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Student to student interactions are a very important part in any classroom and the online setting is no exception. There are many ways students can engage with each other online - but here a few tips and suggestions you can structure in your course that can offer this connection between students.
Methods

Discussions
Group Work

Group Projects
Group Discussion
Study Groups
Group Case Studies

Peer Review
Peer Instruction
Collaborative Brainstorming

Tools

D2L Discussion Threads. Students need to be able to connect with classmates around your teaching. Provide them with discussion threads for both the entire class "i.e. General Course Conversation" and module-specific. Some students can and will use this tool. Others will only use it if it's required. But it still is a great way to be able to provide students opportunity to connect.
Microsoft Teams. Every student at MSU can use Teams for realtime group chat, individual chat, voice and video and file sharing. 
Zoom. Every student by default is able to use Zoom for voice/video/meetings. 
Google Apps: Docs, Slides, Sheets. Students can work together to create and work on files in real time.

Dip Deeper
If you would like to further explore this topic, here are some resources you could check out:

10 Tips for Effective Online Discussions 
Mastering Online Discussion Board Facilitation Resource Guide 
Zoom Breakout Room Information Sheet

SOIREE Team:
Design Lead: Sarah Wellman
Content Leads: Kate Sonka, Stephen Thomas, and Jeremy Van Hof
Content Authors: Jason Archer, Kevin Henley, David Howe, Summer Issawi, Leslie Johnson, Rashad Muhammad, Nick Noel, Candace Robertson, Scott Schopieray, Jessica Sender, Daniel Trego, Valeta Wensloff, and Sue Halick

Summary of CT&LI Summit Engagements
This report summarizes data gathered from the Center for Teaching and Learning (CT&LI) Kick-off Summit [held on Jan. 14, 2022] and following asynchronous engagement opportunities, as well as concurrent discussions within the center about space and services to directly address the questions in our charge. To read more about the Kick-off Summit, check out "Reflecting on the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit".

What factors should we consider when deciding where responsibility lies?




Aligning what is already in place; what units / local-level are already doing well.
How the Center and IT (particularly Academic Tech unit) work together.
How to ensure best use and highest purpose for any given resource.




What are the greatest areas of priority for increased collaboration and focus with regard to teaching and learning?




Development of service portfolio and communicating broadly/transparently (adjusting according to ongoing listening/feedback from users + assessment)

What are the demands/needs of educators? What are current/proposed services in the network? Evaluate gaps relative to current staffing. 

Developing “the network” across campus

Developing and maintaining directories of available people, resources and services. Making opportunities for affiliation with the center explicit.





What are our highest areas of need for investment in new skills and expertise, regardless of where those skills are placed




Needed investment in distributed staffing to meet the needs of faculty in colleges/departments/units that may not be as robustly staffed as others in areas/services that the center will not be able to cover (e.g. course assistance).
Evaluation, assessment, feedback, and educational research.
Educator development programming and instructional consultative practitioners.




What models would you see as most effective for increased local support in those colleges or units that currently would not be able to participate in a networked model?




Liaison model, assigning center staff to units, if we add/repurpose positions.
Joint appointments and fellowships, if the center is willing to co-sponsor.
Sponsored work or partial buy-out of educators to augment center staffing.




What design engagements might come after the summit? For instance, to determine the center’s services, design its space, or develop a collaborative model for the network?



Faculty (in process), instructor, and additional educator stakeholder engagement via surveys, interviews, or focus groups.
Evaluation of available center skills, capabilities and available capacities.
Service design exercises specific to individual service portfolio items.
Engagement with IT to coordinate and co-design shared client experience.
Possible direct engagement with MSU students or student-educators (GTAs & ULAs)


Data Highlights
Services and Support Portfolio 

Services

Responsive, point-of-need support, including individual consultations
Curriculum and program development
Course design / reform support and incubation
Development and training on various topics at various levels
Catalog of what to get where, and a directory to find people/expertise
Formal structure for online/hybrid course/program development and support

Space

Spaces that support delivery of training, hosting events, social gatherings
A place with presence to host and build the community of educators
Classroom space to experiment, innovate, and create digital experiences

“faculty can do one offs in a space to try something different with a class”
“technology to check out to use in classrooms (like VR or other tools)”
“space for recording teaching and support for editing”


Additional notes on physical space (data in evaluation re: Hub spaces not 1/14 Summit)

Dedicated desks for center staff, with mix of hot-seating / hotelling
Allows clients to meet with center consultants in semi-private settings
Variety of co-working spaces that enables part-time projects teams to gather
Small-group meeting spaces, high-flex tech enabled for remote participants
Individual booths to isolate noise from remote meetings from clients / coworkers


Connection and Collaboration

Hosting of events for collegiality, fellowship, networking and community building


Collaborative programming



Discipline specific or with faculty experts in certain pedagogies or approaches
With other central parties, e.g. MSU IT, DEI, Academic HR, student success, etc.
With faculty learning communities or administrative groups (e.g. online programs)

Sponsored institutional memberships and global virtual conference access for campus
Hosted and invited outside experts, presenters, and seminars or workshops
Fellowships for faculty with benefits for center, network, and the faculty fellow
Fellowships for graduate students that help them develop and gain hiring advantage
Opportunity for faculty/staff to affiliate with the center to encourage boundary-spanning

Teaching and Learning in Practice

Advocacy, leadership narratives, and communicative storytelling that elevate the importance of teaching and learning excellence at every level
Assessment, visibility, and recognition of teaching and learning
Emphasis on and recognition of teaching and learning in tenure and promotion

incentivizing teaching and learning efforts and allocation of time and talent

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL)

