Course Syllabus

There are multiple ways to deliver an accessible syllabus. You can create your syllabus in the Syllabus section in Canvas or provide an accessible document.

The following resources can help you ensure your syllabus is accessible:

  • Use the UC Syllabus Template created by the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning
  • Include the Faculty Senate Accessibility Statement on your syllabus
  • State the materials, software, and technology needed for the course.
  • Include contact information for technical assistance.
  • Describe how you will communicate with students and the anticipated timeliness of your responses.
  • Review your syllabus in Canvas and follow the instructions provided by Ally to learn about each accessibility issue and how to fix it. See the Ally for Canvas page for more resources.

Follow the accessibility best practices for whichever format you choose for your syllabus. Use the tools built into your source program (like Microsoft Word) to check your content for accessibility.

If you plan to post your syllabus as a PDF, make the syllabus as accessible as possible in the source program, then export the document to PDF format.

For more information on Word and PDF accessibility, see the pages linked below.

Accessible Syllabus PDF example

This PDF shows an example of an abbreviated syllabus that highlights relevant features of an accessible document. The Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL) offers an Accessible Syllabus Template that you can use as a foundation for your syllabus.

Descriptions of the features, best practices, and details on how and why it is important to incorporate these features into your syllabi are detailed in the Accessibility for Syllabi KB article.