Dear Instructional Colleagues,
Happy new year! As we approach the start of the spring semester, I’m writing to provide some broad instructional updates and resources, particularly for those of you who are planning to teach this semester.
Updated Religious Observances Guidance
An email was sent to all faculty and instructional academic staff with updated guidance around religious and election day observances including further explanation and examples on putting these policy requirements into practice in courses. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to review.
ChatGPT – AI Tool Raising Academic Integrity Concerns
As ChatGPT continues to surface in the news, I encourage you to explore and learn more about the tool, understanding that its implications for teaching and learning will vary across disciplines and courses. My own exploration has me thinking about how I might tweak my assignments in the future and perhaps use ChatGPT as an actual learning resource itself. Here are some campus resources to check out, as well: “Using AI in the Classroom” from the College of Letters & Science and this upcoming event on Feb. 24 by the Teaching Academy. I also encourage you to continue to communicate your expectations around academic integrity to students and discuss why it matters. As we’ve done before, I know we’ll continue to adapt our approaches and practices to technology changes and promote academic integrity.
CTLM Available to Support You
Whether it’s exploring new ways of teaching and learning, enhancing a particular course, connecting with peers or getting a quick consult, the Center for Teaching, Learning & Mentoring (CTLM) is available to support you. View this collection of spring teaching and learning resources curated by CTLM and campus partners.
2023 Teaching & Learning Symposium – Submit a Proposal by Jan. 31
Scheduled for Thursday, May 18, this year’s symposium will provide an opportunity to reflect upon our enduring values, discuss challenges and opportunities, and share innovations. The theme, “Fostering Belonging, Bridging Divides,” places a focus on cultivating active and inclusive teaching practices, understanding and valuing students’ lived experiences, and building and sustaining welcoming learning environments. Learn more about submitting a proposal by Jan. 31.
Syllabus Resources
The campus syllabus webpage provides an overview of key syllabi components and related resources including this “Strengthen Your Syllabi” resource, curated by CTLM. Institutional-level statements for syllabi are also now available in Guide – topics include diversity, data transparency, academic integrity, privacy of student records and more.
Public History Project Curriculum Resources
Though the project’s physical exhibit has closed, the UW–Madison Public History Project has a number of teaching guides and additional resources available to support you and your students. The physical exhibit’s companion website is also still available for use. For further engagement, I invite you to join CTLM, the project team and instructors across campus for an event on Feb. 15 about how the project is informing teaching and learning.
Planning for and Responding to Conflict and Disruption in the Classroom
To help you plan for and respond to conflict and disruption in the classroom (in person and online) and other learning environments, a collection of campus and UW System guidance and policies has been put together. View in Box.
Teaching Academy Winter Retreat – Feb. 3
Register now for the UW Teaching Academy’s Winter Retreat, Feb. 3, from 9-11am. The retreat will explore and address: “Confronting Burnout, Rekindling Wellbeing and Rebuilding Connection,” and will be hybrid, hosted in the DeLuca Forum (in the Discovery Building) and on Zoom.
WI Idea Conference – March 27
Save the date for this year’s Wisconsin Idea Conference: “Are We Ready? Actualizing the WI Idea through Community Engagement” on Monday, March 27. Hosted by the Morgridge Center for Public Service, the conference is intended to elicit self-reflection amongst UW affiliates regarding the purposes, practices and potentials for community-university engagement. The day will include a variety of breakout sessions, along with a keynote address from former director of community relations and current Dane County circuit court judge, Rev. Judge Everett Mitchell.