There are many benefits to a well-designed syllabus.  For example, many instructors use their syllabus to introduce themselves to students, articulate their teaching philosophy, set the tone for the semester, or convey their enthusiasm for the material to be learned and invite students on a journey of intellectual discovery.  

Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations require that a syllabus be on file for every course offered.  A clear, well written syllabus helps create an understanding between instructor and student.  

It must contain at least the following information.

• Course name
• Catalog description of the course (verbatim, available online from the College catalog)
• Approved course learning outcomes (CLOs) for the course. (NOTE: these should be consistent with AEFIS)   
• Course section number
• Date or term
• Instructor’s name
• Instructor’s office location, office hours, and contact information (e.g., phone, email, website)
• Required materials (e.g., textbook, flash drive)
• Schedule of topics, readings, assignments, exams, etc.  
• Grading procedures and standards
• Instructor's policy on attendance and/or lateness
• Information regarding classroom management practices such as cell phones, class discussions etc. 
• Policy on academic honesty (plagiarism, cheating, etc.)
• Statement on disability (recommended statement): “Students who believe they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact their instructors privately to discuss their accommodation letter and specific needs as soon as possible (preferably within the first week of class).  If you need to request accommodations, but do not have an accommodation letter, please contact the Center on Disability, room BG-39, phone number 215-751-8050”

CCPSyllabus

CCP is required to keep institutional copies of the syllabi both by the Commonwealth of PA and Middle States in a central location. The Concourse syllabus tool found as CCPSyllabus inside of the Canvas LMS is our system of record.

Syllabi also need to be accessible according to Federal law, and Concourse makes syllabi automatically accessible.

If you need assistance with using Concourse, go to the Academic Technologies website where there are tutorials, the schedule of training, and information on how to get assistance.

Sample AI Syllabus Statements 

AI is not allowed 

1. The use of AI tools is not permitted for the purpose of completing coursework. The use of AI-generated content to create original or unique work is not permitted. All graded coursework (such as assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects) must represent the student’s own independent thinking, writing, and design process. AI assistance should not replace individual creativity or authorship. Any form of AI used for these purposes will be considered plagiarism and/or cheating and constitutes a violation of the College’s Academic Integrity Policy and Student Code of Conduct. Cases of suspected academic dishonesty will be referred to the Dean of Students Office for further review, which may result in additional sanctions, up to and including separation from the College.
    
2. Unauthorized use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate ideas, writing, designs, or other coursework constitutes a violation of the College’s Academic Integrity Policy and Student Code of Conduct. Such actions may result in disciplinary measures, including a failing grade for the course. Cases of suspected academic dishonesty will be referred to the Dean of Students Office for further review, which may result in additional sanctions, up to and including separation from the College. 

Selected use of AI is allowed 

Students may use AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, GPT, DALL-E, MidJourney, Perplexity) and are encouraged to explore AI tools as learning aids for course material and content, as directed by the instructor. AI may not be used to generate or complete graded work unless explicitly permitted. However, students should note that the material generated by these tools may be inaccurate, incomplete, or otherwise problematic. All AI uses must be properly documented and cited as any other reference material. Any unauthorized use of AI may constitute a violation of the College’s Academic Integrity Policy and Student Code of Conduct. Cases will be referred to the Dean of Students Office for further review, which may result in additional sanctions, up to and including separation from the College. 

AI is allowed 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT, image generators, grammar assistants, and similar technologies) may be used in this course as a learning support tool, not as a replacement for original thinking, writing, or design work. Students are permitted to use AI for activities that are specifically outlined by the syllabus, assignment and/or by the instructor 

However, AI may not be used to generate original work that is submitted as the student’s own thinking, writing, or design unless explicitly permitted by the instructor. Any use of AI must be clearly disclosed and properly cited. Students are responsible for documenting the AI tool used, how it was used, and what content was generated or influenced by AI. 

Submitting AI-generated content as original work, or failing to properly cite AI assistance, may constitute a violation of the College’s Academic Integrity Policy and Student Code of Conduct. Cases will be referred to the Dean of Students Office for further review, which may result in additional sanctions, up to and including separation from the College. 

Students are encouraged to use AI thoughtfully and ethically, ensuring that all submitted work reflects their own understanding, voice, and skills. When in doubt, students should consult the instructor before using AI for an assignment. 

Please contact your department for sample syllabi.

Developed by the Curriculum Development Team (CFT). Updated May 2021. 
Sample AI Syllabus Statements Updated January 2026.