New Faculty: Classroom Support
Preparing for class
As you prepare your syllabus, it may be helpful to review or direct students to AU’s academic integrity code. Also consider emergency preparedness by including an insert in the syllabus about AU’s emergency policy. You can also seek technological assistance for Blackboard or if you ever need to teach remotely.
Instructional designers at the Center for Teaching, Research & Learning are available year round (including summer) for consultations. They work with faculty on all aspects of teaching and learning including course design and redesign, syllabus creation, Open Educational Resources (OER), assignment design, learning outcome development, and rubrics. Fill out the instructional design request form and you will be matched with an instructional designer.
The university library offers specific information for faculty. Faculty members are always welcome to request books, journals, databases, other electronic products, and media materials. Please feel free to consult with the collection managers in your subject areas and notify the library every time you identify a research need.
If you anticipate projects requiring students to use particular software or technological skills, you may want to direct students to access LinkedIn Learning (Web-based Software Training Library) for free. You may also direct students to specialized computer labs including the Advanced Statistical Network which provides access to statistical software, database access and technological assistance.
Working with students
Before you meet your students, become familiar with the services offered for students at AU. First, review the student handbook given to new students.
You may want to direct students to the academic support and access center or the counseling center. It is recommended that you include a statement in your course syllabus, on Blackboard, or on a separate handout.
If students or your entire class could benefit from consultation with the Writing Center, in 228 Battelle-Tompkins, invite a Writing Consultant to visit your class or include a note about the Center’s services in the syllabus.
As a global university, American University has a long tradition of welcoming international students and scholars to our campus. To assist faculty and students, International Student & Scholar Services, the Academic Support and Access Center, and the College Writing Program (Dept. of Lit.) collaborate to offer the International Student Academic Success Network. The Writing Lab in the Academic Support and Access Center specializes in working with students for whom English is not their first language.
