Sul Ross State University
2023-2024 Guidelines for Course Syllabi
State law (HB2504) requires that syllabi for all courses must be posted on-line by the seventh day after the start of each semester. As you write your syllabi, please include the following required information and consider the recommended information.
Required Information
Required by HB2504
- Course and Instructor Identifies
- Year Course Offered
- Semester Course Offered
- Course Number
- Name of Course
- Course Description
- Name of Instructor
- Instructor’s Contact Information (including office hours)
- Course Learning Objectives
- Major assignments and examinations
- List of any required or recommended reading
- Brief description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion
- Brief description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion
- Instructor’s Grading Policy (assignments, percentages, letter grades… provide enough detail so that students can calculate grades)
Required by SACSCOC
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO). All courses aligned with specific degree programs should use the Student Learning Outcomes of that program that are reported to SACSCOC. The Academic Assessment Program Coordinators can provide the SLOs for each degree plan.
Required by THECB
Marketable Skills. All courses aligned with specific degree programs should use the Marketable Skills of that program that are reported to THECB. The Academic Assessment Program Coordinators can provide the Marketable Skills for each degree plan. They also are located at srinfo.sulross.edu/hb2504/.
For Core Curriculum Courses Only for 2023-2024
Please include the SLOs for both Critical Thinking and Communication skills in your syllabi for fall and spring semesters 2023-2024.
- Critical Thinking. Students will develop critical thinking skills to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.
- Students will develop communication skills to include effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication.
Required by Americans with Disability Act Statement (ADA)
ADA Statement
SRSU Accessibility Services. Sul Ross State University (SRSU) is committed to equal access in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1973. It is SRSU policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate a request each semester for each class. Students seeking accessibility/accommodations services must contact Mrs. Mary Schwartze Grisham, LPC, SRSU’s Accessibility Services Director or Ronnie Harris, LPC, Counselor, at 432-837-8203 or email mschwartze@sulross.edu or ronnie.harris@sulross.edu. RGC students can also contact Alejandra Valdez, at 830-758-5006 or email alejandra.valdez@sulross.edu. Our office is located on the first floor of Ferguson Hall, room 112, and our mailing address is P.O. Box C122, Sul Ross State University, Alpine. Texas, 79832.
SRSU Distance Education Statement
Students enrolled in distance education courses have equal access to the university’s academic support services, such as library resources, online databases, and instructional technology support. For more information about accessing these resources, visit the SRSU website.
Students should correspond using Sul Ross email accounts and submit online assignments through Blackboard, which requires a secure login. Students enrolled in distance education courses at Sul Ross are expected to adhere to all policies pertaining to academic honesty and appropriate student conduct, as described in the student handbook. Students in web-based courses must maintain appropriate equipment and software, according to the needs and requirements of the course, as outlined on the SRSU website. Directions for filing a student complaint are located in the student handbook.
Recommended Statements
Counseling
Sul Ross has partnered with TimelyCare where all SR students will have access to nine free counseling sessions. You can learn more about this 24/7/356 support by visiting Timelycare/SRSU. The SR Counseling and Accessibility Services office will continue to offer in-person counseling in Ferguson Hall room 112 (Alpine campus), and telehealth Zoom sessions for remote students and RGC students.
Libraries
The Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library in Alpine offers FREE resources and services to the entire SRSU community. Access and borrow books, articles, and more by visiting the library’s website, library.sulross.edu/. Off-campus access requires logging in with your LobolD and password. Librarians are a tremendous resource for your coursework and can be reached in person, by email (srsulibrary@sulross.edu), or by phone (432-837-8123).
No matter where you are based, public libraries and many academic and special libraries welcome the general public into their spaces for study. SRSU TexShare Cardholders can access additional services and resources at various libraries across Texas. Learn more about the TexShare program by visiting library.sulross.edu/find-and-borrow/texshare/ or ask a librarian by emailing srsulibrary@sulross.edu.
New for Fall 2023: Mike Fernandez, SRSU Librarian, is based in Eagle Pass (Building D-129) to offer specialized library services to students, faculty, and staff. Utilize free services such as InterLibrary Loan (ILL) and ScanIt to get materials delivered to you at home or via email.
Academic Integrity
Students in this class are expected to demonstrate scholarly behavior and academic honesty in the use of intellectual property. Students should submit work that is their own and avoid the temptation to engage in behaviors that violate academic integrity, such as turning in work as original that was used in whole or part for another course and/or professor; turning in another person’s work as one’s own; copying from professional works or internet sites without citation; collaborating on a course assignment, examination, or quiz when collaboration is forbidden. Students should also avoid using open AI sources unless permission is expressly given for an assignment or course. Violations of academic integrity can result in failing assignments, failing a class, and/or more serious university consequences. These behaviors also erode the value of college degrees and higher education overall.
Classroom Climate of Respect
Importantly, this class will foster free expression, critical investigation, and the open discussion of ideas. This means that all of us must help create and sustain an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the viewpoints of others. Similarly, we must all learn how to probe, oppose and disagree without resorting to tactics of intimidation, harassment, or personal attack. No one is entitled to harass, belittle, or discriminate against another on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender, national origin, or sexual preference. Still, we will not be silenced by the difficulty of fruitfully discussing politically sensitive issues.
Supportive Statement
I aim to create a learning environment for my students that supports various perspectives and experiences. I understand that the recent pandemic, economic disparity, and health concerns, or even unexpected life events may impact the conditions necessary for you to succeed. My commitment is to be there for you and help you meet the learning objectives of this course. I do this to demonstrate my commitment to you and to the mission of Sul Ross State University to create a supportive environment and care for the whole student as part of the Sul Ross Familia. If you feel like your performance in the class is being impacted by your experiences outside of class, please don’t hesitate to come and talk with me. I want to be a resource for you.