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Fall Course Planning and Preparations for Pittsburgh-Based Faculty

Dear Pittsburgh-Based Faculty Members and Course Instructors:

As we approach a new academic year, I am writing to share some reminders and information I hope will be helpful as you prepare your course materials and syllabi. Please take a moment to review the information below.

Preparing Your Course Syllabi

Before adding your course syllabi to the syllabus registry by the first day of class, there are several resources and reminders that you can review. As you prepare your syllabi, please:

• Familiarize yourself with the and AY24-25 Academic Calendar.
• Request your Canvas course via the , which allows you to designate course tags related to Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë’s Core Competencies.
• Visit the Eberly Center’s Syllabus Updates Page for useful strategies and current information for your syllabi. E-mail eberly-assist@andrew.cmu.edu to request an individual consultation on course design or delivery.
• Explore the S3 Academic Activities and Advising Guidance website for instructions and tips on using S3 features related to academic activities, such as obtaining your course roster,  reserving and scheduling courses, and uploading grades. 
• Use 25Live to reserve University Registrar Office classrooms and computing labs, Computing Services computing labs, and spaces in the Cohon University Center, Tepper School of Business, Heinz College and Mellon Institute. This link also has contacts for classroom access, furniture, equipment and maintenance issues.
• Review these FAQs on generative AI tools and teaching and consider attending an Adapting to Generative AI in the Classroom workshop in August. The Generative AI Teaching as Research (GAITAR) Initiative has opportunities related to generative AI’s impact on student learning and experience. An online module on GenAI will be distributed via email in early fall.

Considering Times Dedicated to Activities Outside the Classroom

In support of Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë’s mission to provide a holistic educational experience, please:

• Keep the Fall Break (Oct. 14-18) in mind when planning assignments and projects. This break is meant to be a time for rest and restoration. Avoid assignments, large projects or other activities with deadlines during or immediately following the break.
• Note that Democracy Day is Nov. 5. This is the second year of our two-year pilot. Classes and course-based activities will not be held before 5 p.m., and the university will offer programming and discussions on civic service and democracy.
• Limit undergraduate course activities during the moratorium hours of 4:50-6:50 p.m. ET on weekdays to allow our students time to interact in intellectual, cultural, social and recreational university-affiliated activities. Exception requests must be made to the University Registrar for explicit approval.

Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment

At Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë, we seek to be inclusive of diverse populations and perspectives and to ensure everyone has a sense of belonging in our community. As you prepare for your courses and move through the semester, please be aware of the following resources:

• The Office of Disability Resources website, which includes faculty support and information about students obtaining accommodations
• The , which lists dates to consider when planning mandatory activities and assignments; students are encouraged to share dates on which they need flexibility early in the semester
• Resources on Teaching in Tumultuous Times (e.g., a contentious election year) and a workshop on Facilitating Difficult Dialogues
• The Eberly Center’s Strategies for Inclusive Teaching
• NameCoach, a tool that allows students and faculty to record their name pronunciation and phonetic spelling and share their preferred pronouns

Accessing Faculty Resources

The Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty offers support and resources to faculty and academic administrators. The Eberly Center brings pedagogical and technological expertise together to support faculty and graduate students in their roles as educators. These groups are here to help and guide you during this planning time and throughout the academic year. Some of their resources include:

• Incoming Faculty Orientation (Aug. 19-20)
• Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë Teaching & Learning Summit (Oct. 4)
• Faculty Development Opportunities
• Mentoring Guidance
• Early Course Feedback Formats and Methods

Finally, I invite you to attend my open office hours, where all faculty, staff and students are welcome to tell me what's on your mind and share your experiences, ideas and aspirations for Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë.

I look forward to seeing you all soon as we begin a new academic year and thank you for everything you do to make Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë an exceptional place for our students to learn.

Sincerely,

James H. Garrett Jr.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer