How do I access Simple Syllabus?

You can access your syllabus in two ways:

• Through the "Syllabus" tab in your D2L course, or
• Via the Simple Syllabus Dashboard

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 guide: 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.

• Your course is a noncredit course and those do not utilize Simple Syllabus. You may use the AY 24-25 Syllabus Outline - PRIMARY force copy, and then upload it to your D2L course.
• CRN-level syllabus editing is not yet available. Please see "Academic Year 26 Syllabus Schedule (includes Academic A & B)" for the specific dates.
• Your 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 guides for this process. Simple Syllabus: Troubleshooting - Clear Cookies and Cache (PC) or Simple Syllabus: Troubleshooting - Clear Cookies and Cache (Mac)

Please reach out to us, if you are still experiencing issues after taking the above steps.

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.

You are able to edit all components that have "Help Text" to the right side of the components.

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.

Simple Syllabus: Adding, Reordering, and Deleting Components

Can I copy 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. 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. Simple Syllabus: Importing a Syllabus

Why are my edits not saved?

Most components auto-save the information that is being added. The "Instructor Information", "Required Textbook(s) and/or Materials", and the "Optional/Recommended Textbook(s) and/or Materials" components function differently.

For the above mentioned components, you have to select the pencil icon to edit the component. After editing the component, click on the blue "save" icon to save your added information. Please see the following guides for assistance.

Simple Syllabus: Completing the Instructor Information Component

Simple Syllabus: Adding, Deleting, and Hiding Required Textbook and Optional/Recommended Materials

Simple Syllabus: Adding Non-Book Materials to the Required Textbook and Optional/Recommended Components

Simple Syllabus: When No Textbook is Required

When should I submit my syllabus?

It is best to submit your syllabus as soon as you have completed it. Your syllabus still has to be approved, and the approver may want some edits to be completed before approving it.

Your syllabus, if it has been completed and approved, will be published 24 hours before the start of the semester.

Why can't see my syllabus via the D2L "View as a student" tool?

The "View as a student tool" does not work for integrated technologies such as Simple Syllabus, Panopto, Perusal, and so on. Once your syllabus is published, you will be able to view it by clicking on the "Syllabus" tab in your D2L course, or by clicking "View" in your Simple Syllabus Dashboard in your "Completed" column.

How do I know if my syllabus is visible to students?

If you click on the "Syllabus" tab and you are able to see the published syllabus (see image below), your students will be able to see it too.

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 show up on your syllabus.

Can I see how many students viewed my syllabus?

Yes, you can see the "Student Engagement" progress in your published syllabus in D2L, and also in your Simple Syllabus Dashboard.

Once you click on the progress bar, you will see a list of your students in the course, the number of times the syllabus has been accessed, the percentage (%) read, the last date viewed, and if it’s been acknowledged.

Why can't I submit my syllabus?

You must fill out all required components before you can submit your syllabus for approval. Required components will be marked with an orange box, orange font, or an orange asterisk. Once all required components have been filled out, the blue save button will become available, and you can submit your syllabus.