Additional Data Details (optional)
Wouldn’t It be Fantastic If (WIFI)
Description of Activity
In this activity the participants were asked to identify blue sky ideas to ultimately group into common themes and inform shared vision for the Center, Network, Teaching and Learning. Participants individually answered the prompt “Wouldn’t it be fantastic if (WIFI) … as many times as they could. Then in small groups, organized statements to show what might be influenced, controlled or created by the Center, Network, or Teaching and Learning. 
Stakeholders raised a variety of needs, which were categorized as ed-tech support, resources, staffing, space, as well as coordination/planning. Building a network for these services seems to be something participants hope for, such as a “shared list of experts across campus to make finding the right person to ask easier”. Additionally, this item “explicit partnerships and shared services between the teaching center and other key support units,” speaks to the network.. When it comes to specific services, support for DEI in instruction, fostering innovative practices, instructional design, and pedagogy were among those most frequently mentioned. Consulting, training and events are delivery formats most often associated with the center. 
The most common themes can be found here: WIFI Themes 
What the Center should provide: Services, Space, Coordination

Services: Consulting, special projects to solve common problems, access to experts, and intramural grants / sponsorships.
A space to provide access to services and resources, and invite educators to gatherings.
Coordination of services and facilitation of collaboration between units and people.

E.g. Educator showcase, repository/ a knowledge-base, and events calendar for all offerings across the university

Opportunities for part-time affiliation to center, as fellows, or to staff services or projects.
Classroom space to innovate and create digital experiences

“where faculty can do one offs in a space to try something different with a class”
“technology to check out to use in classrooms (like VR or other tools)”
“space for recording teaching and support for editing”


What the Educator Network should provide: Coordination, Collaboration, Networking

Coordinate the Educator Network with participation of center and other stakeholders

Allow for collaboration and self-organizing
Recognition to colleagues who contribute

Functional network, depended on by clients (needs) and university (commissioned work)

Maintain a “list of experts”, make it easier to find “the right people” to ask.

Opportunities for learning space experimentation, in prototype classrooms and digital.

What the whole University should support in T&L: Services, Pedagogy Practices, EdTech
In this section, some participants understood Teaching and Learning as how it is viewed and supported by the administration, while others provided more specific ideas around teaching resources and services   

Services and resources should be shared in a variety of ways and rather than being siloed all units should work together bringing the following together as shown in this quote “More collaboration and breaking down silos”

Creating a Network of experts coming from all units
Have connection points to colleges and “cross-college work” and working groups
Provide university funding for projects, “awards, innovation grants” for T&L.
“Both/And approach to broad everyone should know AND specific ideas in the disciplines or colleges”, perhaps with the center being more active in the former and the college more active in the latter such as DBER.

All educators may contribute and share pedagogy/best practices in peer-support.
Other supports include and may recognize needs of stakeholders: quality standards, DEI (including opportunities and accessibility), educational technology, and sponsored research such as SoTL, and those not typically included in educator support. 
There should be tangible appreciation of the work of educators in Teaching and Learning, including leadership narratives and recognition for RPT.

