Faculty Toolbox

Making strong connections each semester is key.

Now, more than ever, it is important for students to be making connections with their peers, faculty, staff and resources on campus. Encourage students to arrive early to class, in-person or remotely, to get to know other students and their instructors. For tips on what to say to professors, students can check out this page on the Student Success website. Students should also attend Welcomefest events to meet their peers and get connected to campus resources remotely and in-person.

 * unique and important for the spring semester: Awareness of early deadlines is important for this and future semesters.

We are only few days into the new semester which brings excitement but also urgency in relation to early deadlines that can contribute to student success. Encourage students to visit the academic calendar to find deadlines related to schedule changes, payment arrangements and refunds. If students are planning on applying for scholarships to cover costs next year, they should visit the scholarship website to access opportunities. Some scholarship deadlines may have already passed, so let students know now is the time to submit the required information.

Additional tips to help this week:

1. Give a quick tour of your Blackboard class: Every course is organized differently and students are sometimes overwhelmed with navigating multiple courses designed completely differently.
2. Explain SEAS (Student Early Alert System): Help students understand that these notifications come from a place of concern and interest in their personal academic success. The messages should not be seen as punitive, and students are invited to contact you to discuss their academic success specific to your class.
3. Encourage students to attend the Syllabus Party next week (Tuesday): Hosted by Student Success, this annual event helps students get organized by offering dedicated time and place to which students can bring their syllabi from all of their classes while a member of our staff gives assistance in putting a plan and schedule together for the semester. Offered on the second Tuesday of each semester from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the RSC.

Office Hours are Student Hours

Often, students don’t ask their instructors for help because they don’t know how. As faculty and staff, we know that “student" hours - or “office" hours - are when instructors set time aside in their office to help students. But to students, many of whom are first-generation, those may be interpreted as hours that instructors are in their offices working and should not be bothered. You can help students feel more confident in asking for help from their instructors by explaining that “office” hours really mean “student” hours, which can be found and explained on their class syllabus.

Additional tips to help this week:

1. Review the syllabus - again: The first day and week of classes can be overwhelming. Students develop a new routine each semester and would benefit from reminders such as where to find the grading scale, your preferred style of communication, how to visit you during student (office) hours, how to schedule appointments with you, etc. Keep in mind, most students are navigating multiple classes, expectations and instructor preferences.
2. Disability Services:  Encourage students to communicate any accommodations approved by the Office of Disability Services to you early. If they aren't sure if they qualify for services, review the Disability Services website in class with all students.

Effective time and priority management is a skill all students need.

Time management will always be one of the biggest challenges for all college students. Managing priorities, getting used to a new study schedule, juggling multiple life roles and trying to meet all academic deadlines and expectations can become overwhelming. Students can find tips and resources on how to better manage their time on the Student Success website here.

Additional tips to help this week:

1. Provide a list of academic support services for your class: Share the free services that exist to support your class. Students can start at the Shocker Learning Center to see what tutoring and/or Supplemental Instruction services are available to them. They will be connected to existing services such as the Math Lab, Writing Center, GEEKS, the PASS program, TRIO, etc. if they qualify.
2. Test preparation and test anxiety resources: The first round of exams/quizzes and projects tend to start happening this week and next. For help with test preparation, students can visit this help page. For test anxiety, students should seek assistance from CAPS (Counseling and Prevention Services).

Mental health advocacy.

The pandemic has elevated our awareness of the importance of mental health. Support students both in and out of the classroom by committing to become a mental health advocate. You can help spread the message of mental health support in several ways.

1. Go to suspenders4hope.com and complete the #WeSupportU Preventing Suicide Training to help give you more tools for supporting our students who may be struggling.
2. Follow, like and share @ShockersCAPS on your social media channels to help the message of hope reach students.
3. Wear a Suspenders4Hope shirt as a visual display of your support for mental health and to help decrease mental health stigma. Shirts are free for Shockers who complete the training and available for purchase in the Shocker Store. Wear them often, especially on Fridays.
4. Participate in the #WeSupportU Mental Wellness in the Classroom card project. This project is designed to give you a series of short 5-10 minute exercises you can do with any group of students to promote well-being and connectedness. You may request a set of cards here.

