Simple Syllabus is a centralized syllabus repository system that utilizes templates for syllabus construction. The templates ensure that instructors include required syllabus information, such as mandatory Clemson University syllabus policies, while providing an easy means for adding and editing their syllabus content.
Simple Syllabus is integrated with Canvas, so learners will be able to see revisions to the syllabus as you make them—no more hunting around for where outdated information exists!
Simple Syllabus is available for every course’s Canvas site. No matter what modality you teach in, we highly encourage you to utilize it.
How do I add Simple Syllabus to my Canvas Course?
Starting in Spring 2026, Simple Syllabus will be automatically added to every Canvas site’s course navigation menu. To add it to a Canvas site before that:
- Click on “Settings” at the bottom of the course navigation menu.
- Click the “Navigation” tab at the top.
- Locate the block that says “Simple Syllabus” and click the 3-dot “snowman” on the right of the block.
- Select “enable.”
- You can also use the 8-dot edit button on the left of the block to drag the block into a different order in the menu.
- Important: scroll all the way down the page and click the “save” button.
- Your course nav menu will now show the Simple Syllabus link.
How do I use Simple Syllabus?
Check out this recorded training from August 7 and learn more on our Simple Syllabus tools page.
A Few Tips
- To see what your students will see, use the “Preview” button at the bottom of your syllabus window. The “View as Student” button in Canvas will show only the public version of the syllabus. If you have any components set to private, these will be hidden from the Test Student in Canvas (because this isn’t an actual student enrolled in your course).
- If you want to make changes to your syllabus throughout the semester, make sure to click “Submit” again. Simple Syllabus will automatically save the changes you make in your instructor view, but they will not go out to the published version until you click submit.
- Teaching Assistants in Canvas are able to view the same version of the syllabus as students, but they do not have permissions to edit it.
- If you are using the CrossList Assistant to combine several different sections, make sure to edit the syllabus in the main course shell in order to sync the syllabi for all sections.
Need one-on-one support? Schedule a consultation with a staff member at Clemson Online.
Upcoming Events
New Instructor Conference
Thursday, August 14, 2025 12:30pm-4:30pm
Clemson Online’s annual New Instructor Conference will take place on August 14, 2024, from 12:30-4:30 pm. The conference will cover everything new instructors need to know about getting started with Canvas, including setting a Canvas home page, creating assignments, organizing course content, grading online work, and more!
Check out the schedule and register here!
When you register, please indicate whether you plan to attend in person or via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a schedule with Zoom/location information.
Clemson Online Drop-ins
August 18, 11 am-12 pm and August 19, 1-2 pm
All Clemson instructors are invited to drop in for one-on-one support with Canvas on August 18th and 19th. Whether you have a quick question, want support building or changing elements of your Canvas course, or want to see an online tool demonstrated, our team is here to help!
There is no need to register for drop-ins. Ensure you are logged into Zoom with your Clemson ID to access drop-in hours.
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