What I need from you… 
The What I Need From You  (WINFY) activity asked participants to assume one of five roles, randomly assigned. These included Academic Unit Administrators, Faculty and Instructors, Center Affiliated Staff, College Affiliated Staff, and University-Wide Staff.
Each group was asked to outline what they needed from each of the other four groups to be successful in their roles. The following themes emerged from each of the groups, pointing to commonalities among groups about what each would like to see from the Center.
Services and Support Portfolio
A clear and concise services and support portfolio emerged as a major theme. All five groups said that services and support portfolio was what they needed- both as stakeholders in the center, as center staff working with those stakeholders, and those who were potential partners and patrons of the center. The services and support portfolio -of what the Center provides, what it can offer to help with course design, instructional design, and various other activities, and how to contact and use the center was foundational for all five groups.
Participants in the WINFY activity wanted to have clear definitions of roles and resources of the center; clearer collaboration with college faculty and staff on projects and programs; a better understanding of what types of questions can be referred to the center; and ad hoc but nimble service support. Specific requests included consultations, development and trainings for various comfort levels of instructors, a clear catalog of what to get where, cooperation with local support, a list of resources.
Connection and Collaboration
Another dominant theme across all five groups was the need for and understanding of connection and collaboration. Primarily, participants from the groups wanted other units to be collaborative with the center, to figure out how to connect across boundaries, and how to leverage and build relationships. Four of the groups mentioned more collaborative work with staff in the colleges who are currently working on teaching and learning initiatives. Three of the five groups mentioned collaborative program opportunities, and two of the five groups mentioned a networked approach.
Teaching and Learning in Practice
The third theme that all five groups mentioned was what we are calling teaching and learning in practice. This encompasses a number of things, including teaching and learning in tenure and promotion, incentivizing teaching and learning, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. There was again the need for collaborative programming, this time with discipline specific colleges and with faculty who are experts in certain pedagogies or approaches. One group wanted to know what teaching and learning capabilities are available to help other educators, while another said that assistance with aligning course level objectives, assessments, and curricula with the institutional practices and the resources of the center would be useful. The Academic Unit Administrator and the Faculty group both had incentivizing teaching and learning as something they’d like to see from the center and center staff. There also was an overarching theme of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) but none of the groups made it their top priority-it did emerge as a theme though, so important to highlight here.
Minimum Viable Product Reviews 
The “minimum viable product” activity was framed as a Yelp review session. Participants were paired in teams of two and asked to take on the perspective of an educator who had worked with the Center for T&LI and had a positive experience. Throughout the 17 combined Center “reviews” the following were the top ten most mentioned themes/services. Within each of these areas, participants in the 01/14/2022 Kick-off Summit mentioned a range of examples (i.e. Center experiences [per activity instructions]). High level captures of examples for each are included below. 
Coaching/Consultation (Feedback, Support, Emotional Support)
Almost 65% of the reviews mentioned some version of coaching or consultation (including additional keywords such as feedback, support, guiding, and helping). Some examples of topics and underlying services within this category include: restructuring programs, refining crouse design, and reviewing curriculum; developing formative and summative assessments, transitioning to different feedback models, and integrating student voice; and finally combining theory and practice, integrating technology and pedagogy, as well as course alignment and student engagement.  
Pedagogy (Student Voice)
Over half of the reviews related to methods and practices for engaging in teaching. Examples of experiences and services related to this topic include but are not limited to: support and guidance for strategies, envisioning difference learning experiences, participating in design experiences to try new approaches to teaching and learning; integrate research and teaching; focus on student experiences, create supporting and effective learning experiences, create inclusive and welcoming spaces. 
Restructure/Redesign (Modality, Curriculum)
41% of reviews specifically called out redesign as a service of the Center. Examples of restructure and redesign (including topics of modality and curriculum) in the experience reviews include but are not limited to: moving face to face courses online (and planning for possible future transitions) and adapting class to a different structure (i.e. rubric or flipped models, competency-based learning outcomes, trauma informed teaching, asset based practices, etc.).
Student Experience (Engagement, Student-Centered)
41% of reviews mention the Center supporting them in ways that positively impacted student experience, student engagement, and student-centered design. Examples of this theme include: creating welcoming, supportive, and effective learning environments; reviewing curriculum and developing rubrics with respect to student engagement (and adjusting as necessary); and learning about theories of improving student connections to engage with them more effectively. 
Confidence (Empowered)
35% of reviews specifically denote improvements in educator confidence and empowerment after working with the Center. Topics where educators had this improved sense of ability and agency included student centered teaching and learning practices, creating supportive and effective learning environments, initiating collaborative partnerships, and general teaching and learning experimentation and implementation. 
Collaboration/Partnerships
35% of reviews emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships with the Center across units. This ranged from individual consultations with faculty to full-scale curricular and program developments. The nature of these partnerships in terms of scope and focus varied in the reviews, but what remained consistent was the value that is derived from these relationships with the Center. 
Connection/Community
18% underscored the importance of connection to a network of educators through the Center and the community that is derived from it. This was mentioned in the context of relationships built with Center staff along with events where networking takes place. Sometimes, educators connecting with other educators can make a huge difference in their teaching as it provides essential opportunities for sharing what is being done and learned in one context to another. 
Assessment
Assessment was mentioned by 18% of the reviews as being an important piece of expertise that the Center can offer to faculty and programs at MSU. Of course, assessment comes in a myriad of forms and faculty are often seeking ways to improve on their assessment strategies and design.
Inclusion
18% of the reviews made mention of how consultative relationships with the Center could help them improve their efforts around accessibility and inclusion in their classrooms and digital learning environments. 
Research/SOTL (Scholarship of Teaching & Learning)
12% of the reviews mentioned various ways they envisioned that the Center staff could help them with their research and scholarship efforts. Examples were not provided in the reviews specifically, but we know that the approaches to research in the scholarship of teaching and learning in particular at MSU are vastly different from college to college and that the Center staff have a great deal of experience and expertise in these areas.

2025 Educator Seminars are presented by MSU IT Educational Technology, MSU Libraries, the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI), the Enhanced Digital Learning Initiative (EDLI), and MSU IT Training​. 
Day 1: August 21, 2025
Instructions: Click on the registration link and sign-up for the sessions you're interested in. After completing your registration you will receive an email with the Zoom link for the session. Any questions or concerns contact us at ITS.FallEducatorSeminar@msu.edu.

8:30 - 9:30am    Spartan 365 Overview
Facilitators: Michael Julian & Lindsey Howe (IT Training)
A live training session that will introduce learners to the suite of software that will help users store data, collaborate, and work efficiently. Spartan 365 has powerful tools that allow users to get more done with Microsoft apps like Outlook, Forms, OneNote, and OneDrive.
Registration Link

9:30 - 10:30am    MSU’s generative AI guidelines
Facilitators: Jeremy Van Hof (CTLI)
Join CTLI for a practical workshop unpacking MSU’s generative AI guidelines and exploring how they impact course design, instruction, and assessment. Participants will consider implications for academic integrity, student learning, and pedagogical decision-making.
Registration link

10:30 - 11:30am    Creating Your Scholarly Presence with KCWorks and MSU Commons
Facilitators: Kristen Lee and Larissa Babak (Libraries)
Registration Link

11:30am - 12:30pm      BREAK

12:30 - 1:30pm     Classroom Technology Overview: Maximizing Student Learning and Engagement Across Modalities
Facilitators: Sarah Freye and Lisa Batchelder (IT&D)
Registration Link
 

1:30 - 2:30pm    OneDrive - Getting Started
Facilitators: Michael Julian & Megan Rozman (IT Training)
A live training session that will introduce the essential functions of OneDrive, the go-to app for storing data and synchronizing it across other Microsoft applications. Learn how to ensure that work is saved, backed up, and available wherever and whenever access is needed.
Registration Link

