I love the feeling of campus on the first day of class. The slow, quiet months of summer suddenly give way to a new and vibrant energy as students, faculty, and staff return to campus and get ready for a new semester. There are definitely some nerves on the first day, but there is also excitement, curiosity, and an openness to explore new ideas and meet new people. This week, as you walk across campus, teach your first class, and meet with your students, I hope you can take a moment to pause and appreciate that first-day-of-class energy. Perhaps you can even find a way to harness it and hold on to it, even as the semester begins to get busy.
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This week’s newsletter contains resources to help you put the finishing touches on your course syllabus and to help you decide how to facilitate your first day of class. We hope to see you in the Faculty Hub on Thursday for the Welcome Back Breakfast. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need any additional support. Have a great first week of classes!
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Coming Up in the Faculty Hub
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Still putting the finishing touches on your course syllabus? Check out this syllabus checklist from MIT's Teaching + Learning Lab, created to help instructors design courses that intentionally support student belonging and achievement. The checklist is grounded in three evidence-based pedagogical principles of effective course design: transparent & purposeful communication, structured support, and community & belonging.
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Resource Spotlight: First Day of Class Tipsheet
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The first few days of class are important because they set the tone and expectations for the semester. Students form first impressions of the course material, course structure, instructor, and classmates. This handout offers five recommendations for making the most of the first day(s) of your course.
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We are always looking for new and exciting projects and collaborations. Feel free to contact us.
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