Background
Over the past two years the Office of the Provost has been working closely with a cross-functional working group to better understand the decentralized processes and challenges of managing Course Outlines across McMaster University. The group includes representation from University Technology Services (UTS), the MacPherson Institute, the Library, the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Science, and the Registrar’s Office. Throughout the process the working group has also engaged in broad consultations with instructors, learners, and various service units across McMaster University to understand the various contexts for using Course Outlines.
What is the Course Outline Portal?
A new Course Outline tool, called “Simple Syllabus,” has been chosen to better support a streamlined and simplified Course Outline creation and archiving process across all Faculties. Using the new tool provides many benefits to both students and instructors. Find it here: https://mcmaster.simplesyllabus.com
- Ease of use – Instructors will be able to simply log into the Course Outline Portal (and later integrated through Avenue to Learn) to gain access to Course Outline templates that are already aligned with McMaster’s course management policies.
- Save time –Course Outlines receive automatic updates to policy and process statements within the templates created by instructors. These templates can also be duplicated and revised each term.
- Student accessibility – Simple Syllabus ensures all Course Outlines are automatically designed for accessibility compliance.
- Customize – if desired, Simple Syllabus includes the ability to customize syllabi for the unique needs of instructors and courses.
- Centralized archiving – Over time, this tool will serve as a centralized and comprehensive archive of Course Outlines across all Faculties to comply with government of Ontario legislation.
- Connect to resources – Find helpful course building and course design resources directly from the Course Outline tool.
Implementation Plan
The portal is now available! Starting with the Spring/Summer 2023 term, instructors will have access to the portal to build their outlines. Please speak to your departments about expectations regarding when to use it.
Technical training is also available here: https://mi.mcmaster.ca/events/course-outline-portal-technical-training/
Expandable List
Do you have questions about the Course Outline Portal? Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions related to the new tool.
Don’t see your question? Please email course@mcmaster.ca for additional support.
Instructors will have the ability to add instructor-specific components to the course outline.
The portal will have course outline template that will adhere to McMaster’s undergraduate course outline policy. The template will have “help text” and embedded links to resources.
Approvers designated by Faculty and/or department will approve course outlines submitted through the portal.
The course outline template will include mandatory advisory statements.
All undergraduate instructors should be able to access the portal starting Winter 2023 and will be expected to use the tool in the following academic year.
Please email course@mcmaster.ca for course outline portal specific questions.