Sakai Message Of The Day Archive

Congratulations, Graduates!

blue and white graduation tassel with university of north carolina seal

University Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 14 at 9am
Kenan Stadium

Bryan Stevenson, renowned public interest lawyer and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, will deliver the keynote address at Carolina’s Class of 2023 Spring Commencement. Graduating Students, don't forget to review Spring Commencement opens in new window details. Also take a look at Check Your Tech opens in new window, the checklist for graduating students to know what steps to take before leaving UNC.


Final Course Grade Tips

set zero score for empty cells in course grade column

Check out our 5-item Gradebook Checklist opens in new window to verify your grades are calculated correctly. Also, here are important tips on calculating course grades in the Gradebook:


Tips on Sakai Tests - Don't Lose Your Exam Answers!

what students need to know about online tests in Sakai written on notebook

Using Sakai Tests & Quizzes? Check out our tips on Sakai Tests & Quizzes opens in new window.

Students -- Find tips on taking your tests online in Sakai, including using Firefox on a computer and testing your internet connection. To avoid potentially losing your answers, remain in one browser tab of Sakai for the entire duration of taking your test.

Instructors -- Find options to consider when setting up your exams and providing student accommodations.


Finals Boot Camp at the Writing and Learning Center!

finals bootcamp at the writing and learning center

Come study with the Writing and Learning Center during finals! Join any or all of the sessions in this shared study space to set study goals, study among other students, and end the semester strong! Finals Boot Camp will be at the Writing Center in SASB North 0127. Academic coaches will be available. Also check out these resources on preparing for finals opens in new window.

Finals Boot Camp
May 1, 2, 4, 5 from 12-5pm and May 3 from 10am-5pm
SASB North 0127 (Writing Center)
Register on Heel Life opens in new window


Don't Snooze on Your Finals!

soft white cat sleeping

Students - the end of semester is quickly approaching. Unsure of where to begin with your exam planning? Know your final exam schedule opens in new window and consider the Learning Center's Final Exam Planning Tools opens in new window, which include a class-by-class task table and planner!

If you qualify for an exam excuse opens in new window, requests should be made by April 27. You may need to see a dean and provide documentation. Exam excuses are commonly granted for the following reasons:

Note: Temporary grades of IN and AB factor into your GPA and can impact eligibility. See explanation of grading system opens in new window.


Make a Plan for Finals

studious ram wearing glasses with pencil in mouth

Finals week can be a busy and stressful time, but a solid plan can help you be more efficient and bring you peace of mind. Bring your finals schedule to the Make a Plan for Finals workshop, where the Writing and Learning Center share evidence-based learning strategies and help you create a finals study plan that will give you the best chance for success on your exams!

Make a Plan for Finals (Registration) opens in new window (Note: If you cannot access this direct page, go to heellife.unc.edu and search for the "Make a Plan for Finals" event)
Thursday, April 20
5:30-6:30pm
UL 205


Upcoming Canvas Training

Banner announcing we're moving to Canvas features Sakaiger and Canvas panda looking at transition map

Sakai may be used for teaching through Spring 2024, which means we're approaching the last summer Sakai is available for use. We strongly urge all instructors who have not yet made the switch to use this summer to start looking into teaching in Canvas. We have several live and recorded training opportunities available to help instructors make the switch.

Upcoming live training -- See all training and register for sessions opens in new window you wish to attend on our EdTech Blog!

Note: Sakai content from courses taught in Spring, Summer, and Fall 2022 has been migrated to Canvas. Look for your migrated archive sites on your Canvas Dashboard opens in new window or view All Courses opens in new window. Learn more about working with your migrated content in Canvas opens in new window.


No Draft? No Problem! The Writing Center is Here to Help

studious ram wearing glasses with pencil in mouth

Did you know you can check in with a coach at any stage of the writing process, even before you have a draft? If you want help brainstorming, outlining, or just talking through your plan, make an in-person or Zoom appointment with a Writing Coach opens in new window today!

If you already have a draft, you can submit a draft online opens in new window for feedback.


It's Faculty Showcase Week!

U-N-C center for faculty excellence logo

Instructors and instructional support staff -- Join us and teaching colleagues at our two-day event, the CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window, this Thursday and Friday! Check out the Faculty Showcase Program opens in new window and register opens in new window now to get access to all sessions. Registration closes March 22nd.

