All instructors are required to upload the course syllabus to the Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas, and submit them to the appropriate Dean prior to the first day of class. You will need a syllabus for each class you are going to teach. There is a generic template that all faculty must use which you can get from Google Docs in the Academics >Syllabi folder. This will show you what is required to be on each syllabi.
Checklist for First Class
Class Rosters
Class rosters are maintained in Rustler Central (Colleague Self-Service) which is accessible from your dashboard after you login to MyCentral. Click on Rustler Central, then click on Faculty, then click on Class Rosters. You can print your rosters from here. This roster is the primary way of managing attendance, withdrawals, etc. The roster is extremely important as the student's financial aid, veteran's benefits, and athletic eligibility may be affected based on information entered on the rosters. If you have students in your class who do not appear on your roster, please advise them to check with the CWC Registration and Records office to correct their accounts prior to the beginning of the next class meeting.
It is extremely important that students know how to contact you and you know how to contact them. The easiest way to get this information is to utilize your course shell in Canvas - there you can list your email address, your preferred telephone number, and specify when you might be available to meet with your students to discuss issues and answer questions. Also, this is a good place for class announcements such as canceling a class due to illness. If you need to cancel class, notify your students immediately through email and calling them as well. And call the Administrative Assistant ASAP, so signs can be posted on your office door and classrooms. It is a great kindness to email all your students affected by your absence (you can do this quickly in Canvas) with news, assignments, and promises of your imminent return.
Managing Your Class
Your class is a college class, and students should demonstrate respect for you and their fellow students. Define your expectations of student behavior and share those expectations with your class. Do you want to limit cell phone use during class time? Do you expect students to be seated before you begin your class? Think about what would help your class run smoothly.
Special Situations
Do you know a student that may be depressed? Do you know a student that may be angry? Are you concerned about a student and want to do something about it? There is a team of staff members on campus that you can make an official referral to for action that WILL take place to attempt to help the student, coordinated by Counseling Services and the Vice President for Student Services.
Faculty-Initiated Student Withdrawal
Faculty may, at their discretion, request that students be withdrawn from a specific class for non-attendance by submitting a Faculty-Initiated Student Withdrawal form to the Registration and Records Office. A copy of the form will be forwarded to the student. If not contested by the student within two weeks, a grade of “WI” will be transcripted. There will be no refund of tuition or fees. Access that form in the "Forms" tab above.
Course Evaluation
Your course will be evaluated by your students every semester. Course evaluations are integrated into Canvas for ease of use. Responses are anonymous. Students view their own Student Dashboard where they can only access surveys for courses in which they are enrolled, guiding them to complete surveys on time.
This includes:
Compiled survey results are released to the appropriate dean, supervisor, and instructor once the final grades are submitted.
Grade Appeals/Grade Changes
Faculty members have both the right and responsibility to set their own grading standards, to judge student work according to these standards, and to assign grades. A student who believes that a grade has been assigned improperly should visit first with the faculty member and then, if necessary, with the Dean. If the issue is not resolved at that level, the student may file an Academic Petition available through the Registration and Records Office.
