New Faculty Teaching Support
The CTLT provides programs and services designed specifically to support all new faculty (1-3 years): tenure track, lecturer and teaching staff. Our scholarship-grounded services and programs support exemplary, state-of-the-art teaching, and we provide opportunities for faculty to connect with campus resources and one another throughout the year. This page describes resources, opportunities, and events designed for newer faculty. If you would like to join the Newer Faculty listserv for periodic updates and notices of opportunities, please contact the CTLT (ctlt@calpoly.edu)
Effective Teaching Practices Program
Academic Year 2021-22
This year-long, comprehensive professional development opportunity provides newer faculty with a solid foundation of effective teaching practices at the outset of their university teaching career at Cal Poly. Participants complete 25 modules in a well-designed online curriculum from ACUE (Association of College and University Educators) and in the process earn ACUE's Certificate in Effective College Teaching. More information is available at the Effective Teaching Program home page.
Registration for the 2021-22 Effective Teaching Program coming soon
Getting Started With Canvas
Canvas is Cal Poly's learning management system (LMS), which is an indispensable platform for teaching your courses and connecting with your students. All courses are automatically created each quarter with the students automatically enrolled. Canvas is easy to learn and use and provides an ample set of tools for engaging students and managing course activities. The CTLT provides an extensive menu of tutorials, guides, and workshops, as well as staff support during work hours. Here's the link to the Canvas Support home page. Below are links to a few specific resources that may be of most interest for those new to Canvas:
Workshops on Teaching and Learning
The CTLT offers workshops on a wide range of teaching-related topics, including a growing set of self-paced workshops. Workshop announcements appear in weekly CTLT newsletters and information on current offerings are available on our Workshops page. Check frequently for updates.
Confidential Consultations
CTLT's instructional designers and directors are available to all Cal Poly faculty (full or part-time) for confidential consultations on teaching effectiveness. All CTLT staff hold advanced degrees, have years of experience as faculty developers, and bring experience teaching at the university level. These can be opportunities to problem solve specific challenges, to consider and implement new methods, or to explore instructional innovations. Appointments are available for online sessions or on campus.
Course Enrollment Procedures and Essential Policies
All faculty need to understand Cal Poly's student registration process and course rosters, how to handle enrollment wait lists, how to submit grades, etc. They also need to understand and comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other such policies. Resources and training guides are provided on the Office of the Registrar's website (scroll down to the Faculty Training section).
CSU Red Folder - Students in Distress
Eventually, every faculty member faces episodes when they will be called on to help a student who are in distress, a danger to themselves or a threat to others. Instructors can be consequential in recognizing and responding to students in need and help them find support. The CSU Red Folder is a reference guide customized for Cal Poly that contains safety tips and contact information for a wide variety of emergency resources so that faculty are better prepared to help. Online access to the Red Folder is always available through the Cal Poly Portal, under the Staff and Training Tab.
Other Cal Poly Resources for Newer Faculty
Employee And Organizational Development
- New Employee Orientation
- New employee resource page
- New employee frequently asked questions
- Learning opportunities
