Authored by: Alexander Walters ’28
Endorsed by: Lydia Blum ’27, Max Ehrlich ’26, Aidan Moodley ’29, Dylan Carson ’28
Reviewed by: Academic Policy Committee, 03/21/2026
Type of Action: Recommendation
Originally Presented: 03/26/2026
Current Status: Adopted by the Assembly, 18-0-0, 04/23/2026
Whereas, students ought to know the structure and content of courses they enroll in at the beginning of the pre-enrollment period,
Whereas, course enrollment for the upcoming semester respective to the current one typically occurs in the current semester’s closing weeks,
Whereas, the vast majority of courses listed on Student Center, Scheduler, or other class roster platforms at the time of course enrollment do not have finalized or even preliminarily drafted syllabi,
Whereas, course syllabi outline the learning objectives, due dates, content, and instructor information a student needs to academically succeed,
Whereas, students have a right of information in adequately planning their semesters and courses of study writ large,
Be it therefore resolved, an adequate outline of relevant academic course expectations be made available prior to course enrollment,
Be it therefore resolved, this “adequate outline” goes beyond a generic summary of the course topic and includes but is not limited to:
- a short course abstract, approximately one paragraph in length, that summarizes learning objectives;
- planned preliminary examinations (prelims), midterms, major written assignments, projects, or tests of any kind;
Be it further resolved, in cases in which a course has been previously taught, a prior term’s syllabus will suffice for an “adequate outline”,
Be it further resolved, this “adequate outline” provided by instructors prior to course enrollment is understood to be subject to revision, but a sufficient expectation for what the course entails,
Be it finally resolved, students are well-equipped for the courses they enroll in with a provision of general course information prior to enrollment.
Respectfully Submitted,
Alexander Walters ’28
Vice President for Communications, Student Assembly
Lydia Blum ’27
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Representative, Student Assembly
Max Ehrlich ’26
College of Industrial and Labor Relations Representative, Student Assembly
Aidan Moodley ’29
Academic Policy Committee Member, Student Assembly
Dylan Carson ’28
College of Arts & Sciences Representative, Student Assembly
