Syllabus Support

Course syllabi are required at Gateway Technical College. They are a valuable opportunity to promote student success and belonging in your classes by setting expectations and helping students get comfortable with your course. This guide provides the GTC template, recommendations, and example policies that can be woven into the course specific policy section of your syllabus.

Remember, syllabi are due 48 hours before your course begins.

In this guide: Syllabus Template | Why Does Your Course Matter | How to Succeed in Your Course | Additional Resources

Syllabus Template

This Google Docs template describes all the information required to be in your syllabus as well as additional information that is helpful to include. To use this template:

Log into your GTC email.
Click to open the template link.
Click “File” at the top of your screen and select “Make a copy." This will create a copy for your personal use.
This template was created to meet college accessibility guidelines for digital documents, including using heading structure, meeting color contrast requirements, and providing alternative text for images. As you customize the template with information about your course, please keep digital accessibility in mind.
Before sharing your syllabus or exporting it to another file format, use Grackle to check for accessibility.

You can also find a syllabus template in the Brightspace Standard Blueprint.

Why Does Your Course Matter?

It is important to set a strong foundation for the semester. The first step is to show students how your course relates to their lives and goals. Your syllabus MUST include the official course description and course competencies, along with a link to your Course Outcome summary. You can also write a personalized course overview to welcome students to the class and get them excited for the semester ahead.

To craft an engaging course overview for your syllabus or in Brightspace, consider discussing:

Why is your course unique? What about the subject matter is exciting?
What valuable skills will students develop, and how can they apply them to their lives?
How does your course connect to programs we have at Gateway?
How can they use the knowledge from your class when they step out into the world?

Example 1 - Oral/Interpersonal Communications

Official Course Description: This course focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communication, and listening skills through individual presentations, group activities, and other projects.

Course Overview: Welcome to Oral/Interpersonal Communication! In a world where the ability to communicate effectively can open doors and transform outcomes, this course offers students a dynamic and practical experience unlike any other. Whether you are preparing for a career in business, healthcare, education, or any field in between, the ability to speak with confidence and listen with intention is a skill that will set you apart. At Gateway, this course connects directly to programs across our campus — from Business and Health Sciences to Human Services and beyond — making it relevant no matter your path.

In this course, you will develop essential speaking, verbal and nonverbal communication, and listening skills through individual presentations, group activities, and collaborative projects. You will learn not just how to stand in front of a room, but how to read your audience, craft a compelling message, and deliver it with clarity and purpose. These are skills you will use every single day — in job interviews, workplace meetings, community conversations, and personal relationships.

What makes this course truly exciting is its hands-on, real-world approach. Every activity is designed to mirror the kinds of communication challenges you will face outside the classroom. By the time you complete this course, you will walk away with the confidence to speak up in any setting, the ability to connect meaningfully with others, and a toolkit of communication strategies that will serve you for the rest of your life. In a competitive world, your voice matters — and this course will help you use it.

Example 2 - Principles of Interior Design

Official Course Description: This course will provide the beginning college student with the fundamentals of interior design. Students will explore the elements and principles of art and design as they are applied to interior environments. The learner will also gain knowledge of basic concepts in the design process, human ecology, space planning, selecting finishes and furnishings, and design communications techniques.

Course Overview: Welcome to Introduction to Interior Design! Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease, energized, or inspired — and wondered why? Interior design is the art and science behind those experiences, and it is one of the most exciting and versatile creative fields you can enter. Whether you are drawn to residential design, commercial spaces, hospitality, healthcare environments, or retail — the professional world is full of opportunities for skilled designers who understand how to shape the way people live, work, and feel.

This course provides beginning students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of interior design, exploring the elements and principles of art and design as they are applied to real interior environments. You will gain hands-on knowledge of the design process from concept to completion, including space planning, selecting finishes and furnishings, and design communication techniques. You will also explore human ecology — understanding how the spaces we design directly impact the well-being, productivity, and daily lives of the people who inhabit them.

At Gateway, this course connects beautifully to programs in Architecture, Business, and the Arts, and serves as a launching pad for students pursuing careers in interior design and related fields. Professionally, the skills you build here are immediately applicable — whether you are presenting a design concept to a client, collaborating with contractors and architects, or making informed decisions about materials and layouts in a real workplace setting.

By the end of this course, you will not only see spaces differently — you will have the vocabulary, technical knowledge, and creative confidence to begin transforming them. The world needs thoughtful designers, and your journey starts here.

