Diane Carey Tues. 2/16/10

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Elaine,
This is a good way to show students deadlines. I use a course calendar as well because I can update it if I need to and it stands separate from my syllabus. This way the contents of the syllabus remains constant as they need to.
Gary

Elaine Jolivet

With my syllabus I have class rules and expectations for the classroom..ect, but then I have a assignment calendar with specific dates and due dates. That seems to work better for me.

Justin Staggs

Yes, I agree that the Syllabus is very important to have as detailed as possible, especially the individual units, major assignments, and tests.

J.

Daniel Fergus

I would concur. It's important to be as specific as possible on a syllabus. Not only is this useful to students, but I find this helps me too, to keep track of my goals and target dates for the class. Students appreciate the structure; they like knowing exactly how long they have to complete a project, etc. And it reflects well on you as a teacher—you will appear to them more organized and knowledgeable. And as Dr. Meers pointed out it's okay to adjust the dates on a syllabus as the class unfolds. Students will appreciate your flexibility.

Jeanne Ebbighausen

Thanks, Dr. Meers. My campus does provide a basic syllabus outline with requirements for the courses I'm teaching, and I wrote detailed addendums. -Jeanne

Jeanne Ebbighausen

Thanks, Kara. I feel better now. I do have the first 2 wks of assignments and quizzes ready to go, so I figure I can just hand out assignments as I come up with them, about 2 wks before each is due. I appreciate your feedback. -Jeanne

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Jeanne,
I would suggest that you develop a comprehensive syllabus or use the one that is provided by your college. Then create an assignment sheet with due dates on it. Break the class into general segments and list a date for when they are due. Since you have developed two homework units to date you can be firm with those dates and that will give you and idea how to set the dates for the other units. For example, you might have four major assignments due for the course. Put a deadline date for each at four different times in the course. Students don't mind if you extend deadlines. So if your class is going along well but unit 3 hasn't been totally completed and the date for the assignments is coming up the next class period you can give the students another week to turn in the assignment. They will not complain about this, I know from experience. You are ok to extend but never shorten deadlines. With minor changes like that the students won't be upset and you will start to see how long each unit and assignment takes to complete.
By having the assignment sheet separately your syllabus remains intact and the guide for the expectations, requirements and polices of the course.
Gary

Kara Kalbus

I've been in a similar situation and made the decision not to list due dates because there is a strong chance they will change. I think it is reasonable to announce due dates when assigning the work. Students need to be accountable for meeting those due dates and following up if there is confusion.