Student success hinges on strong study skills.

The earlier students establish strong study habits and learning skills, the better they will perform as they persist to graduation. It’s never too late to try new tactics to improve learning. Encourage students to quiz themselves or other classmates on class concepts, create questions from assigned readings to ask during class, or form a study group with other motivated students to improve academic performance. Study tips and resources can be found at on this page of the Student Success website. Additionally, students can get help from Peer Coaches in the Shocker Learning Center, take the LASSI (Learning And Study Skills Inventory) online and complete online modules to strengthen study skills, or meet with a Success Coach for support throughout the semester.

Additional tips to help this week:

1. Review any changes to the academic calendar: If you have made adjustments in the course schedule in relation to when assignments, quizzes, projects, etc., are due, be sure to review them early so students can plan accordingly. Also share any changes in expectations of classroom engagement, communication, etc.
2. Share the university values on freedom of expression: Share the website which has a number of resources on it, including a Blackboard-ready curriculum packet prepared by OIR.

Getting to know faculty has many benefits for student success.

Students can feel anxious about approaching their professors and sometimes need encouragement to interact with them. Positive connections with faculty can pay off in terms of feeling more comfortable in class, getting references for jobs or graduate school and advising about career options. If students need a few tips on how to approach and talk to their professors, share this link and remind them that you are their best resource for academic success in your class. Remind them how to communicate with you, where and how to visit you during student (office) hours and how to schedule an appointment with you.

Additional tip to help this week:

1. Classroom involvement: If you are beginning to see a lack of class participation, review the expectations for involvement. Give students hints on how they can best engage in your class with you and their classmates. Do you encourage questions? Do you expect frequent posts in discussion boards in Blackboard? Do you expect contributions in classroom discussions? Do you want them to turn on their cameras during class?

This is a critical time to check-in with students.

This time of the semester often brings increased stress and sickness. Student Health Services, Counseling and Prevention Services and Campus Recreation offer many opportunities for students to relax and create or maintain a balanced lifestyle, but students sometimes still need a little help. These resources and others work together to create a community of care and help students maximize their potential for success. Share the following resources to help students develop balance.

1. CAPS (Counseling and Prevention Services)
2. Student Health
3. Campus Recreation

If you are concerned about a member of our community, submit a concern to the CARE Team at www.wichita.edu/care.

Additional tip to help this week:

1. Review the mid-term information for your class: Remind students what type of exam/quiz/project/assignment/etc. they will have and how and when it is due. Share hints on how to effectively study and/or prepare and if possible, allow for review time during class.

ENROLLMENT STARTS SOON!

The time is now to help prepare students for enrollment in next semester’s classes. Many degree programs require meeting with a faculty member or an advisor prior to enrolling in courses. Encourage students to check their student accounts to be sure nothing is preventing them from enrolling. For contact information, scheduling information and locations of advising centers, visit www.wichita.edu/advising.

It's time for students to check their progress.

Before much more time passes, students should be checking their progress in their classes and reflect on the goals they set for themselves at the beginning of the semester. Show them how to find their grades in Blackboard and promote participation in academic success programs that exist if they are worried about their academic performance. They can go to the Shocker Learning Center if they don't know what exists or where to start. To find information on tutoring, including how to request a tutor, visit the tutoring website. If students need someone to help them focus and set a plan for the rest of the semester, they can email student.success@wichita.edu to request a meeting with a Success Coach, or schedule directly from the Success Coach website.

Additional tip to help this week:

1. Revisit the academic calendar: There are still important dates coming up for students, including the last day to withdraw from a class with a "W." Share the academic calendar again with students do they can begin to prepare for next semester early.

Shockers Think 30.

As enrollment will soon be underway, students should consider how they can complete 30 credit hours in one academic year. By enrolling in a combination of fall, spring and summer classes, students can remain on track with their degree programs and potentially shorten the time it takes to earn a degree. Some studies show that completing 30 hours each academic year increases academic performance and decreases student debt. Share the degree worksheets and checklists available from your programs with students in your classes. Encourage students to speak with their academic advisor if they do not have not declared a major or need assistance to develop an academic plan or run a degree audit in Degree Works.

