Carnegie Mellon University
Leadership  ›  The Provost  ›  Campus Communications  ›  2023  ›  Fall Course Planning and Preparations for Pittsburgh-based Faculty
August 09, 2023

Fall Course Planning and Preparations for Pittsburgh-based Faculty

Dear Faculty Members and Course Instructors:

As we approach a new academic year, I am writing to share some reminders and information I hope will be helpful as you prepare your course materials and syllabi. Please take a moment to review the information below.

Preparing Your Course Syllabi

Before adding your course syllabi to the syllabus registry by the first day of class with the new easy upload tool, there are several resources and reminders that you can review. As you prepare you syllabi, please:

  • Familiarize yourself with the Fall 2023 Schedule of Classes and AY23-24 Academic Calendar.
  • Request your Canvas course via the Eberly Center’s new Request Form, which allows instructors to designate course tags related to CMU’s Core Competencies.
  • Explore the S3 Faculty Course and Grade Information Roster Guide [pdf] for instructions and tips on using S3 features related to academic activities, such as reserving and scheduling courses, using the persistence management screens and uploading grades.
  • Visit the Eberly Center’s Syllabus Updates Page for useful strategies and current information for your syllabi.
  • Review these FAQs on generative AI tools and teaching to consider adjustments for your teaching context. You may also wish to attend one of Eberly’s live sessions on this topic (in-person and remote options are available through Aug. 17). 
  • Keep the Fall Break (Oct. 16 - 20) in mind when planning assignments and projects. This break is meant to be a time for rest and restoration. Avoid assignments, large projects, or other activities with deadlines that immediately follow the break.
  • Note that Democracy Day is on Nov. 7. As part of this two-year pilot, classes will not be held before 5 p.m. and the university will offer programming and discussions on civic service and democracy.
  • Limit undergraduate course activities during the moratorium hours of 4:50 - 6:50 p.m. ET on weekdays to allow our students time to interact in intellectual, cultural, social and recreational campus-affiliated activities. Exception requests must be made to the University Registrar for explicit approval.

Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment

At CMU, we seek and cultivate diverse populations and perspectives and promote equity and inclusion. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging guide our values and serve as our foundation, including in the classroom. As you prepare for your courses and move through the semester, please:

Accessing Faculty Resources

The team in the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty offers support and resources to faculty and academic administrators. The Eberly Center brings pedagogical and technological considerations together to support faculty and graduate students in their roles as educators. These groups are here to help and guide during this planning time and throughout the academic year. Some of their resources include:

Finally, I invite you to attend my open office hours, where all faculty, staff and students are welcome to tell me what's on your mind, and share your experiences, ideas and aspirations for CMU.

Thank you for all that you do to make CMU a wonderful place to work and learn. I am looking forward to the start of the new year and to our continued partnership in delivering excellent educational experiences to our students and community.

Sincerely,

Jim Garrett
Provost and Chief Academic Officer