Use these resources to prepare before students arrive, organize the course environment, plan the first day and week, and connect students with support early in the semester.
Semester Start Essentials
Start here for key dates, course setup, syllabus/course preparation, assignment planning, and AI expectations before the semester begins.
- LMU Academic Calendars - Confirm key dates, add/drop deadlines, holidays, and term deadlines.
- LMU Final Exam Schedules - Confirm final exam dates and times when planning the course schedule.
- Brightspace Starter Tasks for Faculty - Prepare course sites, rosters, visibility, and basic course tools before classes begin.
- Syllabus and Course Design - Review syllabus, course-policy, and course-design resources.
- Assignment Design - Design or revise assignments that communicate purpose, task, process, and criteria.
- AI in Teaching & Learning - Review AI-use guidance, course-policy examples, and AI-aware assignment strategies.
First Day and First Week
Use the opening days to spark curiosity, communicate how the course will work, and invite students into an active learning community.
- Chronicle of Higher Ed: How to Teach a Good First Day of Class - Guide to planning an opening class meeting that sparks curiosity, builds community, and introduces the course's intellectual path.
- Faculty Focus: Making Memories on the First Day of Class - Ideas for using the first day to preview meaningful learning moments, activities, and assignments.
- Engaging Students on the First Day and Every Day - Suggestions for using the first day to support ongoing engagement throughout the semester.
Student Navigation and Early Support
Help students know where to begin, how to participate, and where to find support.
- Quality Matters: Eight Ways to Clean Up Your Courses - Practical course-readiness tips, especially for online, hybrid, or LMS-heavy courses.
- Brightspace Support - LMU guidance for using Brightspace to organize materials, communicate with students, and support engagement.
- Building Trust with Students-Even before Class Starts - Guidance on early communication and trust before class begins.
- Resources for Supporting First-Gen Students - LMU resource for supporting first-generation students.