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Posted on: #iteachmsu
Using Google Calendar for Office Hour Appointments
It is often considered best practice for faculty to set aside a couple of hours each week for office hours and then provide a note stating that students can reach out to the instructor to make an appointment if the times do not work for them. Why not cut out this first step and just have students make an appointment instead? Providing an easy means to make the appointment shows students that you really do want them to make an appointment. Moreover, using an appointment platform saves time for both you and your students. There are different platforms that can be used; this tutorial describes how to set up office hour appointments in Google Calendar. I have liked using it because it provides more flexibility; that is, I can set appointment slots to repeat but also easily adjust those times each week to better fit my schedule.The following steps describe how to create a bookable appointment schedule in Google Appointment Schedules.
Using your MSU account on a computer, open Google Calendar.
Make sure that you are in Week view or any Day view.
Click on "Create", located in the upper-left corner of the window.
A drop-down menu will appear. Click on "Appointment schedule." This allows you to create a new bookable appointment schedule.
A new menu appears. The instructions below indicate what to enter and some tips for each part of the menu.
Enter the title of your office hours, such as "Office Hours," “Tutoring Sessions,” "Instructor-Student Meetings," "Meet the Instructor," etc.
Appointment duration: Choose the duration of the slots. I choose 15-minute time slots because the meetings that I have with students are rarely longer than 10 minutes.
General availability: Although your schedule may vary week-to-week, set up when you are generally available Monday thru Friday. Specific dates can be changed in a later step or in the calendar.
If you are only setting this up for a few days, then change "repeat weekly" to "does not repeat."
The time zone will be what your calendar is already set up for, so it should be correct, but change it if needed.
Scheduling window: Set up how soon in advance students can set up the meeting (I tend to keep this a long period but it is rare for students to set up a meeting more than a week in advance). Also select how close to the scheduled time they can set up the meeting (I do 12 hours so that I can look at it that morning to see what I have for the day but 24 hours is also a standard practice).
Adjusted availability: Either change your specific availability here or do it after completing this booking form right in the calendar by dragging the start and end times.
Booked appointment settings: Add a buffering time between meetings if needed. I don't have a lot of meetings, so I never need this buffer, but you might find that you need this, especially right before exams.
Calendars: Select which calendar will host your office hours (maybe have a calendar just for office hours). Then (this is one of my favorite options), check off which calendars you want it to check your availability. I like this because if I add a meeting to my calendar, it won't allow for students to set up an appointment at the same time as my meeting. If it is a face-to-face meeting, though, add another time slot for traveling back to your office for your student appointment.
Co-hosts: It's unlikely that you will have a co-host for office hours, but if you are co-teaching and have a shared calendar, it might be helpful to have this and add a question later that asks the student who they would prefer to meet with.
After completing all of the steps described above, click "next." Add the following on the next page:
Book page photo and name: personalize your booking page by adding a photo to your Google account.
Location and conferencing: If you are meeting in person, then add your room and building information here. Otherwise, select "none/to be specified later."
Description: Describe how students attend office hours. If it is online, provide the meeting information. Also consider adding information about office hours, such as your expectations on what can be discussed during office hours.
Booking form: This contains the questions that students will answer when they set up a meeting. The default is their first name, last name, and email address. You can add a question, by selecting "add an item" and then "custom item." Type in the question, such as "reason for the appointment."
Booking confirmations and reminders: I recommend keeping the default setting of sending an email reminder to the student a day before the meeting and a few hours before the meeting.
After answering the questions on that page, click "save."
Now you should see the appointment schedule populate your calendar.
If you need to change your availability for a specific date, you can edit the appointment schedule by dragging the boxes around or dragging the end time to make it shorter or longer on specific dates.
You can also single-click on one of the appointment boxes and select the "edit" button, which is the shape of a pencil.
To share it, single-click on any appointment box, click on "share" and then "copy link."
To see what students see when they set up a meeting, single-click on any appointment box and click on "open booking page."
Using your MSU account on a computer, open Google Calendar.
Make sure that you are in Week view or any Day view.
Click on "Create", located in the upper-left corner of the window.
A drop-down menu will appear. Click on "Appointment schedule." This allows you to create a new bookable appointment schedule.
A new menu appears. The instructions below indicate what to enter and some tips for each part of the menu.
Enter the title of your office hours, such as "Office Hours," “Tutoring Sessions,” "Instructor-Student Meetings," "Meet the Instructor," etc.
Appointment duration: Choose the duration of the slots. I choose 15-minute time slots because the meetings that I have with students are rarely longer than 10 minutes.
General availability: Although your schedule may vary week-to-week, set up when you are generally available Monday thru Friday. Specific dates can be changed in a later step or in the calendar.
If you are only setting this up for a few days, then change "repeat weekly" to "does not repeat."
The time zone will be what your calendar is already set up for, so it should be correct, but change it if needed.
Scheduling window: Set up how soon in advance students can set up the meeting (I tend to keep this a long period but it is rare for students to set up a meeting more than a week in advance). Also select how close to the scheduled time they can set up the meeting (I do 12 hours so that I can look at it that morning to see what I have for the day but 24 hours is also a standard practice).
Adjusted availability: Either change your specific availability here or do it after completing this booking form right in the calendar by dragging the start and end times.
Booked appointment settings: Add a buffering time between meetings if needed. I don't have a lot of meetings, so I never need this buffer, but you might find that you need this, especially right before exams.
Calendars: Select which calendar will host your office hours (maybe have a calendar just for office hours). Then (this is one of my favorite options), check off which calendars you want it to check your availability. I like this because if I add a meeting to my calendar, it won't allow for students to set up an appointment at the same time as my meeting. If it is a face-to-face meeting, though, add another time slot for traveling back to your office for your student appointment.
Co-hosts: It's unlikely that you will have a co-host for office hours, but if you are co-teaching and have a shared calendar, it might be helpful to have this and add a question later that asks the student who they would prefer to meet with.
After completing all of the steps described above, click "next." Add the following on the next page:
Book page photo and name: personalize your booking page by adding a photo to your Google account.
Location and conferencing: If you are meeting in person, then add your room and building information here. Otherwise, select "none/to be specified later."
Description: Describe how students attend office hours. If it is online, provide the meeting information. Also consider adding information about office hours, such as your expectations on what can be discussed during office hours.
Booking form: This contains the questions that students will answer when they set up a meeting. The default is their first name, last name, and email address. You can add a question, by selecting "add an item" and then "custom item." Type in the question, such as "reason for the appointment."
Booking confirmations and reminders: I recommend keeping the default setting of sending an email reminder to the student a day before the meeting and a few hours before the meeting.
After answering the questions on that page, click "save."
Now you should see the appointment schedule populate your calendar.
If you need to change your availability for a specific date, you can edit the appointment schedule by dragging the boxes around or dragging the end time to make it shorter or longer on specific dates.
You can also single-click on one of the appointment boxes and select the "edit" button, which is the shape of a pencil.
To share it, single-click on any appointment box, click on "share" and then "copy link."
To see what students see when they set up a meeting, single-click on any appointment box and click on "open booking page."
Authored by:
Andrea Bierema

Posted on: #iteachmsu

Using Google Calendar for Office Hour Appointments
It is often considered best practice for faculty to set aside a cou...
Authored by:
Tuesday, Jul 23, 2024
Posted on: #iteachmsu
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
#iteachmsu Commons Sees Surge in Traffic, New Use Cases
23,000 users. 36,000 sessions. As with any new platform, users flocked slowly to the #iteachmsu Commons, a platform for educators at MSU that combines aspects of an online forum and social network. But iteach.msu.edu has seen exponential growth over the last year. Makena Neal, head of the #iteachmsu Commons team, attributes this growth, in part, to the versatility built into the platform’s core concept: that it would be whatever purpose its community of users decided.
“We built #iteachmsu Commons, and it’s been a very informed process throughout many years of focus groups and testing, but ultimately, it’s a space that’s for educators, by educators,” says Neal. “We’ve stuck to our guns on this: how the community picks it up is how it’s going to be used. We’re not gatekeepers. People can use the platform however it’s going to be most meaningful and useful for them.”
Neal and others who worked on the project believed in the vision: that MSU educators, broadly defined, could benefit from having a digital place to ask questions, trade tips, and share ideas. But evangelizing for the platform was difficult with people already inundated with communication channels like websites and newsletters. Neal thinks the interactivity offered by the platform, and its focus on MSU educators specifically, differentiates it from other media and social networks available to Spartans.
“The Commons is meant to be a place where people can connect and share knowledge regardless of their role, regardless of their discipline, and get feedback and insights from other folx across the board,” says Neal. “MSU is a really big place. We’ve got educators working across a variety of roles and spaces. Some are physically on campus, and some are around the world, especially given today’s remote and hybrid work. Sheer size and disciplinary silos can make it really difficult to connect with people outside of our ‘home bases’. It’s also difficult to elevate and leverage the knowledge that exists in those other spaces. Iteach.msu.edu can help.”
One of the new functions driving this sharing is the threaded reply, similar to the one adopted by many social and message apps over the past few years. While a seemingly small detail, threaded replies open up entirely new formats and, accordingly, created a new recurring feature on iteach.msu.edu: “Ask Me Anythings,” or AMAs.
“Educators from around campus volunteer to host an AMA on a topic of their choosing,” says Neal. “For example, ‘Makena Neal is hosting an AMA on adult learners.’ Users can reply in a thread with questions or comments, and the host can reply directly. It’s now a much more user-friendly experience. One of the really cool things about the AMAs is that they’re repositories of knowledge, discoverable by searching iteach.msu.edu. You might search for the phrase ‘adult learners’ and find an AMA where the host shared a series of links, documents, and tips.”
Neal and her team are watching the platform evolve with continued fascination. Some of its popular components were designed and inserted by the team intentionally, such as the Thank an Educator feature.
“Anyone can go to #iteachmsu and recognize any MSU educator that has had an impact on them. And of course, when I say ‘educator,’ I mean anyone who contributes to the teaching and learning mission of the university,” says Neal. “This includes everyone from undergraduate learning assistants to administrators, librarians to learning designers. I really love that. I think it’s really important to elevate and celebrate the amazing work we know is happening at MSU, but that we don’t always hear about.”
But other features, like the AMA, are evolving naturally from the community of users. And the platform is also serving as a way for previously seldom-connected offices to collaborate or gain more visibility with other audiences. For instance, the MSU Extension group is the fastest-growing group on the platform, and they are curating articles related to the extension and outreach side of education, including reaching diverse audiences and facilitating groups, according to Neal.
“We’re seeing units, like the Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Development, turn to iteach.msu.edu when they get questions about specific topics,” she says. “For example, if an educator has questions about what components need to be on their syllabus at the beginning of the semester, OFASD can direct them to the list of syllabus resources on the #iteachmsu Commons, or they can search iteach.msu.edu themselves. It’s a really exciting multi-unit collaboration.``
To keep the campus community apprised of everything happening on #iteachmsu Commons, Neal and her collaborators began releasing a newsletter highlighting popular content on the site, called the “#iteachmsu Digest.“ The Digest also includes a Featured Educator section to bring attention to the site’s popular Thank an Educator function.
