A well-designed course syllabus contains details such as learning objectives, assessment structures, dates, deadlines and contact information. For students, it can serve as a vital orientation tool that provides a roadmap for navigating a course. For lecturers, there are multitude of advantages to writing a syllabus alongside facilitating systematic planning. A syllabus can serve as a "contract" between educators and learners by defining mutual expectations on learning objectives and the grading system. It can also lead students and instructors to a common understanding of their respective rights and responsibilities, thereby fostering a respectful learning atmosphere.  In the first Refresh Teaching meeting of the Autumn Semester,  ETH faculty report on why they consider a syllabus an important, even vital, addition to their teaching toolbox!