Reply To: Starting Strong 2024: Jazzing up your Syllabus

[Sherry Lin]

My syllabus is long (10+ pages, with detailed course schedule, grading policy, policies, etc.). So to reward students who actually read the syllabus, I embedded an extra credit question in the middle of the last paragraph of the “Grading Policy” section, and it says: “End-of-term grades are NOT “curved” or rounded up. Assignments and exams are given with appropriate, detailed instructions and explanations. I grade in a fair and consistent manner. There are also opportunities for extra credit throughout the semester, including right now. If you’re reading this, send me a picture of your dream vacation using the Canvas Inbox with the subject dream vacation, and I’ll give you five bonus points. Your grade at the end of the semester is a reflection of your attendance, work ethic, and productivity.” Students can send me their dream vacation at any time during the semester. I accepted their answer until the day that I finalized the final course grade.