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If you’re wondering how the upcoming changes to required Title II web accessibility standards affect your courses, you’re not alone. Making digital materials accessible requires a change in practice for all of us. We have guides, examples, and checklists to make learning these technical steps straightforward. We're here to help you understand what’s changing, what’s expected, and where to begin.

How to update your course & materials: Enroll in the Accessible Teaching Resource Hub in Canvas for a walk-through of Word/Google Docs, PDFs, PowerPoint/Google Slides, and accessibility in Canvas and non-Canvas courses. 

Here’s how to get help: Reach out to the OAI Faculty Support Desk to ask questions, talk through your course materials, or get help prioritizing next steps.

We’ll continue sharing guidance and reminders over the coming months so you have clear information — and real support — as you move forward. Don’t hesitate to connect with our office as you get started.

Canvas tutorial

Many of us begin preparing students (and ourselves) for midterms during this time. This guide will walk you through a common question: How do I create a quiz with random questions for each student?

Teaching guide

The start of term presents natural opportunities to engage with your students, and this brief guide will help you maintain and grow that connection throughout the term.

Teaching guide

If your students access any part of your course online, our PSU guide, “Supporting students online,” will help remind you of the most effective ways to stay present and support your students as the term continues.

You can make a Google Doc more accessible in just a few clicks—no redesign required. Here are three easy places to start:

1. Set the document language. In the top menu, click File → Language, then select the main language used in your document. This helps screen readers read the text correctly.

2. Use headings instead of bold text. Highlight a section title, then use the dropdown menu that says Normal text to choose Heading 1 or Heading 2. This helps students using screen readers move through the document.

3. Fix links so they explain themselves. Highlight the link text, click Insert → Link, and use words that describe where the link goes (for example: Portland State University website instead of click here).

These small steps take under five minutes and make documents easier to read, navigate, and reuse—for students and for you. Want to go a little further? Read more in our Google Docs accessibility checklist, or talk with someone at the Faculty Support Desk for one-on-one help.

Schedule time with our OAI teaching staff to discuss classroom dynamics, participation challenges, and day-to-day facilitation questions.

 We also offer non-evaluative classroom observations, followed by a reflective conversation focused on what you want to try next. This support is confidential and centered on your teaching goals.

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 12:45 PM - 1:25 PM

Friday, Feb 6, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Friday, Feb 6, 2026 at 12:10-1:30 PM

February 9-20, 2026 | Online on Zoom

PSU has secured access for faculty and staff to the Transforming the Teaching and Learning Environment virtual conference (Feb 9–20). If interested, just browse the conference website schedule and join the Zoom sessions you like—no extra registration needed.

While we at OAI haven’t previously attended this conference, we wanted to offer the opportunity for any PSU faculty who may find it enriching to attend.

You receive this email because you are an instructor at Portland State University and supported by our office, The Office of Academic Innovation. Writing to you from the Smith Memorial Student Union is your team of teaching support staff. Do you have a teaching question? Get in touch.

The Office of Academic Innovation
Portland State University