On behalf of the American University community, the Center for Teaching, Research & Learning is pleased to welcome you to AU.

The Spring Adjunct Faculty Orientation serves as an introduction to the university for new faculty. The program includes an overview of the university and students as well as information on teaching and resources to help you get off to a successful start.

ORIENTATION OVERVIEW

Main Orientation Session: 

Saturday, May 14 | 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM

Join this session.

Additional Sessions during the day:

• 9:30-10:30am:  Zoom within Canvas (AU’s synchronous class session video tool)
  Zoom in Canvas allows you to virtually collaborate with your students in class sessions, office hours, meetings, and group projects. In this workshop, we will review its many functionalities that make meeting virtually feel seamless. Watch the recording.

• 10:40-11:40am:  Canvas Overview (AU’s Learning Management System)
  This workshop is designed to introduce Canvas to those who have never used it before. This 1-hour workshop provides a high-level overview of basic functionality within Canvas and will prepare you to publish your first Canvas course. Watch the recording.

• 11:50am-12:50pm:  Kaltura within Canvas (AU’s Video Lecture Capture System)
  This session introduces you to the video creation and streaming software Kaltura and Kaltura Capture, and will prepare you to record mini-lectures, video feedback and more. We will also review best practices and most effective ways to increase student engagement through mixed media. Watch the recording.

• 1:20-2:20pm:  Starting the Summer Strong: The 3 Cs of Student Engagement:
  Are you looking for ways to increase student engagement in your courses as you prepare to teach in Summer 2022? Join CTRL to discuss strategies to enhance student participation and interaction by considering “3 Cs”: clarity, compassion, and connection. We will share evidence-based teaching strategies relevant for teaching in Summer 2022, while also creating space for you to discuss your specific teaching context with CTRL Teaching and Learning Specialists and your colleagues from across campus. Watch the recording.

9:30-10:30am:  Zoom within Canvas (AU’s synchronous class session video tool)
Zoom in Canvas allows you to virtually collaborate with your students in class sessions, office hours, meetings, and group projects. In this workshop, we will review its many functionalities that make meeting virtually feel seamless.

Watch the recording.

10:40-11:40am:  Canvas Overview (AU’s Learning Management System)
This workshop is designed to introduce Canvas to those who have never used it before. This 1-hour workshop provides a high-level overview of basic functionality within Canvas and will prepare you to publish your first Canvas course.

Watch the recording.

11:50am-12:50pm:  Kaltura within Canvas (AU’s Video Lecture Capture System)
This session introduces you to the video creation and streaming software Kaltura and Kaltura Capture, and will prepare you to record mini-lectures, video feedback and more. We will also review best practices and most effective ways to increase student engagement through mixed media.

Watch the recording.

1:20-2:20pm:  Starting the Summer Strong: The 3 Cs of Student Engagement:
Are you looking for ways to increase student engagement in your courses as you prepare to teach in Summer 2022? Join CTRL to discuss strategies to enhance student participation and interaction by considering “3 Cs”: clarity, compassion, and connection. We will share evidence-based teaching strategies relevant for teaching in Summer 2022, while also creating space for you to discuss your specific teaching context with CTRL Teaching and Learning Specialists and your colleagues from across campus.

Watch the recording.

AU Honors and Scholars Program

AU Honors

The AU Honors Program brings together a diverse community of students and faculty to learn in experiential and inquiry-driven ways. Propelled by curiosity and a willingness to take risks, our students endeavor to push the bounds of the known and the knowable throughout their shared academic journey. The program supports students as they dare to contribute to knowledge, creative expression, and meaningful change.

Learn more about the AU Honors.

Community-Based Research Scholars

The Community-Based Research Scholars (CBRS) program is a selective, first-year living-learning community that emphasizes responsible and meaningful service learning through community-based research opportunities. CBR Scholars have a network of students, faculty, and community partners to help identify avenues to affect social change. CBR Scholars are trained in research methods, research ethics, and issues relevant to the participating nonprofit’s area of focus.

Learn more about Community-Based Research Scholars Program.

Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program

The award-winning Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars (FDDS) program prepares American University’s foremost student and alumni leaders for graduate/professional school, career management, and socially responsible leadership. We annually award our most prestigious, merit-based scholarship (tuition, housing, meal plan, books, mandatory fees, and public transportation) to five incoming first-year student leaders committed to multidimensional excellence.

Learn more about the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program.

