Upcoming Programs & Events

This course begins by equipping faculty to kick off their courses with motivationally-supportive tools and language designed to excite students for the semester ahead. Participants will learn about three key learning mindsets—Growth Mindset, Purpose & Relevance, and Sense of Belonging—and workshop strategies for leveraging these mindsets in a way that promotes equity while being customized to their own courses, teaching methods, and styles of communication.

• The first part course will be offered from January 6th-January 17th. This course will require approximately 20 hours over the two weeks containing both synchronous and asynchronous components. There will be a live virtual kickoff event on Monday, January 6th, at 10 am PT. The event will be recorded and shared with those unable to attend. The remainder of the course will be asynchronous and can be completed as your schedule allows. We totally understand if you are not able to complete the first part of the course by January 17th. The good news is that you can complete it up until the end of April. You may get less feedback if you complete it later, but we know how busy everyone is and we want to accommodate you.
• The second part will be offered from February 24th-28th and will require approximately 2-3 hours over a one-week period. It will also be asynchronous.
• Your time is valuable, and you are valuable, and we want you to know that we truly value you! Each member this year's cohort will receive $500 compensation for completion of the ML course.
• This training is also available to graduate TAs so everyone in a teaching role can be well-versed in motivational mindsets conducive for learning.

register for Motivating Learners Course

Getting classes ready

If lecturers want to begin preparing courses in Canvas before they have access to CPP’s Canvas, they can do so: Go to Instructure.com and sign up for a free teacher account. Build courses there, then when ready download the course package and upload it to CPP Canvas (CAFE Canvas team can help with this).

Using Canvas

• CAFE’s self-enrollable Introduction to Teaching with Canvas: A basic introduction for faculty who are new to using Canvas. Learn to maintain a current syllabus, maintain an up-to-date gradebook, communicate with students, and provide instructional materials that are accessible to students with disabilities. Requires CPP login.
• LinkedIn Learning “Learning Canvas”: A basic introduction for faculty who are new to using Canvas. Learn how to set up a class, add assignments, grade in Canvas, communicate with students, add multimedia, and leverage Canvas for student success. Requires CPP login or a LinkedIn Learning account.
• CAFE’s Canvas support page: Video playlists, tutorials, and CAFE contact information. Does not require CPP login.
• canvas@cpp.edu: Send a request for Canvas help or consultation; a member of CAFE will respond

Effective Teaching Strategies

• Course Design for Cal Poly Pomona: Focuses on course design for first-gen students. Supports faculty to create courses that are informed by knowledge of the Cal Poly Pomona student body and our institutional mission and values. Does not require CPP login.​
• Fall 2024 Syllabus Packet: Explanation of CPP's syllabus policy, checklist for meeting the policy requirements while using inclusive practices, and three annotated sample syllabi with similar content but varying styles, including statements about AI; faculty may freely use any of the content. Does not require CPP login.

Getting Help in General

• "Everybody's Mentor": Starting in August, Lisa Kessler, CAFE faculty associate, provides individual, confidential consultation and coaching. Email Lisa to set up an appointment.
• Talk to Victoria Bhavsar confidentially any time: Email Victoria to set up an appointment.
• Get help from CAFE M-F 8am-5pm: canvas@cpp.edu | CAFE’s Studio 6 at 909-869-3099

• National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity: Many webinars and online resources to support scholarship & career development. Especially see Every Summer (or Semester) Needs a Plan and How to Align Your Time with Your Priorities. Here’s how to access your membership.
• Teaching for Student Success podcast: Excellent research-based episodes with outstanding educators - hosted by a CSU faculty member.
• Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons From the Science of Learning, 2nd Ed.: Meaningfully updated with new material.

All students should have the joy of learning, the freedom to grow, and the benefits of education! Accessibility of course materials and Universal Design for Learning helps make that vision a reality. In this self-paced, self-enrollable, certificate course get background and practical strategies, and also develop empathy for the needs of all students.

Self-Enroll in Fundamentals of Accessibility

If you're new to Canvas or you want a refresher on basics, the self-enroll Intro to Teaching with Canvas Course will allow you to walk through basic steps for using Canvas to offer a good experience for your students (and therefore an easier experience for you). Go to the course to self-enroll with your Cal Poly Pomona Bronco credentials.

Self-Enroll in Intro to Teaching with Canvas