Neal is optimistic about the site’s future now that so many groups and tens of thousands of individual users are having conversations there. She also maintains that those not inclined to use the site’s interactive features will still find useful content about their discipline or unit.
Below is a list of the most popular content from #iteachmsu Commons during the 20-21 academic year.
How Do We Best Support Students in a Remote Learning Environment? (article)
Mid-Semester Feedback (playlist)
Student Success Contacts and Resources (playlist)
MSU Learning Communities are Spaces to Explore Ideas in Education, Teaching, and Learning (article)
Educator Development Opportunities (playlist)
A Case for More Testing: The Benefits of Frequent, Low-Stakes Assessments (article)
“We built #iteachmsu Commons, and it’s been a very informed process throughout many years of focus groups and testing, but ultimately, it’s a space that’s for educators, by educators,” says Neal. “We’ve stuck to our guns on this: how the community picks it up is how it’s going to be used. We’re not gatekeepers. People can use the platform however it’s going to be most meaningful and useful for them.”
Neal and others who worked on the project believed in the vision: that MSU educators, broadly defined, could benefit from having a digital place to ask questions, trade tips, and share ideas. But evangelizing for the platform was difficult with people already inundated with communication channels like websites and newsletters. Neal thinks the interactivity offered by the platform, and its focus on MSU educators specifically, differentiates it from other media and social networks available to Spartans.
“The Commons is meant to be a place where people can connect and share knowledge regardless of their role, regardless of their discipline, and get feedback and insights from other folx across the board,” says Neal. “MSU is a really big place. We’ve got educators working across a variety of roles and spaces. Some are physically on campus, and some are around the world, especially given today’s remote and hybrid work. Sheer size and disciplinary silos can make it really difficult to connect with people outside of our ‘home bases’. It’s also difficult to elevate and leverage the knowledge that exists in those other spaces. Iteach.msu.edu can help.”
One of the new functions driving this sharing is the threaded reply, similar to the one adopted by many social and message apps over the past few years. While a seemingly small detail, threaded replies open up entirely new formats and, accordingly, created a new recurring feature on iteach.msu.edu: “Ask Me Anythings,” or AMAs.
“Educators from around campus volunteer to host an AMA on a topic of their choosing,” says Neal. “For example, ‘Makena Neal is hosting an AMA on adult learners.’ Users can reply in a thread with questions or comments, and the host can reply directly. It’s now a much more user-friendly experience. One of the really cool things about the AMAs is that they’re repositories of knowledge, discoverable by searching iteach.msu.edu. You might search for the phrase ‘adult learners’ and find an AMA where the host shared a series of links, documents, and tips.”
Neal and her team are watching the platform evolve with continued fascination. Some of its popular components were designed and inserted by the team intentionally, such as the Thank an Educator feature.
“Anyone can go to #iteachmsu and recognize any MSU educator that has had an impact on them. And of course, when I say ‘educator,’ I mean anyone who contributes to the teaching and learning mission of the university,” says Neal. “This includes everyone from undergraduate learning assistants to administrators, librarians to learning designers. I really love that. I think it’s really important to elevate and celebrate the amazing work we know is happening at MSU, but that we don’t always hear about.”
But other features, like the AMA, are evolving naturally from the community of users. And the platform is also serving as a way for previously seldom-connected offices to collaborate or gain more visibility with other audiences. For instance, the MSU Extension group is the fastest-growing group on the platform, and they are curating articles related to the extension and outreach side of education, including reaching diverse audiences and facilitating groups, according to Neal.
“We’re seeing units, like the Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Development, turn to iteach.msu.edu when they get questions about specific topics,” she says. “For example, if an educator has questions about what components need to be on their syllabus at the beginning of the semester, OFASD can direct them to the list of syllabus resources on the #iteachmsu Commons, or they can search iteach.msu.edu themselves. It’s a really exciting multi-unit collaboration.``
To keep the campus community apprised of everything happening on #iteachmsu Commons, Neal and her collaborators began releasing a newsletter highlighting popular content on the site, called the “#iteachmsu Digest.“ The Digest also includes a Featured Educator section to bring attention to the site’s popular Thank an Educator function.
Neal is optimistic about the site’s future now that so many groups and tens of thousands of individual users are having conversations there. She also maintains that those not inclined to use the site’s interactive features will still find useful content about their discipline or unit.
Below is a list of the most popular content from #iteachmsu Commons during the 20-21 academic year.
How Do We Best Support Students in a Remote Learning Environment? (article)
Mid-Semester Feedback (playlist)
Student Success Contacts and Resources (playlist)
MSU Learning Communities are Spaces to Explore Ideas in Education, Teaching, and Learning (article)
Educator Development Opportunities (playlist)
A Case for More Testing: The Benefits of Frequent, Low-Stakes Assessments (article)
Authored by:
Greg Teachout

Posted on: #iteachmsu

#iteachmsu Commons Sees Surge in Traffic, New Use Cases
23,000 users. 36,000 sessions. As with any new platform, users floc...
Authored by:
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
Thursday, Nov 18, 2021
Posted on: #iteachmsu
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
MSU Resources on Civility and Community Enhancement in Academic Environments
MSU Resources on Civility and Community Enhancement in Academic Environments
Michigan State University is a large and diverse institution hosting a variety of climates and cultures. Understanding and navigating these cultures can sometimes be challenging, so this list of resources is provided to increase awareness of the opportunities for learning and growth that are available to enhance our community and those that engage with it. It is the responsibility of everyone at MSU to contribute to an academic environment that welcomes every individual and respects their unique talents as we all work toward preparing future generations of Spartans.
Resources available at MSU
Conflict Resolution:
The Faculty Grievance Office responds to inquiries from MSU faculty, academic staff and administrators concerning alleged violations of MSU policies and practices.
The Office of the University Ombudsperson assists students, staff members, instructors, and administrators sort through university rules and regulations that might apply to specific student issues and concerns and help to resolve disputes.
MSU Human Resources offers Organizational Development Consulting Services on a variety of topics including climate/culture/interpersonal relationships.
The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives offers programs and resources to bridge understanding across difference:
Inclusive Communications Guide (coming soon).
One-page Tip Sheets (printable/shareable .pdfs) These were designed to aid in building inclusive classrooms, but many of the concepts are more broadly applicable to other academic spaces and environments.
Setting up an Inclusive Classroom (PDF)
Some Dialogue Basics (PDF)
Intercultural Dialogue Facilitation (PDF)
Strategies for Managing Hot Moments in the Classroom (PDF)
Interrupting Bias: A Technique (PDF)
Microaggressions: A Primer (PDF)
Learn at Lunch this informal series welcomes anyone to bring their lunch and join the conversation. A variety of topics related to inclusion, social justice and equity will be highlighted - the schedule for the year is posted on the website in August.
Implicit Bias Certificate Program (available through MSU HR in EBS): this series of three sessions include topics on Creating an Inclusive Environment, Implicit Bias and Microaggressions, and Preparing for the Next Encounter. Sessions can be attended consecutively or combined to complete a certificate.
List of diversity and inclusion workshops offered (examples include Building an Inclusive Workplace, Disrupting Bias in the Academy, Racial Literacy, Building an Inclusive Classroom, Inclusive Leadership, Diversifying and Retaining Faculty and Staff)
MSU Dialogues a cohort-based experience exploring deep conversations about race, gender and other important aspects of identity. Undergraduate, graduate, faculty and staff groups are formed through application and the series of 6-8 meetings is offered each semester.
MSU Human Resources also has information and workshops available to further productive conversations about workplace culture and environments:
List of behavioral competencies
Free online learning opportunities through elevateU including topics such as:
Building a High-Performing Work Culture (example topics: personal skills, optimizing team performance, leadership skills)
E-books available in the Library (titles on health and wellness, etc.)
In-person workshops in collaboration with units across campus. Access to these programs is through EBS - Some of these include:
Building Capacity-Resilience as a Leader
Creating & Sustaining Positive Workplace
Creating an Inclusive Environment
Crucial Accountability
Crucial Conversations
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Engaging Teams for Maximum Performance
Ethics: How Do We Deal With "Gray Areas"
Honing Your Emotional Intelligence
Inclusive Communication Series
Managing Difficult Customers
Prohibited Harassment: for employees, for supervisors, student employees
Thriving through Change
Prevention, Outreach and Education Department offers a variety of trainings on violence prevention and bystander intervention, healthy ways of practicing consent and establishing boundaries, creating a culture of respect in the workplace, navigating boundaries in professional settings and more.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): no cost, confidential counseling service offered to MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate student employees, and their families.
Health4U Program: some examples of resources provided include: emotional wellness coaching, courses, events and resources to support more healthy habits and practice
The Academic Advancement Network offers thriving sessions for Academic Specialists, Fixed-term Faculty, and Tenure-System Faculty are focused on supporting career progression. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with people who can help individuals and units navigate the various appointment types at MSU.
LBGTQ Resource Center offers QuILL training: Queer Inclusive Learning and Leadership Training for understanding the experiences of people who may be marginalized by their gender identity.
Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions offers intercultural leadership training for departments and organizations
Other useful external resources
Climate/Culture/Inclusive Environments
Link to SHRM article: 6 Steps for Building an Inclusive Workplace
Definition of Workplace Bullying and other resources from WBI
More information about workplace bullying, what to do, difference between hostile work environment
Forbes article on commonality and bullying in the workplace
Book: Lester, J. (Ed.). (2013). Workplace bullying in higher education. Routledge.
Belsky, G. (2013). When good things happen to bad people: Disturbing news about workplace bullies. Time.
Wilson, S. M., & Ferch, S. R. (2005). Enhancing resilience in the workplace through the practice of caring relationships. Organization Development Journal, 23(4), 45.
Youssef, C. M., & Luthans, F. (2007). Positive organizational behavior in the workplace: The impact of hope, optimism, and resilience. Journal of management, 33(5), 774-800.
Work Culture and Environment - Key Principles
Arianna Huffington: 10 Ways to Actually, Finally Improve Company Culture
Inspiration & Personal Growth
Brené Brown video on shame, guilt and empathy and empathy vs sympathy
Alain de Botton, TED talk on A kinder, gentler philosophy on success
8 Secrets to Success TED talk with Richard St. John
Free edX course on Happiness at Work
Free edX course on Mindfulness and Resilience to Stress at Work
There are also numerous resources available at the MSU Library:
Taking the Liberty of Incivility: Workplace Bullying in Higher Education by Lee Gloor, Jamie, Human Resource Development Quarterly, 02/2014, Volume 25, Issue 1, pp. 121–126, Article PDF: Download Now Journal Article: Full Text Online (book review)
Workplace bullying policies, higher education and the First Amendment: Building bridges not walls by Coel, Crystal Rae and Smith, Frances L. M First Amendment Studies, 07/2018, Volume 52, Issue 1-2, pp. 96–111, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Workplace Bullying as Workplace Corruption by Vickers, Margaret H Administration & Society, 10/2014, Volume 46, Issue 8, pp. 960–985, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Bully University? The Cost of Workplace Bullying and Employee Disengagement in American Higher Education by Hollis, Leah P SAGE Open, 06/2015, Volume 5, Issue 2, p. 215824401558999, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
The Gendered Nature of Workplace Bullying in the Context of Higher Education by Ambreen Anjum and Amina Muazzam, Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 07/2018, Volume 33, Issue 2, pp. 493–505, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Michigan State University is a large and diverse institution hosting a variety of climates and cultures. Understanding and navigating these cultures can sometimes be challenging, so this list of resources is provided to increase awareness of the opportunities for learning and growth that are available to enhance our community and those that engage with it. It is the responsibility of everyone at MSU to contribute to an academic environment that welcomes every individual and respects their unique talents as we all work toward preparing future generations of Spartans.
