TEACHING TIPS

This section is full of timely and evidence-based practices to apply in your teaching

The UTLC is pleased to announce that the UNCG Syllabus Template has been updated and is ready for use in Spring 2025. The template still contains all of the required sections outlined in the UNCG Syllabus Policy, and features strongly encouraged language such as sample Generative AI syllabus policies, and resources for student success. To use the syllabus template, we recommend downloading and saving a copy to your OneDrive and editing using the desktop application of Microsoft Word for the best editing and formatting capabilities. The UNCG Syllabus Template is available (not required) to all instructors at UNCG, but we recommend checking with your department in case of any additional requirements. Here are some tips for crafting a student-centered syllabus. 

• Centering the student. According to Cornell University’s Student-Centered syllabus resource, “a student-centered syllabus explains what content is most important, which teaching strategies you will use, what students will be asked to do to practice and demonstrate their learning, and how they will be assessed.” Above all, a student-centered syllabus emphasizes transparency and communication so that expectations are set clearly for all students to be successful. While not all the items in the UNCG syllabus template – such as the communication response, teaching philosophy, and campus resources – are required per the UNCG Syllabus Policy, they are all essential for supporting student wellbeing from a holistic standpoint. If there are additional resources that are relevant to your course, consider adding them as well! 
• Emphasizing Accessibility. Your syllabus should be formatted for accessibility just like any other document. Structuring your syllabus with headings and lists, using descriptive links, considering color contrast, using alt text for images, and properly formatting tables are all effective ways to create an accessible syllabus. Check out these tips for creating an accessible syllabus and getting started with accessibility to make sure your syllabus is designed for all students to be successful. The UNCG Syllabus template was designed with accessibility in mind, so make sure any information or features that you add also follow accessibility guidelines. 
• Setting the tone. The syllabus is one of the first interactions your students have with your course. Consider how to craft your syllabus so that it conveys the tone as soon as they receive the document. Northern Illinois University’s guide on Creating a Learner-Centered Syllabus emphasizes the importance of setting a tone that conveys the instructor’s willingness to support all students. Word choice centered on punitive actions instead of supportive guidelines and that use phrases like “we/you will” instead of “the class/students will” can make a big difference as students navigate through the assignment descriptions, course calendar, and policies. 

UTLC FEATURED ANNOUNCEMENTS

Check out the latest updates and offerings from the UTLC.

The UTLC is excited to announce that we are now enrolling for the Spring 2025 cohort of the Auburn Teaching with AI Canvas course and have added additional seats due to high demand. This self-paced course takes 5-7 hours to complete and consists of 5 modules with engaging learning content, activities, and discussions. Participants who complete each of the discussion posts will earn the AI Experimenter badge. Completing this course is a great way to gain familiarity with AI tools, explore ethical considerations, and adjust course and assessment design. Access to the course begins in December (date TBA), so you can use this as a resource while working on your spring courses. Email utlc@uncg.edu with any questions.

As you prepare for your Spring 2025 courses, please be aware of the following resources available to both instructors and students on using the Microsoft Teams integration in Canvas:

• Instructor Guide: This resource provides instructions on when and how to set up class meetings using the Microsoft Teams integration in Canvas. It is very easy to miss a step in the set-up process that will not be realized until things aren't working as expected for students on the first day of class — following this step-by-step guide reduces risk of accidentally missed steps.
• Student Guide: NEW! This resource is a one-stop-shop for students who will use Teams in their classes. It includes key terms, resources for getting started, troubleshooting tips, and additional help articles. Please encourage your faculty to share this resource with students in any preliminary outreach about class, and to include this Student Guide to Microsoft Teams in their Canvas courses in a clear and easily accessible place. 

FACULTY ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

Check out these upcoming opportunities from the UTLC and other partners on campus. Additional training opportunities are available at workshops.uncg.edu.

Ongoing Opportunities

• DiversityEDU | This online module through Canvas offers faculty and staff skills-based development in areas of equity and diversity.

• Indigenous Safe Space Project on Canvas | This student-led initiative helps to prepare the campus community with basic skills for supporting our Indigenous and Native students.

• Level Up: Mental Health Education & Training | Help foster a culture of care by engaging in trainings for suicide prevention, Mental Health First Aid, Spartan well-being, and more.
• UNCG Libraries Webinars | Research and Application Webinar Series (Spring 2024 recordings) | Zotero Webinar Series (recordings)
• New to Teaching | Access this Canvas site to learn about how students learn, preparing for class, grading, office hours, engagement, active learning, and more.
• Safe and Trans Zone Training on Canvas | Enroll in this self-paced online course to complete Safe Zone 1.0, 2.0, and Trans Zone if you cannot attend an in-person workshop.
• Web Accessibility 101 | This asynchronous, self-paced course focuses on the fundamentals of making online content accessible.

Upcoming Events, Training, and Workshops

Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

1100 West Market St., Suite 100F None | Greensboro, NC 27412 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.