2:30 - 3:30pm    D2L Brightspace Essentials: Navigation, Gradebook Creation, and Structuring Accessible Content
Facilitators:  Dr. Jennifer Wagner and Dr. Cui Cheng (IT&D)
Registration Link
 

Demystifying [Online] Student Engagement
January 18, 2024, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., virtual via ZoomPresented by Dr. Ashley Moore
Join CTLI Affiliate and Assistant Professor, Dr. Ashley Moore, in a dialogue about common challenges engaging students in an online course setting. We’ll talk about how to set the stage for a warm classroom environment, different ways to check in with students, and pedagogical strategies to get student buy-in for your course—all grounded in humanizing praxis.Learn more and register here 
Online Program Director Coffee Hour: Best Practices in course design, QM alignment, and D2L templates
January 18, 2024, 1 – 2 p.m., virtual via ZoomCTLI invites you to join us for the Online Program Directors Coffee Hour session for the month of January. We will be focusing this months discussion on best practices in online course design, alignment with Quality Matters, and D2L course templates available at MSU. Please contact Alicia Jenner (jennera1@msu.edu) for event invitation.
Introduction to Peer Dialogues
January 18, 2024, 2 – 3 p.m., virtual via ZoomPresented by Dr. Jay Loftus
Peer dialogue is a structured methodology for observation and feedback. It is intended to be a colleague-to-colleague process to help improve instructional practice, and ultimately student learning experiences and outcomes. Unlike a formal review of instructional practice that may occur as part of tenure and promotion, peer dialogue is a collegial and collaborative practice aimed at improving skills and strategies. In part 1 of peer dialogues participants will learn about the process.Learn more and register here 
Using Collaborative Discussion
January 24, 2024, 10 – 11:30 a.m., virtual via ZoomPresented by Dr. Shannon Burton
CTLI is happy to host MSU's Office of the University Ombudsperson team as they share their expertise through the "2023-24 Conflict in Groups: Pedagogy, Projects and Possibilities" series. Learn more and register here 
"Welcome to My Classroom" Series: Pedagogy of Care Panel
January 25, 2024, 10 – 11 a.m., virtual via ZoomMediated by Dr. Makena Neal | Panelists include Dr. Crystal Eustice (CSUS) & Dustin DuFort Petty (BSP)
We're excited to start the new calendar year with a panel of educators discussing the what a "pedagogy of care" means to them and what it looks like in their learning environments.Learn more and register here 
Advising/Tutoring Appointment Systems Training
January 25, 2024, 2 – 3 p.m., virtual via ZoomPresented by Katie Peterson and Patrick Beatty
Whether you are a new or current user of the Advising/Tutoring Appointment System, this session will provide guidance on different components of this system, including how to manage appointment availability, adding a student to you or another advisor’s schedule, and additional tips and tricks. Learn more and register here 
Book Discussion: “Teaching on days after: educating for equity in the wake of injustice”
January 30, 2024, 1:30 – 3 p.m., virtual via ZoomFacilitated by Drs. Makena Neal and Ashley Moore
For our second discussion, we’ll be reading “Teaching on days after: educating for equity in the wake of injustice" by Alyssa Hadley Dunn (published by Teachers College Press in 2022). This title is available via the MSU Main Library as an eBook (ProQuest EBook Central).Learn more and register here 
Boosting student engagement: Easy tactics and tools to connect in any modality
February 5, 2024, 1 – 2 p.m., virtual via ZoomFacilitated by Drs. Ellie Louson and Makena Neal
Using zoom chat, google docs and slides, word clouds, D2L, and other MSU tech tools, we will focus on low-barrier ways that instructors can connect with students, help students connect with each other, organize whole-class or small-group brainstorms, and translate effective in-person activities for hybrid or online classrooms.Learn more and register here 
Taking Care of Yourself in Times of Uncertainty
February 8, 2024, 9 – 10 a.m., virtual via ZoomPresented by Jaimie Hutshison of the WorkLife Office
We can be creatures of habit. Things that are expected and planned allow us to feel more in control of our lives and our time. This presentation will address best practices for self-care. Learn more and register here 
Generative AI Open Office Hours
February 16, 2024, 12 – 1:30 p.m., virtual via ZoomHosted by Dr. Jeremy Van Hof & colleagues from the Enhanced Digitial Learning Initative
This time will be treated like "office hours", where any educator with questions or looking for futher conversation about Generative AI is welcome to join this zoom room whenever suits them!Learn more here
"Welcome to My Classroom" Series: Jessica Sender
February 20, 2024, 1 – 2 p.m., virtual via ZoomPresented by Jessica Sender
This month, we are excited to hear from Jessica Sender, Health Sciences Librarian, Liaison to the College of Nursing, and CTLI Affiliate. Jessica will be showcasing the Anatomage Table (located in the Digital Scholarship Lab on 2West of the Main Library) and the ways it can be incorporated pedagogically to improve learning experiences. Learn more and register here 
Dialogue and Deliberation
February 21, 2024, 10 – 11 a.m., virtual via ZoomPresented by Dr. Shannon Burton
CTLI is happy to host MSU's Office of the University Ombudsperson team as they share their expertise through the "2023-24 Conflict in Groups: Pedagogy, Projects and Possibilities" series. Learn more and register here 

