Overview

Pre-Term Prep is our Division’s name for a double-check that we Department Heads run on Communication faculty syllabi and D2L shells for all your classes at the start of the semester. In preparation for our Spring 25 conversations about the College-wide Peer Review goals, we’ll be using the check to have a discussion about our syllabi, D2L calendar use, and gradebook setup as well as consider semester-start strategies for building welcoming classrooms.

Below is a checklist of items to ensure a course is student-ready. Closer to time, I’ll send out a form and checklist reminder of our beginning of the semester tasks. Once you indicate your classes are ready for review, I’ll quickly review your materials and indicate any areas for follow-up on a shared document.

Deadlines: Spring 2025

• Submit Pre-Term Prep Form: January 9th 5 pm
• Department Head Review & Feedback of PTP: January 15th 5 pm

Pre-Term Prep Resources

If you would like a human being to help you with any of these topics, just Put in a Ticket or contact Faculty Services and one of the awesome LMS or FS&RC folks will get back to you asap.

• Pre-Term Checklist: what’s expected at the beginning of the semester
• Pre-Term Prep Resources: how to do what’s expected at the beginning of the semester

Online Course Information

Instructors should prepare to use the LMS to predictably and meaningfully engage with students across all course modalities. While face-to-face and synchronous virtual classes may involve more direct engagement, online and hybrid courses (where 50% or more of activities occur in the LMS) should demonstrate consistent interaction. This includes incorporating strategies for Regular Substantive Interaction (RSI) in online courses as a requirement. Recommended practices include regular communication, timely feedback, interactive discussions, and other activities that enhance student engagement and create a supportive learning environment.

• Teaching an Online Course – Reading Department Guidebook
• Instructor How-to for Online Course Set-up and Administration