All faculty members teaching with uAPS are expected to understand and follow University and departmental policies and processes, and apply effective teaching strategies. The uAPS Faculty e-Handbook and Resource Guide provides information and interactive opportunities to review these policies and practices to help instructors connect them to the courses they teach.
1. Complete CCAPS Instructor Orientation - Online Course
The Teaching for CCAPS - Online Course helps prepare instructors to teach effectively using the CCAPS Canvas Template and best practices for teaching in-person, online, or hybrid courses. It’s required for new CCAPS instructors and those new to teaching.
The course covers:
- Teaching best practices
- Instructor presence and communication
- Use of media and tools within Canvas
- Program-specific requirements and outcomes
Responsibilities
- Complete the CCAPS Instructor Orientation prior to your first semester of teaching.
2. Participate in faculty meetings
Faculty meetings occur twice per year (spring and fall). They foster community, provide program updates, and discuss curriculum and pedagogy.
Responsibilities
- Attend at least one faculty meeting per year, in person or remotely.
- Stay informed about program updates.
- Collaborate and share ideas with faculty peers.
3. Participate in faculty development activities
Ongoing development activities improve teaching effectiveness and include workshops, asynchronous learning opportunities, and pedagogical resources.
Responsibilities
- Participate in one faculty development event or activity each semester you teach.
- Recognize and apply effective teaching approaches.
- Share successful strategies with colleagues.
4. Contribute to faculty discussions
Occasionally, faculty are invited to provide feedback via email discussions or surveys. Broad faculty engagement strengthens program quality.
Responsibilities
- Respond to faculty communications as appropriate.
- Contribute to at least one faculty discussion per semester.
- Share insights on curriculum and pedagogy.
5. Submit an end-of-term course assessment
Reflection supports personal and program development. End-of-term assessments help identify opportunities for curriculum or instructional improvement.
Responsibilities
- Submit an End-of-Term Course Assessment after every course.
- Review and respond to feedback from program leadership as needed.
- Reflect on your teaching and share areas where additional support would be beneficial.
6. Participate in course and teaching reviews
Course and teaching reviews are collaborative discussions that highlight strengths, set future goals, and identify teaching support needs.
Responsibilities
- Participate in a course review every three years, or as needed, with your faculty director.
Discuss future course development within your program’s curriculum framework.
- Engage in an individual teaching review when requested.
- Provide an updated resume/CV and any supporting materials.
- Receive and incorporate feedback to enhance teaching and course delivery.
7. Maintain Your Course(s)
Regular course maintenance ensures that students have access to accurate, accessible, and engaging course content. Faculty are expected to review and update their course materials to maintain instructional quality and alignment with program standards.
Responsibilities
- Review and update your course materials before each semester, ensuring accuracy and alignment with current program expectations.
- Verify that links, readings, assignments, and media are current and functional.
- Ensure all course content meets accessibility guidelines (e.g., captions on videos, alt text for images).
- Communicate with your faculty director if major revisions or additional support are needed.
- Respond to student feedback related to course content and make appropriate adjustments when feasible.
- Maintain an organized and user-friendly Canvas course site, following CCAPS Canvas Template guidelines.
- Remove outdated announcements and maintain clarity in deadlines and expectations throughout the course.