Pre-semester teaching toolkit

Resources and events to get ready for spring semester

Pre-semester Checklist

Icon in red of a box being checked offThese 7 steps will help you get organized and ready to welcome your students. To save you time, each step links to campus resources.

Syllabus guide and template

Icon of a checklist with a computer at the topVisit UW–Madison Syllabus Requirements & Resources for everything you need to create or update your syllabus.

Help with Canvas (and more)

The logo for the Canvas learning management system - eight half circles arranged in a circle with a smaller circle within formed of dots, in redDoIT’s Learn@UW team offers online workshops to assist you. New tools include Gradescope, New Quizzes, and TidyUp.

Pre-semester Teaching Institute – Jan. 14

Whether you’re a seasoned instructor or new to teaching, the Institute will give you focused time and expert assistance to prepare for the start of class.

Teaching at UW: Setting AI Expectations – Jan. 16

This session will help you refine your course AI policies and communicate them to students with confidence.

Helpful guides

Accessibility and Accommodations

Generative AI in Teaching

Check out campus guiding principles, sample AI syllabus statements, and more.

Navigating Classroom Dynamics & Disruptions

Strategies for responding to a variety of situations that can arise while teaching.

Providing Flexibility to Students During Times of Disruption

Practical tips for anticipating and responding to student requests for flexibility during unexpected life events.

Teaching Together

Icon in red of two hands clasped in a handshake, forming a heartTeaching Assistant Guide

For both new and returning TAs, this guide covers essential trainings, professional development, and more.

Resource for Instructors Working with TAs

Best practices, key considerations, and practical resources for working effectively and efficiently with teaching assistants.

Curricular resources

Go Big Read

Discussion guides, sample assignments and more focused on this year’s selection, “James.”

Libraries

Reserve course materials, add info to your Canvas course, request library instruction, and more.

Center for Campus History

Teaching guides on moments of discrimination and resistance at UW–Madison.

Icon of stars exploding out of a pencilCommunicating Across the Curriculum: Resources for High-Impact Teaching with Writing at UW-Madison

This sourcebook from Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) offers instructional materials for teaching with writing in disciplines across the curriculum, including examples from UW–Madison instructors

Cross-campus events