Syllabi for online classes can be very similar to syllabi for on-site classes. However, certain modification must be made. Here I highlight two specific policies that need modification in an online environment: my communication policy, and my late work policy. The communication policy is important to modify because of the slower nature of online communication. Because students do not have a set time each week where they can talk to me in person, I have modified my communication policy to create a time where they can interact in real-time with me online. This helps me build rapport with my students, as well as allowing them to get quicker feedback for their questions and ask follow-up questions quickly. For my late work policy, making things due at 11:59pm PST on their due date and having a policy for each 24-hour period after that helps make clear what I mean by late work.
Communication policy
I will be available by email and through Canvas. Unless announced otherwise, I will answer emails within 24 hours during the week and within 48 hours on the weekends. However, I understand that the nature of online communication can be slow. Therefore, on Mondays and Wednesdays between the hours of 10a and 1p, I will answer emails within 30 minutes and be available via Slack (link) for direct student questions. If you are unavailable for all of these times, please contact me via email and we can set up an appointment at a different time.
Late work policy
All assignments will be due at 11:59pm PST on their assigned due date. For every 24 hours after its due date an assignment is turned in, 10% will be deducted to a maximum of 50%. If an assignment is not turned in after 7 days, it will no longer be accepted. If you will miss an assignment for a specific reason, please contact me as soon as possible.