In each of your classes, you will be provided with a syllabus in paper form, online, or both. Each syllabus is a contract between your professors and you. The syllabus outlines what will be taught, what you are expected to learn, and how your learning will be assessed. This is your roadmap to the learning that will enable you to achieve your goals in college and beyond.

Learning is cumulative. Instructors design courses so that each session builds on knowledge and skills presented in previous sessions, adding up to a semester’s worth of knowledge about a particular subject. Courses you take your first semester will provide a starting point for courses you will take in future semesters.

A syllabus typically spells out the following information about the class:

Basic Course Information

• The name of the course, the course number/course code
• Description of the course; if there are pre-requisites or co-requisites
• Meeting times, dates, and location of the class/online information
• The name of the professor and contact information, including the location of their office
• Office hours (also called “Student Hours” or “Consulting Hours”): a time designated for meeting with students outside of class time; possibly online
• Textbook requirements and/or required supplemental course materials

Learning Objectives

• What the professor expects to teach you and what you are expected to learn

Course Schedule

• Topics for each class session
• Readings to be completed before each class session
• Homework assignments and due dates
• Schedule of exams, tests, and/or quizzes
• Due dates for projects and papers

Grading Policy

A clear breakdown of how your final course grade will be computed often includes:

• Exams/Tests/Quizzes
• Homework Assignments
• Projects and papers
• Class participation

Most instructors provide a grading policy based on percentages that add up to 100%. These policies will vary from class to class. Here is an example of a course grading policy in an English class:

Notice that class participation in this example is worth 10%. It doesn’t seem like much, right? But 10% could mean the difference between an A and a B. Participate in class and go for the A!

Statements: Academic Integrity; Accessibility; Diversity and Inclusive Education

You will see three statements on the syllabus for every City Tech course. The values embodied in these three statements are pillars of this academic community.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions, and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting, and citing sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the College recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and at New York City College of Technology and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion. The complete text of the College policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the Catalog.

Statement on Accessibility

City Tech is committed to supporting the educational goals of enrolled students with disabilities in the areas of enrollment, academic advisement, tutoring, assistive technologies, and testing accommodations. If you have or think you may have a disability, you may be eligible for reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments as provided under applicable federal, state and city laws. You may also request services for temporary conditions or medical issues under certain circumstances. If you have questions about your eligibility or would like to seek accommodation services or academic adjustments, you can leave a voicemail at 718-260-5143, send an email to: Accessibility@citytech.cuny.edu, or visit the Center’s website at http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/accessibility for more information.

Statement on Diversity and Inclusive Education

This course welcomes students from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the City Tech and CUNY missions, this course intends to provide an atmosphere of inclusion, respect, and the mutual appreciation of differences so that together we can create an environment in which all students can flourish. It is the instructor’s goal to provide materials and activities that are welcoming an accommodating of diversity in all of its forms, including race, gender identity and presentation, ethnicity, national origin, religion, cultural identity, socioeconomic background, sexuality and sexual orientation, ability, neurodivergence, age, and etc. your instructor is committed to equity and actively seeks ways to challenge institutional racism, sexism, ableism and other forms of prejudice. Your input is encouraged and appreciated. If a dynamic that you observe or experience in the course concerns you, you may respectfully inform your instructor without fear of how your concerns will affect your grade. Let your instructor know how to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally, or for other students or student groups. We acknowledge that NYCCT is located on the traditional homelands of the Canarsie and Lenape peoples.

A Final Note on Your Class Syllabus

For each class in which you are enrolled, use the syllabus as your guide to know what and when to study. Notice when long-term assignments are due and plan for them. If you must miss a class, check the syllabus to see what topics and assignments were scheduled for the day rather than emailing the professor to ask if you’ve missed anything (hint: you have!). Speak with a classmate about what you missed and perhaps ask for their notes. If there’s anything you still don’t understand, reach out to your professor by email or during office hours. Every class period is important!

Everything counts!