Rationale:
At Syracuse University we generally expect instructors to deliver a full schedule of classes in-person and on-campus. However, we recognize that online courses make our curricula and academic programs more accessible and more flexible. We also recognize that there may be other circumstances when faculty need or desire to teach a course online. This policy sets uniform rules regarding online teaching and the circumstances when it may be approved.
The University has taken important steps to extend access to a Syracuse University education by expanding online course offerings and developing new online programs. We continue to pursue growth in these areas based on a careful assessment that integrates our online course offerings with our strategic enrollment goals. We expect that all of our faculty and instructors are committed to the high standards of excellence for which we strive in all Syracuse University courses. For online courses, this commitment includes providing students enrolled in online courses and academic programs with ample opportunities to develop strong connections with faculty members, instructors, and peers through synchronous class meetings, group projects, and/or virtual office hours.
Policy scope:
This policy applies to instructors, defined here as all full-time and part-time faculty, as well as graduate students and staff acting as instructors of record.
Policy:
Instructors may teach courses (including all sections of a course, studios, labs, and discussion sections) online only under the following circumstances:
- A teaching assignment for a course within an in-person academic program that has designated sections that are regularly offered online and that can be assigned to any qualified instructor.
- A teaching assignment within a school/college online academic program or to an online course within such a program.
- Documentation from Disability Access indicating that there is a compelling need for reasonable accommodation that requires that an instructor be allowed to teach online for a given semester. Such documentation must be submitted prior to course scheduling for the next semester and must be revisited every semester.
- In response to a disruption to educational or other services for reasons beyond the University’s control, in which case the University reserves the ability to change the requirements of this policy and to permit or require that a course be taught online.
The decision to allow online teaching is approved by the relevant academic dean, in consultation with the relevant department chair or school director, where applicable. Any online teaching arrangement that deviates from the circumstances listed above requires review and approval from the Associate Provost for Academic Programs.
Approved online courses or teaching must meet specific pedagogical goals for the academic unit, directly contribute to the learning outcomes or strategic plans of the relevant academic program or unit, or reflect an approved accommodation or response to a disruption, as described above. Each Dean’s office must maintain records concerning instructor teaching assignments, including the format/modality of each course being taught.
Prior to teaching online, instructors must complete University-offered or University-approved training in online pedagogy. Such training will be available during the academic year through the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. Faculty with extensive online teaching experience may be exempt from this training requirement at the discretion of the Associate Provost for Academic Programs.
Faculty appointment and reappointment letters should specify the modality or modalities a given faculty member will implement in the courses they teach for the duration of their appointment, if relevant.
All online courses and teaching must use University-supported learning management systems (LMSs). It is the responsibility of deans to ensure that the format/modality of each course offered in their school/college is appropriate for student engagement and for the learning objectives of that particular course. The syllabi for online courses must clearly and evidently demonstrate that the course meets the number of contact hours required by the New York State Education Department. Online courses may be offered in either 8-week or 16-week structures. Within an academic program, the combination of 8-week and 16-week courses should maximize student ability to complete majors, minors, and certificates in a timely fashion. Deans are responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements listed in this paragraph.
This policy is subject to change and does not establish any contractual rights for any Syracuse University student, faculty, or staff.
Violators of this policy are subject to referral to the appropriate disciplinary process based on their status as either a student or employee.
Approved by Provost: March 26, 2025
Effective Date: Fall 2025