Resilient Course Planning 

As we start this semester, it’s a good time to think about your ability to adjust teaching approaches, deliver classes, and process grades in a timely and effective way, as it can be impacted by many different types of events, including, unexpected illnesses, university closures, work stoppages or other unforeseen disruptions.

A few key recommendations are to use Canvas or other learning management software, keep up on grading and ensure that the instructor of record has continuous access to student grades from the beginning of the semester and throughout.  Consider adding a statement to your syllabus along the lines of “The syllabus may change due to unexpected events.”

Suggestions for Resilience

from MTEI:

• Resilient Practices for Course Management
• Adapting to Class Cancellations
• Writing Final Exams and using Gradescope

from CTI:

• Teaching during periods of disruption

from the Graduate School:

• Maintaining Instructional Continuity in the Face of a Significant Disruption

Resources

from MTEI:  

• Writing Final Exams and using Gradescope

from CTI:  

• Gradescope for more efficient grading

from SDS:

• SDS Alternative Testing Program | Student Disability Services

Classroom Issues

If you encounter any issues with your classroom(s) please

• Use the ticket system for AV or facilities needs  https://tdx.cornell.edu/TDClient/66/Portal/Home/
• If the problem isn’t resolved, let MTEI, know by emailing Kathy Dimiduk, klc78@cornell.edu

Academic Concerns

This is a system where instructors can identify students who are struggling.  It triggers outreach to the student from the advising office.  You can reach the Academic Concerns on-line system via the “help” button in Canvas (lower left side of page).  For further information see

• Academic Concern Overview and FAQ
• Academic Concern syllabus statement – you can use this statement as is or modify.

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity remains a concern.  Please be clear with your students regarding your policy around collaboration, use of external resources and other academic integrity concerns.  Below are some resources, but if you have any questions about how to handle a situation or what our policies and practices are please feel free reach out to Alan Zehnder (atz2@cornell.edu)  directly.

• Advice for handling Academic Integrity issues and
• Academic Integrity (this is mostly directed to students)

Syllabus & Schedule Reminders

• Upload your syllabi for spring semester 2025 courses by logging onto the Class Roster – Spring 2025. (see “syllabi” button at top right).
  • checklist of required syllabus items
  • syllabus template developed by CTI that is compliant with NY State regulations.
• Key Academic Dates: 2024-2025 Key Academic Dates | Cornell University Registrar
• Work over breaks:  To give students time for rest and recovery, graded work should not be assigned over academic breaks.  Graded assignments (HW, quiz, exam, …) should not be due the day students return from break.  For details on the policy see Faculty Senate Resolution 191.
• Enrollment deadlines:  Students have three weeks, until Tuesday February 4, 2025, to add regular courses and five weeks, until Friday, February 21, to add independent study, research and project teams.  To promote compliance with NYSED credit hour policies, we are tightening up our practices. Petitions for late adds will typically be denied, so please work with your students to get them enrolled in time.
• Time conflict petitions are typically denied unless the conflict is just 5-15 minutes overlap.

Thank you so much for all your work and best wishes for the semester!