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Overview
When working with Brightspace courses that include multiple instructors or merged sections, access to edit the course syllabus in Simple Syllabus is determined by the official instructor of record. This article explains how permissions are assigned in each scenario, including what happens when an instructor changes.
Brightspace Courses with Multiple Instructors
Even if multiple users are enrolled in a Brightspace course with the role of Instructor, only the official instructor of record can edit the course syllabus in Simple Syllabus.
Why this happens:
- Simple Syllabus permissions are based on official enrollment data from Assist.
- Only the instructor listed as the instructor of record in Assist is granted editing access to the syllabus.
Key takeaway:
- Additional instructors in Brightspace can view the course but cannot edit the syllabus unless they are designated as the instructor of record.
Merged Courses (Parent/Child Sections)
For merged courses in Brightspace:
- The instructor of record for the parent course has the ability to edit the syllabus associated with the merged (parent) course.
- Instructors assigned as instructors of record for individual (child) sections can access Simple Syllabus directly to update their own section-specific syllabus, as required for publication.
Key takeaway:
- Editing permissions depend on the role tied to each section’s official record.
- Parent course syllabus = editable only by the parent course’s instructor of record.
- Child course syllabus = editable by each section’s assigned instructor of record.
Change of Instructor
When there is a change in the instructor of record, the new instructor will inherit the existing syllabus content.
What to expect:
- The new instructor will see the syllabus content previously created by the former instructor.
- This ensures continuity and prevents loss of information during the transition.
Resetting syllabus content:
- All syllabus editors have access to a “Reset” button.
- This button allows instructors to clear out previously entered content within a syllabus component.
- The Reset button is located on the left-hand toolbar while editing the syllabus.
Key takeaway:
- New instructors can either revise the existing content or use the Reset option to start fresh.
Summary
- Syllabus editing rights are controlled by official enrollment data, not Brightspace role assignments.
- Being listed as an Instructor in Brightspace does not guarantee edit access in Simple Syllabus.
- In merged courses, permissions vary between parent and child sections.
- When instructors change, existing syllabus content remains available and can be reset if needed.
- Always verify instructor of record status in Assist if access issues arise.
Additional Resources
Simple Syllabus UTRGV
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does resetting a course in Brightspace reset the course syllabus?
No. Resetting a course in Brightspace does not reset the course syllabus. The syllabus is managed through Simple Syllabus, which is a separate tool and is not affected by course resets in Brightspace.
Q2: Why can’t I edit the syllabus if I am listed as an Instructor in Brightspace?
Only the Instructor of Record in Assist has edit permissions. Brightspace roles do not control Simple Syllabus access.
Q3: Can multiple instructors edit the same syllabus?
No. Only the assigned Instructor of Record (IOR) for that course or section can edit the syllabus.
Q4: What should I do if I need access to edit the syllabus?
Contact your department to verify or update the Instructor of Record in Assist. Once updated, access will be granted automatically.
Q5: What happens to the syllabus when a new instructor is assigned?
The new instructor inherits the existing content and can either:
- Edit it
- Or use the Reset option to create a new syllabus