Student-Athlete Support Program

The Student-Athlete Support Program provides support services for academic enrichment and life-long learning creates opportunities for personal growth and development and maintains a standard of integrity and responsibility to all American University Division I student-athletes in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Education and Academic Services, Department of Athletics, and NCAA.  Services include academic support, tutoring services, academic advising, NCAA eligibility verification, athletic competition class excusal letters.  In addition, The SASP offers student-athlete development meetings and programs to support the holistic well-being of all Division I student-athletes. In an effort to meet the developmental initiatives of the AU Athletic Department, Patriot League, and NCAA, the SASP carries out programs that focus on transitions, leadership development, career preparation, and more. The goal is to help AU student-athletes continue to develop on and off the field throughout their time at American. To find out more about the SASP and student-athlete development programs, please visit our webpage on the AU Athletics website.

Each member of the SASP team serves as a holistic counselor for student-athletes on each of AU’s NCAA Division I athletic teams. This role includes one-on-one academic coaching as well as individual meetings to address other areas, including academic scheduling, major exploration, career preparation, and other aspects of personal development. Review information about the Student-Athlete Support Program

Excused Absences

American University Division I student-athletes are excused from class for any athletic team events. This includes competitions as well as travel to away events. Faculty will receive a “travel letter” at the beginning of the semester for every student-athlete in their class, which outlines the dates and times for each excused absence. If necessary, the SASP will send updates for post-season competition once they are announced.

The excused absence policy as it pertains to student-athletes is explained in the Academic Rules and Regulations. Item 4.1.1 says, “Excused absences include… athletic team events.” Item 4.1.3 goes on to say, “Students may not be penalized for excused absences but are required to make-up all work missed as a result of the excused absence by the end of the term.” Review The Academic Rules and Regulations.

Exam Conflicts with Excused Absences

If a student-athlete has an exam scheduled in a class that falls on the day of an excused absence, the Courtesy Testing Service (CTS) can proctor the exam. To request to use CTS, the student and faculty member should decide on alternative arrangements for the exam – a date and time when the student will make up the exam. Then, the faculty member should fill out the Test Request Form at least 3 business days prior to the desired exam date. Review comprehensive information about the CTS.

Student-Athlete Support Program Contacts

ASHLEY ROZENDAAL
Director, Student Success and Student-Athlete Support
202-885-3185 | ashleyr@american.edu

ROBERT KARCH
Faculty Athletic Representative
202-885-6285 | rkarch@american.edu

The Adjunct Faculty Union

The Faculty Senate

Visit the Faculty Senate Homepage.

Affinity Groups

In an effort to further our commitment to Inclusive Excellence at AU, Human Resources has launched the affinity group program. Affinity groups, also known as employee resource groups, are a collection of people linked by a common purpose or interest. These common interests can include job functions, race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, education, geography, military status, etc.

Learn more about AU’s affinity groups.

Resources for Inclusive Teaching

Inclusive classrooms are pro-social environments that encourage students to respect the diversity of thought, background, and perspective. Such classrooms are characterized by civil discourse that acknowledges and explores multiple perspectives. An inclusive classroom makes clear that all students have a voice, and diversity in all its forms is respected.

• Learn more about creating an inclusive classroom.
• Inclusive Classrooms: AU Students Share their Experiences.

Eagle Online Excellence – Designing High-Quality Online Courses

Eagle Online Excellence (EOE) is an institutional effort to support AU faculty members who are committed to designing high-quality online courses. We provide tools, resources, and the expert guidance of skilled instructional designers to help faculty design their courses utilizing a modified Quality Matters rubric. Faculty can complete the EOE course certification process and receive the EOE Digital Badge of Excellence, which designates their course(s) as being of the highest quality for online courses at AU.

The Eagle Online Excellence initiative provides valuable resources for all faculty members, including:

• A detailed evaluation checklist consisting of research-based standards to guide online course design
• Formal instructional design consultation and course review process
• Professional development opportunities in online course design, including webinars, online trainings, and a series of micro-learning courses.

If you are currently teaching online and would like to learn more about distinguishing your course with the Eagle Online Excellence initiative, please visit our website or reach out directly at eoe@american.edu.

Research Support

CTRL offers a variety of workshops each semester to train members of the AU community in the software that it supports.

Visit our Research Support page to learn more about AU’s available research software. 

Teaching Enhancement Grant

Green Teaching Program

Now in its 12th year, the program has certified more than 600 individual professors at AU as “Green Teachers,” by allowing them to collect points for a variety of environmental actions, intended to (1) reduce the use of paper by moving towards using course materials, assignments, and exams in an electronic format; (2) reduce the use of energy and reduce pollution by using energy efficient equipment, e.g. by making a habit of turning off equipment not in use; scheduling office hours on the day of class; or biking or carpooling to campus; and (3) commit to other measures, such as using reusable food and beverage containers; or talking to department staff about purchasing recycled materials and supplies. Certified faculty receive a Green Teaching Certificate Seal which they can include on course pages and syllabi.

