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[polly_mer]

Well, is the problem here: tone or language?

The only memorable syllabus from my student days was done by the freshman physics TA.  It stated a policy and then had some whiny student-type complaint next to the policy.

Example:

Makeups will only be given in extreme cases with advance notice given.  ("I am attending Grandma's funeral that day", not "I wanna go skiing")

So it was professional, but humorous.  I don't remember any objectionable language in the syllabus, but we all did read it and laugh about the bad student examples.

[fiona]

I love saying outrageous things in class. I'd never put it in writing, though. Obviously I am an echo here here here here....

Streng geheim?

Sorry, Fiona.

Why am I mentioned here?

The Fiona

[icurhere2]

My syllabi are serious.  We are required to post them on the department website. Imagine the parents of a prospective student reading the aforementioned syllabus. 

They are stored in the departmental offices and I can require that a copy be forwarded to my office (Academic Affairs) if I get a student grievance.  As a result, professionalism is good in a syllabus here.