PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Martha M. Rumore
TI  - The Course Syllabus: Legal Contract or Operator’s Manual?
AID  - 10.5688/ajpe8010177
DP  - 2016 Dec 25
TA  - American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
PG  - 177
VI  - 80
IP  - 10
4099  - http://www.ajpe.org/content/80/10/177.short
4100  - http://www.ajpe.org/content/80/10/177.full
SO  - Am J Pharm Educ2016 Dec 25; 80
AB  - A course syllabus provides a roadmap for pharmacy students to achieve course learning objectives and develop lifelong learning skills. For several decades the literature has referred to syllabi as legal documents and/or contracts between students and professors. A review of the legal precedents reveals that syllabi are not considered contracts because the courts refuse thus far to recognize educational malpractice or breach of contract as a cause of action. Syllabi do, however, represent a triggering agent for instructional dissent and grade appeals, may be binding in student appeal proceedings, and are used in judicial hearings. Pharmacy faculty members should review their syllabi and follow process improvement strategies to construct legally sound syllabi that can both enhance learning and minimize risks of student grievances and appeals.