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Simple Syllabus


What is Simple Syllabus?

Simple Syllabus is a syllabus management tool that works with Canvas, letting faculty quickly create and publish syllabi. It features auto-populated institutional policies, catalog details, and instructor info from Banner, while allowing customization of course policies, schedules, and materials. Course schedules can sync assignments and due dates from Canvas, and finalized syllabi can be published and linked from Canvas.

Accessing Simple Syllabus 

You can access Simple Syllabus in two ways:

  • From Canvas: Best if you want to edit the syllabus for a single course. After logging into Canvas, open your course and select Simple Syllabus from the Canvas course navigation menu. (If it isn’t visible, enable it under Settings → Navigation.)
  • From the Simple Syllabus Website:
    Best if you want to manage multiple syllabi, or copy syllabi from one cross-listed course to another. Log into simplesyllabus.comwith your TSU credentials, then open the Dashboard to see all your syllabi in one place.

Editing Your Syllabus

When you first open a syllabus you’ll see some components pre-populated with course information from Banner, which can’t be edited. Other components are pre-populated with sample language or institutional policy language that can be edited. When you first open a syllabus you’ll see some components pre-populated with course information from Banner, which can’t be edited. Other components are pre-populated with sample language or institutional policy language that can be edited. Required sections are highlighted with a red box around the text area, making it clear that those fields must be completed before you can publish your syllabus.

Making Edits

Each part of the syllabus is organized into components.  Components are the editable “pieces” of your syllabus. Some components come pre-loaded by TSU (for example, required policy statements and academic resources), while others are created by you

Editing Existing Components:

  • Click the blue “Edit” button at the top of your syllabus.
    • If the component has a text box, type directly into it.
    • If the component does not have an text box, click the pencil icon to make changes.

Add New Components

  • Click the add (+) button at the bottom of the syllabus.
  • Your new component will appear, with an editable text box, at the bottom of the syllabus.

Submitting Your Syllabus

When you’re ready for students to see your syllabus, you’ll need to publish it. After filling in all required sections, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Submit to publish. This makes your syllabus immediately visible in your Canvas course and adds it to the TSU Simple Syllabus library. If you need to make updates later, you can edit and publish again; students will always see the most current version.

Preview Before Submitting: 

Before you publish, click Preview at the bottom of your syllabus to check how it will look to students. This opens the syllabus in a new window, showing you the exact student view. From this screen, you also have the option to print or save a PDF copy if needed.

Submitting Your Syllabus: 

To make your syllabus visible to students and store it in the TSU Syllabus Repository.

  • Scroll to the bottom of your syllabus.
  • When you submit your syllabus, you will also see the Course Materials attestation. You will need to check the box for the attestation in order to submit your syllabus and are ready to publish.
  • Click “Submit”

Frequently Asked Questions: 

  • Is using Simple Syllabus required for faculty and adjuncts?

    Yes, Simple Syllabus is the tool that has the official TSU syllabi for all courses.

  • Can I opt out of Simple Syllabus in Canvas?

     No, Simple Syllabus is built into every course in Canvas. 

  • How do I access Simple Syllabus?

    Simple Syllabus is directly connected to each course via the Canvas shell. Once a shell is produced for the course, you can start          working on the syllabus. You can also use the direct URL https://tsu.simplesyllabus.com  to find Simple Syllabus for Texas     Southern  

  • Where is my syllabus viewed? Who can see my syllabus?

    There is a public library that once published anyone can view components that are Public in any syllabi. There are no credentials      needed to see public syllabi.

  • How are textbooks being added to my syllabus?

    Textbook information is being added daily based on the Follett adoption for the courses. If your data is fine, you do not need to        make any changes. You can edit and add your own textbook and override any imported information if it is incorrect.

  • How do I access browser support and troubleshooting info?

    https://simplesyllabus.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/35656319756685-Browser-Support-and-Troubleshooting 

Additional Support 

For additional support with Simple Syllabus: