As you prepare your Fall 2025 courses this summer, take a moment to revisit one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) accessibility tools in your course: your syllabus.
A well-designed, accessible syllabus not only sets expectations and communicates course policies—it also models inclusive digital practices from the very first click. Whether you’re updating a long-standing course or building a new one, small design decisions in your syllabus can have a big impact on how students navigate and engage with your class.
This is especially timely as Clemson instructors are now required to use the university’s new Simple Syllabus platform for all Fall 2025 courses. While the platform helps standardize content and meet compliance requirements, it’s still important to ensure that your syllabus remains easy to read, well-structured, and inclusive in both tone and format.
Here are five practical tips to build a syllabus that’s accessible for everyone:
- Use clear, consistent headings: Helps screen readers and improves overall readability.
- Avoid using color alone to convey meaning: Always pair color with bold text or symbols to meet contrast and clarity guidelines.
- Use sans-serif fonts at 12pt or larger: Fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana improve legibility for all readers.
- Make hyperlinks descriptive: Instead of “click here,” use phrases like “See the grading policy on the Registrar’s site.”
Remember that accessibility is proactive, not reactive! By designing your syllabus with inclusion in mind, you demonstrate care for all learners and lay the foundation for a more equitable learning experience, before the first assignment is even due.
Upcoming Events
How to Deter Online Cheating Through Course Design
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 1:30-2:30pm
“How to Deter Online Cheating Through Course Design” will take place on June 25, from 1:30-2:30 pm! Join this training to learn more about deterring cheating through effective course design! This training will cover information about why students cheat and how to design assignments and courses in Canvas that increase motivation for online students. If you have a specific question you want covered during this training, please enter it when you register.
Facilitated by Millie Tullis, Digital Learning Strategist.
Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Workshop Wednesday: Increasing Engagement in Your Zoom Classroom
Thursday, July 9, 2025 1:30-2:30pm
Join us for “Workshop Wednesday: Increasing Engagement in Your Zoom Classroom” on July 9 from 1:30-2:30 pm! This workshop will cover strategies you can implement to make your Zoom classroom more engaging for learners through polls, whiteboards, breakout rooms, and more. If you have a specific question you want covered during this training, please enter it when you register.
Facilitated by ‘dara Abimbade, PhD, Digital Learning Strategist.
Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Clemson Online Summer 2025 Events Calendar
Review our Summer 2025 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!
We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!
All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.
Clemson Online – Where Tech and Teaching Meet