Resources available at MSU
Conflict Resolution:
The Faculty Grievance Office responds to inquiries from MSU faculty, academic staff and administrators concerning alleged violations of MSU policies and practices.
The Office of the University Ombudsperson assists students, staff members, instructors, and administrators sort through university rules and regulations that might apply to specific student issues and concerns and help to resolve disputes.
MSU Human Resources offers Organizational Development Consulting Services on a variety of topics including climate/culture/interpersonal relationships.
The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives offers programs and resources to bridge understanding across difference:
Inclusive Communications Guide (coming soon).
One-page Tip Sheets (printable/shareable .pdfs) These were designed to aid in building inclusive classrooms, but many of the concepts are more broadly applicable to other academic spaces and environments.
Setting up an Inclusive Classroom (PDF)
Some Dialogue Basics (PDF)
Intercultural Dialogue Facilitation (PDF)
Strategies for Managing Hot Moments in the Classroom (PDF)
Interrupting Bias: A Technique (PDF)
Microaggressions: A Primer (PDF)
Learn at Lunch this informal series welcomes anyone to bring their lunch and join the conversation. A variety of topics related to inclusion, social justice and equity will be highlighted - the schedule for the year is posted on the website in August.
Implicit Bias Certificate Program (available through MSU HR in EBS): this series of three sessions include topics on Creating an Inclusive Environment, Implicit Bias and Microaggressions, and Preparing for the Next Encounter. Sessions can be attended consecutively or combined to complete a certificate.
List of diversity and inclusion workshops offered (examples include Building an Inclusive Workplace, Disrupting Bias in the Academy, Racial Literacy, Building an Inclusive Classroom, Inclusive Leadership, Diversifying and Retaining Faculty and Staff)
MSU Dialogues a cohort-based experience exploring deep conversations about race, gender and other important aspects of identity. Undergraduate, graduate, faculty and staff groups are formed through application and the series of 6-8 meetings is offered each semester.
MSU Human Resources also has information and workshops available to further productive conversations about workplace culture and environments:
List of behavioral competencies
Free online learning opportunities through elevateU including topics such as:
Building a High-Performing Work Culture (example topics: personal skills, optimizing team performance, leadership skills)
E-books available in the Library (titles on health and wellness, etc.)
In-person workshops in collaboration with units across campus. Access to these programs is through EBS - Some of these include:
Building Capacity-Resilience as a Leader
Creating & Sustaining Positive Workplace
Creating an Inclusive Environment
Crucial Accountability
Crucial Conversations
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Engaging Teams for Maximum Performance
Ethics: How Do We Deal With "Gray Areas"
Honing Your Emotional Intelligence
Inclusive Communication Series
Managing Difficult Customers
Prohibited Harassment: for employees, for supervisors, student employees
Thriving through Change
Prevention, Outreach and Education Department offers a variety of trainings on violence prevention and bystander intervention, healthy ways of practicing consent and establishing boundaries, creating a culture of respect in the workplace, navigating boundaries in professional settings and more.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): no cost, confidential counseling service offered to MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate student employees, and their families.
Health4U Program: some examples of resources provided include: emotional wellness coaching, courses, events and resources to support more healthy habits and practice
The Academic Advancement Network offers thriving sessions for Academic Specialists, Fixed-term Faculty, and Tenure-System Faculty are focused on supporting career progression. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with people who can help individuals and units navigate the various appointment types at MSU.
LBGTQ Resource Center offers QuILL training: Queer Inclusive Learning and Leadership Training for understanding the experiences of people who may be marginalized by their gender identity.
Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions offers intercultural leadership training for departments and organizations
Other useful external resources
Climate/Culture/Inclusive Environments
Link to SHRM article: 6 Steps for Building an Inclusive Workplace
Definition of Workplace Bullying and other resources from WBI
More information about workplace bullying, what to do, difference between hostile work environment
Forbes article on commonality and bullying in the workplace
Book: Lester, J. (Ed.). (2013). Workplace bullying in higher education. Routledge.
Belsky, G. (2013). When good things happen to bad people: Disturbing news about workplace bullies. Time.
Wilson, S. M., & Ferch, S. R. (2005). Enhancing resilience in the workplace through the practice of caring relationships. Organization Development Journal, 23(4), 45.
Youssef, C. M., & Luthans, F. (2007). Positive organizational behavior in the workplace: The impact of hope, optimism, and resilience. Journal of management, 33(5), 774-800.
Work Culture and Environment - Key Principles
Arianna Huffington: 10 Ways to Actually, Finally Improve Company Culture
Inspiration & Personal Growth
Brené Brown video on shame, guilt and empathy and empathy vs sympathy
Alain de Botton, TED talk on A kinder, gentler philosophy on success
8 Secrets to Success TED talk with Richard St. John
Free edX course on Happiness at Work
Free edX course on Mindfulness and Resilience to Stress at Work
There are also numerous resources available at the MSU Library:
Taking the Liberty of Incivility: Workplace Bullying in Higher Education by Lee Gloor, Jamie, Human Resource Development Quarterly, 02/2014, Volume 25, Issue 1, pp. 121–126, Article PDF: Download Now Journal Article: Full Text Online (book review)
Workplace bullying policies, higher education and the First Amendment: Building bridges not walls by Coel, Crystal Rae and Smith, Frances L. M First Amendment Studies, 07/2018, Volume 52, Issue 1-2, pp. 96–111, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Workplace Bullying as Workplace Corruption by Vickers, Margaret H Administration & Society, 10/2014, Volume 46, Issue 8, pp. 960–985, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Bully University? The Cost of Workplace Bullying and Employee Disengagement in American Higher Education by Hollis, Leah P SAGE Open, 06/2015, Volume 5, Issue 2, p. 215824401558999, Article PDF: Download Now, Journal Article: Full Text Online
The Gendered Nature of Workplace Bullying in the Context of Higher Education by Ambreen Anjum and Amina Muazzam, Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 07/2018, Volume 33, Issue 2, pp. 493–505, Journal Article: Full Text Online
Authored by:
Patti Stewart
Posted on: #iteachmsu
MSU Resources on Civility and Community Enhancement in Academic Environments
MSU Resources on Civility and Community Enhancement in Academic Env...
Authored by:
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019
Posted on: #iteachmsu Educator Awards
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Other Educator Units with 2021 #iteachmsu Educator Award Recipients
The following is a list of the educators receiving the #iteachmsu Educator Award from all other educator units. For more information on these awards, check out the article entitled "#iteachmsu Educator Awards".
Human Resources
Amanda Farrar: Amanda was THE integral component in helping me navigate onboarding to a new role at MSU. Though my transition was messy (from graduate student employee to full time employee) and Amanda wasn't always the "power person"; she helped me feel heard, gave great recommendations, and followed up promptly. At such a large organization and at such a complicated time, I felt overwhelmed and stuck in the lack of clarity I felt around my transition... Amanda helped me feel like (and see how) things were moving.
Hub for Innovation in Learning and Technology
Jerry Rhead: Jerry is one of the kindest, down-to-earth people I've met in my multiple years at MSU. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise everywhere he goes, but shares it in a way that is always accessible and collegial. I've never felt a sense of competition around Jerry. He always lifts others up. What an amazing colleague, friend, and educator.
Breana Yaklin: Bre deserves a huge shout out for her leadership of the SOIREE and ASPIRE efforts. Countless times across the past six months, I've heard rave reviews from instructors who had to pivot their courses last minute due to Covid19. Not only has Bre designed an experience that introduces other educators to online teaching and learning, but also helps those who have been working in the online space revisit their courses to ensure they're aligned with best practices. Breana Yaklin is a meta educator... teaching other educators in a way that helps them be better!
Summer Issawi: Thank you for your role as mentor for the 2020-2021 Hub Faculty Fellow Project, and I want to especially thank you for participating as a judge in the MSU/ISS Film Festival and for providing so many thoughtful comments on the individual student films. You might not always received feedback on your particular impact on actual students in our MSU classes, but I am here to publicly thank and acknowledge your very important and positive impact on instructors and students at MSU. You are appreciated!
Ashley Braman: I'm a learning designer working with faculty to design experiential, interdisciplinary courses at MSU. Ashley Braman is the project manager in our unit and this year her support, advice, and skills have made a huge difference in my work on these courses. In the last few months, she helped me build next year's budget, consulted on our quarterly reporting, and helped me strategize about future trajectories for this project. The latter especially was a huge help before presenting those plans to our director for his decision. As a project lead, I'm much better equipped for success being able to draw on Ashley's expertise. My work goes so much more smoothly now that I can reach out to a competent and insightful project manager with issues big and small. In addition, she has been a wonderful resource during work-from-home as we struggle with productivity under covid and work-life balance; she makes herself available to check-in and support her team and help us find solutions that are a good fit for our situations. Ashley's work definitely makes a difference to our academic projects, and that's why she deserves a big thank you.
Integrative Studies in Social Science
Alison Rautman: I love Dr. Rautman and I think she is handling the online teaching very well! She is always checking in on her students and making sure we are keeping up with our material!
Center for Statistical Training and Consulting (CSTAT)
Sanket Jantre: Sanket provides thorough and thoughtful advice on statistical methods for research projects at CSTAT. He is also a member for the student organization Statistics in the Community (STATCOM) that provides pro bono statistical consulting to local nonprofit, governmental, and community service organizations and was a team leader for a project in 2020 working on an interactive online tool designed for analyzing water pollution samples. Sanket was selected for a competitive internship position with the National Science Foundation Mathematical Sciences Graduate Internship program for summer 2021 to explore probabilistic deep learning methods at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Congratulations!
Sichao Wang: Sichao is very engaged in helping MSU graduate students and scholars in their research at CSTAT. She is president of the student organization Statistics in the Community (STATCOM) that provides pro bono statistical consulting to local nonprofit, governmental, and community service organizations. Sichao has a wide range of interest in statistical topics and takes every opportunity to learn new skills through seminars and workshops.
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education Office
Jim Lucas:
Dr. Lucas has made an exceptional impact on my life as a professor, a mentor, and a friend. Throughout my time at MSU he has always offered a helping hand, and has been willing to go the extra distance to help me achieve my goals. MSU is truly lucky to have someone like Dr. Lucas.
Dr. Lucas is the most influential instructor that I've ever had and having him in my life has helped me grow tremendously as a student at MSU. He gave me the support I needed to choose a path that is typically discouraged by society and encourages me to reach my full potential. I do best learning in an open environment, and Dr. Lucas creates this by making students feel as though their voice matters in the world. Dr. Lucas carries his variety of passions into the classroom and inspires me to be inventive, knowledgeable, and passionate.