The following is a list of the educators receiving the #iteachmsu Educator Award from Other Educator Units. For more information on these awards, check out the article entitled "#iteachmsu Educator Awards".
The Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (formerly Hub for Innovation in Learning and Technology)
Dave Goodrich: Dave has been at the core of Spartan QM and Quality Matters quality initiative, and authored the primary report summarizing the quality initiative undertaken by the Provost and MSU IT during the pandemic to ensure our online courses all had an opportunity to receive peer review. His collaboration with IT, Library, and EDLI on Quality Matters adoption will help us carry forward peer review and faculty training as key strategies going forward, with a solid grounding in evidence based practices. In addition to these efforts, Dave continues to be a willing colleague who steps in to share expertise and time when demand arises. Plus he has the winningest external mics!…The planning and facilitation committee for the Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit has continued to invaluablely contribute to shaping the ways MSU thinks about, supports, and recognizes educators. Through thoughtful synchronous activities to active engagement as a team, multiple modality asynchronous opportunities, and working collaboratively to generate outcomes from our charge, this group has been getting it done! I'm grateful to have fellow educators and colleagues like them to work with!…This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Summer Issawi: Summer volunteered multiple times to facilitate workshops in online teaching which were vital to MSU's pivot to remote learning and served as a Spartan QM peer review process coach. Summer also worked on numerous learning experience design projects this year to help clients complete redesigns, often including a greater digital component because of the pandemic. Summer is a kind and considerate colleague who goes out of her way to check in with others and kindle/maintain interpersonal relationships despite remote work environments. 
…
The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
… 
This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Jay Loftus: Jay Loftus helped MSU prepare for a return to in-person instruction by modifying ASPIRE into a blended teaching primer that is designed to help faculty make choices about what portions of a course ought to be taught face to face vs. in a distance learning modality. This was important as we attempted to maximize in-person experiences for quality while preserving gains in digital activities made during the pandemic.Jay provides a really valuable perspective to ongoing conversations about educator development, and his willingness to collaborate with others is invaluable.
…
The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
… 
This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Angie Martin: Angie has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to enable the distribution of faculty and staff incentives for commissioned works, peer-review facilitation, and participation in special faculty development during the pandemic. Angie has also been critical to the startup of MSU's Science Gallery and Apple Developer Academy initiatives. Angie is a great example of the expanded definition of "educator". Her efforts to help others navigate the context of MSU successfully - through multiple and ongoing transitions- has been so valued. 
Rashad Muhammad: Rashad volunteered multiple times to facilitate workshops in online teaching which were vital to MSU's pivot to remote learning and served as a Spartan QM peer review process coach. Rashad also worked on a sweeping inventory of educational technology tools and gathered metrics on their increased use during the pandemic, culminating in the Mapping the Ed Tech Landscape report. He has continued to prove himself invaluable in the ongoing development of iteach.msu.edu as MSU matains external developer relationships, and is a refreshing alternative perspective in many conversations. Plus he has great music recommendations!
…
The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
… 
This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Michael Lockett: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
… 
This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Alicia Jenner: Alicia volunteered multiple times to facilitate workshops in online teaching which were vital to MSU's pivot to remote learning and served as a Spartan QM peer review process coach. Alicia also worked on mapping of the online student experience, and has helped the graduate school with our student onboarding process. The work she has done and continues to do surrounding online.msu.edu is almost as astounding as her commitment to improving student experiences at MSU. Alicia is kind and generous- always helping our team feel like a work family despite not being in a shared space. 
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The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
… 
This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Jerry Rhead: Jerry has volunteered to facilitate Spartan QM course review groups and has reviewed much of our advice for online faculty before publication. Jerry also has volunteered to serve on the lifelong learning committee and 60 year curriculum group. He is a wonderful colleague with the best way of explaining ideas so people understand. He cares deeply about his work as well as the people he works with. MSU is lucky to have him!
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The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Brendan Guenther: Brendan has been instrumental in the multiple transitions the Hub team has undergone since last summer. His leadership and expertise are extremely valuable in the multiple initiatives led by the OPM team, in addition to keeping some semblance of "normal" despite working remotely and layers of uncertainty. He has been a great advocate for the team in rooms where they do not have a voice (management) and is truly invested in supporting educators to make MSU the best learning and working experience possible. 
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The planning and facilitation committee for the Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit has continued to invaluablely contribute to shaping the ways MSU thinks about, supports, and recognizes educators. Through thoughtful synchronous activities to active engagement as a team, multiple modality asynchronous opportunities, and working collaboratively to generate outcomes from our charge, this group has been getting it done! I'm grateful to have fellow educators and colleagues like them to work with!
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Makena Neal: Just had to send a note to affirm one of the many roles you play on CTLI meetings. Higher ed literature [and other disciplines] talk about the importance of members of a team who focuses on the emotional aspects of working together – being aware of saying thank you, monitoring “temperature” of members of the group around certain issues or the ebb/flow of life in general, considering how different ideas may be understood within and outside the group. You exemplify what the literature talks about more than I have typically ever seen and just wanted to give a shout out about that. It’s exceptional and very beneficial to all.
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Ellie Louson: Just had to send a note to affirm one of the many roles you play on CTLI meetings. Higher ed literature [and other disciplines] talk about the importance of members of a team who focuses on the emotional aspects of working together – being aware of saying thank you, monitoring “temperature” of members of the group around certain issues or the ebb/flow of life in general, considering how different ideas may be understood within and outside the group. You exemplify what the literature talks about more than I have typically ever seen and just wanted to give a shout out about that. It’s exceptional and very beneficial to all.
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The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
 
