📌 Getting Started with Simple Syllabus
The tutorial is the first stop in learning how to work with Simple Syllabus. It provides a step-by-step instruction on the varies settings and how to get your content into the institutional repository.
👥 Audience
🖥️ Applies To
STEP 1: SETTINGS
To access the settings menu in Chrome (or any browser) click on the three dot or lines in the upper-most right-hand corner of the window. The SETTINGS link is located at the bottom of this menu.
STEP 2: ADD
Create a component means creating a custom section in the syllabus.
STEP 3: THIRD PARTY COOKIES
Under PRIVACY AND SECURITY there is a drop-down menu for the THIRD-PARTY COOKIES.
STEP 4: EDIT PERMISSIONS
In the drop-down menu there is an option to ALLOW THIRD-PARTY COOKIES.
This guide familiarizes the user with the visual and navigational layout of the Simple Syllabus application. By taking a bird's-eyed view of the application, the user will become more comfortable with the application's overall scope and functionality.
STEP 1: FUNCTION MENU
A.) The Simple Syllabus application is accessed through the Simple Syllabus link in the navigational menu.
B.) The menu with the application provides functions Adding a component (section), Reordering the sections, Importing content.
STEP 2: ADD
Create a component means creating a custom section in the syllabus.
STEP 3: REORDER
Allows the user to shift the components placement on the page.
STEP 4: IMPORT - SELECT SOURCE
Importation of content has three phases. The first one is to select a source. The fields allow the user to specify the parameters of the course. You should note that permissions allow you to import syllabi at an institutional level, therefore many of your colleagues' syllabi are available. The fields will auto complete as the parameters become more specific. Simply select the correct course number from the drop-down menu.
STEP 5: RESET - SELECT COMPONENTS
The RESET function clears out data selectively. It is important to plan out the content because any section or component being added amends content. It DOES NOT overwrite pre-existing content.
This section provides instruction for re-ordering the navigational menu in Canvas. Editing the course navigation affects the students' interface and course experience. Raising the link for Simple Syllabus in the navigation list improves visibility and usability.
1.) Click the SETTINGS from the main navigational menu.
2.) Click NAVIGATION tab.
3.) Click and hold the SIMPLE SYLLABUS to drag it from the list for hidden items up to where the SYLLABUS block is located in the visible items. Click and hold the SYLLABUS down to the hidden items.
Do not forget to click SAVE at the bottom of the page.
This guide reviews the procedure for import a complete syllabus and specific parts of a syllabus.
STEP 1: SELECT SOURCE
Importation of content has three phases. The first one is to select a source. The fields allow the user to specify the parameters of the course. You should note that permissions allow you to import syllabi at an institutional level, therefore many of your colleagues' syllabi are available. The fields will auto complete as the parameters become more specific. Simply select the correct course number from the drop-down menu.
STEP 2: MAP CONTENT
The most common use of map content will be to specify the entire course to import. However, there is a toggle for an advanced setting that allows the user to "map" inputs from the source file to the output fields of the destination file. This should only be used if you have been directed to do so.
STEP 3: CONFIRM IMPORT
The third step is to confirm import of the content. This step is more useful when importing using the advanced import functions as it will allow you to check your selection. When ready, click "Start import of the following content."
The course templates, requirements, etc. may vary depending on department expectations and standards. With this said, some of the sections below may not have the same status or even be included. The text-formatting and layout within the individual sections may also have specifications, so please refer to the department coordinators.
Overall, there are types of sections:
REQUIRED
SELF-POPULATING (registrar and Canvas)
OPTIONAL



HEADER
MEETING INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION
COURSE GOALS
LEARNING OUTCOMES
REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS
SUPPLEMENTAL TEXTS AND MATERIALS
EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE SUMMARY
FINAL EXAMINATION OR PROJECT NOTICE
ADDITIONAL COURSE-SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
ACADEMIC CONDUCT
CLASS ATTENDANCE
ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL
COURSE POLICIES
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION
SALVE EMAIL
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
TURN-IT-IN DISCLOSURE
CREDIT HOUR AND WORKLOAD EXPECTATIONS
COURSE-SPECIFIC CREDIT HOURS AND WORKLOAD EXPECTATIONS
Example: meeting and instructor information
Meeting Information
- Meeting times and location
- Zoom Link
Instructor Information
- Office Hours
- Office Location
- Contact Information
- Profile Image
A syllabus on the Simple Syllabus platform is archived and made available to the institution. This section provides an overview of this system and the options that benefit the faculty that participate in this system.
STEP 1: VIEW SIMPLE DASHBOARD
At the top of the syllabus is a link for the Simple dashboard.
STEP 2: LINK TO THE LIBRARY
From the dashboard, click the person-reading-a-book-icon.
STEP 3: SEARCH AND SHARE
The Syllabus Library allows us to search and view the institutional collection of syllabi.
This is a good way to share syllabi with colleagues.
STEP 1: FUNCTION MENU
A.) The Simple Syllabus application is accessed through the Simple Syllabus link in the navigational menu.
B.) The menu with the application provides functions Adding a component (section), Reordering the sections, Importing content.
STEP 1: SIMPLE SYLLABUS
After clicking on the SIMPLE SYLLABUS link in the navigational menu, a print option is available in the dropdown menu of the EDIT SYLLABUS button.
STEP 2: PRINT TAB
After clicking PRINT, a new browser tab will open. Clicking on the print icon in the upper right corner launch the printer where we can select our printer device or save the file as a PDF.
STEP 3: PRINT FROM THE EDIT MODE
If you are editing the syllabus, a PRINT button is available at the top of the page. It will then open the document in a new browser window from which you select your print device.
💡 Troubleshooting & Tips
- Issue: Cache Clearing
- Recommendation: The platform is tested on the CHROME web browser.