I consider myself extremely blessed to have Dr. Lucas as one of my first professors during my academic career. When I came to MSU, I was apprehensive based on the horror stories I had heard about college instructors. From the get-go, Dr. Lucas had an extremely inviting classroom. Not only was the course content in UGS101 interesting, but he designed his classroom in a way where every student could feel at home. He stimulated interesting discussions each class period, and every week his course was the highlight of my busy schedule. He was not afraid to joke around with students, and I felt like I was able to connect with Dr. Lucas on a personal level. I was sad when the semester ended, as I thought it would also mean the end of my relationship with Dr. Lucas. Instead, Dr. Lucas went above and beyond his duty as an instructor, becoming not only a mentor but a friend. As I am set to graduate next semester, I look back and think of all the support Dr. Lucas has provided over the years, be it academic or personal. I am confident that as I move to medical school and beyond, Dr. Lucas will continue being an important figure in my life. While I have met some really great professors at Michigan State University, they all pale in comparison to the enormous positive impact Dr. Lucas has had on me.
He was my professor at my study abroad 2 summers ago, and he has been like my second father type figure, helping me around throughout my freshman year at MSU
Through two classes and a study abroad trip with Dr. Lucas over the years, he has not only showed his capability to reach various types of students on a wide variety of topics, but he has shown a true desire to raise important issues, for students as individuals as well as the world as a whole, and explore them in a meaningful way. Dr. Lucas has changed my views on topics I felt nihilistic towards or was misguided in my judgement on, from commercial whaling to minority representation in film, and everything in between. He takes it upon himself to prioritize such valuable discussion both in the classroom and outside of it, and I have come to know Dr. Lucas as an extraordinary professor as well as a great friend.
Technology at State
Nick Noel: Nick dedicated himself to supporting instructors with the transition to online. He worked tirelessly to lead hundreds through a course peer-review process through the summer, and has been working to provide workshops and training about key instructional technologies. He works hard to collaborate with others across campus and improve the teaching and learning experience for instructors and students.
Kevin Henley
Kevin is always willing to help on projects, troubleshoot issues, or research solutions. He has a wide breadth of knowledge, but also understand things deeply, and can apply his experience across a broad spectrum of issues. Kevin isn't a member of my team, but he is still an invaluable part of it, and IT as a whole.
Kevin is an excellent collaborator. He thinks through educator issues when the learning takes place virtually, knows a lot about platforms and how they do/not work for learners, and always has creative ideas on how to solve problems and make things better. He is endlessly patient, and helps everyone feel like their voices are heard.
Drew Beach: RCPD had a difficult issue we were trying to resolve that dealt with a students D2L exam and whether they received the correct testing accommodations. The student was very upset and the instructor was adamant they had provided the accommodations correctly. Drew Breach stepped in and took time to walk me through exactly what happened, explained how the instructor misunderstood the process to extend testing time. He then provided additional information about D2L settings for my knowledge, offered to work with the instructor on further training, and typed up a detailed email with screen shots and helpful information so we could better advise faculty in the future. I was very thankful for the extra effort Drew provided to help. The student was even more grateful as it made a substantial difference in his grade and success in the course. During these difficult times and having to navigate technology in new ways, it is great to have caring and supportive IT staff!!! Thank YOU!
Libraries
Jessica Sender: Jessica worked through the summer and into the fall to support the transition to online. She jumped in to help develop and facilitate training and workshops to support instructors with the move to online. She is working to connect librarians across campus to support teaching and learning efforts in new ways.
Susan Kendall: Susan has presented at many workshops and meeting with faculty to educate others about copyright law and how to adjust for copyright in the online environment. She's become active in the SOIREE workshop to teach others about copyright and answer questions. She volunteered to write a page for the ASPIRE workshop and has worked diligently to support and teach others about copyright in their courses.
Julie Taylor: Julie is a gem in the landscape of MSU. I originally reached out to Julie in regards to a personal book printing project (which turned out beautifully, thanks to her). After having such a great experience working with her asynchronously, we scheduled a proactive meeting regarding formatting for another larger project. A short zoom call with her was not only pleasant (as far as company goes) but informative and will save me tons of time and headache as I begin a huge writing/formatting project. If only I had found her before I was trying to submit my dissertation - so much frustration could have been circumnavigated. I will be telling all my colleagues and friends still working on their dissertations to reach out to Julie! What a lifesaver (especially during covid-life which is already so stressful on the daily). Big love for Julie!
University Outreach and Engagement
Diane Doberneck: Diane is one of the most astounding people I've had the pleasure of getting to know during my time at MSU. Diane regards and value everyone she encounters for their knowledge and lived experience- and on top of that is a global leader in her field. Down to earth, kind, and collaborative- Diane is one of MSU's educators who truly lifts others up. She is a joy to work with, a wealth of knowledge, and to top it all off helps other educators at MSU utilize practices to engage in partnership with communities!
WorkLife Office
John Girdwood: John has been an exceptional example of flexibility and innovation in a rapidly changing landscape. He helped advance technology usage in the office prior to the pandemic. This allowed the office to quickly adjust to online educational and community connection events which helped the university faculty and staff populations adjust to the unknowns of the drastically shifting landscape of work and life. John is an incredible collaborator who shares ideas that continue to enhance the topics and audience reach for WorkLife Office programming. He's been a wonderful influence in my life and I've enjoyed working alongside him.
Tiana Carter: Tiana jumped into the deep end with a new role in the middle of a crisis situation and a quickly shifting landscape of work. She continues to adapt to her changing role while connecting with and inspiring the people that she meets along the way. I've seen the impact that she's had on educational and community connection events over the course of the past six months. She is a talented organizer who focuses on a commitment to follow thru and keeps the many variable pieces moving forward. She has been a delightful addition to the WorkLife team and I'm so grateful to have her as part of my life.Jaimie Hutchison: Jaimie has been an incredible force for good over the past year. I appreciate her answers and messages on Facebook. She helped me feel included even though I was isolated and gave the campus a friendly face for information and guidance! She definitely made a difference.
Barbara Roberts: Barbara and her team have made such a big impact over this past year. Knowing I have a place I can go to and ask questions during a time of such uncertainty has felt very comforting. I am grateful for what she does for MSU!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.
Human Resources
Amanda Farrar: Amanda was THE integral component in helping me navigate onboarding to a new role at MSU. Though my transition was messy (from graduate student employee to full time employee) and Amanda wasn't always the "power person"; she helped me feel heard, gave great recommendations, and followed up promptly. At such a large organization and at such a complicated time, I felt overwhelmed and stuck in the lack of clarity I felt around my transition... Amanda helped me feel like (and see how) things were moving.
Hub for Innovation in Learning and Technology
Jerry Rhead: Jerry is one of the kindest, down-to-earth people I've met in my multiple years at MSU. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise everywhere he goes, but shares it in a way that is always accessible and collegial. I've never felt a sense of competition around Jerry. He always lifts others up. What an amazing colleague, friend, and educator.
Breana Yaklin: Bre deserves a huge shout out for her leadership of the SOIREE and ASPIRE efforts. Countless times across the past six months, I've heard rave reviews from instructors who had to pivot their courses last minute due to Covid19. Not only has Bre designed an experience that introduces other educators to online teaching and learning, but also helps those who have been working in the online space revisit their courses to ensure they're aligned with best practices. Breana Yaklin is a meta educator... teaching other educators in a way that helps them be better!
Summer Issawi: Thank you for your role as mentor for the 2020-2021 Hub Faculty Fellow Project, and I want to especially thank you for participating as a judge in the MSU/ISS Film Festival and for providing so many thoughtful comments on the individual student films. You might not always received feedback on your particular impact on actual students in our MSU classes, but I am here to publicly thank and acknowledge your very important and positive impact on instructors and students at MSU. You are appreciated!
Ashley Braman: I'm a learning designer working with faculty to design experiential, interdisciplinary courses at MSU. Ashley Braman is the project manager in our unit and this year her support, advice, and skills have made a huge difference in my work on these courses. In the last few months, she helped me build next year's budget, consulted on our quarterly reporting, and helped me strategize about future trajectories for this project. The latter especially was a huge help before presenting those plans to our director for his decision. As a project lead, I'm much better equipped for success being able to draw on Ashley's expertise. My work goes so much more smoothly now that I can reach out to a competent and insightful project manager with issues big and small. In addition, she has been a wonderful resource during work-from-home as we struggle with productivity under covid and work-life balance; she makes herself available to check-in and support her team and help us find solutions that are a good fit for our situations. Ashley's work definitely makes a difference to our academic projects, and that's why she deserves a big thank you.
Integrative Studies in Social Science
Alison Rautman: I love Dr. Rautman and I think she is handling the online teaching very well! She is always checking in on her students and making sure we are keeping up with our material!
Center for Statistical Training and Consulting (CSTAT)
Sanket Jantre: Sanket provides thorough and thoughtful advice on statistical methods for research projects at CSTAT. He is also a member for the student organization Statistics in the Community (STATCOM) that provides pro bono statistical consulting to local nonprofit, governmental, and community service organizations and was a team leader for a project in 2020 working on an interactive online tool designed for analyzing water pollution samples. Sanket was selected for a competitive internship position with the National Science Foundation Mathematical Sciences Graduate Internship program for summer 2021 to explore probabilistic deep learning methods at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Congratulations!
Sichao Wang: Sichao is very engaged in helping MSU graduate students and scholars in their research at CSTAT. She is president of the student organization Statistics in the Community (STATCOM) that provides pro bono statistical consulting to local nonprofit, governmental, and community service organizations. Sichao has a wide range of interest in statistical topics and takes every opportunity to learn new skills through seminars and workshops.
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education Office
Jim Lucas:
Dr. Lucas has made an exceptional impact on my life as a professor, a mentor, and a friend. Throughout my time at MSU he has always offered a helping hand, and has been willing to go the extra distance to help me achieve my goals. MSU is truly lucky to have someone like Dr. Lucas.
Dr. Lucas is the most influential instructor that I've ever had and having him in my life has helped me grow tremendously as a student at MSU. He gave me the support I needed to choose a path that is typically discouraged by society and encourages me to reach my full potential. I do best learning in an open environment, and Dr. Lucas creates this by making students feel as though their voice matters in the world. Dr. Lucas carries his variety of passions into the classroom and inspires me to be inventive, knowledgeable, and passionate.
I consider myself extremely blessed to have Dr. Lucas as one of my first professors during my academic career. When I came to MSU, I was apprehensive based on the horror stories I had heard about college instructors. From the get-go, Dr. Lucas had an extremely inviting classroom. Not only was the course content in UGS101 interesting, but he designed his classroom in a way where every student could feel at home. He stimulated interesting discussions each class period, and every week his course was the highlight of my busy schedule. He was not afraid to joke around with students, and I felt like I was able to connect with Dr. Lucas on a personal level. I was sad when the semester ended, as I thought it would also mean the end of my relationship with Dr. Lucas. Instead, Dr. Lucas went above and beyond his duty as an instructor, becoming not only a mentor but a friend. As I am set to graduate next semester, I look back and think of all the support Dr. Lucas has provided over the years, be it academic or personal. I am confident that as I move to medical school and beyond, Dr. Lucas will continue being an important figure in my life. While I have met some really great professors at Michigan State University, they all pale in comparison to the enormous positive impact Dr. Lucas has had on me.
