This Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE) newsletter includes:
Upcoming Opportunities – a curated list of professional development for part-time faculty
Teaching Tips – resources to help you in the classroom
Student Services Spotlight – information to help you support students
UNO: Did You Know – an interesting tidbit about UNO
Dr. Connie Schaffer
Director, UNO Center for Faculty Excellence Professor, Teacher Education Department
Grade Nudge Training – Learn to use Grade Nudge, an app that sends customized e-mails to students indicating how an upcoming assignment or exam will impact a student's overall grade, which has been shown to increase grade performance a half-letter grade beyond reminder emails. Faculty can be trained on the program and may qualify for a stipend between $400 to $750 for less than three hours of work. Training sessions are open to all. To learn more, sign up for a training session, or apply for the training program, click here. Applications must be received by November 14th.
Service Learning Roundtables – Virtual, no registration required. Join by clicking on this Zoom link.
October 15, 12:00 to 1:00 – Service Learning and Workforce Readiness
November 19, 12:00 to 1:00 – Intersession Courses and Service Learning
Here are three practical mid-term teaching tips.
Run a quick, low-stakes survey (anonymous if possible) to ask students what’s helping them learn and what could be adjusted. Even small changes—like pacing, clarity of instructions, or more examples—can make a big difference and show students you value their input.
Take time to review core material from the first half of the course, ideally through active methods (quizzes, problem-solving activities, think-pair-share). This helps solidify learning and makes sure students are ready for more advanced content.
Have students reflect on their progress so far—what strategies are working, where they’re struggling, and what goals they want to set for the rest of the term. Pairing this with a check-in on study habits or time management can boost motivation and retention.
You play a critical role in connecting students to UNO’s academic support centers. Students are more likely to seek these free services if a faculty member recommends or refers them to a support center. Use these links to learn more about our academic support centers.
Speech Center - a resource where students and faculty can receive guidance, suggestions, and professional evaluations for oral communication; Dodge and Scott Campus locations
Writing Center - students and faculty can work with a writing consultant on any writing project; Dodge and Scott Campus locations
Language Lab - academic and linguistic support service for students, ASH 154 (shares scheduling with the Writing Center but provides unique services)
Familiarize yourself with core components and the language of MavEd, UNO’s new general education program, by accessing the MavEd website at this link or by scanning these brief overviews.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.