Provost Communications
Kelly Mazurkiewicz: Kelly has been a critical resource in organizing the Keep Teaching website, the primary magnet of advice and policy dissemination during MSU's remote pivot. She also has planned and composed periodic announcements that have been critical to keeping instructors informed and equipped with actionable advice in rapidly changing times. Kelly has also been a key asset in the launch and promotion of #iteachmsu. Additionally, Kelly shows up in a pinch - when colleagues need quick insights or feedback on ideas, she is always there (which for a person in her position and demand is astounding). She is accessible, down-to-earth, and a wealth of knowledge. MSU is lucky to have an educator like her, helping us think through best ways to build community and advance initiatives through storytelling. 
Erica Venton: Erica has been a key asset in promoting the #iteachmsu Commons, working with spreading work about fellowships and opportunities for faculty development, and in communicating the excellent work of our exemplary educators working with Catalyst grants and fellowships. Erica has also helped improve the student experience for online students. She brings a level of enthusiasm to her work, and campus generally, that is unmatched!
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The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
Office for Enrollment Management and Academic Strategic Planning
Ashely Braman: During our pivot to remote teaching, Ashley organized many groups and did lots of thankless work behind the scenes to gather information and resources for the Keep Teaching Site, the teams working on SOIREE, ASPIRE, and the Blended Teaching Primer. Logistically she helped ensure faculty knew how and where to participate and made sure that stipends and awards that were earned by educators were given their due recognition and made it to the recipient. In addition, she maintained composure under difficult circumstances and still continues to be a resource and grounding source for colleagues. …This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Emilio Esposito: Emilio has helped with multiple learning research projects, including the startup of the Apple Developer Academy and has assisted colleagues with data analytics and survey research using the Hub Toolkit. Emilio also agreed to take on the role of project mentor for a Hub Graduate Fellow and has proven to be a thoughtful guide and collaborator for the students working on his projects. He continues to juggle lingering Hub projects despite transitioning unit affiliations.
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
 
Center for Integrative Studies in General Science
Stephen Thomas: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (IDI)
 Patti Stewart: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
Kognito 4 Education
Sheila Marquardt: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
MSU Libraries
Sarah Miller: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit! 
Terri Miller: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit! 
Rachel Minkin: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit! 
Ben Oberdick: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit! 
Jessica Sender: The planning and facilitation committee for the Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit has continued to invaluably contribute to shaping the ways MSU thinks about, supports, and recognizes educators. Through thoughtful synchronous activities to active engagement as a team, multiple modality asynchronous opportunities, and working collaboratively to generate outcomes from our charge, this group has been getting it done! I'm grateful to have fellow educators and colleagues like them to work with!
Abraham (Abe) Wheeler: Abe is always so helpful and detailed with his responses to questions. He is great to work with and usually has suggestions and alternatives for issues and challenges related to digital resources, copyright, and tools.
 
MOASIC (Multicultural Unity Center)
Maggie Chen-Hernandez: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
MSU IT Services
Jason Beaudin: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
Nick Noel: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
…
Nick is my pedagogical go-to/expert! Knowing how technology works is one thing, and being able to explain it and use it to keep courses engaged is a true art and Nick does it so effortlessly. How it started: classroom support, How it's going: instructional technology and development; every organization needs a Nick! Any time Nick needs me to assist with a document or a live training session, I'm there; he's one of my teachers here at MSU. Keep us learning, and thank you!
 
Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Development (OFASD)
Marilyn Amey: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
Omsbudsperson’s Office
Shannon Burton: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)
Leslie Johnson: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
The Graduate School
Stefanie Baier: The planning and facilitation committee for the Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit has continued to invaluably contribute to shaping the ways MSU thinks about, supports, and recognizes educators. Through thoughtful synchronous activities to active engagement as a team, multiple modality asynchronous opportunities, and working collaboratively to generate outcomes from our charge, this group has been getting it done! I'm grateful to have fellow educators and colleagues like them to work with!
Hima Rawal: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
University Outreach and Engagement (UOE)
Diane Doberneck: The Center for Teaching & Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit, held on January 14, 2022, wouldn't have been possible without participation from educators like you. I know that ongoing uncertainty and stress at work and at home mean many folx are spread thin, and your willingness to share your time with us demonstrates your commitment to not only educator development at MSU, but the university's teaching and learning mission as a whole. The insights you provided (and continue to provide through asynchronous feedback opportunities) are invaluable as we continue to listen, learn, and ultimately shape what role the Center for TLI plays for Spartans. Witnessing the level of engagement, passion, and constructively critical questioning - makes me all the more excited to be a part of the Center staff moving forward. I'm looking forward to continued opportunities to work with you in the near future. Thank you again for the service you provided to MSU by participating in the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation Kick-off Summit!
 
WorkLife Office (WLO)
Jaimie Hutchison: The last two years have taxed and tested us all in more ways than we could possibly have projected. Jaimie has worked far beyond the scope of her roles and responsibilities to address countless needs that have emerged during this time - building connections among campus members around identities we often don't hold up like caregiver and single parent; providing regular information and outreach that has guided so many to campus and off-campus resources of value; reminding us through her efforts that our lives comprise more than job tasks and need to be an important focus if we are to feel at all effective in our university roles; and always sharing her brightness, care, and hope in everything she does. As an educator, Jaimie models what we aspire to be as lifelong learners engaged with and supportive of each other, regardless of how we "show up" across the university.
 
