Start of the Semester Checklist

Start of the Semester Checklist

Our students have a reasonable request: Access to their classes sooner than later. All faculty know the semester does not begin on the first day of class. It begins in the weeks and months of preparation leading up to it. Students too begin preparing for their classes before the semester begins, and the more information they have the better they can prepare to be successful in your classes. While it may not always be technically or logistically possible to do this, do also consider these strategies and best practices as you prepare your courses for the upcoming semester.

Before the Semester

Consider these practices in the weeks and days leading up to the first day of classes.

  • Open the D2L shell 

Students can best prepare if they have timely access to information about the course objectives, expectations, schedules, assignments, and other details.

You may not be able to make all the content visible, but at least post a draft syllabus and welcome message.

Begin creating community by opening a discussion board for introductions and frequently asked questions.

See the D2L Resources for Instructors guides and tutorials

  • Draft the course schedule

Students benefit immensely from knowing what is going to happen in class on a weekly or even daily basis. Your students will feel more respected if you provide them with a schedule that contains as much detail as you can possibly provide them. 

You may need to have a more flexible schedule or not have all the dates set yet, but at least communicate this to students.

Fall 2023 Course Calendar Templates:


Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes

Tuesday/Thursday classes

 

  • Prepare an inviting syllabus

Rethink the “syllabus as a contract”. The syllabus is also a living document of the class and a great opportunity to engage students before you even meet them. The syllabus is your invitation to students to learn and your promise to help them be successful. 

Warm-up the syllabus

UDL the Syllabus

Sample ETSU Syllabi

  • Welcome students with a friendly email

See some examples on this document  

Suggestions for this include:

  • Personalize it by sending it to each student individually (for smaller classes).

  • Go light on the details (save these for the syllabus), focus on the big picture and engagement.

  • Your personality and story: Why do you like teaching this class? What got you into this field? What do you hope students will learn and get out of the class? What advice do former students typically give? Are you more of a dog person or cat person?

  • Make the language welcoming and inclusive with a warm tone of voice throughout. For example: "Welcome to our class... welcome back to ETSU..."; "I am glad you will be joining us for this class..."; "Here are some of the topics/subjects/content we will investigate in this class..."; "As a student you can be successful in this class by..."; "Please let me know any questions or special needs you may have..."; "I'm just using your name as it appears on the roster. If you go by another name, just let me know."

  • Share info on how to access or purchase course materials

In the syllabus, on D2L, or in your welcome message, let students know how to acquire required course materials such as textbooks or access codes to online resources. Many students are on a tight budget so be transparent about cost, how to access, and other technical requirements.
   

 

 

 

 

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