He was my professor at my study abroad 2 summers ago, and he has been like my second father type figure, helping me around throughout my freshman year at MSU
Through two classes and a study abroad trip with Dr. Lucas over the years, he has not only showed his capability to reach various types of students on a wide variety of topics, but he has shown a true desire to raise important issues, for students as individuals as well as the world as a whole, and explore them in a meaningful way. Dr. Lucas has changed my views on topics I felt nihilistic towards or was misguided in my judgement on, from commercial whaling to minority representation in film, and everything in between. He takes it upon himself to prioritize such valuable discussion both in the classroom and outside of it, and I have come to know Dr. Lucas as an extraordinary professor as well as a great friend.
Technology at State
Nick Noel: Nick dedicated himself to supporting instructors with the transition to online. He worked tirelessly to lead hundreds through a course peer-review process through the summer, and has been working to provide workshops and training about key instructional technologies. He works hard to collaborate with others across campus and improve the teaching and learning experience for instructors and students.
Kevin Henley
Kevin is always willing to help on projects, troubleshoot issues, or research solutions. He has a wide breadth of knowledge, but also understand things deeply, and can apply his experience across a broad spectrum of issues. Kevin isn't a member of my team, but he is still an invaluable part of it, and IT as a whole.
Kevin is an excellent collaborator. He thinks through educator issues when the learning takes place virtually, knows a lot about platforms and how they do/not work for learners, and always has creative ideas on how to solve problems and make things better. He is endlessly patient, and helps everyone feel like their voices are heard.
Drew Beach: RCPD had a difficult issue we were trying to resolve that dealt with a students D2L exam and whether they received the correct testing accommodations. The student was very upset and the instructor was adamant they had provided the accommodations correctly. Drew Breach stepped in and took time to walk me through exactly what happened, explained how the instructor misunderstood the process to extend testing time. He then provided additional information about D2L settings for my knowledge, offered to work with the instructor on further training, and typed up a detailed email with screen shots and helpful information so we could better advise faculty in the future. I was very thankful for the extra effort Drew provided to help. The student was even more grateful as it made a substantial difference in his grade and success in the course. During these difficult times and having to navigate technology in new ways, it is great to have caring and supportive IT staff!!! Thank YOU!
Libraries
Jessica Sender: Jessica worked through the summer and into the fall to support the transition to online. She jumped in to help develop and facilitate training and workshops to support instructors with the move to online. She is working to connect librarians across campus to support teaching and learning efforts in new ways.
Susan Kendall: Susan has presented at many workshops and meeting with faculty to educate others about copyright law and how to adjust for copyright in the online environment. She's become active in the SOIREE workshop to teach others about copyright and answer questions. She volunteered to write a page for the ASPIRE workshop and has worked diligently to support and teach others about copyright in their courses.
Julie Taylor: Julie is a gem in the landscape of MSU. I originally reached out to Julie in regards to a personal book printing project (which turned out beautifully, thanks to her). After having such a great experience working with her asynchronously, we scheduled a proactive meeting regarding formatting for another larger project. A short zoom call with her was not only pleasant (as far as company goes) but informative and will save me tons of time and headache as I begin a huge writing/formatting project. If only I had found her before I was trying to submit my dissertation - so much frustration could have been circumnavigated. I will be telling all my colleagues and friends still working on their dissertations to reach out to Julie! What a lifesaver (especially during covid-life which is already so stressful on the daily). Big love for Julie!
University Outreach and Engagement
Diane Doberneck: Diane is one of the most astounding people I've had the pleasure of getting to know during my time at MSU. Diane regards and value everyone she encounters for their knowledge and lived experience- and on top of that is a global leader in her field. Down to earth, kind, and collaborative- Diane is one of MSU's educators who truly lifts others up. She is a joy to work with, a wealth of knowledge, and to top it all off helps other educators at MSU utilize practices to engage in partnership with communities!
WorkLife Office
John Girdwood: John has been an exceptional example of flexibility and innovation in a rapidly changing landscape. He helped advance technology usage in the office prior to the pandemic. This allowed the office to quickly adjust to online educational and community connection events which helped the university faculty and staff populations adjust to the unknowns of the drastically shifting landscape of work and life. John is an incredible collaborator who shares ideas that continue to enhance the topics and audience reach for WorkLife Office programming. He's been a wonderful influence in my life and I've enjoyed working alongside him.
Tiana Carter: Tiana jumped into the deep end with a new role in the middle of a crisis situation and a quickly shifting landscape of work. She continues to adapt to her changing role while connecting with and inspiring the people that she meets along the way. I've seen the impact that she's had on educational and community connection events over the course of the past six months. She is a talented organizer who focuses on a commitment to follow thru and keeps the many variable pieces moving forward. She has been a delightful addition to the WorkLife team and I'm so grateful to have her as part of my life.Jaimie Hutchison: Jaimie has been an incredible force for good over the past year. I appreciate her answers and messages on Facebook. She helped me feel included even though I was isolated and gave the campus a friendly face for information and guidance! She definitely made a difference.
Barbara Roberts: Barbara and her team have made such a big impact over this past year. Knowing I have a place I can go to and ask questions during a time of such uncertainty has felt very comforting. I am grateful for what she does for MSU!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.
Posted by:
Makena Neal

Posted on: #iteachmsu Educator Awards

Other Educator Units with 2021 #iteachmsu Educator Award Recipients
The following is a list of the educators receiving the #iteachmsu E...
Posted by:
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Monday, Aug 2, 2021
Posted on: #iteachmsu
ASSESSING LEARNING
How to Create Quiz Questions in D2L
Purpose
Use this document to learn how to create quiz/exam questions for assessment within the D2L Quiz tool.
Topics
Create Questions Within A Quiz
Create Questions using a Question Bank (Question Library)
Question Types
True/False
Multiple Choice
Short Answer
Written Response
Fill in the Blanks
Create Questions Within A Quiz
Select the course where you want to add questions.
Click on Quizzes from the Assessments pull-down in the navigation bar or from the Course Admin menu.
Create a New Quiz or edit an existing one.
On the “Properties” tab, click on “Add/Edit Questions”
Choose to Add a New Question
Then choose the type of question to add
For more information, look further down, or go to the article in the Brightspace Community, Types Of Questions opens in new window.
Create Questions Using a Question Bank
Select the course where you want to add the questions
Click on Quizzes in the navigation bar or from the Course Admin menu.
Choose “Question Library” from the tabs listed across the top.
Choose to add a New Question
Then choose the type of question to add
Question Types
True/False (T/F)
In the Question Text field, enter your true or false question. A preview of the question appears in the preview pane as you begin creating the question.
In the Answers area, select True or False as the correct answer.
Set the number of points for the true or false question.
See the Options drop-down list to turn on more features such as: feedback for each answer, hints, a short description (title), or enumeration.
Click Save when done editing the question.
Multiple Choice (MC)
Type your question in the “Question Text” box
Type your answer choices in the “Answers” boxes
Indicate which answer is correct
If you need fewer than 4 options, use the X on the right side of the answer box to delete it. If you need more than 4 options, click “Add Answer” below the Answer boxes.
(Optional) Randomize the order of the answers, unless you use a choice such as "all of the above" or "none of the above."
Set the number of points
See the Options drop-down list for more features such as: feedback for each answer, hints, a short description (title), custom weights, or enumeration (ABCD...).
Click the dropdown arrow next to “Save.” If you have a similar question, you can click “Save and Copy.” If you want to write a new question, you can click “Save and New.”
When you are done creating questions, click “Save.”
You can use fast uploading of multiple choice questions by using one of the Quiz Question Converter Tools opens in new window listed in this course.
Short Answer (SA)
Short Answer Questions are auto-graded and should be used for predictable responses. They are most effective when there is only one possible answer. You can anticipate variations of the answer and input several correct responses in the answer box by pressing enter after each word or phrase. If the question has more than one response, use Multi-Short Answer Questions.
Type the question in the “Question Text” box
Type the correct answer in the “Answers for Blank 1” box. If you have an answer that can be abbreviated or is commonly written in different ways, it’s best to add all possible correct answers. For example: Potassium, K, or K+.
IMPORTANT: Even though short answer questions will be auto-graded by D2L, you may not have thought of other correct answers or students may have a typo. Instructors should review and manually grade all short answer questions.
Set the number of points
Click the dropdown arrow next to “Save.” If you have a similar question, you can click “Save and copy.” If you want to write a new question, you can click “Save and New.” If you are done creating questions, click “Save.”
Written Response (WR)
This question type is most often used for essay questions. Students can also enter math equations, with the graphical equation editor tool, when the html editor option is checked.
Type your question in the “Question Text” box
(Optional) Check the box to enable the HTML Editor for student responses
These questions will not be auto-graded, so there is no required answer field. You can look under Options to add an Answer Key (for graders to view). Students do not see the answer key. Use "Add Feedback" if you want to provide an answer for your students when they review submissions.
Depending on the length of response expected, there are options for the size of the text box presented to students during the quiz.
(Optional) Click on "Options" and select "Add Custom Response Box Size"
If you are testing full essay questions, there is also the option to use the Assignment function in D2L and use TurnItIn, which can evaluate originality of student work and test for plagiarism.
Set the number of points.
Click the dropdown arrow next to “Save.” If you have a similar question, you can click “Save and copy.” If you want to write a new question, you can click “Save and New.” If you are done creating questions, click “Save.”
Fill in the Blanks (FIB)
Set the number of points
Determine how many text boxes and how many answer blanks you need for your question and structure the layout.
This example has 3 textboxes and 3 answer blanks:
The first important concept of our topic was _________, which can then be divided into the broader _________ and the more specific _________.
Type in your question text in the “Text” boxes, and type answer text into the “Blank” boxes.
IMPORTANT: Even though Fill in the Blank questions will be auto-graded by D2L, mistakes are common, and instructors should review and hand-grade all Fill in the Blank questions.
For more on question types, see the following from the Brightspace Community: Types Of Questions in Question Library or Quizzes opens in new window
Use this document to learn how to create quiz/exam questions for assessment within the D2L Quiz tool.
Topics
Create Questions Within A Quiz
Create Questions using a Question Bank (Question Library)
Question Types
True/False
Multiple Choice
Short Answer
Written Response
Fill in the Blanks
Create Questions Within A Quiz
Select the course where you want to add questions.
Click on Quizzes from the Assessments pull-down in the navigation bar or from the Course Admin menu.
Create a New Quiz or edit an existing one.
On the “Properties” tab, click on “Add/Edit Questions”
Choose to Add a New Question
Then choose the type of question to add
For more information, look further down, or go to the article in the Brightspace Community, Types Of Questions opens in new window.
Create Questions Using a Question Bank
Select the course where you want to add the questions
Click on Quizzes in the navigation bar or from the Course Admin menu.
Choose “Question Library” from the tabs listed across the top.
Choose to add a New Question
Then choose the type of question to add
Question Types
True/False (T/F)
In the Question Text field, enter your true or false question. A preview of the question appears in the preview pane as you begin creating the question.
In the Answers area, select True or False as the correct answer.
Set the number of points for the true or false question.
See the Options drop-down list to turn on more features such as: feedback for each answer, hints, a short description (title), or enumeration.
Click Save when done editing the question.
