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Simple Syllabus Support Overview

Simple Syllabus is A-State’s official platform for creating, managing, and publishing course syllabi. It provides a consistent, accessible, and centralized system that ensures compliance with university and accreditation standards. By using Simple Syllabus, instructors can:

  • Save time with pre-populated course information from Banner and Canvas.
  • Maintain consistency across departments with standardized templates.
  • Improve student access to syllabi through the A-State Syllabus Library.
  • Support institutional reporting and accreditation requirements.

Syllabus Library

  • Fall 2024 and beyond: Available in the A-State Syllabus Library.
  • Fall 2017–Summer 2024: Request from the Office of Accreditation and Assessment.
  • Older syllabi: Not stored by the Office of Accreditation and Assessment.

Note: Syllabus templates are determined by college deans and department chairs in conjunction with the Office of Accreditation and Assessment.

Training Video

Arkansas State University Simple Syllabus Training
A demonstration of Simple Syllabus for the faculty and staff of Arkansas State University.

For One-on-One or Group Training, please make a request through the Office of Accreditation and Assessment.

Downloadable Guide

Instructor Editing Guide – ASU Jonesboro (DOCX)
A detailed guide for editing and managing syllabi in Simple Syllabus.

Troubleshooting

  • Error on Opening Course: Enable third-party cookies.
  • Schedule Not Updating:
    • Manually editing a date in Simple Syllabus breaks the connection with the Canvas section.
    • Only update dates in Canvas to maintain the sync.
    • If the connection is broken, request a Reset to restore the schedule component.

    • Note: Simple Syllabus only syncs with the main section of a course. Cross-listed sections will not sync. You can instead add a note in the syllabus directing students to check Canvas for dates.

  • Simple Syllabus Link Missing in Canvas:
    This usually happens when a course was copied from one that didn’t have the Simple Syllabus link enabled in the navigation menu.
    ➤ See: How to Manage Course Navigation Links in Canvas
  • Continuing to Receive Reminder Emails:
    This may mean you still need to submit your syllabus or that you have cross-listed sections.
    • For the Main Section, Access Simple Syllabus from Canvas or Pack Portal and complete all the unfinished sections.
    • For Cross-listed sections, Access Simple Syllabus through Pack Portal and navigate to the correct course.
      • Copy the syllabus from the main section.
      • For the schedule, add a note directing students to check Canvas for dates.
    • ➤ See: Accessing Simple Syllabus
  • Missing Course or Account: Contact your admin.

Additional Online Resources

Related Knowledge Base Pages

Tip: For accessibility, always use the built-in editor in Simple Syllabus instead of pasting formatted text.

Contact for Help

Office of Accreditation & Assessment
Contact: Kevin Hennings, Assistant Director of Accreditation
Email:khennings@AState.edu
Phone: (870) 972-2989
Dean B. Ellis Library, Room 610

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