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As we move into the fifth week of classes, many of us have already had to adjust and pivot in response to weather-related disruptions. It can also feel as though higher education is in a constant state of change, particularly as new technologies continue to emerge, leaving little time to pause before the next change. This week’s teaching tips from Imad invite us to reflect on the importance of sustaining hope in our courses. She writes: 

Imad says we maintain hope “because you matter, we matter, and our work as educators matters, and so do our students and their futures.” We want to remind you that we’re here for you. If you need any support with your courses, please reach out or request a consultation. 

Looking for a simple way to check in with students, especially when we have to pivot settings or teaching methods at the last minute? Try using Microsoft Forms to gather anonymous “temperature checks.”

These quick surveys allow students to share how they’re doing (emotionally, academically, or both) without the pressure of putting their name on their response. Anonymous check-ins help you identify barriers to learning, adjust instruction, and create a classroom culture grounded in safety, trust, and choice. Here’s a quick step‑by‑step to get started. 

You can also explore additional guides from ITS Learning Technology for more support! 

Please join the University Teaching and Learning Commons, the Institute for Community and Economic Engagement, and the University Community Engagement Council as we collaborate and sponsor the Spring 2026 Community Engagement Book Club. Together we will be reading Rewriting Partnerships: Community Perspectives on Community-Based Learning by Rachael Shah. The book invites us to rethink our partnerships, emphasizing the potential for valuable knowledge co-creation. Drawing on interviews with partners and examples from courses and research projects, Shah shows how community-engaged teaching and research are enhanced by ethical collaboration with the community at program design, implementation, and evaluation.

There will be 3 meetings total on March 5, March 26 and April 23. We will be meeting 2:30 to 4:00ish, but please feel free to drop in and out depending on your needs. Location is TBD. Coffee and light snacks will be provided.

There are a limited number of print books available. Please register by February 13 to be entered into a drawing for a print book. The ebook is available through the UNCG library.

ITS is happy to announce a full slate of trainings to assist you this spring.  There will be more to come, but of specific interest may be Proactive Practices: Using Canvas and CARE to Support Students Experiencing Distress on Jan 29, 2-3 PM and Feb 25, 11AM - 12 PM.

We are pleased to share that the UTLC is now active on social media. We encourage you to follow us on Instagram (@utlc.uncg), Facebook (UNCG UTLC), and LinkedIn (University Teaching & Learning Commons) to stay informed about weekly teaching tips, upcoming events, and resources that support teaching and learning at UNCG.

Open Office Hours with ITS: Learning Technology’s Instructional Design Team: Tuesdays 10am–12pm

Drop in for a conversation with an instructional designer! We can assist with course and assessment design, discuss teaching questions, and help with Canvas, Teams, and other learning technology.

No registration is needed; you can just join online.

We are pleased to announce the Spring 2026 GTA Network dates! The GTA Network is open to all graduate teaching associates and is a space to connect, learn from colleagues, and receive collaborative support. 

What can you expect at GTA Network Events:

Fresh Ideas & Teaching Tips – Explore new strategies, tools, and approaches to elevate your teaching practice.

Real-Time Demos – Get walk-throughs on essential processes like submitting grades, using Canvas tools, and more.

Timely Updates – Stay informed about important UNCG events, deadlines, and teaching-related resources.

Safe Space for Sharing – Bring your questions, wins, and challenges. This is a judgment-free zone where your voice matters.

Campus Connections – Learn how to collaborate with key support offices and student services across campus.

The meetings are all on Mondays: February 9, February 23, March 23, April 6, and April 20 from 2 to 3pm.

You can access the MS Teams call through the GTA Network Teams Channel or 📞💻 CLICK here to join meetings 💻📞.

If you have questions, please contact Judy Fowler at JAFOWLE3@uncg.edu.

The UTLC has additional new online resources available for you, including self-paced training options, resources for Generative AI, and teaching guides. We also have new syllabus resources up, including an updated syllabus template.

Magna Publications has a weekly newsletter with teaching tips, strategies, and the latest best practices of teaching offering approaches on a wide range of teaching topics, such as:

Visit go.UNCG.edu/TheTeachingProfessor and use your UNCG Email address to register.

Magna Publications offers a series of 20-minute and 40-minute workshops on teaching and learning topics from national experts in teaching and learning.

The UTLC has secured campus access to over 20 trainings on topics such as teaching effectiveness, generative AI, student engagement, course design, and much more.

Check out these upcoming opportunities from the UTLC and other partners on campus. Additionally, the university workshop calendar has opportunities.