Ohio University to implement Concourse Syllabus in response to state requirements
Ohio University will implement Concourse Syllabus, a syllabus management tool integrated directly within Canvas, to meet requirements outlined in the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act (Ohio Revised Code §3345.029).
Following a competitive RFP process, Concourse Syllabus was selected as the University’s solution for fulfilling the State of Ohio’s public syllabus mandate for undergraduate courses.
Faculty-Guided Pilot
A faculty workgroup partnered with the Provost’s Office, Instructional Technology, Office of Instructional Design and University Registrar teams to pilot Concourse Syllabus during the spring semester. The pilot included seven faculty members across eight academic disciplines and more than 30 class sections. The pilot provided direct faculty feedback on usability, template design and alignment with instructional practices.
“Our goal was to implement a solution that meets state requirements while remaining faculty-centered and easy to use,” said Don Leo, executive vice president and provost. “Concourse Syllabus integrates directly within Canvas, making it straightforward for instructors to complete required elements within their existing course environment.”
Faculty who participated in the pilot emphasized the system’s ease of use.
State-Required Syllabus Components: “Course Syllabus”
For each undergraduate class section offered, faculty must complete the following five elements per the law:
- Instructor name
- Professional qualifications
- A calendar outlining course topics and materials with anticipated timing
- A list of required and/or recommended readings
- A religious accommodations statement
The syllabus information entered into Concourse Course Syllabus will be available through a public search beginning the Friday prior to the first day of the semester.
Canvas is the required platform for entering the state-defined “Course Syllabus.” Faculty may continue to share additional first day-of-class information through Canvas or other standard distribution methods.
Earlier Access to Fall Classes in Canvas
To provide additional preparation time, fall semester classes will be available in Canvas on March 30 — significantly earlier than in previous years, when classes were typically available approximately eight weeks before the start of the term. Beginning Fall Semester 2026-27 and in subsequent terms, classes will be loaded in Canvas when priority registration begins for the semester.
This earlier access is intended to give faculty flexibility to enter required syllabus information and participate in training opportunities well in advance of the fall semester.
Training and Support
Beginning in early April, the Office of Instructional Design will offer:
- Training sessions
- Step-by-step video tutorials
- A dedicated resource website
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Drop-in support hours
Faculty are encouraged to review available resources and complete the Course Syllabus early.
Additional information and updates are available on the Provost’s website.
What This Means for Faculty
- Fall 2026-27 classes will be available in Canvas beginning March 30 to allow additional preparation time (student registrations will be loaded later).
- Use Canvas to complete required syllabus elements through the integrated Concourse Syllabus tool, called “Course Syllabus”.
- Complete five required components for each undergraduate class section.
- Expect public posting of “Course Syllabus” information the Friday prior to the first day of the semester.
- Continue sharing additional course materials (First Day of Class Information) as usual beyond the required state elements. Faculty can continue to use Canvas’s native Syllabus tool to add additional course procedures and assignment details beyond the state requirements. Using the native Syllabus tool will ensure that due dates populate in Canvas calendars and to do lists for students.
- Take advantage of training and support offered by the Office of Instructional Design starting in early April. Details to be shared soon.