Connections Instructor Responsibilities Fall 2013 Connections instructors are often the first interaction that incoming students have with a college professor. Students in the course come from various academic and cultural backgrounds, and the advice and guidance of the instructor can go a long way in easing the transition for the students. While the curriculum for the course is standard across all 60 sections of Connections, each instructor is given the opportunity to infuse his or her own talents and perspectives into the course, making each section unique. Administration The Connections course is a joint effort between the academic and student service divisions of the university. Course content and structure are planned by the Connections Advisory Committee and academic oversight is provided by a sub‐committee of the general education sub‐committee, which reports to the Educational Policies Committee. The Connections Advisory Committee consists of lecturers and professors who have taught the course, as well as representatives from the Provost’s Office and Student Services (see http://www.usu.edu/connections/committee for a list of committee members). Training Training sessions are lead by the Connections Advisory Committee. First‐time instructors attend three training meetings for a total of 7 hours. Returning instructors attend two training meetings for a total of 5.5 hours. 
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First‐time instructor training: March 25 or 28 from 1:00‐2:30 p.m. (choose one) Training for new and returning instructors: April 3 or 4 from 2:00‐4:00 p.m. (choose one) Fall training for new and returning instructors: August 13 12:30‐4:00 p.m. (lunch provided) Instructors who aren’t able to attend these meetings can schedule alternate meetings with Lisa Hancock, the Connections administrator. Two optional brown‐bag discussion groups are held April 17 and August 7 at noon for new and returning instructors to share ideas, ask questions, and get more information about planning a successful Connections course. Additional brown bag discussions will be added as needed. Class and Syllabus Preparation The Connections course is unique in that the instructors are given course objectives, common assignments, and a portion of the course material. The instructor has the ability to customize the remaining course material (approximately 5 hours), teaching topics that he or she feels are especially relevant to the transition to college, as long as they fulfill the objectives of the course. A basic schedule and syllabus is provided, and instructors add information unique to their section before posting in Canvas. A sample schedule and syllabus can be seen at http://www.usu.edu/connections/instructors. For most instructors, course preparation includes the following: 
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Reading the book selected for the Common Literature Experience and incorporating its themes into class. Developing methods to teach assignments and curriculum that will resonate with new students and meet the objectives of the course (suggestions and resources are provided). Completing the course syllabus and schedule templates for the section and explaining how course objectives are met. 
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Customizing Canvas section with due dates, instructor information, and any other features that are specific to the section (Canvas training is available through CIDI). Collaborating with assigned peer mentor to determine ways he or she can contribute to the course. Communicating with students prior to August 13 to introduce yourself, provide reminders and information about the course, and answer questions. Connections Contact Hours Connections instructors stay with their students for the entirety of the course, accompany them to workshops, walk with them from point to point, and spend time getting to know the students. The schedule is designed so instructors can check in with their office in the morning, at lunch, and in the afternoon with the exception of one lunch that is spent together as a class. The Connections course involves the following face‐to‐face teaching commitment: 
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Wednesday, Aug 21 to Friday, Aug 23: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. with lunch from 12:00‐1:00 p.m. Instructors provide lunch and eat with their class one of these three days (budget provided). Saturday, August 24: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Two or three follow‐up sessions after the semester begins: instructors can choose two 75‐minute sessions or three 50‐minute sessions. Additional one‐hour follow‐up meeting held the week of October 14. This follow‐up is held after the courses is graded, and is meant for instructors to check in with their students prior to the deadline to withdraw from or pass/fail a course. Additional budget is provided for food. Wrap‐Up, Grading, and Evaluation Connections grades are due at the beginning of October. During September, instructors wrap up the course, which typically includes the following: 
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Grading assignments, inputting grades into Canvas, and exporting grades into Banner. The Connections office provides graders for some of the assignments. Submitting receipts for reimbursement. Submitting an instructor evaluation to provide feedback to the Connections office. Communicating with students to remind them of assignment due dates, answer questions about grades, and wish them well on their first semester. Additional Follow‐Up Sessions Students are encouraged to attend two optional follow‐up sessions after the course is graded. One is held by instructors the week of October 14 so the instructor can check in with students and give advice regarding the deadline to withdraw from a class or change to the pass/fail grading option. The second optional follow‐up is held by the orientation staff on November 6 during Common Hour to remind students how to register and refresh some of the information given during SOAR. Connections instructors are not required to attend the November follow‐up. Resources The Connections office provides the following resources for instructors: 
Peer mentor: A student from the orientation staff is assigned to one or two Connections classes. The objective of the peer mentor is to get to know the students in these classes so that the students feel comfortable coming to them with questions throughout the year. Peer mentors can be a valuable source of student input, and can help the instructors plan and even teach portions of the course. 
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Training manual: The training manual outlines course objectives, describes course assignments, and provides resources and ideas for teaching the curriculum. Several online resources can also be found at www.usu.edu/connections under the instructor link. Student handbook: Each student receives a student handbook at orientation that also includes a weekly planner. Instructors are given a copy of this during the spring training session. Paper or copy assistance: Instructors can make copies in the TSC Copy Center on the Connections account if needed. The Connections office can also provide reams of paper if the instructor wants to use a photocopier in his or her home department. Budget: Instructors are given $200 to provide lunch and activities for their class. Some businesses in Cache Valley have created a Connections account, allowing instructors to charge food purchases to the university. Instructors are reimbursed if they use other vendors for food or merchandise. Specific information about university reimbursement guidelines will be given in training. Summary of Responsibilities  Return Extra Service Compensation form with application if receiving compensation via payroll deposit.  Attend training sessions in the spring and in August. Brown bag lunch trainings are optional.  Read the Common Literature selection The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, and incorporate its themes into your class.  Complete course schedule, post it to Canvas, and forward a copy to the Connections committee along with a brief explanation of how course activities relate to course objectives.  Customize Canvas section with due dates, instructor information, etc.  Collaborate with assigned peer mentor in planning and teaching the course.  Email your students prior to August 13 to introduce yourself and the Connections course.  Teach the course Wednesday, August 21 through Saturday August 24 and either two 75‐minute or three 50‐minute follow ups the first weeks of fall semester.  Plan and provide lunch for your class one day between August 21 and 24 (budget provided).  Lead an additional follow‐up the week of October 14 to check in with students and give advice regarding the drop, pass/fail deadline.  Communicate with students about due dates, course requirements, etc.  Grade assignments, maintain gradebook in Canvas, and export final grades to Canvas by October 7.  Respond to emails from students after grades are submitted to resolve any grading questions or disputes.  Submit itemized receipts to Connections office by October 7. Instructor Contract Upon completion of the above responsibilities, you will be paid $1200 by either departmental fund transfer on November 1, or by personal payroll deposit in two installments of $600 on October 1 and November 1 (must submit a signed Extra Service Compensation form with this application). If selected as a Connections instructor for fall semester 2013, I agree to fulfill the responsibilities associated with teaching the Connections course as outlined above. Signature_____________________________________________________ Date ________________ Department Head/Director_______________________________________ Date________________