5 Things You Should Always Check in a College Syllabus (And Why You’ll Thank Yourself Later)

Let’s be honest: no one’s exactly excited to read through a syllabus. It’s usually handed out (or posted) on the first day of class, and most of us skim through it… maybe. But after a few semesters at RIT, I’ve realized just how important that document is. Your syllabus is basically the roadmap to surviving and thriving in any college class. The earlier you get familiar with it, the better off you’ll be!

Here are five things I always check in a syllabus, and why you should, too:

1. Important Dates

Your syllabus usually lists your major deadlines for papers, projects, quizzes, and exams. Trust me when I say: add these to your calendar as soon as possible! Life gets busy fast, and it’s way too easy to forget a due date when you’re juggling multiple classes, clubs, and maybe even a job.

2. Grading Breakdown

Not everything in a class weighs the same, and knowing what counts the most can seriously help you prioritize. For example, if participation is worth 5% but your final project is 30%, that should tell you where to focus your energy. I’ve had classes where one paper or exam was basically half of my grade, and if I hadn’t read the syllabus closely, I wouldn’t have realized how important it was until it was too late.

3. Attendance and Participation Rules

Every professor is different. Some are super strict about attendance and will dock your grade if you miss more than a certain number of classes. Others just want you to show up and be engaged, especially during discussions. Either way, it’s important to know what the expectations are so you don’t accidentally hurt your grade just by not knowing the policy.

4. Office Hours and Communication Info

This one might sound small, but it’s actually huge. Most professors list their office hours, email, and how they prefer to be contacted. If you have a question or need help later in the semester, this is the info you’ll need. Plus, professors really appreciate it when you check the syllabus before asking them something they’ve already included in there. It shows that you’re paying attention and taking the class seriously.

5. Polices You Don’t Want to Miss

Some of the most important rules are hidden near the end of the syllabus. Late work? Technology use in class? What counts as academic dishonesty? Read those sections carefully. I’ve had professors with a zero-tolerance policy for phones in class and others who were totally fine with laptops out. The key is knowing what your professor expects. Also, knowing the plagiarism policy can save you from a major headache. Even accidental plagiarism can get you in trouble, so read up, ask questions if you’re unsure, and when in doubt, cite your sources!

The syllabus might not be the most thrilling thing you read all semester, but it’s one of the most useful. Think of it as your class cheat sheet. If you take 10–15 minutes to actually read it through at the start of the semester, you’ll save yourself time, stress, and confusion down the line.