I believe a syllabus should reflect the course in which a student is taking. In this case, it's a design course. The use of graphics and layout helps the student differentiate critical information about the class from standard university policies. I believe that students should have the same privileges afforded to them that they would get in the real world. So timely excuses for missing a class such as advanced notice of a doctor's appointment are acceptable. Missing class without notice or late and incomplete assignments is purely unacceptable. This syllabus and all other class policies are always discussed at the meeting of the first class so that there are no questions.
"This is exactly the kind of syllabus I want to read."
–Anonymous Student
"I'd read all my syllabi if they were like this. Why can't all teachers take this much time to emphasize the important stuff?"
–Galilea Gonzalez
"I think you should create all of the class syllabi, or at least make a template of this so we (teachers) could all make our syllabi like this."
–Professor Monica Olague