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The Center for Teaching and Learning hosts many training sessions throughout the year, and individual training sessions may also be scheduled.
Faculty are encouraged to adopt the following instructional practices in all courses:
- Order textbooks in sufficient time such that texts are available to students on the first day of class.
- Provide access to the course syllabus according to the DSU Policy 2:37 and posted three (working or days) on the university’s learning management system (currently D2L).
- Provide feedback to students within the first four weeks of classes.
- Use the Early Warning System (TrojanConnect) to provide feedback to the student and to advisors.
- Provide meaningful mid-term grades for students.
- Post assignments and grades via the learning management system (currently D2L).
- Turn semester grades in by the posted deadline.
Faculty are encouraged to integrate technology into their instruction. Examples may include using technology for formative assessment, video creation, collaboration, and simulations. The information in this handbook is not intended to be a comprehensive explanation of best practices associated with technology integration and resources, but instead a jumping-off point to learn more.
Integration FrameworkOne particular framework that can help provide guidance and ideas for faculty on technology integration is University Design for Learning-a framework that helps educators meet the needs of all students by focusing on engaging students, representing information in multiple ways, and allowing students to demonstrate their learning. Elements of engagement include such strategies as student collaboration, formative assessment, peer reviews, choice boards, and such technology tools as Quizizz, Kahoot, Nearpod, Microsoft Teams, Google Docs, Google Jamboard, D2L Discussion Board, and Floop. Elements of representation include such strategies as online articles, videos, podcasts, presentations, animations, and screencasts, and such technology tools as Powerpoint, Keynote, Google Slides, Panopto, Youtube, Nearpod, and Loom. Elements of expression include such strategies as creating a video, infographic, ebook, or podcast; writing a paper; or giving a presentation. The associated technology tools include Adobe Express, Canva, Book Creator, Word, Google Docs, and Microsoft Teams. For further information, see the Center for Teaching and Learning and the CTL Knowledge Base.
Assessment is the systematic collection, review, and use of data in order to improve student learning. Assessment activities take place across all levels: assignment, course, general education, and degree program. While there are specific assessment requirements set out by the BOR and DSU, assessment is also conducted by each individual faculty member. The Assessment Handbook provides guidance for faculty to implement assessment within their own courses as well as providing the procedures for mandatory assessment activities. The Academic Assessment Coordinating Committee provides structural oversight for assessment activities on campus. See the Assessment Handbook (coming soon).
The DSU academic catalog is the most convenient source for up-to-date information on academic policies, academic dates, general education requirements, etc. The catalog lists requirements for all degree, majors, minors, specializations, and certificates. The catalog is updated each academic year to reflect changes. Curriculum is connected to the catalog year for the student. For policies, however, the newest policy applies to all students regardless of catalog year.
DSU is part of the South Dakota Board of Regents system, and BOR policies govern curriculum policies. Curriculum proposals should be initiated by faculty at the program level. These suggested changes should be discussed by those closely connected to the class or program. This group should work with the dean or provost to determine the proper forms to formalize the proposal. The modification is presented to the college first. If approved, it will move forward for review by the greater campus community.
Minor changes are reported to the Board of Regents for informational purposes, but campus action is all that is required. Substantive changes are reviewed by the other state universities and the board’s staff before being discussed by the Academic Affairs Council and Board of Regents. Minor course modifications include course name, course description, prerequisites, co-requisites, and credit hours. Minor program modifications include exchanging one required course for another and modifying the list of options in a list. Substantive program modifications include program name, changes to credit distribution (required vs. elective) and adding a specialization. See Academic Affairs Guidelines.
Curriculum Deadlines - To allow processing at the university and the system levels, all curriculum changes intended for the following fall semester is due to the Provost Office by December 31. Curriculum changes include:
- Minor program modifications
- Adding or removing a course from a program that does not change the nature of the program, distribution of courses in the program, or change the total credit hours required
- Revising courses within a program
- Substantive program modifications
- Changes to the total number of courses or credits required in the program
- Changes to the distribution of courses or credits within the program
- Changes to a program name
- Changes to a CIP code
- Changes that alter the nature of the program
- Changes that impact more than 25% of the curriculum
- New courses or changes to existing courses
- General Education changes
Class schedules and teaching assignments are determined at the college level. The dean and program coordinator draft the schedule based on course rotations and enrollment projections. This schedule is sent to the registrar about one year in advance. Sections with low enrollment may be combined or cancelled. Sections with high enrollment, or a sizeable waitlist, may necessitate the addition of a new section. The Board of Regents lists classes offered each semester.
Faculty unit members whose time is not fully obligated may be offered course assignments to teach during the summer session. See the DSU Workload Guidelines.
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