Apple Developer Academy
Sarah Gretter: Sarah was the founding educator in MSU's iOS Design Lab, and worked closely with Apple to extend the curriculum to better serve cross functional design teams. She was vital in successfully transferring this program to the College of Arts and Letters prior to moving to Detroit to serve as the founding Director of the Apple Design Academy in Detroit. During her time "on campus", Sarah proved to be an outstanding leader and mentor - especially for her fellow women-identifying colleagues. Apple Design Academy is LUCKY to have her at the helm.
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This group of colleagues [Makena, Summer, Alicia, Brendan, Michael, Jay, Rashad, Gerry, Dave, Emilio, Ashley, Sarah, Ellie, Erica] have been so supportive and willing to give of their time during a period of incredible transition. They have shared, taught, explained, and been very patient helping me and others understand their important work and the contributions they make to our overall achievement of student success and academic excellence. I have learned so much and cannot thank them enough!
Anyone can recognize a fellow Spartan for their contributions to MSU's teaching and learning mission or for how they made a lasting impression on your experience. All you have to do is click "Thank an Educator" in the left panel of iteach.msu.edu. From there you'll see a short form where you can enter the name, netID, and a short story of the educator you'd like to recognize.

April - Getting Started & Looking Back
The MSU IT Educational Technology workshops in April have a split focus: 1) resources for newer educators getting started in the summer & 2) deep dive into D2L tools for course review. If you want to review past workshops, please check out the archive of workshop recordings on the MSU Tools and Technologies site and the Instructional Technology & Development Mediaspace channel. As always, if you would like a one-on-one consultation on course design or academic technologies, please submit a service request to the MSU Help Desk and ask for the Instructional Technology & Development team.You may also want to check out the MSU IT Training Team's offering list (yep, there are two IT teams with free virtual trainings!).
Using Articles and Library Resources in Your Course
Friday April 8th, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. ET Facilitators: Heidi Schroeder & Jessica SenderThis webinar will review how to find and link to library articles & resources. We will discuss the importance of creating and using stable links in courses/D2L to ensure seamless access for students that adheres to library license agreements and copyright. We will also briefly discuss library e-resource accessibility and show attendees how to create accessible stable links.Register for Using Articles and Library Resources in Your Course
D2L Course Statistics
Wednesday April 20th, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. ET Facilitators: Susan Halick & Dr. Jennifer Wagner D2L tracking can be used to identify needs, prompt action, and impact course design. This webinar will demo a variety of D2L course analytics for monitoring your online course. Tools include the Course Overview widget, Engagement Dashboard, Content Reports, and Class Progress. Assessment statistics will also be covered, including grade item stats, quizzes, discussions, and rubrics.Register for D2L Course Statistics
D2L Basics for Educators
Wednesday April 27th, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. ET Facilitators: Dr. Cierra Presberry & KJ Downer-ShojgreenThis informational webinar will cover the basics of D2L, including an overview of the interface, how to create and manage the grade book, creating discussion forums, assignments and quizzes and uploading and creating your course content, quicklinks, and external activities.Register for D2L Basics for Educators

An Overview of the Syllabus and its Role at MSU
In this resource, we describe the purpose and history of the syllabus and describe the required and recommended elements of syllabi at Michigan State. We end with links to MSU’s many existing syllabus guidelines and resources. While what to include in your syllabus is flexible, we encourage educators to keep students’ needs in mind and think about how your syllabus can contribute to their learning. 
What a syllabus is
A syllabus is a synecdoche for a course of study—a part of the curricular experience that represents the whole. They are often the very first course texts our students encounter and, accordingly, they frame and preface learning in powerful ways. On one hand, they communicate practical and structural details—where and when a course meets, what to read, and how to contact an instructor. But they also express intellectual and discipline-specific expectations. 
As a special genre of educational texts, syllabi have taken various forms and played various roles over many centuries. In the 17th century ‘syllabus’ was synonymous with ‘table’ or ‘index.’ They served as a structural preview for manuscripts or a list of speakers and topics for a lecture series—they were a means of organizing texts, ideas, and experience. Although that core function remains, post-secondary syllabi have expanded significantly in volume and purview over the past forty years. 
What a syllabus needs at MSU
There is no universal definition or template for contemporary syllabi. There are, however, some critical things that effective syllabi share. At Michigan State University, our Code of Teaching Responsibility states  “Instructors [are] responsible for distributing a course syllabus (either in print or electronic form) at the beginning of the semester [that] minimally includes:

instructional objectives;
instructor contact information and office hours;
grading criteria and methods used to determine final course grades;
date of the final examination and tentative dates of required assignments, quizzes, and tests, if applicable; 
attendance policy, if different from the University attendance policy and especially when that attendance policy affects student grades;
required and recommended course materials to be purchased, including textbooks and supplies; and any required proctoring arrangements to which students must adhere.”

If you are creating a new course or new to teaching at MSU, it can be helpful to request sample syllabi from your Departmental Chair, from past versions of the course you're teaching or even adjacent courses. These samples can help you learn more about general and discipline-specific expectations within your department. Syllabus templates are also available from different colleges; for example, CANR has a downloadable template.
Additional considerations
Beyond the fundamental requirements listed above, contemporary syllabi often include additional information or passages. We encourage MSU educators to consider including the following policies, keeping empathy and flexibility in mind: 

notify students about MSU’s religious observance policy
describe available mental health resources 
include equal opportunity/affirmative action and inclusion statements
include statements on civil discourse and the civil discourse policy
consider including your attendance policy
acknowledge the indigenous land(s) on which their teaching will occur
provide an accessibility statement, link to the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities
list institutional resources to support students
describe policies for student athletes
explain the technologies students will be required or asked to use
describe the instructor’s communication preferences or instructions for scheduling office hour appointments
describe COVID-specific health and wellness guidelines or emergency measures
provide information about academic dishonesty
provide study or writing tips and link to the Writing Center
include other course- or college-relevant policies 

