Can a Professor Change a Syllabus: During or After Semester

Changing the syllabus is an important aspect of being a professor. However, issues surrounding modification and requirements are challenging.  The purpose of this blog post is to discover the professor’s ability to modify such academic requirements. 

Specifically, we will be answering these questions: What exactly should a professor change? And if they can change such things, what are the implications? Let’s get started. 

A professor can change the syllabus if the changes are in line with the school’s policy and they improve the learning process. In most schools, professors can adjust the syllabus or reschedule the teaching of various chapters and topics.

However, professors cannot make big changes that significantly alter the purpose of the course.

The syllabus is only a proposed plan for the way that the class will go. However, in doing so, they must follow a few rules:

• The changes cannot be detrimental to the student. For example, if the syllabus originally proposes that there will be 2 exams and 10 quizzes, but after the semester starts the professor decides that there will now be 3 semester exams and 5 quizzes, this would be detrimental to students who are preparing for 2 exams and 10 quizzes.
• The changes must follow any departmental policies on what can and cannot work concerning changing the syllabus. Some departments may have rules about what a professor can change during a semester
• If any changes occur, they should not differ significantly from what was proposed in the original syllabus, or else it may appear that the professor is trying to sabotage your class or make it harder than originally promised. 
• If you want to change your syllabus, you must contact your professor and explain why you want to change it. You should also include an outline of how the course will be different from what was originally stated. If the professor agrees to your request, then they will email you with instructions on how to do so.

The most important thing is that ensure you follow all directions carefully so that there are no surprises later on!

Instances when Professors can Change Syllabus Items

1. Adding more Subtopics on the Same Topic

The most common time that professors alter their syllabi is when they add more subtopics on the same topic.

For instance, if a professor decides that his students need more practice on a certain math or English grammar concept, he may add extra assignments.

Or if he feels that students did not understand enough about a particular historical event, he might add another lecture or assignment on that topic.

 2. Rescheduling Chapters

When this happens, a professor should consult with students. A class meeting should be in force to discuss possible changes in the syllabus, and students should have time to ask questions and express their concerns. 

If a majority of students agree to changes, then they should stick to that, and all class members should get informed of the soonest. If students disagree with changes, then professors will have to back off and stick with what they planned for the class.

3. Practical Class

Sometimes, professors have to cancel classes. If a class is canceled for any reason, it is not uncommon for professors to add additional work in place of the lost time spent in class.

They may also just cancel some assignments altogether and push back other assignments due after the canceled class. 

Most importantly, the department can change the class/assignments to make them easier.

For instance, suppose that a professor plans to assign five essays over one semester.

However, if there are many other professors in your department also assigning five essays then it is likely that you will become overloaded with work and cannot complete all of your assignments on time. 

4. Grading Policy

The grading policy is not subject to change unless all students agree to it. For example, if the syllabus says that tests are worth 50 percent of your final grade but later on the professor says that tests will now account for 75 percent of your grade, you can report him or her to the department chair because this is a violation of university regulations. 

5. Including Case Studies

Case studies allow students to see how to put theories into practice. They often use real-world examples from actual companies that have undergone situations that are relevant to what students have learned in class. Sometimes professors may include them in the syllabus to boost the course experience. 

The use of case studies differs by the instructor, but they can be used as part of lecture notes, assigned readings, or homework assignments. In some courses, they may also be used as exams or quizzes.

6. No Resources for that Lesson

For example, if your class is yet to begin, there is a good chance that the professor will have time to add or subtract whatever you need.

They might make changes if the class is already in progress, but it will depend on how much time has passed since it began.

If the class is already over and you still need changes made to your syllabus, then it is unlikely that anything will get done.

Why Professors are prohibited from Changing Syllabus

Professors and instructors are under restriction to make changes to their course syllabus. In case there are any changes to be made, the professor will have to request a change from the department head or school head. In some cases, the professor might even need approval from the dean of the university. 

This is why professors will always inform students about such pending changes so that students can also prepare for them.

Since students are not allowed to make any changes as well, they should not think that professors can make changes whenever they want. Among other roles of a syllabus, the document also guides the class and is a point of contact with students.

What to Do when the Professor Changes Syllabus

• Talk with the professor: Just have a simple conversation with the professor about why the syllabus got some changes, and what they suggest doing to make up for a missed deadline. If you had a past due assignment, see if it is still possible to turn it in on time.
• Email your professor: If you are unable to connect with your professor, try sending them an email. Explain why you missed the deadline and ask what they suggest doing to make up for it.
• Talk with your classmates/peers: If there is no way to make up for the missed deadline, talk with your peers about how they plan on handling it. Maybe they will be willing to let you copy their work so that you don’t get penalized for something out of your control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do when the professor does not follow the syllabus

Here are a few things you can do:

• Ask about the change
• Speak to the Department Chair
• Contact your advisor
• Drop the class and move on
• Get a tutor

Is a syllabus is subject to change?

A syllabus, unless explicitly stated otherwise, is typically a subject to change. This may include changes in topics covered and due dates for assignments. It may also include unplanned changes such as cancellations due to instructor illness.

Is a syllabus a contract?

Yes, it is a contract between the professor and the student that says here is what we are going to do in this class, here are the materials we’re going to cover, here are your assignments, here is how I will grade you, and here’s what you can expect of me.

Are professors required to give a syllabus?

All professors, regardless of their subject, have a set syllabus to adhere to. While some instructors may modify the syllabus to some extent, generally the topics covered are subject to educational standards for the state in which you live.

Are syllabi legally binding?

Yes, syllabi are legally binding. When you sign up for a course, you are also agreeing to abide by the rules and regulations mentioned in the syllabus. The academic policies & procedures in the syllabus are legally binding as they are governed by the Student Code of Conduct.