What about students who are not first-time students who fall through the cracks because it isn’t required for them, especially those who start in summer?
We may add summer sections if there is a need.
Who can teach Flashes 101?
We want instructors who are committed to undergraduate student success, whether they are faculty or staff. A job description can be found here. Per University Policy 3-02(B), instructors must have at least a master’s degree.
Is there a book required?
No. Common Reading is not part of the Flashes 101 curriculum.
Are there plans to assess/evaluate Flashes 101? How will you do it?
This is developing! We did a small assessment of the pilot in Fall 2022 with questions on the SSI, and also completed a pilot of a fully online section in Fall 2023. The evaluation plan will include formative assessment for instructors, assessment for the university level course, and focus groups to understand the student experience.
How will Flashes 101 be graded?
Flashes 101 will be graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U).
How will students sign up for a section?
Intentional advising during DKS. Sections will be identified as college-based or open.
Will we still have college or major specific sections?
During the extensive revisioning process, students indicated that they wanted to be with students who were from different majors, so many sections will be open or general sections. For 2023-24, we will offer some college specific sections. However, the purpose of Flashes 101 is to develop sense of belonging and help students feel part of a caring community. We will work with advising deans and coordinators to determine how content that is not aligned with the learning objectives can be shared with students.
What would happen if I go through the training and I don’t get assigned a section?
Sections will be assigned before the training takes place. Part of the application process will be your dean or supervisor signing off on the commitment to allow you to teach a section.
What will the training include?
Having the right faculty is of utmost importance and they will be extensively trained. The content will include an in-depth review of the learning objectives, curriculum and lesson plans; defining and understanding sense of belonging, and how to create/build a community, etc. The Center for Teaching and Learning is leading the training development.
This year, the training academy will take place on, May 18th and 19th, 9:00-4:00 both days. Instructors will be trained every year.