The Showcase highlights instructors from over two dozen disciplines as they share their work and perspectives on a wide range of instructional topics and of-the-moment academic concerns. Every session is designed to be relevant to those teaching in diverse fields and course contexts. This year’s event includes:


Consider Teaching in Canvas this Summer

Canvas panda in Carolina hat looks at migration map

The University is moving from Sakai to Canvas opens in new window and 40% of courses are already being taught in Canvas this spring. You can keep teaching in Sakai through Spring 2024, but you may want to move this summer to take advantage of migrated Sakai content available in Canvas. See details on summer courses and course migrations on our EdTech Blog opens in new window.

There are several ways to get help with the transition:

If you prefer to stick with Sakai for now, you can now create your Summer 2023 course sites opens in new window.


Adobe Creative Cloud

make it with adobe creative cloud

Students: Did you know you can sign up for the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite of apps at no extra cost to you? This includes Photoshop, Acrobat, and Illustrator!

Instructional faculty and staff: You too can apply for an Adobe Creative Cloud license.

To get a license, visit UNC Adobe opens in new window.


Faculty Showcase Program Announced

U-N-C center for faculty excellence logo

The CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window returns March 23-24 and the full program opens in new window is now available! This year's event highlights more than 40 instructors from over two dozen disciplines as they share their work and perspectives on a wide range of instructional topics and of-the-moment academic concerns. Every session is designed to be relevant to those teaching in diverse fields and course contexts. There will also be lunch and a conversation on teaching with Provost Chris Clemens. The Showcase is open to all UNC instructors and those in instructional support roles. Register opens in new window today to reserve your spot and get access to all virtual and in-person sessions!


The Carolina Across 100 POV Challenge

P-O-V Challenge to share your point of view to support North Carolina

Carolina Across 100 is hosting their UNC Engagement Week February 27 - March 3. Combine your skills and NC data to offer your own Point of View (POV) on the challenges facing NC's Opportunity Youth. Help them better understand this population from your POV by using a range of quantitative and qualitative data to create a visualization or other product (infographic, presentation, poster, can incorporate art, dance, etc.). See the POV Challenge opens in new window to learn more!

You can be an invaluable part of the partnership between our campus and NC's 100 counties over the next four years as the visualizations from this competition will be used to engage with communities across the state. Teams will also get a chance to win one of two $500 prizes!


Microsoft Authentication Changes Feb 27

microsoft authenticator app

Starting February 27, anyone who uses the Microsoft Authenticator app to verify their identity will use a new number matching process. This means when you go through MFA (multifactor) Authentication, you'll see a number that you will enter in the Authenticator app to verify it's you instead of the usual "push" notification. Microsoft is moving to "number matching" as a key security feature to prevent accidental approvals. See more details and screenshots of the expected change opens in new window.

Steps to take starting Feb. 27:

  1. You get a two-digit number on the device you’re signing in on, such as your laptop.
  2. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app (on your phone or other device). Enter the two-digit number.

CFE Conversations on Teaching: AI and ChatGPT

U-N-C center for faculty excellence logo

Since the launch of ChatGPT, an AI model that generates written content based on a natural language prompt, faculty across higher ed have engaged in discussions to consider the impact on how they teach and how they expect students to learn. The Center for Faculty Excellence plans to have faculty each week share examples of ways they have integrated ChatGPT into their course planning and student assignments while promoting academic integrity. Join other instructors to explore ideas on how to use AI and emerging tools critically to support the success of all Carolina students.

All instructors, faculty, grad students, TAs, and postdocs are welcome to register to attend these conversations:


SkillfUL Workshops at the Undergraduate Library

skillful tech workshops

Come learn a new skill at this upcoming SkillfUL workshop! All will be held in Room 124 in the Undergraduate Library and via Zoom. Registration opens in new window is required.

Create a Resume: Wed 2/15, 3:30-4:30pm
Need help creating an eye-catching resume or would like to spruce up your current one?  This session will cover how to create a resume to get you noticed.

Creating Presentations in PPT: Mon 2/20, 5:15-6:15pm
Presentations don’t have to be boring.  Learn some tips and techniques for creating an engaging presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint.

