Authorization and Approval
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Purpose
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has clear and common basic expectations for course delivery at USask to enable students to understand expectations clearly. This policy statement, along with its associated procedures, also articulates what must be included in course syllabi. This policy document flows out of and acknowledges educator, student, and university community commitments made in Our University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter and the types of learner competencies Our Learning Charter articulates, particularly: the provision of high quality programs for learning and discovery and provision of safe, secure and inclusive environments in our university community commitments, and our educator commitments to align learning outcomes, teaching activities and assessments that are effective in helping students achieve the learning outcomes of a course or learning activity.
Policy
1.Transparent Course Requirements
Every course must have a comprehensive syllabus provided to students at the outset of the term. The syllabus must include essential information such as course learning outcomes, required materials, assessment criteria, grading policies, communication protocols, and academic support resources, in alignment with university-wide standards.
2. Consistent and Accountable Learning Environment
Academic units and instructors are responsible for ensuring that course delivery and syllabi comply with the university’s common expectations. Regular reviews and feedback mechanisms must be in place to maintain consistency, uphold academic quality, and respond to evolving student and institutional needs.
Responsibilities
The Office of the Provost, or its designate, in collaboration and consultation with relevant units in the Provost’s portfolio and other stakeholder administrative and academic units, is responsible for all matters of interpretation arising from the policy and for its regular review and revision. The University Registrar shall undertake revisions of this policy and the related procedures on behalf of the Provost.
Central Leadership and/or Administrative Units:
- Oversee and lead continuous improvement of centrally managed procedures and processes related to this policy.
- Provide appropriate academic technologies to support course delivery and syllabus generation.
- Review the course policy and procedures across the colleges periodically to ensure consistency and address concerns.
Academic Units (colleges, schools and/or departments) with academic responsibilities for courses:
- Develop and maintain college/department processes consistent with university policy and procedures.
- Align course practices and processes with accreditation standards, if applicable.
- Oversee and coordinate procedures related to course delivery within the academic unit.
Leaders (Department Heads, Associates Deans Academic):
- Review syllabi for coherence with University and College requirements
Educators:
- Design course syllabi or use required syllabi for a course.
- Communicate specific expectations to all students in areas required by course procedures, including negotiation of changes to the syllabi after the course starts.
Students:
- Engage appropriately with course expectations articulated in the syllabus.
- Proactively seek support if unclear