Course Leaf SYL: How to Copy a New Syllabus from Another Course via SYL

This article explains how instructors can copy an existing syllabus in SYL to quickly create a new syllabus for a course section.

How to Copy a New Syllabus from Another Course via SYL

          To copy a syllabus in SYL, this option copies all the instructor input fields from another syllabus. 

          The syllabus is also automatically populated with the latest course and section
          specific information from sources like the SIS, CAT, CIM, LMS, etc.

       1. Go to the NEXT site: https://nextcatalog.ysu.edu 
       Accessible from the Faculty Dashboard

 

 

       2. Select Syllabi Repository from the dashboard, as shown below

 

      3. On the syllabus repository screen:

1. Use the Keyword Search box to enter search terms, such as an instructor name or course name.
2. Select the appropriate term.
3. Use the Advanced Search section to further refine your search, if needed.
4. Select Search to display the results

 

 

         4. The Search results open:

         1. Select your course from the search results.
         2. If multiple sections are listed, select the appropriate course section in the lower-
            right pane.
        3. Select Copy New Syllabus From:

       5. Select Course to copy from:

         1. After selecting Copy New Syllabus From, review the Copy Syllabus pane that opens  
                    on the right.
         2. Select the term from which you want to copy a syllabus.
         3. Under the course you intend to copy, select View Page to confirm that it is the correct
                    course syllabus.
        4. Once confirmed, select the orange Copy Course button located to the right of the
                    course.

        6. The copy of the syllabus will be generated

7. The course will open in a new window where you will be able to view/edit the syllabus

 

      Common Issues and Tips

• Incorrect Term Selected
  If you do not see your course section, verify that the correct academic term is selected before clicking Search.
• Create Syllabus Option Not Available
  If the Create Syllabus button does not appear, a syllabus may already exist for the section, or permissions may be restricted. Instructors should confirm access with their department or support office.
• Unable to Edit Certain Fields
  Some syllabus sections are populated from institutional systems and are locked at the syllabus level. These fields cannot be edited in SYL and will update automatically if source data changes.

      Helpful Tips

• Verify Course and Section Carefully
  Always confirm the course number, section, and term before creating a new syllabus to avoid duplicate or incorrect records.
• Use the Copy Feature When Appropriate
  If you have previously taught the course, consider using Copy New Syllabus From… to save time and maintain consistency.
• Review Pre-Populated Content
  While system-managed content cannot be edited, instructors should still review it for accuracy and report discrepancies to the appropriate office.
• Return and Edit as Needed
  You can revisit and update your syllabus at any time through the Syllabi Repository, subject to institutional deadlines and workflows.

 

Companion Video: Course Leaf SYL How to Copy a Syllabus

Next Step:  Course Leaf SYL: How to Edit a Syllabus Using SYL