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.
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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
- Instructor Knowledge Base - Find quick answers to frequent Instructor questions when using Simple Syllabus.
- Simple Watch – Browse and watch helpful videos to get the most out of Simple Syllabus
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