Multiple Choice (MC)
Type your question in the “Question Text” box
Type your answer choices in the “Answers” boxes
Indicate which answer is correct
If you need fewer than 4 options, use the X on the right side of the answer box to delete it. If you need more than 4 options, click “Add Answer” below the Answer boxes.
(Optional) Randomize the order of the answers, unless you use a choice such as "all of the above" or "none of the above."
Set the number of points
See the Options drop-down list for more features such as: feedback for each answer, hints, a short description (title), custom weights, or enumeration (ABCD...).
Click the dropdown arrow next to “Save.” If you have a similar question, you can click “Save and Copy.” If you want to write a new question, you can click “Save and New.”
When you are done creating questions, click “Save.”
You can use fast uploading of multiple choice questions by using one of the Quiz Question Converter Tools opens in new window listed in this course.
Short Answer (SA)
Short Answer Questions are auto-graded and should be used for predictable responses. They are most effective when there is only one possible answer. You can anticipate variations of the answer and input several correct responses in the answer box by pressing enter after each word or phrase. If the question has more than one response, use Multi-Short Answer Questions.
Type the question in the “Question Text” box
Type the correct answer in the “Answers for Blank 1” box. If you have an answer that can be abbreviated or is commonly written in different ways, it’s best to add all possible correct answers. For example: Potassium, K, or K+.
IMPORTANT: Even though short answer questions will be auto-graded by D2L, you may not have thought of other correct answers or students may have a typo. Instructors should review and manually grade all short answer questions.
Set the number of points
Click the dropdown arrow next to “Save.” If you have a similar question, you can click “Save and copy.” If you want to write a new question, you can click “Save and New.” If you are done creating questions, click “Save.”
Written Response (WR)
This question type is most often used for essay questions. Students can also enter math equations, with the graphical equation editor tool, when the html editor option is checked.
Type your question in the “Question Text” box
(Optional) Check the box to enable the HTML Editor for student responses
These questions will not be auto-graded, so there is no required answer field. You can look under Options to add an Answer Key (for graders to view). Students do not see the answer key. Use "Add Feedback" if you want to provide an answer for your students when they review submissions.
Depending on the length of response expected, there are options for the size of the text box presented to students during the quiz.
(Optional) Click on "Options" and select "Add Custom Response Box Size"
If you are testing full essay questions, there is also the option to use the Assignment function in D2L and use TurnItIn, which can evaluate originality of student work and test for plagiarism.
Set the number of points.
Click the dropdown arrow next to “Save.” If you have a similar question, you can click “Save and copy.” If you want to write a new question, you can click “Save and New.” If you are done creating questions, click “Save.”
Fill in the Blanks (FIB)
Set the number of points
Determine how many text boxes and how many answer blanks you need for your question and structure the layout.
This example has 3 textboxes and 3 answer blanks:
The first important concept of our topic was _________, which can then be divided into the broader _________ and the more specific _________.
Type in your question text in the “Text” boxes, and type answer text into the “Blank” boxes.
IMPORTANT: Even though Fill in the Blank questions will be auto-graded by D2L, mistakes are common, and instructors should review and hand-grade all Fill in the Blank questions.
For more on question types, see the following from the Brightspace Community: Types Of Questions in Question Library or Quizzes opens in new window
Authored by:
Casey Henley & Susan Halick

Posted on: #iteachmsu

How to Create Quiz Questions in D2L
Purpose
Use this document to learn how to create quiz/exam question...
Use this document to learn how to create quiz/exam question...
Authored by:
ASSESSING LEARNING
Monday, Nov 16, 2020
Posted on: #iteachmsu
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Classroom Dynamics & Fostering Morale
As teachers or students, we each enter the classroom with expectations and norms that have been cultivated by the communities and cultures from which we come. As in many social spaces shared by people with diverse identities and backgrounds, it takes explicit effort to ensure that equity and inclusion are truly guiding principles for interactions in the classroom. These are important considerations for all educators; in your reflections and preparations for classroom instruction, interactions with graduate teaching assistants and advisees, and even in many engagments with other educators.CLASSROOM DYNAMICS
Be aware of power attached to social roles and power attached to social identities. Unequal power manifests in the classroom, for one, due to the differing social roles of instructor and student. Instructors exercise power in designing courses, leading class discussions or activities, deciding grades, and offering mentorship and connection to resources for student support and development.
Acknowledge and counter bias in the classroom. In the classroom, bias shows up implicitly and explicitly by way of course materials, classroom discussions, grading, evaluations, and more.When critically examining your course or classroom for bias, you may consider explicit and unacknowledge norms and expectations, financial burden of your course, representation in your syllabus (reading materials, cases, scenarios etc.), weight of class participation in grades, and other class policies.
Recognize and counter stereotype threat and lift. Stereotype threat is a phenomenon in which certain groups’ academic performance is negatively impacted due to increased vigilance about possibly confirming existing stereotypes. It's important to respect each of your students as individual learners and encourage a growth mindset in the classroom. This means normalizing mistakes and failures, emphasizing the value of challenge, and offering students a variety of ways to demonstrate their learning.
EARLY IN THE TERM
Introduce yourself to your class. Tell them about your background: how you first became interested in the subject, how it has been important to you, and why you are teaching this course. Genuinely convey your enthusiasm for the field and the subject; sharing your "why" for teaching in an authentic way. If you are comfortable doing so, introduce yourself so that your students know more than your name and contact information (e.g., outside interests, family, academic history, personal experiences). Centering yourself as a whole-human can set the tone for students doing the same.
Give students an opportunity to meet each other. Ask students to divide themselves into groups of three to five and introduce themselves. Or go around the room and ask all students to respond to one question, such as “What’s the one thing you really want to learn from this course?” or “What aspect of the course seems most appealing to you?”
Invite students to fill out an introduction card. Suggest that they indicate their name, year in school, major field of study, goals in the course, career plans, and so on.
Learn students’ names. By learning and using your students’ names, you can create a comfortable classroom environment that will encourage student interaction. Knowing your students’ names also tells them that you are interested in them as individuals. Did you know
Divide students into small groups. Give groups a small task, such as a brainstorming exercise, then place responses on the board for discussion and interpretation. These groups can change over time, regardless setting group agreements should be an established practice. CTLI has a student-facing survey library that includes a group agreement form. Learn more on accessing this library here.
Encourage students to actively support one another. Help them connect with at one or two other students in the class whom they can contact about missed classes, homework assignments, study groups and so on. You might also use the learning management system to create an online discussion forum where students can respond to each other's queries.
THROUGHOUT THE TERM
Let students know that they are not faces in an anonymous audience. In large courses, students often think that their classroom behaviour (eating, talking, sleeping, arriving late, etc.) goes unnoticed. Remind students that you and their classmates are aware of -- and affected by -- their behaviour.
If your class has extra seating space, ask students to refrain from sitting in certain rows of the classroom. For example, if you teach in a room that has rowed seating, ask students to sit in rows 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and so on so that you can walk through the audience where there is an empty row.
Recognize students’ extracurricular accomplishments. Read your campus newspaper, scan the dean’s list, pay attention to undergraduate awards and honours, and let students know that you are aware of their achievements.
Listen to students with warmth and respect. Give them your full attention. Be personable and approachable – remember the positive power of a smile.
Validate all comments and questions, even those that might seem irrelevant.
Welcome criticism and receive it with an open mind. Model for your students how you would like them to reflect on the feedback that you will be providing to them.
When you don’t know something, ask your students for help. For example, during class, ask someone with a laptop to do a Google search for a fact or piece of information that pertains to class discussion.
Be inclusive. Use gender-inclusive language and when giving examples make them culturally diverse.
Capitalize on outside events or situations, as appropriate. Relate major world events or events on campus both to your class and to the fabric of your students’ lives outside the classroom.
Arrive early and chat with students. Ask how the course is going. Are they enjoying the readings? Is there anything they want you to include in lectures?
Seek out students who are doing poorly in the course. Write “See me during my office hours” on all exams graded C- or below to provide individualized feedback.
Acknowledge students who are doing well in the course. Write “Good job! See me after class” on all exams graded A- or above. Take a moment after class to compliment students who are excelling.
Schedule topics for office hours. If students are reluctant to come, periodically schedule a “help session” on a particular topic rather than a free-form office hour.
Talk about questions students have asked in previous terms. Mention specific questions former students have asked and explain why they were excellent questions. This lets students know that you take their questions seriously and that their questions will contribute to the course in the future.
When feasible, give students a choice in the type of assignments they can do. For example, rather than assigning a traditional essay, give them the option of making a podcast, analysing a case study, giving a poster presentation, and so on.
Consider providing options for how the final grade will be calculated. For example, individual students can decide that the midterm will be worth 25% and a major project worth 35% -- or vice versa.
Listen attentively to all questions and answer them directly. If you will cover the answer during the remainder of the lecture, acknowledge the aptness of the question, ask the student to remember it, and answer the question directly when you arrive at that subject.
Try to empathize with beginners. Remember that not all of your students are as highly motivated and interested in the discipline as you were when you were a student. Slow down when explaining complex ideas, and acknowledge the difficulty and importance of certain concepts or operations. Try to recall your first encounter with a concept – what examples, strategies, or techniques clarified it for you?
When a student seems disgruntled with some aspect of the course, approach him or her in a supportive way and discuss the feelings, experiences, and perceptions that are contributing to the issue.
Celebrate student or class accomplishments. Instigate a round of applause, give congratulations, share cookies!
Thank you to colleagues in university educator development at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University, the Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Waterloo, and others for their materials that informed or were adapted into this resource.
Resources
Eble, K. E. (1988). The Craft of Teaching: A Guide to Mastering the Profession and Art. 2nd Edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Forsyth, D. R, & McMillan, J. H. (1991). Practical Proposals for Motivating Students. In Menges, R. J., & Svinicki, M. D., eds. College Teaching: From Theory to Practice. New Directions in Teaching and Learning, No.45. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, p.53-65.
Gross Davis, B. (2009). Tools for Teaching, 2nd Edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Ralph, E. G. (1998). Motivating Teaching in Higher Education: A Manual for Faculty Development. Stillwater, Oklahoma: New Forums Press, Inc.
Wlodkowski, R. J. (1978). Motivation and Teaching: A Practical Guide. Washington, D.C.: National Education Association.
Fostering Student Morale and Confidence. Centre for Teaching Excellence, University of Waterloo
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Be aware of power attached to social roles and power attached to social identities. Unequal power manifests in the classroom, for one, due to the differing social roles of instructor and student. Instructors exercise power in designing courses, leading class discussions or activities, deciding grades, and offering mentorship and connection to resources for student support and development.
Acknowledge and counter bias in the classroom. In the classroom, bias shows up implicitly and explicitly by way of course materials, classroom discussions, grading, evaluations, and more.When critically examining your course or classroom for bias, you may consider explicit and unacknowledge norms and expectations, financial burden of your course, representation in your syllabus (reading materials, cases, scenarios etc.), weight of class participation in grades, and other class policies.
Recognize and counter stereotype threat and lift. Stereotype threat is a phenomenon in which certain groups’ academic performance is negatively impacted due to increased vigilance about possibly confirming existing stereotypes. It's important to respect each of your students as individual learners and encourage a growth mindset in the classroom. This means normalizing mistakes and failures, emphasizing the value of challenge, and offering students a variety of ways to demonstrate their learning.