Learn more about the Green Teaching Program.

Open Education Resources

Through the Open American Initiative, the Center for Teaching, Research & Learning offers logistical and technological support to AU faculty who make the switch from cost-bearing textbooks and other resources to freely available OERs. CTRL can assist you with finding OERs to supplement or replace your existing course materials. You might get started by browsing an Open Textbook repository to explore existing OER-based textbooks that are free to students.

Learn more about open education resources.

University Library

View the Bender Library homepage.

Career Services

Learn more about the Career Center.

Office of Merit Awards

Dean of Students Office

The Office of the Dean of Students supports student learning through programs and services that promote growth and development, communicate the values and standards of the AU community, and advocate for students’ needs.

Student Health Center

Learn more about the Student Health Center.

Counseling Center

Learn more about the Counseling Center.

Health Promotion and Advocacy Center

The mission of the American University Health Promotion and Advocacy Center is to provide students with wellness resources, to promote healthy lifestyles, reduce high-risk behaviors, and offer a safe, non-discriminatory environment.

Center for Diversity & Inclusion (CDI)

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) works to advance American University’s commitment to respecting and valuing diversity by serving as a resource and liaison for students, staff, and faculty on issues of equity through education, outreach, and advocacy. To achieve this mission, the center is dedicated to enhancing LGBTQ, multicultural, first generation, and women’s experiences on campus.

Care Network

The Office of the Dean of Students provides an easy to use reporting tool to share concerns about student behaviors. If you recognize signs of distress or observe disruptive behavior, submit an online report through the Care Network (also found on the myAU.american.edu portal under the Life@AU tab). The Care Network is accessible to faculty, staff and students.

Learn more about the Care Network.

Academic Coaching

Academic Coaching is a free service available for all American University undergraduate and graduate students. In one-on-one meetings, learners work with professional academic coaches to identify and enhance academic strategies. Sessions are interactive and learners can expect to leave with a strategic action plan. In addition to scheduled appointments, students and faculty can access variety of academic coaching resources to support the academic journey.  Students can work with an academic coach proactively to develop academic skills to support learning and wellness.  Students in receipt of an Academic Alert, formally known as an Early Warning, and students on academic probation are also encouraged to meet with an academic coach.

Faculty are encouraged to refer students to Academic Coaching.  It is important to note that Academic Coaching will work one-on-one to support students adjusting to online learning.  Together with a coach students can review all course syllabi, establish time management strategies for classes in all modalities, and work on academic skills specific to both online learning and courses being conducted in hybrid modalities.

Topics covered in one-on-one appointments include:

• Time management and prioritization
• Online learning strategies
• Breaking down large assignments
• Test prep and test-taking strategies
• Task initiation and motivation
• Habit building
• Reading strategies
• Note-taking strategies
• And more!

Academic Coaching Resources:

• 4 Reasons to Try Academic Coaching
• FAQs on Academic Coaching

Academic Coaching Contact: academiccoaching@american.edu

ASAC Tutoring Lab

The ASAC Tutoring Lab provides free one-on-one and drop-in tutoring for selected courses in disciplines such as accounting, biology, chemistry and economics. In your 30 minutes or hour appointment, a peer tutor can assist with understanding course content, providing hands-on practice, and discussing best strategies for studying.

Math & Statistics Tutoring Lab

The Mathematics & Statistics Tutoring Lab provides free drop-in tutoring and scheduled one-on-one tutoring appointments to American University students for exam review, homework assignments, and understanding concepts. The Lab tutors Mathematics concepts up to Calculus II and Statistics concepts up to Intermediate Statistics.

International Student Scholar Services

International Student & Scholar Services has resources to support academic success and participation in campus life including academic counseling, support for second language learners, response to questions about visas, immigration status and employment and intercultural programs, clubs and other campus resources.

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a free group tutoring program that supports historically challenging courses in disciplines such as accounting, biology, chemistry and economics. SI Leaders facilitate weekly group review sessions that reiterate course content. In your one or two hour session, an SI Leader can assist with learning course concepts, facilitating group learning, and sharing best strategies for studying and note taking

Writing Center

Writing Center offers free, individual coaching sessions to all AU students. In your 45-minute session, a student writing consultant can help you address your assignments, understand the conventions of academic writing, and learn how to revise and edit your own work.