Clemson University has recently introduced Simple Syllabus, a centralized syllabus management system for educators designed to simplify course planning and ensure compliance with university policies. This tool provides structured templates that make syllabus creation more efficient while maintaining consistency across multiple courses. Integrated directly with Canvas, Simple Syllabus allows students to access the most up-to-date version of their syllabus without searching through multiple files.

Simple Syllabus is a user-friendly platform that standardizes syllabus formatting while automatically incorporating essential Clemson policies. Instructors can customize their syllabi while benefiting from an intuitive design that reduces the need for repeated formatting updates. It is available for all courses on Canvas, regardless of the teaching modality, making it useful for online, hybrid, and in-person instruction.

Key features of Simple Syllabus include an easy-to-use interface for seamless updates, multimedia support for adding visuals and interactive elements, and pre-formatted templates that eliminate the hassle of syllabus redesign each semester. The system’s centralized repository ensures that syllabi are stored in one place, simplifying revisions. Additionally, automatic policy updates keep syllabi compliant with Clemson’s required policies, while the student portal provides a convenient hub where learners can access all their course syllabi.

Once added to Simple Syllabus, the same course information can be used every semester. Simple Syllabus automatically populates the course modality, section number, and meeting information (if applicable) for each section. Instructors can choose which elements of their syllabus to keep private to their students or to be allowed into the public repository. If more than one instructor teach the same course and would like to share a syllabus, it can be imported easily to each section once the first version is published.

To get started with Simple Syllabus, visit the Clemson Simple Syllabus Library and log in. You can also enable it in a current Canvas Course. Go to your Course Settings and enable Simple Syllabus in the Navigation Tab. Whether you work from the Canvas integration or the Simple Syllabus homepage, your submitted syllabus will be stored in the repository and available to students. If you want to try out Simple Syllabus in a sandbox course, contact us to get it set up.

Instructor guides, student resources, and demonstration videos will be available soon to support adoption. For one-on-one assistance, schedule a consultation with one of Clemson Online’s Digital Learning Strategists by selecting “Canvas Course Development Consult.”

You can also view the Simple Syllabus recorded training, facilitated by Learning Technology Manager David Bassett, or register for the next live training session on April 8 at 3pm!

Upcoming Events

Beyond Office Hours: Increasing Student-Instructor Engagement Online

Wednesday, March 5, 1:30-2:30pm

Join us for our “Beyond Office Hours: Increasing Student-Instructor Engagement Online” presentation on Wednesday, March 5 from 1:30-2:30 pm! From small policy changes to big impacts, this presentation will offer practical tips and strategies for increasing engagement between students and instructors in online courses and through digital tools.

Facilitated by Millie Tullis, Digital Learning Strategist.

Register here to recieve the Zoom link.

Clemson Online Spring 2025 Events Calendar

Review our Spring 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.

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