We will update this page with new communications throughout the semester.

Past Updates

AUGUST 18, 2020

Students Are Back and Ready to Learn

Syracuse Welcome is taking place this week, which means the start of classes is right around the corner. As we have worked to welcome students to campus, one thing has been made clear: Students are excited to learn at Syracuse University! Thank you so much for the guidance, reassurance and knowledge you will provide your students this semester.

Over the next few weeks, we will use these “Teaching Tips” emails to help you navigate the new normal of Fall 2020 instruction. Here are three things you can do to prepare for your first class of the semester:

• If you haven’t already, communicate with your students regarding your expectations for their technology. Will they need headsets, webcams, etc.? Let them know which students will attend in person on which days. It also would be helpful to share your syllabus ahead of time. In addition, these netiquette guidelines will help you set the tone for a diverse, inclusive learning community.
• Visualize and rehearse how you will teach, whether in a classroom on campus or in a remote location. How will you greet your in-person students and online students? How will you engage each group throughout the class? If you can, visit the classrooms in which you will teach to familiarize yourself with the setting and technology.
• In addition to the Classroom Technology Guide we shared last week, be sure to watch our short videos covering how to operate a standard teaching station, how to clean the classroom technology (note: each bottle of cleaning spray stays in its respective classroom) and microphone sound quality while wearing a mask.

This semester presents a new challenge for new and experienced instructors alike. Please know that you are not alone. The faculty support team—which comprises representatives from Information Technology Services, the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and the Center for Online and Digital Learning—is here to support you at every step. You can contact help@syr.edu for any questions about teaching or teaching with technology.

Please also remember these online coaching and consultation opportunities: 

• PlayPosit Training (multiple times available)
• Teaching and Technology Tuesdays (Tuesdays at noon ET)
• Zoom Training: Teaching with Zoom (multiple times available)
• Kaltura Training Sessions (multiple times available)
• Faculty Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Workshop Series (asynchronous):
  • Identifying and Reducing Implicit Bias in Pedagogical Decision-Making
  • Establishing Civility and Positive Climate in Your Teaching Environment
  • Problematizing Identity and Intersectionality on the College Campus
  • Transparent Teaching: An Evidence-Based Inclusive Practice
  • Navigating Challenges of Diversity in the Classroom

We look forward to working with you. You’ve got this.

AUGUST 13, 2020

Learning Technology Resources

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We look forward to working with you.

JULY 21, 2020

There Is Still Time to Sign Up for Fall Course Transition Services

With the semester a month away, we encourage you to take advantage of the Fall Course Transition Services available until Aug. 3 through Syracuse University’s partnership with Blackboard. As a refresher:

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We look forward to working with you.

JULY 9, 2020

Four Steps to Jump-Starting Your Fall Course Transition

With the start of the fall semester less than seven weeks away, we wanted to share four steps to getting started with the Fall Course Transition Services available through Syracuse University’s partnership with Blackboard:

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This is not the semester that anyone envisioned. We realize that everyone’s situation is slightly different in terms of family, resources and more. Even so, please remember that you are not alone—we are all in this together. We look forward to helping you make the best of a challenging situation.

March 12, 2020

To support the transition to online course delivery effective at the end of the academic day on Friday, March 13, we will continue to send regular communications to ensure you have the most up-to-date information related to online teaching and learning. If you haven’t already, please bookmark the Academic Continuity Resources toolkit available at at Syracuse.edu/coronavirus/academic-continuity.

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