Eastman students value a structured and detailed syllabus. In addition to a brief course description and statement of the course’s aims, most syllabi list requirements, attendance policies, texts, grading policy (e.g. the percentage of the grade to be determined by papers, exams, attendance, and participation), and a detailed schedule of assignments. In addition, syllabi should include a statement about academic integrity, instructions to students about disability accommodations, and the land acknowledgement statement. Faculty are required to include the following statement on all course syllabi:
Eastman is committed to fostering a welcoming, encouraging, and empowering environment where students with disabilities can thrive in their studies. The Office of Disability Resources works with students to identify barriers and establish reasonable accommodations in order to ensure students with disabilities have equal access and equal opportunity to fully participate in the University experience. Students who would like to request accommodations, register as a student with a disability, or learn more about available resources are encouraged to submit an application on the Disability Resources website or contact the office at (585) 276-5075 or disability@rochester.edu.
It is a personal decision to disclose the existence of a disability and to request an accommodation – a decision not to disclose will be respected. While we cannot make accommodations retroactively (for example, allowing a student to repeat a test with new accommodation), we encourage you to begin the documentation process at any time during the semester.
Revised, September 2021
A sample ESM syllabus can be found here.