Liquid Syllabi: Moving from Static to Dynamic

Welcome!

CEE Summer Course Design Series:

Center for Educational Excellence, University of San Diego

Created July 2022; Updated August 2026

What is a liquid

syllabus?

Let’s start with the history: The liquid syllabus was created by Michelle Pacansky-Brock in 2014 as a humanizing element that ensures students start a course feeling supported by their instructor. It is intended to serve as a kindness cue of social inclusion (Estrada, Eroy-Reveles & Matsui, 2018) by welcoming students, positioning an instructor as a learning partner, and illuminating a path to success for all students.

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Fun Fact:

the term “liquid” refers to web content that is easily shareable.

Time to Explore

1. Wakelet Example

Lisa Nunn’s SOCI 314 course

2. Google Sites Examples

Sheree Scott’s MEPN 555 course

Michelle Pacansky-Brock’s PHOT 530 course

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A liquid syllabus is intended to accomplish…

Humanizing yourself and the course:

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• A fun photo or video of yourself, brief and imperfect, to say hello.
• Welcoming language (microaffirmations!) to foster a sense of community.

Communicate expectations:

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• A learning pact, co-created between

you and your students.

• What you can expect from me and what I expect from you statements.
• Daily plan to tackle work for the course.
• What to avoid on the 1st day of class.
• An insider’s guide to acing the class.

Letting students feel prepared

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• Easy links to readings or materials to succeed in the first week (and beyond!).
• If you're new to this topic - essentials/refreshers
• Example quiz or assignment

Chances for you to get to know your students

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• Kate’s Pre-Semester Survey and other First-day student info sheets (to learn about students’ lives and interests, so you can be aware of potential challenges and needs).

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Benefits of a liquid syllabus

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Lets students walk in the door feeling confident (academic engagement)

Can be a tool for antiracist and inclusive teaching

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Example of Transparency in Teaching and Learning

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Frees time from reading the syllabus on the first day

Does not require access to Canvas (LMS)

Chance to humanize yourself and the course

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Dynamic and easy to update

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Your Turn!

Take a look at the following resource to start transforming your syllabus.

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• How-to Guide by Michelle Pacansky-Brock
• Have questions? We’re here to help! Contact CEE at cee@sandiego.edu

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Great job trying something new.

Tell us how it goes!

Thank you!

Email us at cee@sandiego.edu

Call us at 619-260-7402

Stop by our office in Maher Hall, room 264