Teaching Orientation
Each summer, the Teaching Center offers a three-part new instructor teaching orientation in collaboration with the School of Arts & Sciences (SAS), the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (Hajim), and the Office of the Provost. This orientation serves all new instructors of any faculty rank who are full-time employees and:
- Teach undergraduates in the classroom in any University of Rochester school
- Teach in SAS or Hajim
These three sessions are designed to be an easy and efficient way for instructors to get ready to teach.
Parts one and two can be done in one four-hour block or in two two-hour blocks on Zoom. They occur earlier in the summer so that you have essential information for designing courses in advance of fall semester.
Part three is a half-day, in-person event in late August. It covers just-in-time information for teaching your course and career path information.
Session Overview
Part one: July 19 (9 - 11 a.m.) or July 22 (1 - 3 p.m.) on Zoom
- Introduction to learner-centered teaching
- Syllabus overview and template
- Accessible teaching and universal design for learning
- Teaching policies and compliance
- Writing student learning outcomes
Part two: July 19 (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.), July 22 (3 - 5 p.m.), or July 23 (1 - 3 p.m.) on Zoom
- Introduction to backward course design
- Designing effective assessments
- Inclusive feedback and messaging
- Developing engaging learning activities
- Introduction to blackboard and instructional software
Part three: August 22, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, in person, Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rheese Library
This half-day event will start with breakfast and a session sponsored by the Office of Equity and Inclusion, followed by Teaching Center content.
- Office of Equity and Inclusion: Setting the Stage for Robust Engagement in the College Classroom
- Teaching Effectively on the First Day
- Developing Sustainable Teaching Practices
- Documenting Teaching Effectiveness
- Instructor Panel: Professional Development for Teaching