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Ohio University Syllabus Guidelines: 1. Background Information

The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §3345.029 requires all public universities in Ohio to make specific elements of undergraduate course syllabi publicly available on a centralized website, beginning in Fall 2026. Ohio University will comply with this requirement by maintaining a university-managed syllabus repository that ensures consistency, accuracy, and accessibility.

The ORC specifies that each undergraduate course syllabus must include:

  • The name of the course instructor(s).
  • A calendar for the course outlining what materials and topics will be covered and when during the course.
  • A list of any required or recommended readings for the course.
  • The professional qualifications of the course instructor(s).
  • A statement regarding reasonable accommodation for sincerely held religious or spiritual beliefs and practices, consistent with University Policy 40.003.

In addition to statutory requirements, guidance from the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) emphasizes the importance of uniformity across institutions, accuracy of posted information, and public accessibility. 

To support these expectations, Ohio University will adopt a common framework and templates that help faculty meet state requirements while respecting disciplinary norms and academic freedom.

1.1 Clarifications and Scope

Because faculty raised questions about how the statutory requirements apply in practice, the following clarifications outline the scope of Ohio University’s approach:

  • The statutory requirement applies only to undergraduate courses offered for credit. Graduate-level courses are not included in the public posting requirement.
  • Questions have been raised about special cases, such as zero-enrollment courses, independent studies, tutorials, and practica. Ohio University will provide template language and guidance for these situations to ensure compliance while acknowledging the flexible nature of such courses.
  • Faculty have expressed concerns about the need to update syllabi if schedules, readings, or assignments change during the semester. To address this, the University recommends including standard “caveat” language in syllabi that allows for legitimate instructional adjustments (e.g., responding to student learning needs, student interests, or unforeseen circumstances such as illness, weather, or technical disruptions).

Additional background information to share with students on or before the first day of class can be found in the Ohio University Faculty Handbook, Academic Activities section, and in the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Syllabus Guide (CTLA Instructor Resources). These resources remain foundational and will continue to complement the new state requirements.