As you are about to begin the semester, you might have some of the following questions on your mind:

How can I learn the details of my teaching assignment?

When you meet with your department chair or head, bring along a copy of the Determining your Teaching Responsibilities checklist (pdf) in order to ensure that you find answers to important questions.

What needs to be included on a syllabus?

See #9 of University Senate's Classroom expectations Guidelines to learn what the U of MN requires you to include on your syllabus. The University of Minnesota's Syllabus Tutorial provides examples of each of the required sections for a syllabus.

What should I do before I meet the class for the first time?

• visit the room you'll be teaching in
• consider your technology needs
• access your class list and student pictures to get a jump start on learning student names

What needs to be accomplished on the first day of class?

This is indeed one of the most important days of the semester. The article "Quick Before It Dries" by University of Minnesota faculty member Steve Adams provides some useful suggestions.

Want more Ideas?

• Take a look at this site "101 Things to Do in the First Three Weeks of Class."
• Are you looking for ways to "break the ice" with your students during the first class session? This resource is a collection of icebreaker games and team building exercises: "Icebreakers, Games, and Fun Group Activities"
• Are you teaching with TAs? If so, visit Strong TA/Supervisor Relationships for strategies on developing good working relationships.

Other Questions

• Contact Connie Tzenis at tzeni001@umn.edu.
• Please don't hesitate to contact us at the Center for Teaching and Learning with any teaching-related issues or concerns.
• For a quick answer to a question, contact a teaching consultant through Help! There's A Student in My Office.