Download a printable version of the Course Preparation Checklist here. Note that this information also is included in your faculty appointment letter.
Planning Your Course
MSHE instructional design and technology consultant Chris Neary is available to help you plan, deliver, and assess your course. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, your careful consideration of the following preparation deadlines helps to ensure your course is successful.
6 Weeks Prior to Start of Quarter
- Review and submit any edits to your MSHE faculty profile webpage using this form
- If needed, confirm any co-instructors or teaching assistant – confirm with Lois Trautvetter
- Identify textbook(s) students must purchase/rent – send to Chris Neary
- Conduct initial course planning consultation (virtual or in-person) – schedule with Chris Neary
- If applicable, confirm roles and responsibilities among instructor(s), teaching assistant, and instructional design and technology consultant
- Bookmark and review the MSHE Instructional Design and Technology Resources website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/msheinstructionblog/
To Do 3-6 Weeks Prior to Start of Quarter
- Conduct 1-2 additional course planning meetings (virtual or in-person) – schedule with Chris Neary
- First Follow-Up Course Planning Meeting:___________________
- Second Follow-Up Course Planning Meeting:___________________
- Curate readings through scanned book chapters (can scan up to 15% of a publication under copyright) or other resources available through Northwestern Library or other sources – Chris Neary can assist
- Final Syllabus due no later than 3 weeks prior to start of quarter – send to Chris Neary
- Chris builds the Canvas course with your syllabus content, checks for broken links, reviews for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, as well as updates university, SESP, and MSHE syllabus statements
- Chris will provide a ballpark enrollment estimate, which you can use to plan for group projects, class activities, or possibly a teaching assistant.
1 Week Prior to Start of Quarter
- Publish Canvas course – Chris notifies you when Canvas is ready for your final review. He prefers you officially publish the Canvas course.
- Post Course Welcome Announcement:
- Encourage students to review syllabus
- Note what students must read and any assignments due before first class
- Post-date 6 hours after publishing Canvas course – ensures enrolled students receive an email notification of your Course Welcome Announcement
- Clarify how you prefer students to communicate with you
- Mark Hoffman will email you final enrollment for your course, including résumés of your students from when they applied to the program. Your consideration of students’ backgrounds can help you be aware of how they understand your course.
Tips for First Class Session (Chris can assist with details)
- Lead with excitement and empathy.
- Discuss your personal and professional background (however you feel comfortable) and how it applies to your course.
- Describe your teaching philosophy and how you promote learning in your course.
- As Northwestern navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, clarify COVID-19 expectations and how you will support students if they cannot attend a class session.
Course Assessments
You may consider a myriad of assessments in your course. Northwestern facilitates the Course and Teacher Evaluation (CTEC) for all credit-bearing courses. While most questions come standard on this evaluation, you have the opportunity to add questions that you think are relevant and useful for your course. In addition, MSHE will conduct an assessment of inclusive teaching practices as it adopts Northwestern Principles of Inclusive Teaching.
- Consider adding custom questions to CTEC (up to six) — Look for an Office of the Registrar email (to your Northwestern email address) for when this becomes available; Chris Neary can assist
- Conduct assessment of how you integrate inclusion, equity, diversity and justice as an instructor and in your course – Chris Neary to assist after your course is complete.
- After reviewing CTECs at end of quarter, you are encouraged to meet with Lois and/or Chris to assess feedback and discuss possible future changes.