Faculty Focus

MARCH 12, 2023

The first day or week of the semester is often referred to as what students call “syllabus week,” because professors typically spend the first day of class reviewing the syllabus—interject a big yawn here. At this point, I still have not reviewed the syllabus with them and instead begin a community building activity.

Student Engagement 116

Student Engagement Activities Syllabus Instructors 116

Faculty Focus

MARCH 12, 2023

The first day or week of the semester is often referred to as what students call “syllabus week,” because professors typically spend the first day of class reviewing the syllabus—interject a big yawn here. At this point, I still have not reviewed the syllabus with them and instead begin a community building activity.

Student Engagement 98

Student Engagement Activities Syllabus Instructors 98

Faculty Focus

MAY 13, 2025

The instructor typically arrives, distributes a syllabus outlining course policies and expectations, explains assignments and grading criteria, and may include a brief activity or icebreaker. Rather than dictating course policies and classroom norms, instructors can instead ask: What do you think about this plan?

Syllabus 105

Syllabus Instructors Learning Confidentiality 105

Faculty Focus

MAY 13, 2025

The instructor typically arrives, distributes a syllabus outlining course policies and expectations, explains assignments and grading criteria, and may include a brief activity or icebreaker. Rather than dictating course policies and classroom norms, instructors can instead ask: What do you think about this plan?

Syllabus 98

Syllabus Instructors Learning Confidentiality 98