Remind students to check their UNO email. Of course, as instructors you email course-related information to students, but students also receive information related to advising and upcoming deadlines regarding enrollment and registration via email.
Take a minute of class to have students look for a recent email with the subject line – Mavericks Get Connected (they also received this as a global announcement in Canvas). The email is the first in a series encouraging students to 1) get connected, 2) take care, and 3) get help. The Get Connected message is full of suggestions for students to strengthen their connection to UNO - a key to retention. The email encourages students to:
Another important reminder for you to share with students – November 3 is the last day to withdraw from a course with a grade of “W” as well as to change a course to “Audit" or make changes related to Credit/No Credit options.
Feedback is a great way to engage students. Register for the UCAT-sponsored workshop: Engagement through Feedback (November 3, 1:30-2:30, CEC 230). You will learn strategies to strengthen your students' feedback literacy so they can make the most of the feedback you provide.
Timeliness is an important factor in providing feedback. Use Canvas rubrics to consistently and efficiently provide feedback to students and the Canvas Gradebook to give easy access to their grades – an important tool they can use to monitor their own progress. Canvas also has tools to engage students by having them provide feedback to each other.
Students might be stressing over grades or upcoming end-of-semester projects. Discussing this with students normalizes these feelings and offers an opportunity to share UNO’s many resources. Students can access academic support through the Speech Center, Math-Science Learning Center, and Writing Center and other support through student wellness coaches, CAPS, and student support groups (i.e., A.A., Body Positivity, Lez-Bi-Real Queer, Tea with Jaisy, Veteran Support, and more).
Instructors also stress about grading. Don’t forget to take a break. Visit the UNO Wellness Center or meet with a Faculty Coach to help you develop a plan to manage your grading. Faculty coaching is a free and confidential service.