Introduction to WordPress: Wed 2/22, 3:30-4:30pm
Want to create a blog or website? Need help getting started? Join for an introduction to WordPress via tarheels.live. Create a website, online portfolio, or blog to reflect your time here at UNC. 


Gradescope Workshop Series

gradescope logo

Gradescope opens in new window is an alternate solution to assessing student work, including grading digitized paper-based assignments with open-ended questions. It is integrated with our learning management systems, Sakai and Canvas. The Gradescope vendor team is offering a workshop series open to faculty and TAs and focused on different use cases and course formats. Register for the sessions opens in new window you wish to attend to reserve your spot!

Covered topics:


CFE Conversations on Teaching: AI and ChatGPT

U-N-C center for faculty excellence logo

ChatGPT, an AI model that generates content based on a natural language prompt, has been in the news recently and sparked lively discussion on the implications of AI in the classroom. Join the Center for Faculty Excellence conversations on AI and ChatGPT. Participants will discuss how ChatGPT may change the way we approach education, how it could be integrated into the classroom, and share ideas and explore the potential and pitfalls of ChatGPT in education.

All instructors, faculty, grad students, TAs, and postdocs are welcome to register for either or both sessions:


Faculty Showcase Returns March 23-24

U-N-C center for faculty excellence logo

The CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window returns this March! The Showcase will be held March 23 via Zoom and March 24 back in-person at the Carolina Club. If you have not already, register today to reserve your spot!

This year's keynote address will be given by Dr. Paul Hanstedt, author of Creating Wicked Students: Designing Courses for a Complex World. Consider joining a CFE Pedagogy Reading Circle this spring to discuss Dr. Hanstedt's book and share teaching experiences and strategies at Carolina. Submit your interest opens in new window by Friday, January 20.


SkillfUL Workshops at the Undergraduate Library

skillful tech workshops

Come learn a new skill at this month's SkillfUL workshops! Both sessions will be held in the Media & Design Center Media Lab (lower level of Undergraduate Library). Registration opens in new window is required.

Intro to Equipment for Video Creation: Wed 1/18, 3:30-4:30pm
This hands-on session will introduce you to the equipment available for checkout in the Media & Design Center to help you create a video. Information on how to set up shots, how to edit your video, and what help is available from MDC Staff will be discussed.

Intro to Equipment to Create Podcasts: Wed 1/25, 3:30-4:30pm
This hands-on session will introduce you to the equipment and spaces available for reserve within the Media & Design Center that can assist you in creating your podcast. Information on software, setting up microphones, and getting assistance from MDC Staff included!


Create Your Spring 2023 Course Sites

baby sloth says no time to hang around because spring 2023 rosters are in Sakai

Don't forget to create your spring courses opens in new window and publish your sites opens in new window to give students access! In order to create your Sakai sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as Primary/Secondary/Proxy Instructor in ConnectCarolina for each of your rosters.

Important Notes:

New to Sakai? Use Canvas opens in new window instead! The University is moving from Sakai to Canvas and the last semester to teach in Sakai is Spring 2024. Learn more about Canvas updates for Spring 2023 opens in new window.


Consider Teaching in Canvas in SP23

Canvas panda looks at map

Have you heard the news? The University is moving from Sakai to Canvas opens in new window and over 30% of instructors already made the switch during the Fall 2022 semester. You can keep teaching in Sakai through Spring 2024, but you may want to move this spring semester to take advantage of migrated Sakai content available in Canvas. See Canvas updates for Spring 2023 opens in new window.

There are several ways to get help with the transition:

If you prefer to stick with Sakai for now, you can create your SP23 course sites opens in new window.


Happy Holidays, Tar Heels!

Winter views of the Old Well at U-N-C

We wish you all a happy, safe, and relaxing holiday season!

Sakai Help: If you need assistance with setting up your Sakai course site opens in new window, we recommend watching the video recording of the Crash Course on Teaching with Sakai opens in new window, broken down by topic on our EdTech Blog. You can also submit a help request opens in new window if you have questions. Please anticipate extended response times while the University is closed for Winter Break until January 3, 2023.

