Six steps to get your course ready for fall

1. Check that all your course materials are accessible.

Take a moment to review your materials for accessibility. Use the Canvas Accessibility Checker for content created in the Rich Content Editor, and switch to Student View to see what students will experience.

2. Tidy your Canvas dashboard.

Show only what you need by “favoriting” the courses you want to appear on your Dashboard and in your Course list.

3. Manage enrollment.

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.

4. Publish your course.

Publish your course when you’re ready. By default, students can access the course after it’s published and the start date has passed. If you’d like them to see it earlier, adjust the start date in Settings.

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!

Use Google Groups to send a warm welcome. Let students know when Canvas access opens, how to get started, and where to ask questions. You can customize our ready-to-use email templates to save time.

Read the full course prep checklist →

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.

Refresh your syllabus!

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.

Syllabus template →

Visit OAI in Vanport during fall term!

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. We’re especially grateful to our colleagues in the College of Education for hosting us. While we're in our temporary location, we will continue to offer you in-person teaching support and welcome you to...

Drop in during regular hours at our new location
Request teaching support through our website
Reach out by email or phone—our contact info hasn’t changed.

We look forward to seeing you soon in our new space!

Fall faculty book clubs are open!

Choose the book most relevant to your teaching goals, connect with colleagues across departments, and spark new ideas for your classroom. Reserve your spot quickly–book clubs are limited to 12 participants each and come with a copy of the book!

The Promises & Perils of AI in Education: Ethics & Equity Have Entered the Chat

by Dee Lanier and Ken Shelton

A concise, practical guide to AI’s opportunities and risks in education. The authors show how AI can support personalized, creative learning—while warning against bias and inequitable impacts. With clear frameworks for oversight, transparency, and collaboration, this book equips educators to use AI ethically and advocate for all students.

Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for Promoting Equity in the College Classroom

by Kelly A. Hogan and Viji Sathy

Hogan and Sathy show how intentional course structure boosts inclusion—then offer concrete strategies for inviting more voices in group work, activities, office hours, and everyday communication.

Teaching STEM to First-Generation College Students

by Gail Horowitz

A research-based guide with strategies to help first-generation students succeed—without overhauling your teaching. Focuses on building study skills, making expectations explicit, and closing “know-the-ropes” gaps as more first-gen students enter your classes.

Upcoming faculty events

Drop-in teaching support on Zoom!

We're offering drop-in hours from 11 am to 1 pm, Monday through Thursday, Sept 22 - Oct 2, 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!

Join us on Zoom →

ONLINE EVENT

New to Canvas? Need a Refresh? A Canvas 101 Support Session

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

ONLINE EVENT

Reading Community-Engaged Learning

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 12:45 PM - 1:25 PM

IN PERSON EVENT

Talking Community-Engaged Learning

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

Join →

ONLINE & IN PERSON EVENT

Responsible AI Workflows for Teaching

Thursday, Oct. 16,10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

IN PERSON EVENT

Using AI for Teaching and Learning

Thursday, Oct. 30,11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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.

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