Example 3 - Basics of Robotic Welding

Official Course Description: This course provides instruction in basic welding robot operation including powering up, homing procedures, powering down, and proper work angles for all welding processes. The student will also learn the importance of proper travel speeds and welding equipment setup to ensure for quality welds when programing robots. A heavy emphasis on robotic cell safety is also included in this course

Course Overview: Welcome to Robotic Welding Operations! We are living in the middle of a manufacturing revolution, and robotic welding is at the heart of it. Industries across the country — from automotive and aerospace to construction and heavy equipment — are rapidly integrating robotic welding systems into their operations, and the demand for skilled technicians who can operate, program, and manage these systems has never been higher. This course puts you at the forefront of that demand, giving you the hands-on technical skills and foundational knowledge to thrive in a modern manufacturing environment.

In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of robotic welding cell operation, including powering up and down, homing procedures, proper work angles, travel speeds, and welding equipment setup. You will develop the programming skills needed to produce consistent, high-quality welds, all while operating within a culture of rigorous safety — because in a professional robotic welding environment, safety is not optional, it is everything.

What might surprise you is how deeply your general education coursework connects to success in this field. Mathematics sharpens your ability to calculate travel speeds, angles, and measurements with precision. Physics brings to life the principles behind heat transfer, electrical current, and material behavior. Written and oral communication skills become essential when you are documenting procedures, reporting equipment issues, or collaborating with engineers and supervisors on the shop floor. Critical thinking — developed across all of your academic courses — is exactly what employers are looking for when troubleshooting a programming error or diagnosing a weld defect.

At Gateway, this course connects directly to our Advanced Manufacturing and Welding programs, building a pathway toward industry-recognized credentials and long-term career growth. By the time you complete this course, you will not just be technically prepared — you will be the kind of well-rounded professional that today's employers are eager to hire. The factory floor of the future is here, and this course is your entry point.

Example 4 - PTA Musculoskeletal Anatomy

Official Course Description: This course is a preparatory and enrichment elective for students who are about to enter first semester PTA program core courses. It provides an in-depth look at musculoskeletal anatomy, including anatomical terms, bony anatomy, cardinal planes and motions, and joint and muscle structure and function.

Course Overview: The journey to becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant is one of the most rewarding paths you can choose — and it begins with building a rock-solid foundation before you ever step into your first core course. This preparatory course is your head start, your competitive edge, and your confidence booster all in one. Students who enter the PTA program with a deep understanding of the human body are better prepared to absorb complex clinical concepts, perform with greater precision in lab settings, and ultimately provide safer, more effective care to the patients who will one day depend on them.

In this course, students will take an in-depth look at musculoskeletal anatomy, exploring anatomical terminology, bony anatomy, cardinal planes and motions, and the structure and function of joints and muscles. These are not just academic concepts — they are the language of physical therapy. Every treatment technique, every patient assessment, and every clinical conversation you will have as a PTA professional is rooted in exactly what you will learn here.

At Gateway, this course serves as a bridge between your general education experience and the rigorous demands of the PTA core program, connecting directly to courses in anatomy, physiology, and health sciences. Students who invest fully in this preparatory experience arrive in their first semester not just ready — but confident, capable, and ahead of the curve.

By the end of this course, you will have internalized the anatomical framework that underpins everything in physical therapy practice. When you walk into your first core course, you will not be starting from scratch — you will be building on a foundation you already own. That difference matters, and it starts here.

How to Succeed in Your Course

Designing a transparent and student-centered syllabus helps build trust, reduce anxiety, and set students up for success from day one. A strong syllabus transcends simply listing policies; it communicates your expectations, your personality, and your commitment to teaching. Consider incorporating the following elements to make your syllabus as clear and welcoming as possible:

Explain workload expectations by including a credit hour explanation that outlines the amount of coursework students can expect both inside and outside of class, using direct "you" and "we" language to make it personal and transparent.
Preview course structure by giving students a sense of the overall format, types of assignments, and whether they will be doing individual or group work, so they can plan and engage more intentionally.
Share how to communicate with you by telling students your preferred name, explaining your office hour philosophy, and clarifying what kinds of questions are appropriate in different settings (before or after class, by email, or during student hours).
Set clear response time expectations so students know when and how they can expect to hear back from you, reducing uncertainty and building confidence in reaching out.
Establish a respectful learning environment by introducing behavioral expectations in the syllabus and reinforcing them early and often throughout the course.
Normalize seeking help by referencing campus resources in your syllabus and framing the use of those resources as a natural, encouraged part of the learning experience instead of a last resort.

Please note that the ideas below and examples. You can and should personalize them to fit your teaching style and course set up.

