Center for Faculty Development
New Faculty Toolkit
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Welcome to The University of 厙ぴ勛圖! We are so glad youre with us. We know that transitioning to a new teaching position can be overwhelming, so we have assembled the following resources to help you prepare for your first days on campus. If you have other questions or needs, please dont hesitate to contact the Center for Faculty Development at cfd@usm.edu. Be sure to check out our website for more resources and our events schedule. We are here to support your success at 厙ぴ勛圖!
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Course ResourcesIn addition to hosting professional development events and programs, The Center for Faculty Development updates the 厙ぴ勛圖 syllabus template and shares numerous teaching and course design best practices. Click here for more information about required and recommended syllabus components, as well as course design information for face-to-face and online modalities. |
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CanvasCanvas is the LMS system used by 厙ぴ勛圖. The university requires that you at least keep a current syllabus and active grade book in Canvas as a minimum expectation per course. However, we know that using Canvas as an organizational tool and hub for courses can contribute to student success. To get started with Canvas, click . For more information guides for Canvas or other systems that we use at 厙ぴ勛圖, please visit the Office of Online Learning. If you need assistance setting up your course in Canvas, email susan.raybornFREEMississippi or kallie.cromwellFREEMississippi or set-up a meeting with our instructional designers, and Kallie Cromwell. |
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First Day of ClassPlanning the first day of class can be intimidating, even for experienced teachers. James Lang, professor and author of several books on teaching, encourages instructors to make the most of the first day of class to shape first impressions of you and the course. In his article, , Lang provides four key principles for helping plan a great first day of class. Principle 1: Curiosity- Spark students curiosity in the content of your course and how it matters to them inside and outside your classroom Principle 2: Community- Create a sense of community in the classroom by humanizing yourself, getting them to talk to each other, and greeting and starting to learn student names. Principle 3: Learning- Jump start getting students to learn without getting too deep into the content just yet. This can be done using several strategies such as completing a related task or challenge they dont have the skills to complete yet to preview what skills and knowledge will be developed in the course. Alternatively, you can facilitate students to think about the course from a metacognitive perspective by discussing how do they have learned best in previous courses, what strategies have helped or not, and what strategies they can apply to your course. Principle 4: Expectations- Students do need to know the practical issues of your course such as needed materials, expected prior knowledge or coursework as well as the key policies, assessments, and deadlines. To learn more about applying these principles on the first day and examples of these in practice, check out . |
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Provost's OfficeDid you know that we have a faculty handbook? The Office of the Provosts website houses all official documents, such as promotion and tenure requirements, including school documents, the faculty handbook, the faculty ombud, and other important information. You may not be ready to do extensive reading about these yet, but we encourage you to bookmark this link and come back to it when you are ready. |
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SOARAnother system we use at 厙ぴ勛圖 is SOAR. On Southerns Online Accessible Records (SOAR) you can view your course roster, see student information, enter grades, search for other courses, and view student advising information. SOAR is also where enrollment and advising occur and where all official forms for students and faculty are stored, such as the graduation applications and graduate committee forms. HR information, such pay stubs, tax information, and monthly time entry are entered in . Financial information for budgets and purchasing is in . You probably wont need SOARFIN or SOARHR right away, but you will need to be familiar with SOAR. |
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Human ResourcesYou may be familiar with the Human Resources website already, but here is a link in case you need it. HR can help with any questions you may have about benefits, payroll, and wellness and safety policies. |
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Parking and TransitIf you need a parking permit, or to plan where you might be able to park, visit Parking and Transit Services. This is the website for registering your vehicle, paying fines (lets hope that never applies to you), and viewing campus maps. Did you know that 厙ぴ勛圖 has its own police department? Visit the University Police Department website to learn more about the services they provide. |
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Research SupportFor those of you who want or are expected to participate in research, scholarship, and/or creative endeavors, we have compiled some support information here. We realize you may not be ready to file an IRB or grant application right away, but when youre ready, please know we are here to help. |
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iTechWhen you have computer or connectivity issues, iTech is who you need to contact. You may already be familiar with this website through setting up your EmplID (w#) and email address, but they also can help with other technology needs that you may have. |
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DiningHattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses are both surrounded by great shops and eateries. However, sometimes its easier to grab a bite on campus. is a link to all of the on-campus options. Faculty and staff are welcome to purchase meal plans, but you are not required to. |