EARLY IN THE TERM
Introduce yourself to your class. Tell them about your background: how you first became interested in the subject, how it has been important to you, and why you are teaching this course. Genuinely convey your enthusiasm for the field and the subject; sharing your "why" for teaching in an authentic way. If you are comfortable doing so, introduce yourself so that your students know more than your name and contact information (e.g., outside interests, family, academic history, personal experiences). Centering yourself as a whole-human can set the tone for students doing the same.
Give students an opportunity to meet each other. Ask students to divide themselves into groups of three to five and introduce themselves. Or go around the room and ask all students to respond to one question, such as “What’s the one thing you really want to learn from this course?” or “What aspect of the course seems most appealing to you?”
Invite students to fill out an introduction card. Suggest that they indicate their name, year in school, major field of study, goals in the course, career plans, and so on.
Learn students’ names. By learning and using your students’ names, you can create a comfortable classroom environment that will encourage student interaction. Knowing your students’ names also tells them that you are interested in them as individuals. Did you know
Divide students into small groups. Give groups a small task, such as a brainstorming exercise, then place responses on the board for discussion and interpretation. These groups can change over time, regardless setting group agreements should be an established practice. CTLI has a student-facing survey library that includes a group agreement form. Learn more on accessing this library here.
Encourage students to actively support one another. Help them connect with at one or two other students in the class whom they can contact about missed classes, homework assignments, study groups and so on. You might also use the learning management system to create an online discussion forum where students can respond to each other's queries.
THROUGHOUT THE TERM
Let students know that they are not faces in an anonymous audience. In large courses, students often think that their classroom behaviour (eating, talking, sleeping, arriving late, etc.) goes unnoticed. Remind students that you and their classmates are aware of -- and affected by -- their behaviour.
If your class has extra seating space, ask students to refrain from sitting in certain rows of the classroom. For example, if you teach in a room that has rowed seating, ask students to sit in rows 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and so on so that you can walk through the audience where there is an empty row.
Recognize students’ extracurricular accomplishments. Read your campus newspaper, scan the dean’s list, pay attention to undergraduate awards and honours, and let students know that you are aware of their achievements.
Listen to students with warmth and respect. Give them your full attention. Be personable and approachable – remember the positive power of a smile.
Validate all comments and questions, even those that might seem irrelevant.
Welcome criticism and receive it with an open mind. Model for your students how you would like them to reflect on the feedback that you will be providing to them.
When you don’t know something, ask your students for help. For example, during class, ask someone with a laptop to do a Google search for a fact or piece of information that pertains to class discussion.
Be inclusive. Use gender-inclusive language and when giving examples make them culturally diverse.
Capitalize on outside events or situations, as appropriate. Relate major world events or events on campus both to your class and to the fabric of your students’ lives outside the classroom.
Arrive early and chat with students. Ask how the course is going. Are they enjoying the readings? Is there anything they want you to include in lectures?
Seek out students who are doing poorly in the course. Write “See me during my office hours” on all exams graded C- or below to provide individualized feedback.
Acknowledge students who are doing well in the course. Write “Good job! See me after class” on all exams graded A- or above. Take a moment after class to compliment students who are excelling.
Schedule topics for office hours. If students are reluctant to come, periodically schedule a “help session” on a particular topic rather than a free-form office hour.
Talk about questions students have asked in previous terms. Mention specific questions former students have asked and explain why they were excellent questions. This lets students know that you take their questions seriously and that their questions will contribute to the course in the future.
When feasible, give students a choice in the type of assignments they can do. For example, rather than assigning a traditional essay, give them the option of making a podcast, analysing a case study, giving a poster presentation, and so on.
Consider providing options for how the final grade will be calculated. For example, individual students can decide that the midterm will be worth 25% and a major project worth 35% -- or vice versa.
Listen attentively to all questions and answer them directly. If you will cover the answer during the remainder of the lecture, acknowledge the aptness of the question, ask the student to remember it, and answer the question directly when you arrive at that subject.
Try to empathize with beginners. Remember that not all of your students are as highly motivated and interested in the discipline as you were when you were a student. Slow down when explaining complex ideas, and acknowledge the difficulty and importance of certain concepts or operations. Try to recall your first encounter with a concept – what examples, strategies, or techniques clarified it for you?
When a student seems disgruntled with some aspect of the course, approach him or her in a supportive way and discuss the feelings, experiences, and perceptions that are contributing to the issue.
Celebrate student or class accomplishments. Instigate a round of applause, give congratulations, share cookies!
Thank you to colleagues in university educator development at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University, the Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Waterloo, and others for their materials that informed or were adapted into this resource.
Resources
Eble, K. E. (1988). The Craft of Teaching: A Guide to Mastering the Profession and Art. 2nd Edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Forsyth, D. R, & McMillan, J. H. (1991). Practical Proposals for Motivating Students. In Menges, R. J., & Svinicki, M. D., eds. College Teaching: From Theory to Practice. New Directions in Teaching and Learning, No.45. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, p.53-65.
Gross Davis, B. (2009). Tools for Teaching, 2nd Edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Ralph, E. G. (1998). Motivating Teaching in Higher Education: A Manual for Faculty Development. Stillwater, Oklahoma: New Forums Press, Inc.
Wlodkowski, R. J. (1978). Motivation and Teaching: A Practical Guide. Washington, D.C.: National Education Association.
Fostering Student Morale and Confidence. Centre for Teaching Excellence, University of Waterloo
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Posted by:
Makena Neal

Posted on: #iteachmsu

Classroom Dynamics & Fostering Morale
As teachers or students, we each enter the classroom with expectati...
Posted by:
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Tuesday, Oct 17, 2023
Posted on: #iteachmsu
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Catalyst Innovation Program 2019 – 2020 Recipients
Greetings everyone! My name is Rashad Muhammad. I am a Learning Experience Designer in the Hub for Innovation in Learning and Technology. As we begin the new year, I am excited to step into the role of the project manager for the Catalyst Innovation Program. Catalyst Innovation Program was designed to incentivize the MSU community to develop creative and innovative student learning experiences by funding projects that encourage discovery and experimentation.
In this spirit, it is with great enthusiasm that I present this year’s 2019-2020 Catalyst Innovation Program recipients:
Alice Lynn McMichaelHistoryExperiential Environments: Modeling the Past for Embodied Learning
Allison EdenDepartment of CommunicationScreen-based versus immersive virtual training platforms for improving public speaking
Andrea BieremaCenter for Integrative Studies in General ScienceCreating Open-Sourced H5P Adaptive Learning Modules
Ashley HewlettAsc Provost For Undergraduate EducationNew Student Orientation Online Experience
Brad WIlcuts, Daniel TregoDepartment of Theatre/ Al Academic And Information Tech SupportSocial Dancing and Culture meets Extended Reality
Dean AslamElectrical And Computer EngineeringFlipped STEM Learning Using Smartphones and Hands-On FBEI (Functionalized Bricks with Embedded Intelligence) Modules
Jennifer DunnDepartment of ManagementPilot Use of Qualtrics 360 Tool to Provide Multi-Rater Feedback to Students
Jeno RiveraCollege of Agriculture and Natural Resources Office of Academic Student Affairs and Institute of Agricultural TechnologyJamming together: Educational technologies to enhance collaborative learning
John PaskusMI Natural Features InventoryIncreasing Student Engagement via Teamwork, Collaboration, and Real World Connections
Judy WalgrenSchool of JournalismHarnessing the Power of Immersive Media With MSU’s School of Journalism Students
Michelle GrimmMechanical EngineeringInteractive Digital Experience as an Alternative Laboratory (IDEAL): Creative Investigation with Data Analysis
Nick Lepeschkin-NoelIT Services – Advanced Academic and Research TechnologyRemaking the Future – An Education Focused Simulation Framework
Quentin TylerSchool of Planning, Construction and Design and Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources collaboration.Bridging Student Learning in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Through Virtual Reality
Rachel Morris and Michelle RussellBiomedical Laboratory Diagnostics ProgramUtilizing Genome Mutation Analysis Software to Enhance Student Learning, Preparation, and Engagement in Molecular Diagnostics
Saul Beceiro-NovoBiomedical-Physical SciencesCurriculum reform for ISP209L
Zachary NealPsychologyBuilding a Social Simulation Makerspace
This year we increased the total number of winners from 10 to 16. Each proposal was double-blind peer-reviewed. Thirty-five applications were received, each seeking to improve the learning experience at MSU for and with students.
Jeff Grabill, Associate Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Technology said “As we iterate toward a more explicit story about MSU’s digital learning future, it seems necessary to provide as many opportunities as possible for faculty and students to experiment, invent, make, and learn. This program is one of our small bets to create space for faculty and to see what happens.”
MSU’s Chief Digital Academic Officer Brendan Guenther points to the rapidity with which innovation happens, and how structures must adapt – “Catalyst awards give us a rapid investment lever for individuals in the #iteachMSU community, when they sense the need for innovation and have an inspired idea, we can give them the boost needed to make something happen.”
As the year progresses, we will share out stories to keep you updated on the progress these projects are making. Our goal is to empower our recipients to experiment, learn and share that knowledge with the rest of the MSU community. If you missed this application cycle, the next opportunity will be available in the Fall of 2020. Get your ideas ready!
In this spirit, it is with great enthusiasm that I present this year’s 2019-2020 Catalyst Innovation Program recipients:
Alice Lynn McMichaelHistoryExperiential Environments: Modeling the Past for Embodied Learning
Allison EdenDepartment of CommunicationScreen-based versus immersive virtual training platforms for improving public speaking
Andrea BieremaCenter for Integrative Studies in General ScienceCreating Open-Sourced H5P Adaptive Learning Modules
Ashley HewlettAsc Provost For Undergraduate EducationNew Student Orientation Online Experience
Brad WIlcuts, Daniel TregoDepartment of Theatre/ Al Academic And Information Tech SupportSocial Dancing and Culture meets Extended Reality
Dean AslamElectrical And Computer EngineeringFlipped STEM Learning Using Smartphones and Hands-On FBEI (Functionalized Bricks with Embedded Intelligence) Modules
Jennifer DunnDepartment of ManagementPilot Use of Qualtrics 360 Tool to Provide Multi-Rater Feedback to Students
Jeno RiveraCollege of Agriculture and Natural Resources Office of Academic Student Affairs and Institute of Agricultural TechnologyJamming together: Educational technologies to enhance collaborative learning
John PaskusMI Natural Features InventoryIncreasing Student Engagement via Teamwork, Collaboration, and Real World Connections
Judy WalgrenSchool of JournalismHarnessing the Power of Immersive Media With MSU’s School of Journalism Students
Michelle GrimmMechanical EngineeringInteractive Digital Experience as an Alternative Laboratory (IDEAL): Creative Investigation with Data Analysis
Nick Lepeschkin-NoelIT Services – Advanced Academic and Research TechnologyRemaking the Future – An Education Focused Simulation Framework
Quentin TylerSchool of Planning, Construction and Design and Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources collaboration.Bridging Student Learning in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Through Virtual Reality
Rachel Morris and Michelle RussellBiomedical Laboratory Diagnostics ProgramUtilizing Genome Mutation Analysis Software to Enhance Student Learning, Preparation, and Engagement in Molecular Diagnostics
Saul Beceiro-NovoBiomedical-Physical SciencesCurriculum reform for ISP209L
Zachary NealPsychologyBuilding a Social Simulation Makerspace
This year we increased the total number of winners from 10 to 16. Each proposal was double-blind peer-reviewed. Thirty-five applications were received, each seeking to improve the learning experience at MSU for and with students.
