How to Read a Syllabus
October 06, 2025
Posted by STLCC in Tutoring Resources
Your course syllabus provides important information about your course, instructor and expectations. Many student questions are answered in a course syllabus, and this handout covers what to expect in a typical syllabus as well as how to read it for details.
What is a Syllabus:
- Includes instructor’s contact information and office hours.
- Highlights course information/topics, prerequisites, assignments.
- Explains assessments, policies, deadlines, and where to go for help.
Contact Information:
- I know how to reach my instructor.
- I found the instructor’s office hours and where to go.
- I know how my instructor prefers me to reach out, such as via email.
Course Information:
- I can locate the course information, including location, meeting day/time as well as perquisites, course description, objectives, and outcomes.
- I know what required materials I need, including a textbook, and where to purchase these materials.
- I read and understand the course schedule and assignments, including deadlines, and will plan time to work on my assignments.
- I read and understand my instructor’s policies about participation, missing class, and deadlines.
- I understand the importance of academic integrity, including plagiarism, and will follow those policies.
- I read and understand how assignments are weighted and how my grade will be determined.
- I know how to go to Academic Success & Tutoring for free tutoring on any subject area.
- I will reach out to my instructor for help understanding anything in the syllabus.
Want extra support with these resources?
You don’t have to figure it out on your own. STLCC tutors can help you use these writing,
reading and academic success tools to improve your skills and build confidence. Meet
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