Additional tip to help this week:

1. Share interesting academic opportunities students should consider: If there are interesting new courses, shorter part of term courses, certificate programs or applied learning experiences in your program that students would be interested in, let them know prior to enrollment for the next semester so they have time to talk to their advisor (or faculty) about it.

Exchange programs greatly enhance the student experience.

Wichita State has a number of programs that help students travel the country or the world while simultaneously working toward their degree and enhancing their student experience. Students should explore academic travel opportunities such as Study Abroad and National Student Exchange early so they can prepare financially and academically. Many academic departments also sponsor travel opportunities tied to specific classes - be sure to share any from your department with your students for early consideration. Encourage students to seek out these unique and often life-changing experiences as they prepare for future enrollment.

Additional tip to help this week:

1. Share information about the Shocker Support Locker: Resources may be running low for students at this point in the semester, and they may be in need for items to fulfill their basic needs from the locker.

Help students get career ready.

Helping students develop skills inside and outside of the classroom that employers are looking for is important for preparing them for life after graduation. Students should be working on their career ready competencies and strengthening them prior to graduation. If students are needing professional work experience in their field, they should explore applied learning opportunities.

Academic success resources help students finish successfully.

As students are working on final assignments for the semester, it’s important to share information about resources available to help them submit the best work they can. Resources like the Writing Center, Math Lab and Shocker Learning Center are great resources for students to utilize as they work on final projects. Some quick tips for helping students finish successfully include visiting you during student (office) hours for clarification on class content, forming study groups and cleaning and organizing dedicated study spaces for the final few weeks of the semester.

Finals. They don’t have to be stressful.

Finals is often portrayed as a stressful week, but it doesn’t have to be. With the proper preparation, finals can be stress-free. Review with students where and when your final is scheduled, what kind of exam will be given and let them know the supplies they will need in advance (blue books, pens/pencils, online software checks, etc.). Remind them to get plenty of sleep and consider making changes to their work schedules to accommodate extra study time. Additional resources are available on the Office of Student Success website. Students should also consult the finals schedule well in advance of finals week and develop a study plan for the remainder of the semester.

Semester reflection.

Students should take time to reflect on the past semester. Thinking about what went well and what that would change are important steps in maximizing their opportunity for future success. A number of resources are available to students including meeting with a Success Coach or a Peer Financial Coach in Student Success for assistance in setting goals, completing success plans or designing a financial plan to remain on the path to graduation. Considering future co-curricular opportunities are also important for students to consider. They should think about what applied learning experiences they are interested in as well as social and leadership opportunities, which can be found in Student Involvement.

Making strong connections each semester is key.

Now, more than ever, it is important for students to be making connections with their peers, faculty, staff and resources on campus. Encourage students to arrive early to class, in-person or remotely, to get to know other students and their instructors. For tips on what to say to professors, students can check out this page on the Student Success website. Students should also attend Welcomefest events to meet their peers and get connected to campus resources remotely and in-person.

Office Hours are Student Hours

Often, students don’t ask their instructors for help because they don’t know how. As faculty and staff, we know that “student" hours - or “office" hours - are when instructors set time aside in their office to help students. But to students, many of whom are first-generation, those may be interpreted as hours that instructors are in their offices working and should not be bothered. You can help students feel more confident in asking for help from their instructors by explaining that “office” hours really mean “student” hours, which can be found and explained on their class syllabus.

Student success hinges on strong study skills.

The earlier students establish strong study habits and learning skills, the better they will perform as they persist to graduation. It’s never too late to try new tactics to improve learning. Encourage students to quiz themselves or other classmates on class concepts, create questions from assigned readings to ask during class, or form a study group with other motivated students to improve academic performance. Study tips and resources can be found at on this page of the Student Success website. Additionally, students can get help from Peer Coaches in the Shocker Learning Center, take the LASSI (Learning And Study Skills Inventory) online and complete online modules to strengthen study skills, or meet with a Success Coach for support throughout the semester.

Getting to know faculty has many benefits for student success.

Students can feel anxious about approaching their professors and sometimes need encouragement to interact with them. Positive connections with faculty can pay off in terms of feeling more comfortable in class, getting references for jobs or graduate school and advising about career options. If students need a few tips on how to approach and talk to their professors, share this link and remind them that you are their best resource for academic success in your class. Remind them how to communicate with you, where and how to visit you during student (office) hours and how to schedule an appointment with you.