Consider Canvas: The University is moving from Sakai to Canvas. See Spring 2023 Canvas updates opens in new window and consider making the switch this spring!


Congratulations, Graduates!

university of north carolina seal on top of blue and white tassels

University Commencement Ceremony
December 11 at 2pm
Dean E. Smith Center

UNC English Professor, novelist, essayist, and illustrator Daniel Wallace will deliver Carolina's Winter Commencement address this weekend! Graduating Students, don't forget to review Winter Commencement opens in new window details. Also take a look at Check Your Tech opens in new window, the checklist for graduating students to know what steps to take before leaving UNC.


Prepare for Finals this week

finals bootcamp at the writing and learning center

Finals week can be a busy and stressful time, but a solid plan can help you be more efficient and bring you peace of mind. Join the Writing and Learning Center to prepare for your finals! Register for the sessions below that you'd like to attend and check out these resources on preparing for finals opens in new window.

Make a Plan for Finals
Nov. 29 @ 4pm | UL 124

Bring your finals schedule to this workshop, where the Center will share evidence-based learning strategies and help you create a finals study plan that will give you the best chance for success on your exams! Register to Make a Plan for Finals opens in new window.

Finals Boot Camp
Dec. 1, 2, 5-7| 12-5pm | SASB North 0127 (Writing Center)

Come study with the Center during finals! Join this shared study space to set study goals, study among other students, and end the semester strong! Academic coaches will be available. Register for Finals Boot Camp via Heel Life opens in new window.


Faculty Showcase Returns March 23-24

U-N-C center for faculty excellence logo

We’re excited to announce that the CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window will return in March 2023! The Showcase has provided instructors with an opportunity to learn from each other about promising teaching practices and to connect with colleagues across disciplines. To provide flexibility, the Showcase will be held virtually on day 1 and in-person at The Carolina Club on day 2. The Showcase is open to all UNC instructors, as well as faculty, staff, and students with instructional support roles. Save the dates and register now opens in new window!

CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching (March 2023):


Students - Help us keep campus digitally safe

Carolina Key opens in new window – UNC's passwordless login option – is now available to students. Read more about a future without passwords on ITS News opens in new window.

Students: Register your Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices with Carolina Key opens in new window. Learn more about Carolina Key opens in new window.

Faculty and Staff: In 2023, you'll become eligible for Carolina Key. Your IT director will let you know when you're eligible.

carolina key logo


Nov. 6 Reminder! Set Clocks Back 1 Hour

red alarm clock

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 6, so don't forget to set your clocks back one hour! When the clock should strike 2:00 A.M. on November 6, the time will fall back to 1:00 A.M. EST. Make sure you've got the correct time so you don't miss any assignment deadlines!


Long Night Against Procrastination

long night against procrastination

Need some academic motivation? Hitting a post-Fall Break slump? Jump start your papers and projects with support from librarians at the UL and coaches from the Writing and Learning Center! Join Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP), a motivating co-working event to help you power through your assignments. They'll help you set and complete goals, share study tips, and cheer you on as you cross those to-dos off your list. You'll also get a take-home snack bag and be entered into a raffle for giveaways!

LNAP will be Wednesday 11/2 from 7pm - 10pm, held simultaneously in two locations. Register for LNAP opens in new window and choose your location:


Consider Teaching in Canvas in SP23

Canvas panda looks at map

Have you heard the news? The University is moving from Sakai to Canvas and over 30% of instructors have already made the switch. You can keep teaching in Sakai through at least December 2023 (Sakai end date TBD), but you may want to consider moving this upcoming spring semester to take advantage of migrated Sakai content now available in Canvas. See Canvas updates for Spring 2023 opens in new window.

There are several ways to get help with the transition:

If you prefer to stick with Sakai for now, you can create your SP23 course sites opens in new window now because spring rosters are in Sakai!


LSN Peer Support

listen peer chat

When you need a little support, LSN peer volunteers can listen, talk through a problem, and identify resources around campus.  Trained LSNers are students just like you – they know what it’s like! Visit the Heels Care Network opens in new window and click on “Peer Chat” to start chatting with a LSNer.