Jeff Grabill, Associate Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Technology said “As we iterate toward a more explicit story about MSU’s digital learning future, it seems necessary to provide as many opportunities as possible for faculty and students to experiment, invent, make, and learn. This program is one of our small bets to create space for faculty and to see what happens.”
MSU’s Chief Digital Academic Officer Brendan Guenther points to the rapidity with which innovation happens, and how structures must adapt – “Catalyst awards give us a rapid investment lever for individuals in the #iteachMSU community, when they sense the need for innovation and have an inspired idea, we can give them the boost needed to make something happen.”
As the year progresses, we will share out stories to keep you updated on the progress these projects are making. Our goal is to empower our recipients to experiment, learn and share that knowledge with the rest of the MSU community. If you missed this application cycle, the next opportunity will be available in the Fall of 2020. Get your ideas ready!
Authored by:
Rashad Muhammad

Posted on: #iteachmsu

Catalyst Innovation Program 2019 – 2020 Recipients
Greetings everyone! My name is Rashad Muhammad. I am a Learning Exp...
Authored by:
PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Monday, Feb 17, 2020
Posted on: #iteachmsu
NAVIGATING CONTEXT
Using Guidebook to Access the 2024 Spring Conference on Teaching and Learning
We are excited to announce the app for the MSU Spring Conference on Teaching and Learning, powered by Guidebook, is now available. With this resource, you have access to the most up-to-date information as well as networking tools. The Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation is excited to be piloting this platform to make engagement in this year’s Spring Conference on Teaching & Learning easy, interactive, and accessible.
Conference Registration: Please note the two non-consecutive days of the Spring Conference on Teaching and Learning require two separate registrations.
Day 1: April 19, 2024: Synchronous, Virtual via Guidebook App/Site
Register for Day 2: May 1, 2024: In-Person, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center
After you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email with instructions on accessing the Conference’s Guidebook app, where you can build a personalized schedule, connect with others, add linked materials to your session’s discussion board and more!
If you have not yet downloaded the App, instructions are included here: 1) On your mobile device get guidebook here. Tap “Download the app” to access the guide on your iOS and Android device.AND /OR2) On your computer, access the conference schedule via guidebook online.
In-Guide Navigation
Tap on the icon in the top-left corner of the screen to access the navigation menu.
Once the menu bar is open, there are three icons on the right-hand side. You can search for content within the guide using the magnifying glass. The share icon will allow you to share the cover page URL if this is enabled for the guide. Tapping on the arrow circles will download the latest available updates to the guide.
Learn more about creating an account, signing in and managing your profile in Guidebook’s User Accounts support article.
Navigation
From the menu, you can access the various components of your guide. Guidebook provides a few different tools to help you get the most out of your event experience.
The guide builder may have named the menu items differently or used different icons for your guide than what you see in these examples. Tap on the menu items to explore everything in the guide.
Day 1 Info - Virtual
Here users will find information about accessing zoom and zoom best practices.
Day 2 Info - In Person
Here users will find information about parking at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center as well as the floorplan (map). Now that you know what’s happening and when you need to know where to go. You can tap on a location on the floor plan to see what sessions are happening there.
Schedule and Speaker Info
You can find everything you need to know about sessions in the Schedule. Tap on the dates at the top of the screen to navigate through the schedule. Tap on a session name to get more details. NOTE: you'll need to swipe (on mobile) or advance through the calendar to see the two dates of MSU's Spring Conference-- April 19, 2024 and May 1, 2024.Accessing virtual zoom presentations for the April 19th, Day 1, of the conference, please use the Guidebook App.
use the public Guidebook Link (shared via email)
go to the conference schedule in the left menu
click on the session you're interested in attending
when the session opens, you'll see a Blue zoom logo box with a "play icon"
if you want to add a reminder to your outlook calendar you can click the download button and an .ics file will be added to your computer's downloads
at the time of your event, click the play icon - write your name and MSU email, and click log in
you can choose to open zoom within Guidebook or "launch zoom"
zoom will open
You may see colorful dots on some sessions. These indicate schedule tracks, which are tags for sessions according to topic, intended audience, etc.
Below the session description text, you may see links to other items in the guide, surveys, PDFs, and/or website as additional resources.
If YouTube, Vimeo, or Twitch videos have been added to the session, you can play these in the header of the session details page. My Schedule
When exploring the schedule, you will see plus sign symbols next to session titles when viewing a schedule overview. Tap on the plus sign (+) to add a session to your My Schedule.
If you tap on a schedule session name to learn more about it, you will have the option to Add to My Schedule at the bottom of the screen. Tap this button to add the session to your My Schedule.
If the guide-builder has set space limitations and enabled registration for sessions, you will be required to log in to your account before you can add sessions to your My Schedule.
You can also create your own schedule items by tapping on My Schedule feature in the app and tapping on the plus sign (+) near the top-right corner. Add your personal session details, and click Save.
Personal schedules can be created and shared with others via My Schedule, learn more in Guidebook’s article on meeting booking.
My Notes
You can access Notes from the Notes menu item in a guide. You can also tap Create note or the note symbol from any schedule session or list item.
All notes are stored locally on your device. Tap on a note to edit, delete, or export/share it.
The export/share button looks like on Apple devices.
The export/share button looks like on Android devices.
You can also export/share all of your notes from the Notes menu item screen.
To be able to export/share your notes, sharing must be enabled in your guide under Guide Details > Privacy.
Share, Connect, Grow
The Interact feed is a great place to see what’s going on at your event. Read announcements, post pictures, find popular sessions, and have discussions with fellow attendees all in one place.
If you choose to log in, your profile will be public and you will show in the Connect list. You’ll be given suggested connections based on the interests you filled in upon onboarding (if the guide creator has set any). You can add a picture and modify your profile (if you would like to share information) and chat with other attendees. When you are checked in to a guide you can be invited to meet other users using Meeting Booking.
Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI)
This area links users to more information about the CTLI, hosting organization for the Spring Conference, and the basic web version of conference information.
Notifications
Any notifications that have been sent to this guide will show in the Notifications feature. If you have signed in to the guide, notifications can be sent directly to you by the guide builder.
Conference Registration: Please note the two non-consecutive days of the Spring Conference on Teaching and Learning require two separate registrations.
Day 1: April 19, 2024: Synchronous, Virtual via Guidebook App/Site
Register for Day 2: May 1, 2024: In-Person, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center
After you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email with instructions on accessing the Conference’s Guidebook app, where you can build a personalized schedule, connect with others, add linked materials to your session’s discussion board and more!
If you have not yet downloaded the App, instructions are included here: 1) On your mobile device get guidebook here. Tap “Download the app” to access the guide on your iOS and Android device.AND /OR2) On your computer, access the conference schedule via guidebook online.
In-Guide Navigation
Tap on the icon in the top-left corner of the screen to access the navigation menu.
Once the menu bar is open, there are three icons on the right-hand side. You can search for content within the guide using the magnifying glass. The share icon will allow you to share the cover page URL if this is enabled for the guide. Tapping on the arrow circles will download the latest available updates to the guide.
Learn more about creating an account, signing in and managing your profile in Guidebook’s User Accounts support article.
Navigation
From the menu, you can access the various components of your guide. Guidebook provides a few different tools to help you get the most out of your event experience.
The guide builder may have named the menu items differently or used different icons for your guide than what you see in these examples. Tap on the menu items to explore everything in the guide.
Day 1 Info - Virtual
Here users will find information about accessing zoom and zoom best practices.
Day 2 Info - In Person
Here users will find information about parking at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center as well as the floorplan (map). Now that you know what’s happening and when you need to know where to go. You can tap on a location on the floor plan to see what sessions are happening there.
Schedule and Speaker Info
You can find everything you need to know about sessions in the Schedule. Tap on the dates at the top of the screen to navigate through the schedule. Tap on a session name to get more details. NOTE: you'll need to swipe (on mobile) or advance through the calendar to see the two dates of MSU's Spring Conference-- April 19, 2024 and May 1, 2024.Accessing virtual zoom presentations for the April 19th, Day 1, of the conference, please use the Guidebook App.
use the public Guidebook Link (shared via email)
go to the conference schedule in the left menu
click on the session you're interested in attending
when the session opens, you'll see a Blue zoom logo box with a "play icon"
if you want to add a reminder to your outlook calendar you can click the download button and an .ics file will be added to your computer's downloads
at the time of your event, click the play icon - write your name and MSU email, and click log in
you can choose to open zoom within Guidebook or "launch zoom"
zoom will open
You may see colorful dots on some sessions. These indicate schedule tracks, which are tags for sessions according to topic, intended audience, etc.
Below the session description text, you may see links to other items in the guide, surveys, PDFs, and/or website as additional resources.
If YouTube, Vimeo, or Twitch videos have been added to the session, you can play these in the header of the session details page. My Schedule
When exploring the schedule, you will see plus sign symbols next to session titles when viewing a schedule overview. Tap on the plus sign (+) to add a session to your My Schedule.
If you tap on a schedule session name to learn more about it, you will have the option to Add to My Schedule at the bottom of the screen. Tap this button to add the session to your My Schedule.
If the guide-builder has set space limitations and enabled registration for sessions, you will be required to log in to your account before you can add sessions to your My Schedule.
You can also create your own schedule items by tapping on My Schedule feature in the app and tapping on the plus sign (+) near the top-right corner. Add your personal session details, and click Save.
Personal schedules can be created and shared with others via My Schedule, learn more in Guidebook’s article on meeting booking.
My Notes
You can access Notes from the Notes menu item in a guide. You can also tap Create note or the note symbol from any schedule session or list item.
All notes are stored locally on your device. Tap on a note to edit, delete, or export/share it.
The export/share button looks like on Apple devices.
The export/share button looks like on Android devices.
You can also export/share all of your notes from the Notes menu item screen.
To be able to export/share your notes, sharing must be enabled in your guide under Guide Details > Privacy.
Share, Connect, Grow
The Interact feed is a great place to see what’s going on at your event. Read announcements, post pictures, find popular sessions, and have discussions with fellow attendees all in one place.
If you choose to log in, your profile will be public and you will show in the Connect list. You’ll be given suggested connections based on the interests you filled in upon onboarding (if the guide creator has set any). You can add a picture and modify your profile (if you would like to share information) and chat with other attendees. When you are checked in to a guide you can be invited to meet other users using Meeting Booking.
Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI)
This area links users to more information about the CTLI, hosting organization for the Spring Conference, and the basic web version of conference information.
Notifications
Any notifications that have been sent to this guide will show in the Notifications feature. If you have signed in to the guide, notifications can be sent directly to you by the guide builder.
Posted by:
Makena Neal

Posted on: #iteachmsu

Using Guidebook to Access the 2024 Spring Conference on Teaching and Learning
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