Before mid-term, students should check their progress.

Students should be checking their progress in their classes and reflect on the goals they set for themselves at the beginning of the semester. Show them how to find their grades in Blackboard and promote participation in academic success programs that exist if they are worried about their academic performance. They can go to the Shocker Learning Center if they don't know what exists or where to start. To find information on tutoring, including how to request a tutor, visit the tutoring website.  If students need someone to help them focus and set a plan for the rest of the semester, they can email student.success@wichita.edu to request a meeting with a Success Coach, or schedule directly from the Success Coach website.

Academic success resources help students finish successfully.

As students are working on final assignments for the semester, it’s important to share information about resources available to help them submit the best work they can. Resources like the Writing Center, Math Lab and Shocker Learning Center are great resources for students to utilize as they work on final projects. Some quick tips for helping students finish successfully include visiting you during student (office) hours for clarification on class content, forming study groups and cleaning and organizing dedicated study spaces for the final few weeks of the semester.

Finals. They don’t have to be stressful.

Finals is often portrayed as a stressful week, but it doesn’t have to be. With the proper preparation, finals can be stress-free. Review with students where and when your final is scheduled, what kind of exam will be given and let them know the supplies they will need in advance (blue books, pens/pencils, online software checks, etc.). Remind them to get plenty of sleep and consider making changes to their work schedules to accommodate extra study time. Additional resources are available on the Office of Student Success website. Students should also consult the finals schedule well in advance of finals week and develop a study plan for the remainder of the semester.

Additional tips to help:

1. Give a quick tour of your Blackboard class: Every course is organized differently and students are sometimes overwhelmed with navigating multiple courses designed completely differently.
2. Explain SEAS (Student Early Alert System): Help students understand that these notifications come from a place of concern and interest in their personal academic success. The messages should not be seen as punitive, and students are invited to contact you to discuss their academic success specific to your class.
3. Review the syllabus in class - again: The first day and week of classes can be overwhelming. Students develop a new routine each semester and would benefit from reminders such as where to find the grading scale, your preferred style of communication, how to visit you during student (office) hours, how to schedule appointments with you, etc. Keep in mind, most students are navigating multiple classes, expectations and instructor preferences.
4. Disability Services:  Encourage students to communicate any accommodations approved by the Office of Disability Services to you early. If they aren't sure if they qualify for services, review the Disability Services website in class with all students.
5. Provide a list of academic support services for your class: Share the free services that exist to support your class. Students can start at the Shocker Learning Center to see what tutoring and/or Supplemental Instruction services are available to them. They will be connected to existing services such as the Math Lab, Writing Center, GEEKS, the PASS program, TRIO, etc. if they qualify.
6. Test preparation and test anxiety resources: The first round of exams/quizzes and projects tend to start happening this week and next. For help with test preparation, students can visit this help page. For test anxiety, students should seek assistance from CAPS (Counseling and Prevention Services).
7. Classroom involvement: If you are beginning to see a lack of class participation, review the expectations for involvement. Give students hints on how they can best engage in your class with you and their classmates. Do you encourage questions? Do you expect frequent posts in discussion boards in Blackboard? Do you expect contributions in classroom discussions? Do you want them to turn on their cameras during class?
8. Review the mid-term information for your class: Remind students what type of exam/quiz/project/assignment/etc. they will have and how and when it is due. Share hints on how to effectively study and/or prepare and if possible, allow for review time during class.
9. Share interesting academic opportunities students should consider: If there are interesting new courses, shorter part of term courses, certificate programs or applied learning experiences in your program that students would be interested in, let them know prior to enrollment for the next semester so they have time to talk to their advisor (or faculty) about it.

Effective time and priority management is a skill all students need.

Time management will always be one of the biggest challenges for all college students. Managing priorities, getting used to a new study schedule, juggling multiple life roles and trying to meet all academic deadlines and expectations can become overwhelming. Students can find tips and resources on how to better manage their time on the Student Success website here.

Exchange programs greatly enhance the student experience.

