As you prepare for spring term, this is a good moment to review your course materials and settings so everything is ready for students on day one.

This spring also marks an important shift: digital course materials at public universities must meet updated digital accessibility requirements. That means the materials you share in Canvas—documents, slides, PDFs, videos, and other course content—must be accessible to students with disabilities.

The Accessibility for Faculty webpage walks through what this means in practice and where to start. 

Take the time to review the documents, slides, and PDFs you plan to use this term. Take the PSU Instructional Accessibility Training in Canvas for guidance on how to make these changes and to see examples of accessible materials.

If you’re sharing recorded lectures or other videos, check that they include accurate captions and transcripts so all students can access the content. Review these steps for how to make accessible audio and video. Take the PSU Instructional Accessibility Training in Canvas for further guidance and examples.

Use Student View to see what your course looks like for students. Clear module organization and consistent headings can make it much easier for students to find and use course materials.

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.

When your course is ready, publish it so students can access materials. If you’d like students to preview the course before the term begins, you can set custom participation dates for your course.

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.

Book a quick Zoom chat with our teaching support staff during the first week of spring term to answer all your Canvas, accessibility, or teaching questions! Want to meet sooner? Drop in to chat with us in person or submit a support request and we will get right back to you!

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.

Book a virtual appointment with our Faculty Support staff during the first week of Spring term! We’ll help answer your accessibility questions, troubleshoot course technology issues, discuss your teaching-related ideas or goals, and more. Just choose a half-hour slot between 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, March 30th through April 3rd, tell us what you’d like help with, and we’ll confirm with a meeting link.

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.

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