Simple Syllabus is a centralized, template-driven platform that allows instructors to personalize and publish interactive class syllabi. When using the syllabus tool, syllabi are automatically populated with the language and components required by KU’s Syllabus Policy, and at the same time, appear as accessible digital syllabi for students. The tool can easily sync Canvas assignment information, such as due dates, into the syllabus and provides reporting functions to instructors. If choosing to not use the syllabus building tool, instructors can instead upload their syllabus document into the central KU repository.

Watch Simple Syllabus' provided introductory video.

Simple Syllabus will be available for Summer 2024 classes, but its use is optional for the Summer semester. Starting with Fall 2024 classes, KU instructors are required to either build their syllabus with the tool or upload their syllabus document into Simple Syllabus.

Get Started

Simple Syllabus can be accessed within a Canvas course or directly through the Simple Syllabus Portal.

Accessing Simple Syllabus through Canvas for Instructors

This is the most common method of accessing Simple Syllabus.

1. Sign into Canvas at canvas.ku.edu
2. After signing in to Canvas, select the course to which the syllabus applies
3. Select Simple Syllabus from the left course navigation. If the Simple Syllabus link is not visible within the course, activate the link within the course’s Settings > Navigation page. Learn more: How do I manage Course Navigation links?
4. When first opening Simple Syllabus for a course section, you will be presented with two options:
  1. Use the Publisher to create or edit a Syllabus: Use this option to build your syllabus with the Simple Syllabus tool.
  2. Upload a Syllabus: Use this option to upload your syllabus document, which will submit it to the KU Syllabus Repository.
5. If you choose to build the syllabus with the Publisher tool, a frame within the screen will appear with an editable version of the syllabus
6. Fill out all boxes marked “Required”
7. You can either begin typing directly in an open box or select the edit (pencil) button to make edits
8. Make sure to Save, where applicable, after editing information. If you need to make a change, select the edit button
9. Select Submit when all required sections are complete. Clicking the Submit button publishes the syllabus for students to view.

Accessing Simple Syllabus through Canvas for Students

Students must access Simple Syllabus through their Canvas courses.

1. Sign into Canvas at canvas.ku.edu
2. After signing in to Canvas, select the course to which the syllabus applies
3. Select "Simple Syllabus" from the left course navigation
4. A frame within the screen will appear with your course’s syllabus displayed

Accessing Simple Syllabus Directly for Instructors

1. Sign in at ku.simplesyllabus.com
2. If not already logged in:
  1. Select 'Click here to log in using your institution credentials'
  2. At the Single Sign-On (SSO) window, enter your KU Online ID and password.
  3. Authorize DUO, if needed
3. On your Simple Syllabus Dashboard, select the Edit option for the course section you want to edit
4. When first opening Simple Syllabus for a course section, you will be presented with two options:
  1. Use the Publisher to create or edit a Syllabus: Use this option to build your syllabus with the Simple Syllabus tool.
  2. Upload a Syllabus: Use this option to upload your syllabus document, which will submit it to the KU Syllabus Repository.
5. If you choose to build the syllabus with the Publisher tool, a frame within the screen will appear with an editable version of the syllabus
6. Fill out all boxes marked “Required”
  1. You can either begin typing directly in an open box or select the edit/pencil button to make edits
7. Make sure to Save, where applicable, after editing information. If you need to make a change, select the edit button
8. Select Submit when all required sections are complete. Clicking the Submit button publishes the syllabus for students to view.

Sharing your Simple Syllabus in your Course

As an instructor, you can use the SImple Syllabus navigation link in Canvas to share your syllabus with your students. If you don't see the Simple Syllabus link in your course menu, you can take steps to reveal the tool and move Simple Syllabus to the top of your course navigation. Please note, if you had previously used the native Canvas Syllabus tool to share your syllabus documents, you can also choose to disable this tool in your course menu.

1. In your course, click Settings at the bottom of the left menu
2. Select the Navigation tab
3. In the upper list, drag Simple Syllabus towards the top of the list. If enabled, you can disable the native Canvas Syllabus tool by selecting the three vertical dots and clicking ‘Disable.’ Learn more: How do I manage Course Navigation links?
4. Click Save at the bottom of the page.

Simple Syllabus FAQs

Access our Simple Syllabus Frequently Asked Questions.

Simple Syllabus for Merged (Cross-Listed) Courses

If you merge (or cross-list) courses within Canvas, you will need to take additional steps to officially submit the syllabi for all of the merged "child" course sections. Learn more: Simple Syllabus for Merged (Cross-Listed) Courses.

Simple Syllabus navigation button missing after course copy

If you complete a course copy and import content from an older Canvas course, the Simple Syllabus navigation button may disappear in your newer course. The course copy process brings in the course setting from the older course, including the configuration of the course navigation buttons. If the older course didn't have a Simple Syllabus navigation button, then there won't be a Simple Syllabus navigation button in the newer course.

You will want to add the Simple Syllabus button back to your course. Go to Settings>Navigation and enable Simple Syllabus. You can drag and drop the Simple Syllabus button to change its location. Be certain to click Save on the Settings>Navigation screen to save your changes.

Documentation and Training

Simple Syllabus Knowledgebase (Registration with your KU Online ID is required.)

Simple Syllabus for Instructors workshop recording (August 5, 2024)

Instructional Videos

Live Support

Support is available Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. Support is accessible by any of the following methods:

Email your question to help@simplesyllabus.com
Place a support ticket through the Knowledge Base, or
Use the in-site help form (accessed by clicking the question mark icon in the bottom left corner when logged into your Simple Syllabus site)
Contact KU IT Educational Technology for Canvas and related tool help:
- itedtech@ku.edu
- 785-864-2600
Questions about KU's syllabus policy can be directed to:

- Office of Faculty Affairs
- 785-864-6489
- facultyaffairs@ku.edu