Wichita State has a number of programs that help students travel the country or the world while simultaneously working toward their degree and enhancing their student experience. Students should explore academic travel opportunities such as Study Abroad and National Student Exchange early so they can prepare financially and academically. Many academic departments also sponsor travel opportunities tied to specific classes - be sure to share any from your department with your students for early consideration. Encourage students to seek out these unique and often life-changing experiences as they prepare for future enrollment.

Help students get career ready.

Helping students develop skills inside and outside of the classroom that employers are looking for is important for preparing them for life after graduation. Students should be working on their career ready competencies and strengthening them prior to graduation. If students are needing professional work experience in their field, they should explore applied learning opportunities.

Semester reflection.

Students should take time to reflect on the past semester. Thinking about what went well and what that would change are important steps in maximizing their opportunity for future success. A number of resources are available to students including meeting with a Success Coach or a Peer Financial Coach in Student Success for assistance in setting goals, completing success plans or designing a financial plan to remain on the path to graduation. Considering future co-curricular opportunities are also important for students to consider. They should think about what applied learning experiences they are interested in as well as social and leadership opportunities, which can be found in Student Involvement.

Additional tips to help:

1. Share the university values on freedom of expression: Share the website which has a number of resources on it, including a Blackboard-ready curriculum packet prepared by OIR.
2. Share information about the Shocker Support Locker: Resources may be running low for students at this point in the semester, and they may be in need for items to fulfill their basic needs from the locker.

Mental health advocacy.

The pandemic has elevated our awareness of the importance of mental health. Support students both in and out of the classroom by committing to become a mental health advocate. You can help spread the message of mental health support in several ways.

1. Go to suspenders4hope.com and complete the #WeSupportU Preventing Suicide Training to help give you more tools for supporting our students who may be struggling.
2. Follow, like and share @ShockersCAPS on your social media channels to help the message of hope reach students.
3. Wear a Suspenders4Hope shirt as a visual display of your support for mental health and to help decrease mental health stigma. Shirts are free for Shockers who complete the training and available for purchase in the Shocker Store. Wear them often, especially on Fridays.
4. Participate in the #WeSupportU Mental Wellness in the Classroom card project. This project is designed to give you a series of short 5-10 minute exercises you can do with any group of students to promote well-being and connectedness. You may request a set of cards here.

Check-in with students from time to time.

Mid-term often brings increased stress and sickness. Student Health Services, Counseling and Prevention Services and Campus Recreation offer many opportunities for students to relax and create or maintain a balanced lifestyle, but students sometimes still need a little help. These resources and others work together to create a community of care and help students maximize their potential for success. Share the following resources to help students develop balance.

1. CAPS (Counseling and Prevention Services)
2. Student Health
3. Campus Recreation

If you are concerned about a member of our community, submit a concern to the CARE Team at www.wichita.edu/care.

* UNIQUE TO EARLY SPRING: Awareness of early deadlines is important for this and future semesters.

We are only few days into the new semester which brings excitement but also urgency in relation to early deadlines that can contribute to student success. Encourage students to visit the academic calendar to find deadlines related to schedule changes, payment arrangements and refunds. If students are planning on applying for scholarships to cover costs next year, they should visit the scholarship website to access opportunities. Some scholarship deadlines may have already passed, so let students know now is the time to submit the required information.

Shockers Think 30.

As enrollment will soon be underway, students should consider how they can complete 30 credit hours in one academic year. By enrolling in a combination of fall, spring and summer classes, students can remain on track with their degree programs and potentially shorten the time it takes to earn a degree. Some studies show that completing 30 hours each academic year increases academic performance and decreases student debt. Share the degree worksheets and checklists available from your programs with students in your classes. Encourage students to speak with their academic advisor if they do not have not declared a major or need assistance to develop an academic plan or run a degree audit in Degree Works.

Additional tips to help:

1. Review any changes to the academic calendar: If you have made adjustments in the course schedule in relation to when assignments, quizzes, projects, etc., are due, be sure to review them early so students can plan accordingly. Also share any changes in expectations of classroom engagement, communication, etc.
2. Revisit the academic calendar: There are still important dates coming up for students, including the last day to withdraw from a class with a "W." Share the academic calendar again with students do they can begin to prepare for next semester early.