Center for Advancing Student Learning (CASL)

Canvas now offers reminders to help instructors regularly save copies of their course materials and grades. These reminders appear on course cards when content or grades haven't been exported in 60 days. Clicking the reminder provides quick access to backup options. We recommend backing up your course before each semester, after significant content changes, and at the end of the semester. Grades should also be exported regularly, especially after major assessments and final grade submission. More information:

Midterm feedback is a powerful tool for improving teaching and learning while a course is still in progress. Unlike end-of-semester evaluations, midterm feedback allows instructors a chance to pause, reflect, and recalibrate before a course ends. Review the Gathering Midterm Student Feedback resource for examples and ideas on how to implement feedback mechanisms in your course.

During midterms, many students experience increased stress as they balance coursework, exams, jobs, and personal responsibilities. A quick check-in and connection to support can make a meaningful difference. The Supporting Student Mental Health and Well-Being Resource Guide provides instructors with practical strategies for supporting student well-being, recognizing when a student may need additional help, and connecting students with campus resources. 

This resource is intended to help instructors create learning environments that are flexible, predictable, and inclusive. While targeted towards supporting the experience of neurodivergent students, the practices shared often improve the experience for all students.

Teaching an approved General Education course in Spring 2027? Join us for a collaborative General Education assignment charette, where faculty will exchange peer feedback on course assignments focused on enhancing clarity, alignment, and student learning.

Come prepared to engage in small‑group discussions (in‑person or online) and bring the assignment(s) assessing the approved GER student learning outcomes, as required for UWM’s GER assessment reporting.

Spring 2027 textbook submissions and technology integration requests are due November 9, 2026. All course material adoptions should be submitted to the eCampus Bookstore so that students know what the course texts will be for their courses. If the total cost of course materials is less than $25, ask your departmental course scheduler to assign the no/low-cost attribute to your course section in the Schedule of Classes. Review the guide to textbook and course content selection for more information. 

CASL is currently accepting course materials from department chairs for digital accessibility remediation by trained student workers. Departments may submit remediation materials for courses offered in UWinteriM, Spring, Summer, or Fall 2027 by the November 20, 2026 priority submission deadline. Department chairs or their designate are able to submit requests through the Digital Accessibility Remediation intake form. 

Teaching Computer Science When AI Can Write the Code 

Join us for the November Active Teaching Lab as John Boyland shares how generative AI has prompted him to rethink teaching and assessment in computer science. John will discuss his efforts to refocus homework on practice while assessing foundational skills more directly through paper-based coding, explanation quizzes, and debugging reports. He’ll also share what he has observed since making these changes to his course.

Need help making your course materials digitally accessible? Join our open Digital Accessibility Support Hours, offered in partnership with the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC). These in-person or Zoom room drop-in sessions provide instructors with dedicated 1:1 support. Bring your laptop and any materials you would like to work on, and we will help you identify barriers, apply best practices, and improve access for learners. 

As you navigate your first semester at UWM, join us for this monthly community of practice designed for new faculty and instructional academic staff. These informal gatherings provide space to share experiences, troubleshoot teaching and learning challenges, exchange ideas with colleagues, and learn from one another in real time. Connect, collaborate, and build your teaching toolkit while growing your professional network across campus.

Whether you're teaching your first online course, supporting instruction as a TA, or have years of experience designing and delivering online learning, the Online Teaching Community of Practice is a space to connect, collaborate, and grow. Open to all instructors and teaching assistants engaged in online teaching, this monthly community brings together colleagues to discuss real challenges, exchange ideas, and discover practical solutions that improve the online teaching learning experience.

Lunch & Learn: High-Impact Practices and Meaningful Online Group Work

Join us for a Lunch & Learn exploring high-impact teaching practices and strategies for creating meaningful group work in online and hybrid courses. A representative from CASL will share insights into what supports student engagement, learning, and success, highlighting approaches that resonate with today’s learners. Bring your lunch, listen and learn during the first portion, then stay to connect and engage with colleagues.

Join our monthly AI Club, an open and welcoming space for anyone interested in artificial intelligence. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced AI user, you are welcome to join at any time and connect with a community of curious, supportive peers. Participants are encouraged to share projects, exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another. 

Every semester, our Thank an Instructor program collects notes from students and alumni thanking an instructor who made a positive impact on their educational journey. We celebrate Dr. Jenny Brownson who is truly making waves on campus with her students. Below is one of the notes written by her students.

Center for Advancing Student Learning (CASL)
414-229-4319
2033 E. Hartford Ave., B50
Milwaukee, WI 53211