Foundational Items

Reminder: Although many of these items are listed on a course syllabus, these items are also required to be adapted to use for a course management system. Other items are applicable throughout your course, such as the tone of writing.

• 1.1 Syllabus document includes detailed course policies and procedures as required by Ferris State University.
• 1.2 Measurable Student Outcomes stated in student-friendly language (If revision is needed, please follow applicable Ferris Curriculum Revision process).
• 1.3 Program or college learning outcomes stated if applicable.
• 1.4 Schedule of Events inclusive of key coursework timelines and relevant course information.
• 1.5 Effort made to use low cost or no cost textbooks and materials when available (Contact your library liaison for assistance with OER and other online resources).
• 1.6 Welcoming message from the instructor with name and appropriate instructor image.
• 1.7 Course image (e.g., picture of textbook) or other graphics included to “brand” the course.
• 1.8 Overview contains a general introduction to the course including course name, section number, semester, any meeting times and locations.
• 1.9 Instructor lists his/her contact preference and multiple forms of communication (e.g. phone, email and virtual office hours).
• 1.10 Instructor describes his/her "role" in the course, such as whether or not they will respond to tech support types of questions.
• 1.11 Instructions clearly tell students how and where to get started for course components, e.g. "Start Here" area/module/folder with information how this online course ‘works.’
• 1.12 Tone of writing warm and student friendly.

Below are videos with examples of good course design as it relates to the rubric.