Adopted by the Faculty, 20 Jan 1989

Syllabi are labeled "OFFICIAL" if they are formally approved by the faculty and are considered prescriptive. This means that the given syllabus defines the content of the course as the faculty intends and expects it to be taught, and instructors are required to cover the material listed. Instructors are free to reorder the topics, select examples, assignments, and texts, and to add other material to the offering.

Such official syllabi are defined for courses that are required for the B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, courses that are covered on required departmental exams, or courses that are important prerequisites to others in the curriculum.

Students should note that the official syllabus, when it exists, defines the content of the course for purposes of the Qual or CCE exams, *not* the content of any particular offering of the course. While instructors are free to rearrange material, modify emphases, or add other material of interest, the stated material is expected (in particular by exam preparers and by instructors of subsequent courses) to be covered. (Speak to your instructor or the Associate Chairman for Academic Affairs if you believe this policy may be being violated.)