Launching into Fall: Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) Orientation
At the University of Alberta, we strive to prepare students to become “well-rounded graduates who are positioned to drive change, think and engage critically, lead in new and emerging fields and enhance connections between Alberta and the world.”
Academic Teaching Staff (sessional instructors) are crucial to the University of Alberta’s teaching mission and commitment to delivering exceptional student learning experiences that equip students for success and to make an impact. The Centre for Teaching and Learning is rooting for you! Launching into Fall: Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) Orientation is designed to empower you with practical support as you take up your important role in U of A’s teaching and learning communities.
The Launching into Fall: Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) Orientation responds to your most immediate need by offering you the unique experience of:
- learning about campus resources supporting instructors and students;
- interacting with educational experts offering guidance on course design;
- access to educational technology specialists ready to answer your questions about U of A’s Learning Management System (LMS);
- meeting other sessional instructors teaching at the U of A.
Eligibility and Registration
The Launching into Fall: Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) Orientation is designed for U of A’s academic teaching staff.
Schedule and location
Fall offering:
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
CAB 281
or
Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Please note: August 20th and September 4th offer the same programming in different delivery modes to support the diverse needs of sessional instructors.
| Date and Time MDT | Session |
|---|---|
| Aug. 20, 2024 2 - 2:30 p.m. or Sept. 4, 2024 6 - 6:30 p.m. |
Getting started teaching at the U of A You are not alone, even if you are the lone instructor on your sessional course. This session sets you up with essential campus resources and the most common questions sessionals have about teaching at U of A, such as:
|
|
Aug. 20, 2024 or Sept. 4, 2024 |
Alignment across your course: Learning outcomes, assessment, engagement Are you offering a course for the first time or redesigning a course you inherited? Ensure it runs as smoothly as possible for you and your students, even if you are developing the course as it unfolds. Instructors will learn five concepts to align and balance their course, and, like a wheel, this will provide a smooth ride for both the instructor and students. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to reflect on how these five concepts can be implemented and aligned in your course. |
|
Aug. 20, 2024 or Sept. 4, 2024 |
Getting setup in eClass* Join Maxim from the IST eClass Support Team to answer your questions about getting set up in eClass. Submit your questions upon registration or during this session. Get to know the people who know eClass! *Please bring your device for the eClass session. |
August Teaching institute
The Launching into Fall: Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) Orientation participants are strongly encouraged to attend the August Teaching Institute (August 14-15). This two-day program complements the Launching into Fall: Academic Teaching Staff (ATS) Orientation by providing you with evidence-based teaching strategies and hands-on activities where you will begin to develop teaching-focused skills and techniques before taking them back to your teaching context. More information about these sessions will soon be available on the CTL website and through the university’s communication channels.