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Welcome to the weekly UTLC Newsletter for October 19, 2021.
Highlights:
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Introducing the Small Steps, Big Impact Podcast!
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Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are our core values as an institution, but we must continue the conversations about how to do this important work on a daily basis. That’s the goal of our Small Steps, Big Impact podcast: on-going conversations about EDI in our classrooms.
Our first guest is Elliott Kimball (he/him/his), Assistant Director of the Intercultural Engagement Office. Our conversation focuses on the importance of acknowledging and understanding LGBTQ+ identities in the classroom. Resources include FAQs for Faculty, a Gender Diversity Resource Toolkit, and queering the classroom through the idea of windows and mirrors.
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Teaching Tips
This section is full of timely and evidence-based practices to apply in your teaching. Faculty and staff play an instrumental role in supporting students as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic of racism and the nation’s current culture wars, while also working to pursue their academic goals. Below are highlights from UNCG's Culture of Care guide to help staff and faculty members identify what students may be experiencing, ways to support students, and ways to engage in self-care along the way. It takes all of us to create a Culture of Care.
- Take Care of Yourself. Instructors must prioritize their mental health and wellbeing to best support students and grow the culture of care on our campus. Remember to breathe deeply, take a step back to be in the present moment, and talk to someone about what you are feeling.
- Recognize Warning Signs. There are many key signs that a student (or colleague) is experiencing distress and may need help. If you recognize these signs in someone, remember the V-A-R model: Validate, Appreciate, and Refer. This shows the other person that you are actively listening and care about them.
- Promote Mental Health. A recent survey indicated that students are seeking leniency, accommodations, and flexibility in an academic context to supporting their overall mental health and wellness. There are a number of ideas like incorporating mental health opt outs/passes that you can implement in your classrooms to provide this needed support.
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There are just three more CoffeeHouses remaining for Fall 2021 including one tomorrow, Wednesday, October 20 at 9am! Save the dates via our Events Calendar. We hope to see you at the Faculty Center!
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We are pleased to announce the next Minerva Mentions nominee, Dr. Crystal Epstein! This segment features instructors who exemplify excellence and innovation in teaching. Click the image above to read the nominee's "Words of Wisdom" including what they love about teaching, a favorite tip to share, and a helpful resource to consider.
If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague, please complete the form available at go.uncg.edu/minerva-mentions.
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Other AnnouncementsWeb Accessibility 101: Level One is now available in Canvas! This asynchronous, self-paced course is the first of three levels that focuses on the fundamentals of making online content accessible for everyone. If you create content that is posted or shared on a web page, in a course, in an email, through social media or other modes of online communication, then this course is for you! You can enroll in Level One now!
Using the Canvas gradebook can create efficiency for you while helping students track their progress in your course, but it can be intimidating if you're not sure how it works. ITS Learning Technology's Gradebook Math video provides a behind the scenes look at the math behind grade calculations in Canvas as well as a tutorial that demonstrates how to set it up so you can feel empowered to use it.
Upcoming Workshops:
- Student Annotation Assignments in Canvas (Zoom). Tuesday, October 26 at 10:00 - Register here.
- Create a New Quiz in Canvas (Bryan 209)Monday, November 1 at 11:00 - Register here.
- Online Proctoring Options (Zoom). Tuesday, November 23 at 11:00 - Register here.
- Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (Zoom). Friday, January 21 and Friday, January 28 at 9:30 - Register here.
In Case You Missed It
- Designing Effective Online Courses (DEOC) is an online workshop to support faculty and staff across the UNC System in moving their courses to an online format or using digital tools in their physical classrooms. The Fall 2021 session will begin Monday, October 25, 2021. This will be the only time this is offered this semester. Registration is now open. The workshop is free, but space is limited, and registration is required. Learn more and register.
The International Faculty and Staff Network is a newly formed group at UNCG open to all professional members of UNCG including faculty/instructors, staff, and visiting international scholars.To get involved in the community, please join the network on Canvas to meet other members, receive updates about future events and meetings, and contribute your ideas!
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| We want to hear from you!Want to highlight excellent teaching? Have a resource or announcement to share? Hope to see more teaching tips related to a specific topic? Click the button below to send your suggestions. We're excited to hear from you!
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