Workload Expectations Statement Examples

3-Credit Face-to-Face Course

This course meets 3 hours each week, which means you can expect approximately 3 hours of in-class time and 6 hours of outside work per week, including readings, assignments, and preparation for class activities. We want you to get the most out of every minute we spend together, so come ready to engage! This course uses a variety of evidence-based, active learning strategies designed to help you not just memorize information, but truly understand and apply it. Rather than relying on traditional lectures, we will flip the classroom — meaning you will review materials, videos, and readings before class, so that our time together can be spent on activities, discussions, and collaborative problem-solving that deepen your learning. You may not be used to this approach, and that is completely okay. We will navigate it together. The more you invest outside of class, the richer your in-class experience will be, and the more confident you will feel walking out the door.

3-Credit OSYNC Online Course

This course is worth 3 credits and takes place fully online with scheduled live sessions, meaning you will need to show up on Zoom at our designated meeting times just as you would for an in-person class. Plan to spend approximately 3 hours in live sessions and 6 hours each week on coursework outside of those meetings — including readings, assignments, and activity preparation. I know that online learning comes with its own unique challenges, and I am here to support you every step of the way. Our live sessions are not just check-ins, they are active, collaborative learning experiences where your participation truly matters. To make the most of them, you will review materials and complete preparation work beforehand so that our time together can be engaging, meaningful, and worth showing up for. Whether you are joining from home, a coffee shop, or between shifts at work, know that you belong here and your presence makes this course better for everyone.

3-Credit ASYNC Online Course

This course is worth 3 credits and is delivered fully online with no required meeting times, giving you the flexibility to complete your work on a schedule that fits your life. With that flexibility comes responsibility! Plan to dedicate approximately 9 hours per week to this course, including engaging with course materials, completing assignments, and participating in online discussions. Make sure you're meeting deadlines so you don't lose points! You are not in this alone, even though we never meet face to face. This course is intentionally designed to keep you connected, to the content, to your classmates, and to your instructor. You will engage with video content, interactive materials, and collaborative activities that mirror the kind of learning that happens in a classroom. We encourage you to treat this course like any other commitment in your week: set a schedule, find your space, and show up for yourself consistently. Your success in this course is absolutely within reach, and we are rooting for you every step of the way.

Fostering a Positive and Productive Learning Environment

Example 1

This course is built on collaboration, and that means every single person in this room matters. When you are here, fully present and prepared, you make the experience better for everyone around you and when someone is missing or disengaged, the whole group feels it. That is not pressure, it is an invitation to be part of something meaningful together.

Being prepared means more than just completing your assignments before class, though that is absolutely expected. It means arriving on time, bringing your full attention, and being ready to participate, not just to speak, but to listen. In many fields, listening is treated as a passive skill. Here, we treat it as one of the most important and active things you can do. The ability to truly hear another person. Their ideas, their questions, and their perspectives are something that will serve you in every career and every relationship you will ever have.

You will not always agree with everyone in this room, and that is okay. Respectful disagreement and open dialogue are part of how we learn together. However, if you ever feel that your voice has been dismissed (by a classmate or by me) please come talk to me as soon as you can. Your experience in this course matters, and I am committed to making this a space where every student feels heard, valued, and respected.

Example 2

Active, prepared participation is a core requirement of this course, not just an expectation, but a professional skill you are building right now. Many of the careers our programs lead to depend on your ability to show up reliably, contribute meaningfully, and work productively alongside others. This classroom is where that practice begins.

Students are expected to arrive on time to every class session with all assigned work completed. Coming prepared also means arriving mentally ready to engage with others. This course will involve discussion, collaboration, and the open exchange of ideas. Every student deserves to feel that their perspective is respected and taken seriously in this space. If at any point you feel that your thoughts or opinions have been unfairly dismissed, I encourage you to bring that to my attention as soon as possible. I take that responsibility seriously, and I am committed to ensuring that this classroom remains a place where all students can participate with confidence and dignity.

Example 3

One of the most valuable things about this classroom is the variety of people in it. Every student who walks through that door brings a unique background, perspective, and life experience. Some of the most powerful moments in this course will not come from a textbook or a lecture. They will come from a conversation with someone who sees the world differently than you do.

With that in mind, we ask that every student approach our discussions with genuine openness and respect. You do not have to agree with everyone; thoughtful disagreement is one of the hallmarks of a great learning environment. What we do ask is that you engage with ideas rather than argue with individuals, and that you extend to others the same courtesy and respect that you would want shown to you.

This is also a professional space, which means that personal information shared during class discussions stays in this room. What is shared here, stays here. That commitment to confidentiality helps build the trust that makes honest, meaningful conversation possible. Your instructors are committed to making this a safe and supportive environment for every voice in the room. In return, we ask you to show up with kindness, curiosity, and a willingness to listen as much as you speak. Together, we will build something worth being a part of.

