From: “Victoria Russell (vrussel3)” <vrussel3@umw.edu>
Date: Monday, March 23, 2020 at 4:44 PM
To: “Victoria Russell (vrussel3)” <vrussel3@umw.edu>
Subject: Center for Teaching Update: March 23r
Hi, everyone,
Just a quick update as we head into week two of remote teaching:
- The Center has had requests to see how faculty set up and use Canvas features. Our team members have each provided a ‘tour’ of a course to highlight a feature. To see how to set up a discussion, use Pages to organize a class, or set up a weekly Module using a 5-Page format, check out the Center for Teaching YouTube channel–we have a playlist called Canvas Tours. If there are other ‘tours’ you might like to see, please reach out to Center for Teaching staff with your requests. We are working on one specific to quiz modifications for later this week!
- Inevitably, faculty are running into snags and issues while using various platforms, including Canvas. Support systems are available, but are beginning to experience delays. Please be patient with us and our partners. Canvas Support has indicated that the fastest response time does tend to be through chat, but expect some delays. Do not hesitate to reach out if any support system appears non-responsive. As the semester progresses, anticipate needing to turn to Plan Bs, Cs, and Zs as circumstances in your classes change–keep it simple, keep it supportive!
- Unfortunately, we have had to suspend all grant applications until the next academic year. We hope to announce fall funding opportunities in August 2020.
- We are continuing to accept applications for the Faculty Fellow, but have extended the application deadline. Center for Teaching Faculty Fellow responsibilities include:
- Assisting Center for Teaching staff and campus partners with programming and resource development promoting engaged, impactful teaching practices, including Teaching Talks, Communities of Practice, and new faculty programming;
- Supporting a collegial culture of teaching excellence across the university;
- Developing or deepening expertise in an area of educational development or teaching and, by year two, conducting associated consultations and programming. This area of specialized expertise will align to the Center for Teaching’s mission and outcomes, as well as the University of Mary Washington Strategic Vision. The Fellow’s area of focus should have appeal across the university community;
- Attending and participating in biweekly Center for Teaching team meetings to assist with planning and decision-making.
The Center for Teaching Faculty Fellow position is open to any member of the full-time teaching faculty and is a three-year commitment. Compensation will involve either an $8000 stipend for the academic year OR a combination of a $4000 stipend and a course release (with department/college approval). To apply, please submit a letter of interest (maximum 2 single-spaced pages) to the Associate Director of the Center for Teaching, Victoria Russell, at vrussel3@umw.edu by Friday, May 1, 2020 at 5 p.m. (This is a change from the original email). In your letter, please include:
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- description of your experience with and commitment to working with UMW faculty on teaching and learning;
- description of your interest in and ideas for current Center for Teaching programming;
- description of a potential focus area that you would like to explore and expand into Center for Teaching programming, including a rationale for its importance to student learning at UMW.
Finally, THANK YOU for the hard, thoughtful work you have put into remote teaching under the most extraordinary circumstances. We have had the unique position of watching a community rally together for students and each other. We are grateful to call you all our colleagues.
Caitie, Victoria, and Melissa
Dr. Victoria Russell
Associate Director-Center for Teaching
University of Mary Washington
540-654-1349
vrussel3@umw.edu
Twitter: @techtweed