7 steps to get your course ready for winter |
1. Check that all your course materials are accessible. |
2. Tidy your Canvas dashboard. |
Open the People section in your course to enroll anyone who needs access (e.g., teaching assistants or program coordinators). Scan student statuses so everyone is set for day one, and keep an eye on the Waitlist for last-minute additions.
|
Publish your course when you’re ready. Want to give students access to viewing the course before the term starts? Go to the Settings area and, under Participation, uncheck the box that restricts students from viewing the course before the term start date. You can also set custom participation dates for your course.
|
5. Update your devices & apps. |
Before the term begins, update your devices, browsers, and teaching apps (such as Zoom). A quick pass with our tech update checklist can save time later.
|
6. Send a welcome email to your students! |
7. Got stuck? Book an appointment with our faculty help desk during week 1! |
Would you prefer a step-by-step review? The Canvas course checklist provides a complete list of course and personal settings to review before fall classes start.
|
|
|
Start with OAI's accessible syllabus template and sample statements and then tailor them to your course. The template includes recommended language on generative AI and ready-to-use sections you can adapt.
|
|
|
| No Study without Struggle: Confronting Settler Colonialism in Higher Education by Leigh Patel |
January 16-February 27, 2026; Online.
From scholar and activist Leigh Patel comes a piercing examination of how campus social justice movements illuminate the deeper tensions within higher education.
|
|
|
| Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI |
January 23-March 6, 2026; Online.
How can we reconcile the uncertainties of AI-use in our courses with our abiding commitment to supporting students' growth? Please join colleagues for conversations centered on addressing AI in our teaching lives as we read Ethan Mollick's thought-provoking book together.
|
|
|
| Talking Community-Engaged Learning Monthly Meeting |
Starts Wednesday, Jan 14, 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
|
|
|
| Using AI for Teaching and Learning |
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
|
|
|
| Canvas Course Design Fundamentals |
Friday, Jan 23, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
|
|
|
| Reading Community-Engaged Learning Monthly Meeting |
Starts Wednesday, Jan. 28,12:45 AM - 1:25 PM
|
|
|
| Feedback, Grading & Assessment: Helpful Tools and Pedagogies |
Friday, Feb. 6, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
|
|
|
| Friday, Feb. 6, 12:10 - 1:30 PM
|
|
|
Week 1 Support: Virtual Faculty Help Desk |
Get personalized help easily during the first week of winter term by booking a virtual appointment with our support staff. OAI staff will meet with you over Zoom to quickly resolve course issues, technology challenges, discuss teaching goals and ideas, and connect you with any other support resources or team members who can help.
| And don't forget: While the HVAC system is receiving maintenance in Smith, you can find the Office of Academic Innovation in the Vanport Building, 1810 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 560. You are welcome to drop by anytime for in-person support.
|
|
|
Warm, restful winter break wishes from our team to you! |
As we wrap up the term, we just want to say thank you.
Faculty effort is often invisible, but it makes a real difference for students every day — in the ways you teach, the care you show, and the time you put in behind the scenes.
We’re grateful to be in community with you and to support your work in any way we can.
Wishing you a truly restful break,
Your Office of Academic Innovation team
|
| |
|
The Office of Academic Innovation
Portland State University
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
Portland State University SMSU mezzanine 209 | 1825 SW Broadway | Portland, OR 97201 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
| |
|
|
|
