Instructors often have a distinct set of questions about Simple Syllabus, especially around setup and customization. Here are the most common instructor questions, grouped by category for clarity.
Each component includes Help Text displayed to the right of each component. It may also contain links to Pima Tech Guides (PTGs) for further assistance.
1. Getting Started & Access
Cross-listed, stacked, and D2L merged courses have one syllabus for each CRN that needs to be completed. To access all syllabi, please use the (link opens in a new window) Simple Syllabus Dashboard.
How do I access my syllabus?
You can access your syllabus in two ways:
- Through the "Syllabus" tab in your D2L course.
- Via the Simple Syllabus site.
The Simple Syllabus Dashboard offers a more comprehensive view, including:
- A list of syllabi that need to be completed
- Filtering options by semester or document type.
- Status updates for each syllabus
The editing functions are the same in both locations.
For step-by-step instructions, please refer to the following guide: (link opens in a new window) Simple Syllabus: Accessing the Simple Syllabus Dashboard.
Why am I receiving an error message when trying to access my syllabus via the Syllabus tab in D2L?
There are several possibilities for this error message to appear.
- CRN-level syllabus editing is not yet available. Please see (link opens in a new window) Syllabus Schedule for the specific dates.
- The contract for the course is not completed in Banner. We have observed that it may take 24 hours longer for Simple Syllabus to allow instructors to access their syllabus compared to D2L.
- You may need to clear cookies and cache. Please use the following link (links opens in a new window) Clearing Browser Cache and Cookies.
2. Editing & Customization
Why am I unable to edit all components of my syllabus?
Some components are not editable as they are automatically populated from the college's systems. This is for accuracy and streamlining of processes.
The default font style in Simple Syllabus is Helvetica font seize 11pt.
ADA accessible font colors (Hex code) are red #D32F2F, blue #IE3A8A, and green #388E3C.
How do I customize the syllabus for my specific section?
If you feel that you need to add additional information and none of the existing components would work for you, you may add a new component and move it where it fits best. Please use the following guide (link opens in a new window) Simple Syllabus: Adding, Reordering, and Deleting Components.
Can I copy syllabus content from another course/semester?
Yes, that is possible if you have completed a syllabus in a prior semester, or if you are teaching the same section and have already completed that specific component. Please use the following guide. (Link opens in a new window) Simple Syllabus: Importing a Component.
You may also import an entire syllabus from a prior semester, or a syllabus you have already completed. Please use the following guide for this process. (Link opens in a new window) Simple Syllabus: Importing a Syllabus.
Importing a component will overwrite any existing information within that component. Be aware the PCC Syllabus Template changes once every Academic Year.
If your department uses a Common Syllabus Template (CST), components may already contain information. Please consult with your supervisor before using this tool!
Why are my edits not saved?
Most components auto-save. The "Instructor Information", "Required Textbook(s) and/or Materials", and the "Optional/Recommended Textbook(s) and/or Materials" components function differently. Please see the following three (3) guides for assistance.
(The links open in a new tab)
Simple Syllabus: The Instructor Information Component
Simple Syllabus: The Required Textbook(s) and/or Materials Component
Simple Syllabus: Adding Supplemental Materials
3. Publishing & Visibility
When should I submit my syllabus?
It is best to submit your syllabus as soon as you have completed it. The syllabus has to be approved before students will be able to view it. The approver may also need you to make changes before approving it.
The syllabus will be available to students 5 days before the start of the term.
How do I know if my syllabus is visible to students?
To view the syllabus as a student use the (link opens in a new tab) Simple Syllabus: Previewing the Syllabus. You can also see student engagement at the top of the syllabus.
You can also log in to your Simple Syllabus Dashboard. If the specific syllabus appears in the "Completed" column and the semester has started, your students are able to view the syllabus.
Please check out the "Technical & Integration Issues" section below for data on student viewing history that is available to you.
Can I make changes after my syllabus was approved and published?
Yes. Edits to a syllabus can be made until the last day of the semester. Please note that each time the syllabus is edited, it has to be approved again for the edits to publish on your syllabus.
If accessing the syllabus in D2L and the Edit button is selected after your syllabus was approved and published, the syllabus will need to be resubmitted for approval before the new updated version is visible to students.
4. Technical & Integration Issues
Can I see how many students viewed my syllabus?
Yes, you can see the "Student Engagement" progress on your syllabus in D2L and in your Simple Syllabus Dashboard.
On the syllabus select the progress bar for a window to open the list of students in the course. It will indicate the number of times the syllabus has been accessed by each student, the percentage (%) each student has read, the last date the syllabus was viewed by each student, and how many students have acknowledged it.
The image below shows the progress bar in the Simple Syllabus Dashboard. Select the progress bar for the number of times the syllabus has been accessed by each student, the percentage (%) each student has read, the last date the syllabus was viewed by each student, and how many students have acknowledged it.
Why can't I submit my syllabus?
You must complete all of the required (1) components before you can submit your syllabus for approval. Required sections will be marked with orange borders, font, and asterisks. Once all of the required information have been added, the "Submit" (2) button will become available for you to select.
What do I do if I still have questions?
You can reach out to Faculty Services & Resource Centers (FS&RC) and we can meet with you in person or virtually. Please see our contact information below.
If you have any questions regarding Simple Syllabus, please reach out to: (link opens in a new tab) Faculty Services Resource Centers.
Email [email protected], call us at 520-206-6511, or complete a (link opens in a new tab) Faculty Services Help Ticket.
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