Top 6 tasks before spring term begins |
1. Declutter your canvas dashboard in minutes |
Access your courses faster this term: Start by cleaning up your Canvas Dashboard.
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2. Quickly copy & confirm your course content |
Import, validate, and verify everything is student-ready. Streamline your course setup by using the course import tool to migrate content. After you import your course, modify your assignment due dates, run the link validator, and use student view to confirm that your content, discussions, quizzes, assignments, and grades are ready.
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3. Manage your course enrollments |
Head to the People section in your course and enroll additional people who may need access, such as teaching assistants or program coordinators. Review your students’ status to ensure everyone is enrolled on the first day of class. Make sure you regularly review your Waitlist to help add any last-minute additions to your roster!
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4. Don’t forget to publish your course! |
One click is all it takes to make sure students have access. Send an announcement to your students letting them know the course is ready. Students can only access your Canvas course if you have published it!
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5. Get tech-ready: Update your devices & apps |
Before the term starts, we recommend updating your devices, browsers, and teaching software (e.g., Zoom) to ensure you have everything ready to go.
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5. Send a welcome email to your students |
Many students are anxious for information about their classes before the term starts. By communicating early, you can help establish an encouraging environment and alleviate some of their anxiety. We've prepared a few sample email templates in collaboration with the Office of Student Success to get you started!
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Check out the complete Canvas Course Checklist for a complete list of personal and course Canvas settings you should double-check before your winter classes start!
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Make sure your syllabus is up-to-date and accessible with our syllabus template and example statements, including recommeded language around the use of generative AI. The template can be tailored to your courses for a truly inclusive learning experience.
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Drop-In teaching support over Zoom! |
We're offering drop-in hours 10am - 1pm, Monday-Friday, March 24 - April 4 over Zoom!
Get personalized help during peak prep weeks. Join our virtual office hours for a convenient drop-in session where you can receive personalized support for your technology needs during a busy start to the term! Whether you're setting up new courses, troubleshooting issues, seeking advice on new tools, or looking to enhance your digital teaching methods, our team is here to help. No registration is needed—join our Zoom and get the support you need to succeed!
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Faculty Book Club: Spring Reads Await! |
This spring, our Faculty Book Club is back—now featuring three exciting titles! Choose the book most relevant to your teaching goals, connect with colleagues across departments, and spark new ideas for your classroom.
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| Relationship-Rich Education: How Human Connections Drive Success in College |
By Peter Felten and Leo M. Lambert
Drawing on interviews from 29 institutions, this book explores how meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and peers transform the college experience. Learn evidence-based approaches for creating supportive learning environments that work for all students.
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| Black, Brown, Bruised: How Racialized STEM Education Stifles Innovation |
By Ebony Omotola McGee
Through narratives from hundreds of Black, Latinx, and Indigenous individuals, McGee examines the experiences of underrepresented students and faculty in STEM fields, offering concrete recommendations for creating more inclusive STEM environments.
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| Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning |
By José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson
Back by popular demand! This practical guide helps educators navigate AI's impact on teaching and learning with concrete strategies for classroom integration. Perfect for those looking to thoughtfully incorporate AI tools while maintaining academic integrity.
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Contact
teaching support! |
Visit the faculty help desk in person or reach out
remotely to talk with support staff.
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Talking Community-Engaged Learning
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April 9 - June 11, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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| Using Inclusive Features in Canvas, Zoom, and More! |
April 22, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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| Reading Community-Engaged Learning |
April 23 - May 28, 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
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| Dismantling the Cheating Industrial Complex |
Offered three times: May 6, May 7, and May 8
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
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Dismantling the Cheating Industrial Complex Part 2: In-Person Lab |
May 13, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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| Dismantling the Cheating Industrial Complex Part 2: Virtual Lab on Zoom |
May 14, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Oregon ‘25 Institute on Teaching Social Action |
Two-day, all-day event: May 17 - May 18, 2025
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The Office of Academic Innovation
Portland State University
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