LSN = Listen, Support, Navigate; pronounced listen


Single Sign-On Update Oct. 19

Starting this Wednesday, October 19th at 5pm, you'll notice a change to the Single Sign-On (SSO) page you use when logging into some university applications such as Sakai. The SSO page will initially only show an Onyen (or UNC Guest ID) field and a Next button instead of entry fields for both your Onyen and password. The SSO process is changing to enable the University's Carolina Key project for security improvements. Learn more about the changes opens in new window.

Single Sign on update shows Onyen field and Next button


University Research Week: Oct. 10-14

university research week asks what's next

As one of the top public research universities in the world, our faculty, students, and staff are motivated to explore, innovate, and discover. They’re committed to seeking answers that help our campus community and citizens of our state and beyond. This year, University Research Week opens in new window will highlight the incredible work Carolina researchers are doing across all disciplines as they strive to answer, What’s Next? Register for nearly 60 events celebrating discovery, including classes, panel discussions, webinars, and hands-on demonstrations!


NEW for Spring 2023 Registration! Reserved Seat Info Available

registration icons show green circle for seats available and purple diamond for reserved seats only

Students will now see the number of open and reserved seats available for a class before they register. The following colored icons will indicate the status of each class. Students can check the Class Details page to see if they qualify for a reserved seat. Learn more on the Undergraduate Registration FAQs opens in new window.


Intro to Gradescope: Scantron/Bubblesheets

gradescope logo

Gradescope opens in new window is the University's new tool to administer and grade online or digitized paper-based homework, quizzes, and exams with open-ended or multiple-choice questions. Gradescope results can also be integrated with the Sakai Gradebook. A training session is being offered through the Center for Faculty Excellence and OASIS to help faculty use Gradescope to effectively administer exams, grade, and deliver feedback to students in their courses. Register to learn more about Gradescope!


Virtual Lab

virtual lab logo

Looking for FREE software? You can access several apps anytime, anywhere, from your computer or mobile device on Virtual Lab opens in new window . Some of the apps include:


TAs Can't Grade?

Are Teaching Assistants not seeing students in the Gradebook or having trouble reviewing student submissions? It's best for TAs to be added to official course rosters in ConnectCarolina due to FERPA regulations. Instructors can also manually grant grading privileges through the Sakai Section Info tool. See more details on TAs & Grading opens in new window.

gradebook shows 0 students


Sakai Maintenance Outage: Aug 25 | 5-7 AM

Sakai will be unavailable for regular maintenance this Thursday, August 25th, from 5am - 7am (EDT).

Please note that Thursday mornings from 5am - 7am is the Sakai planned maintenance window opens in new window to add new features and apply any bug fixes. When maintenance is scheduled, an announcement will be posted at least 24 hours in advance on the Sakai landing page opens in new window and an alert will notify users within the system a few hours before Sakai is taken offline. Please plan accordingly. You may view expected updates and an archive of past plans on our Sakai Maintenance page opens in new window.

Thank you for your understanding as we continuously improve the system! Contact the ITS Service Desk opens in new window if you have any questions.


Start of Semester Tech Checklist

bright red and orange autumn leaves on trees behind tar heel bikes

Students, not seeing your course sites? Click the "waffle" icon in the top right to access your Sakai sites! You can also go to Home > Membership > My Official Course Enrollments to see if a site is available for your enrolled courses and published to students.

Instructors, here is a Tech Checklist opens in new window to help you get set up with all your tech needs for the start of classes! The checklist covers how to:

  1. Create your Sakai course site, add your syllabus, give students and TAs access
  2. Check your Classroom connection and setup
  3. Connect through Zoom
  4. Share videos through Panopto
  5. Engage students through Poll Everywhere

Join the CFE at Faculty Foundations

U-N-C center for faculty excellence logo

Faculty Foundations at the Center for Faculty Excellence is an annual event that connects new and early career faculty with CFE resources for teaching and learning, research, leadership, mentoring, and succeeding as a faculty member here at Carolina. This year’s event will take place both in-person and virtually August 8-12. See the CFE Faculty Foundations Program opens in new window for registration and details on the many sessions planned.


Learn New Skills through LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning logo

Did you know LinkedIn Learning is available to the UNC community? LinkedIn Learning is an on-demand learning solution designed to help you gain new skills and advance your career. You have the option to connect your personal LinkedIn profile as well. Log in through UNC LinkedIn Learning opens in new window.