Some instructors include these and other statements in a ‘policies’ section, while others prefer to write a shorter syllabus that refers students to other course documents containing these and other course and university resources. 
Flexibility for students
It's best to communicate expectations in the syllabus for students that need to miss class or discuss adjustments to due dates with you for excusable reasons, such as religious observance, bereavement, health, or athletic competition. We strongly recommend that educators consult the university’s academic calendar and a current interfaith calendar when planning your course and make accommodations for students’ religious observance, or when courses directly conflict (e.g. final examination conflicts). Educators should make every effort to avoid scheduling exams and oral presentations during days of religious observance. It's best to remember that if the absence is excusable, and you'd do it for one student, you should apply your method consistently for all students. Your syllabus should include when and how to contact you to make arrangements for excusable absences. Instructors should provide a university expectation/deadline by which students need to inform instructors of an accommodation (i.e., 2 weeks after the start of the semester) in the syllabus, and this expectation be iterated during the first day of class. We encourage you to be flexible and empathic with students, and to act consistently and equitably. 
Innovative models for syllabi
Many educators, especially over the past few decades, have experimented with syllabi and created texts that reach far beyond basic documentation. For instance, some instructors use a fill-in-the-blank syllabus whereby students are asked to expand a set of learning objectives or required texts in order to customize their learning. The ‘annotated syllabus’ model gives students the opportunity to make suggestions for the syllabus at the beginning of the course, making it more of a living document.  Others have reconfigured the syllabus as a course textbook and used it throughout the semester to support learning (instead of just the first week). Other models reimagine the aesthetic potential of the document, approaching it as a graphic novel (Barry, 2017), mixtape, or chapbook (Lockett and Wong, 2018). Although their approaches differ, these educators have questioned the role and conventions of syllabi and found creative ways to expand the educational potential of these ubiquitous texts. 
Additional MSU syllabus resources 

MSU Syllabus Checklist with in-depth descriptions of potential sections of the syllabus.

Syllabus Checklist (2-page version)


Revised MSU Syllabus Checklist for [Fall 2020] online and hybrid courses
Inclusive Pedagogy Syllabus & Template
Civil Discourse Syllabus
Discourse Policy on Syllabus
Attendance Policy on Syllabus
Syllabus Resources from the Office of the University Ombudsperson
Generative AI Syllabus Guide  (with examples and sample language)
Calendar of Religious Observances from MSU's Office of the Provost
Guidelines for Online Camera Policies
Advice for MSU students about using a syllabus

Additional readings

Rocha et al. (2022) The syllabus as curriculum: A reconceptualist approach.  
Hsu (2020). A celebration of the syllabus.
Germano and Nicholls (2020) Syllabus: The remarkable, unremarkable document that changes everything.
Lockett and Wong (2018). Reframing syllabi as aesthetic encounters.
Barry (2017). Syllabus: Notes from an accidental professor.

Accesible Design Checklist: Text and Content
This checklist meant to serve as a starting place, rather than a complete list or expert regulations. Accessibility should be considered throughout all parts of the design process, and designing accessible compositions benefits all people, not just those with disabilities. This post is the second part of the Accessible Design Checklist series: 

Overview
Text and Content
Multimedia

Text and Content Accessibility
When looking at the overall design of content, composers should consider the overall text and content on their designs.
Color ContrastColor alone should not be used to convey meaning. When color is used beside black and white, it should have a color contrast between the text and background of at least 4.5 to 1. Spartan Green is also an acceptable addition to use with white. The colors used should not affect colorblind users.FontThe font chosen should be a sans serif font with no narrow, bold, or decorative features. Preferably, a font that has unique characters (e.g., the I, l, and 1 are different) should be chosen. 

In general, no more than two different fonts should be used.
The font size should be at least 12 points.

HyperlinksHyperlinks should be descriptive, which means that without the context of the sentence around the hyperlink, it should be understandable on its own. Avoid using the full link directly into a design.Inclusive LanguageThere are many considerations for written language within a design. 

The work should avoid jargon and idioms that are not understandable for a wide audience. 
Written work should be concise and understandable. 
Avoid using a word fully capitalized to convey information (if it’s not an acronym). Acronyms should not be used without first defining them.
Avoid using language that excludes and/or harms users, such as ableist language or genderist language. 

SpacingText should be left-aligned, and alignment should not be used to convey meaning. There are many textual spacing properties to consider in designs: 

Line spacing is at least 1.5 times the font size;
Spacing following paragraphs is at least 2 times the font size;
Letter spacing is at least 0.12 times the font size; and
Word spacing is at least 0.16 times the font size.

TablesTables should be used for tabular data rather than visual presentation. Use simple tables with one column and/or one row with headings and avoid merged cells. Tables should have captions, textual contextualization, and all cells filled.
References and Resources for Accessible Design

Level Access’ Must-Have Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Checklist 
Michigan State University’s Create Accessible Content
University of Washington’s Accessibility Checklist
Web Accessibility in Mind’s WCAG 2 Checklist
Web Accessibility Initiative's Design and Develop Overview

Continue to read more about the checklist in the next part of the series, Accessible Design Checklist: Multimedia.Accessible Design Checklist: Text and Content © 2024 by Bethany Meadows is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. The cover photo, "Free close design text computer" is marked with CC0 1.0.