Course Outlines

Resolutions 4-B, 5 and 11 of the Grading Procedures section of the Undergraduate Calendar are concerned with course outlines: https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-grds-proc.shtml

That, by the first class meeting of the course (by the end of the first week of classes for distance education courses), the instructor must provide students with a written course outline. The course outline may be distributed either a) in class or b) electronically via the official course website on CourseLink and must include a detailed description of course requirements, the methods of evaluation, and the timing of the evaluations.

That the methods and/or timing of evaluation as indicated on the course outline should not be changed after the first class meeting except under strictly adhered to conditions. Notice of proposed change and of the class at which consent is to be sought, must be given at a previously scheduled class. Where the change is supported by the instructor and is consistent with University policies and procedures such change may be enacted with the unanimous consent of students. If unanimous consent of the students has not been obtained, the change may be enacted only with the approval of the chair of the department and only if alternative and equitable accommodation is available to students opposed to the change.

CPES Associate Director (Academic) Karen Gordon clarified the Dean's expectation with respect to course outlines in her Fall 2016 memo (original file courseoutlinesmemoaugust2016.pdf). The following excerpt is from her memo.

• According to Resolution 4 (Part B), a course outline must be provided by the instructor on the first day of class
• The methods of evaluation and the timing of the evaluation must be provided on the course outline. I have requested clarification of these point from the AVPA’s office, in particular that this does in fact mean specific dates are required. This information is critical for student planning and success. Please also note that the dates then cannot be changed after the first week of class without unanimous consent from the students in the class or approval from the Chair. (Resolution 5).
• The course outline should contain a passing grade clause. My best advice here is to be sure that both a passing grade, and a failing grade is clearly defined. This means in the event that a student does not meet the requirements, how will their failing grade be calculated should also be clearly specified.

Senate resolved on March 21, 1978 that the chair should review, prior to the commencement of classes, the manner in which a faculty member intends to conduct a course and to determine final grades. If the chair disagrees with the faculty member's intention or subsequently with the implementation of the stated intentions, the chair will discuss his/her concerns with the faculty member. If agreement cannot be reached, the matter will be referred to an appropriate department committee which will advise the chair in reaching his/her decision. The advice may include a recommendation on examination procedures.

1. You need to have your course outline done well in advance of the semester beginning so that the Director can review it
2. Your course outline must include specific due dates for all assessments
3. Your course outline must include weights for all assessments
4. Your course outline must include a list of the way a passing grade is calculated and the way(s) a failing grade is calculated
   1. Example: “Your final grade is the weighted sum of all assessments shown above unless: a) you fail the final exam, in which case your final grade is calculated by (insert some formula here), b) your average on the 4 assignments is less than 50% in which case your final grade is calculated by (insert some formula here)…
5. I also recommend that your course outline contain statements about academic integrity, communication expectations, Student Accessibility, your policy on recording lectures, etc.

I've provided a word document that I use as a template for my course outlines. It isn't perfect, but you are welcome to use it if you wish.