A course syllabus communicates expectations and sends a welcoming message to all students. Yet students who are new to the US university experience may be encountering a syllabus for the very first time. How do you talk about the course syllabus with your students?  What messages are do you send about the value of diverse linguistic, cultural, and educational experiences in your classroom? 

How to Engage Students with Your Syllabus

Consider these questions and practices to help engage students right from the start. 
 

  • What is a syllabus and why is it important? Talk about the course “agreement” that the students and you as the instructor will use to guide the course. If you take time to discuss these questions, students will listen.  
     
  • How do you want students to engage with the content? Provide time for students to engage with the content rather than simply distributing the syllabus on the first day. A syllabus quiz is a great way to hold students accountable. As an alternative, ask students to generate questions about the course  prior to distributing the syllabus. After the syllabus is distributed, ask students to find the answers to their questions and report back to the class.  

  • What messages can you include that welcome all? Review these Syllabus Sample Statements to see how you can help students feel comfortable participating and collaborating in your classroom.  

  • How will you talk about support resources? Including links to resources in your syllabus is a great first step, but continue to share timely resource reminders throughout the semester.  

Sample Syllabus Statements

Consider using one or more of these sample statements to encourage inclusivity in the classroom.

Learn from Diversity

Students come to this university from more than 130 countries, bringing with them an enormous variety of linguistic knowledge, cultural traditions, belief systems, and educational experiences. Such variety in linguistic and cultural background presents many challenges and offers many opportunities. I encourage you to be curious, get outside of your comfort zone to get to know other students, and work to overcome communication challenges related to linguistic and cultural differences. 

Ask for Clarification

Because not all students and faculty share the same native language in our classroom, there may be times when comprehension of course content is a challenge. If you are confused by new vocabulary or cultural examples shared by your instructors or classmates, please ask for clarification.  

Engage in Productive Discussions

Your classmates may express themselves through many different communication styles. Factors such as educational background, cultural differences, and individual preferences will influence the ways in which students participate in class.  Some students may be more comfortable staying silent, but don't assume that they do not have contributions to make.  Observe how others interact during discussions and respond with sensitivity. Be careful of making assumptions and work hard to include everyone in the conversation.

Overcome Challenges in Group Work

Research demonstrates that working in groups with diverse peers can be challenging, but when group members work to overcome these challenges, they can experience significant gains in critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Plus, the final group product is likely to be of higher quality and more creative. You should expect to have conflict and misunderstanding in groups, but I encourage you work to find strategies to overcome the challenges, and consult with the professor and TA as needed. 

Student English Language Support 

If you are an international undergraduate student and need English language support, SELS is an on-campus service that offers free, 45-minute consultations to help you develop your English skills. During a consultation, you can work with trained consultants on any English language skill, including writing, speaking, pronunciation, social skills, and listening. Learn more on the SELS website.