Example 4

Great discussions happen when people feel safe enough to be honest, and that safety is something we build together. In this course, you will encounter perspectives and experiences different from your own, and we encourage you to approach those moments with curiosity and an open mind. Engage with ideas thoughtfully, disagree respectfully, and leave personal attacks or dismissive comments at the door.

Please also remember that anything of a personal or sensitive nature shared during class stays in this room. Confidentiality is not just a courtesy, it is the foundation of trust that makes real learning possible. We are committed to making this space welcoming for every student, and we ask you to bring that same commitment each time we meet. If at any time you are uncomfortable with a topic, please let me know and feel free to excuse yourself from the room.

Encouraging Students to Reach Out for Help

Example 1:

How to Reach Me

I want to hear from you, and I mean that. The best way to reach me outside of class is through email. You can find my contact information on the first page of this syllabus, and I commit to responding within 48 business hours, usually sooner. All important course communications will also be posted as announcements in Brightspace, so make it a habit to check there regularly.

Before and After Class

I arrive early and stay after class, and those few minutes are genuinely some of my favorite times to connect with students. Whether you have a quick question, need clarification on something, or just want to talk through how things are going, please do not hesitate to pull me aside. You are never interrupting! You are exactly why I am here!

Office Hours

I hold weekly office hours, and I want to be honest with you: not many students come, and that is a missed opportunity. Office hours are not just for emergencies or confusion, they are for YOU. Come because you want to go deeper on a topic. Come because you are thinking about your next steps after graduation. Come because you want feedback before an assignment is due rather than after. Come because you have questions you did not want to ask in front of the whole class. Whatever brings you in, you are welcome. My office hours are held each week — details are listed in Brightspace and on your syllabus. If the scheduled time does not work for you, just email me and we will find a time that does.

A Note on Asking for Help

Reaching out when you need support is not a sign of weakness, it is one of the best things a student can do. If something in this course is not clicking, if life gets complicated, or if you just need someone in your corner, please reach out. I am glad you are here, and I want to see you succeed.

Example 2:

Communication and Contact Information

Email is the primary mode of communication for this course outside of class. My contact information is listed on the first page of this syllabus. You can expect a response within 48 hours on business days. Important announcements and course updates will be communicated via email and posted in Brightspace, so please check both regularly.

Before and After Class

I make a point of arriving to class early and staying a few minutes after. These are great opportunities to ask quick questions, clarify expectations on an upcoming assignment, or simply check in. Do not be shy.

Weekly Office Hours

I hold dedicated office hours each week, and I strongly encourage you to take advantage of them. Office hours are an open, low-pressure space where you can get one-on-one support that simply is not possible during class time. Whether you want to review feedback on a past assignment, talk through a concept that did not quite land, or get advice on how to approach an upcoming project, this time is reserved for you.

Office hours details are listed in Brightspace and on your syllabus. If you are unable to attend during the scheduled time, please email me to arrange an alternate meeting time. I am happy to accommodate when I can.

A Reminder About Support

No problem is too small. Students who connect early and often tend to perform better and feel more confident throughout the course. I encourage you to make contact a habit, not a last resort.

Encouraging Students to Get Help

Example 1

College is about more than coursework, and we recognize that you are a whole person with a full life outside of this classroom. If you are facing challenges with basic needs like housing, food, sleep, or personal well-being, please know that you are not alone and that help is available. Do not wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out, the sooner you connect with support, the sooner things can get better.

Gateway has an incredible network of free resources designed specifically to help students like you succeed, and we encourage you to explore what is available at gtc.edu/campus-life/learning-success. Whether you need free tutoring to strengthen your understanding of course material, confidential counseling when life feels like too much, accommodations and accessibility support, or connections to programs that celebrate your background and support your unique journey, it is all there for you.

Are you a veteran transitioning to college life? A student returning to school after years of caring for your family? Someone exploring a career where people like you are underrepresented? Gateway has programs built with you specifically in mind.

If you feel comfortable, please reach out to me directly as well. I am not just here to teach. I am here to support you. Your success in this course matters to me, and I want to make sure you have everything you need to make that happen. You chose to be here, and that matters. Let us help you make the most of it.

Example 2

We recognize that you are a whole person, and that life outside the classroom can sometimes make it difficult to focus on your coursework. If you are facing challenges — whether academic, personal, or financial — please know that Gateway offers a wide range of free support services designed to help you navigate them. From tutoring and accessibility accommodations to personal counseling, veteran support, and programs for non-traditional students, help is available and within reach.

We encourage you to explore the full list of resources available to you at gtc.edu/campus-life/learning-success. If you feel comfortable doing so, you are also welcome to reach out to me directly. Connecting early with the right support can make all the difference, and your success in this course — and at Gateway — is something I take seriously.

Additional Resources