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S
YLLABUS
B
UILDER
:
B
UILDER
D
ASHBOARD
To build a syllabus, log into Matrix ( http://matrix.riosalado.edu ). Once there, click on the link to Syllabus Builder DE, which is on the left navigation bar. {For Mac users, please use this link: https://matrix.riosalado.edu/riowebapps/login/login.aspx}
Once you have gone into the Syllabus Builder, you will see your Approver Dashboard. This will be where you can see all the courses assigned to you and which state they are in.
The key at the bottom explains about each category.
Starting a New Syllabus
Click on the section number of the assigned class that you wish to work on. Simply clicking on this will change the status of this class from New to Draft.
Page | 2 | CRMCopy Blocks From Another Syllabus
To do this, go to the orange section at the top in the Task Options and click on Copy Blocks From Another Syllabus. A template has been set up for all syllabi to be based off of. Copying the blocks from this template will provide a framework for your syllabus.
You will now be able to see a list of syllabi from your discipline that you can copy the blocks from. You can filter the list by using the drop downs at the top. They can be sorted by any, or all of the following:
Status Term Course Instructor School
When your filters are set, click on Show List to get a list based on your filters. IMPORTANT NOTE:
To get to the sample templates for your syllabus, simply change the school drop down to: Templates.
When you get your list, simply click on the section of the course you would like to view the syllabus.
You will now see the syllabus. If it is what you are looking for, click on the Copy This Syllabus button. All blocks will be copied over, except for the Course Info, Description, and Materials blocks. Please note that all previously edited materials in the blocks will be overwritten, so copy first, then make your edits.
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Editing a Syllabus
The top orange section provides information about which syllabus is being viewed and a menu of different activities that can be performed on the syllabus.
The lower section has the syllabus information broken up into manageable blocks. Initially there are five blocks, but more may be added as needed for your course. The five starting blocks are:
Course Info: This block is pre-populated with school logos and information specific to the section. You may edit this block to include other information or change the formatting. Course Description: This will automatically pull in the official MCCD course description and outline. This block may not be edited.
Course Materials: This block lists the approved materials that are required or optional for the course
Standards and Expectations: This block is pre-populated with a list of suggested items that could be included. Edit this block to provide appropriate information for your course. Required Disclaimer: This block has to be edited by each instructor and covers any required information that must be disclosed.
Page | 4 | CRMAdd an Acknowledgement Form
This is a special block that will allow the instructor to create their own form for record keeping purposes, if needed. To do this, go to the top in the Task Options and click on Add An
Acknowledgement Form.
Doing this adds a new blue block that is permanently placed at the bottom of the page. Block Controls
As mentioned earlier, the blue blocks are the ones with the most editing potential. This is where the course’s details and specifics can be tweaked to fit the individual needs. Some blocks have more controls than others. For example, the Course Description is pulled automatically and cannot be edited, while most of the others can be. Some of these are:
Add Above:
Adds a new and customizable block above the current block. Move Up:
Moves the block up one spot. Move Down:
Moves the block down one spot.
Edit
This opens up something very similar to a Word Document. You are able to format text, add pictures, and more. Two useful options are the Insert Calendar Table and the Insert Grade Scale Buttons.
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Choose Materials
This option is in the Course Materials Block and is a vital part of this application because it allows the course materials to be tacked for reporting to the state. When you click the Choose Materials button, you will be able to only choose materials that are pre-approved and entered into the system.
Check the box next to either Req (Required) or Opt (Optional) for the book or books you wish for the class. If the course materials you wish to use are not there, you must contact your faculty chair and get it approved. When done, click on Add Materials.
Submit For Approval
Your syllabus can be worked on over time. When your syllabus is ready to be sent to the approver, click on the Submit For Approval link at the top of the page.
After clicking on the Submit For Approval link, The Communication Addendum appears. This is your chance to give any extra information or details to the approver. This message is sent along with the email informing the approver that the status has been changed to PENDING and needs approval. The check box next to, “send a copy to me” will send you a copy of the email as well. To receive these emails, please make sure that your preferred email is up to date in SIS. Click OK to submit the syllabus.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Your syllabus WILL NOT BE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL until you click OK.
The syllabus status is now PENDING. No changes can be made unless the approver changes the status to NEEDS MOD and you get an email notification. If you get the syllabus sent back for changes, the status will be changed to Need Modification. To make the changes, simply go back to your dashboard as is shown at the top of this training document and choose the syllabus out of the list under Need Modification. Now you can edit it just as you did the new syllabus.
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Printing or Saving a Syllabus as a PDF for Distribution to Students
A syllabus can be saved or printed for easy distribution to a class. To do this, start from the dashboard and look under the section marked as “Approved” and click on View All.
Use the filters to find the desired syllabus (as discussed above) and then click on the section number which will display the syllabus.
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Summary of Steps to Create a New Syllabus
•Go to Matrix and choose the NEW section you wish to work with
Click on the
Section Number
•Choose thes syllabus you wish to use as the basis for your new syllabus
Copy blocks
from the
Template
•Add and Edit the blocks as needed to make the template fit your needs
Edit Content as
Needed
•Once submitted, it changes to
PENDING and you are now waiting for it to be approved or sent back for modifications
Submit for
Approval and
Press OK
•If changes are requested by the approver, do so and resubmit
If Needed, Make
Modifications
•Once approved, you can save as a PDF to print or post or email as needed
Distribute to
Students
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