We are pleased to announce that Simple Syllabus, a powerful syllabus management tool, is coming soon to Sam Houston State University! This user-friendly platform will streamline syllabus creation, management, and distribution, allowing faculty to save time while ensuring compliance and consistency across courses.
What Is Simple Syllabus?
Simple Syllabus is a centralized platform designed to streamline the process of creating, managing, and distributing course syllabi. It allows Colleges and Departments to standardize syllabi content and format, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. The platform will integrate with the learning management system (LMS), Blackboard, providing students and faculty with easy access to syllabi and ensuring consistency across courses.
Key features of Simple Syllabus include:
- Centralized Syllabus Management: Faculty can quickly create syllabi using standardized templates that include pre-set fields for institutional requirements, ensuring uniformity and compliance.
- Syllabus Repository: Simple Syllabus acts as a central repository for syllabi, enabling easy access for students, faculty, and administrators.
- Version Control: The platform allows for version tracking and easy updates to syllabi, making it easier to manage content over time.
- Accessibility: It supports compliance with accessibility standards, ensuring all students, including those with disabilities, can access syllabus information.
- Integrations: The platform can integrate with existing LMS and student information systems (SIS), providing seamless access and updates across the institution's digital environment.
- Analytics and Reporting: Institutions can track syllabus engagement, monitor compliance with syllabus policies, and gather insights on syllabus usage.
For faculty and administrators, Simple Syllabus offers a structured, time-saving approach to syllabus management, while also improving the overall student experience by making syllabi accessible and consistent across courses.
How Will the Implementation Work?
Starting in the coming months, IT@Sam will collaborate with SHSU Online on the installation and setup. Once the installation is complete, SHSU Online will take the lead on the implementation front and eventual rollout, offering training and hands-on support to help faculty maximize the tool's capabilities. SHSU Online will provide resources and assistance to make the transition as seamless as possible, empowering instructors to leverage Simple Syllabus fully.
Projected Timeline for Full Access
The target is to have Simple Syllabus available to all instructors by Fall 2025. However, earlier access may be possible depending on the installation timeline. We'll keep the campus community updated throughout each stage, aiming to make the platform available as soon as feasible.
Benefits for Faculty and Students
Simple Syllabus will provide several benefits, including:
- Time Savings: Faculty can quickly build syllabi with preloaded templates and fields, allowing them to focus more on teaching and course content.
- Consistency and Compliance: The tool ensures that all syllabi adhere to SHSU's standards and requirements, reducing discrepancies across departments.
- Accessibility: With integration into Blackboard, students can readily access syllabi in a familiar format, improving their preparation and engagement.
Training and Support from SHSU Online
As part of the rollout, SHSU Online will offer comprehensive training and hands-on support to help faculty get started with Simple Syllabus. SHSU Online will deliver workshops, webinars, and one-on-one assistance to ensure instructors feel confident in using the tool. Resources and guides will also be available, covering both the basics and advanced features of the platform.
We are excited to partner with IT@Sam to bring this transformative tool to SHSU. Stay tuned for updates as we progress toward implementation and look forward to a streamlined syllabus experience soon!