With LinkedIn Learning, you get:


Touchless CCI Printing

phone with scan code in hand to submit touchless print job

Students, did you know you can submit print jobs to any campus CCI Printer directly from your phone? All you have to do is download the Pharos Print app, send print jobs from the app, and then scan the QR code on the sticker on the CCI Printer! See our EdTech Blog to find out how you can print through the Pharos Print App opens in new window on any mobile device.


CFE Equity in Teaching Institute

U-N-C center for faculty excellence logo

The Center for Faculty Excellence is accepting applications for its Equity in Teaching Institute opens in new window. On August 2nd and 4th, participants will reflect on who our students are, how courses can equitably meet students' needs, and what equity in teaching means. The CFE will also offer practical tips for implementing more equitable course design, including topics such as:

Consider applying to be prepared to meet the learning needs of all our students.


Create Your Summer 2022 Course Sites

friendly quokka asks did someone say summer because summer 2022 rosters are in Sakai

Don't forget to create your summer course site opens in new window! In order to create your Sakai sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as Primary/Secondary/Proxy Instructor in ConnectCarolina opens in new window for each of your rosters.

Important Notes:


Free Digital Accessibility Conference June 16

N-C higher ed digital accessibility collaborative

Everyone in NC higher education is invited to Join the Journey at the 2022 Digital Accessibility Conference opens in new window! This free, online conference is an excellent professional development opportunity to learn about digital accessibility and is part of the NC Higher Ed Digital Accessibility Collaborative. Visit Join the Journey opens in new window for the full schedule and to register. The conference will be held via Zoom this Thursday, June 16. Topics include:


Summer Support at the Writing and Learning Center!

studious ram wearing glasses with pencil in mouth

The Writing and Learning Center is open for writing coaching opens in new window, academic coaching opens in new window, and peer tutoring opens in new window in both sessions this summer! Keep up with those fast-paced summer classes by reserving an appointment in person or via Zoom—whichever you prefer. You can also submit a draft asynchronously opens in new window to get ahead of that upcoming application essay deadline. The Center is here to support you this summer!


Taking a Class this Summer?

summer school house

Check out the UNC Summer School website opens in new window for information on attending summer school at UNC. Find details on registration information, course descriptions, final exam schedule, tuition and financial aid, and other student services.


Digital Accessibility in Course Design

Classes are a core part of the UNC community. Proactively making accessibility integral to course delivery will contribute to more equitable student access. The Digital Accessibility Office (DAO) opens in new window now has an online self-paced version of their Digital Accessibility in Course Design training. This fully online version is a perfect fit for your busy schedule. Start the course today! opens in new window

web accessibility icon


Create Your Fall 2022 Course Sites

bright red orange autumn leaves on trees behind tar heel bikes

Instructors, Fall 2022 rosters are in Sakai! This means you can create your course sites now opens in new window to get them ready for the fall. In order to create your Sakai sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as Primary/Secondary/Proxy Instructor in ConnectCarolina opens in new window for each of your rosters.

Important Notes:


Duo Prompt Update May 9

Starting May 9 at 5 p.m., you'll see an updated Duo prompt opens in new windowafter logging into some University applications (like ConnectCarolina) with your Onyen and password. Here’s what will change:

Updated Duo prompt asks whether to trust this browser


Final Course Grade Tips

set zero score for empty cells in course grade column

Check out our 5-item Gradebook Checklist opens in new window to verify your grades are calculated correctly. Also, here are important tips on calculating course grades in the Gradebook:


Finals Boot Camp at the Writing and Learning Center!

finals boot camp with sessions listed below

Come study with the Writing and Learning Center during finals! Join any or all of the sessions in this shared study space to set study goals, study among other students, and end the semester strong! Finals Boot Camp will be at the Writing Center in SASB North 0127. Register for days you'd like to attend but come and leave when you like!


Don't Snooze on Your Finals!

white cat sleeping

Students - the end of semester is here! Unsure of where to begin with your exam planning? Know your final exam schedule opens in new window and consider the Learning Center's Final Exam Planning Tools opens in new window, which include a class-by-class task table and planner!

If you qualify for an exam excuse opens in new window, requests should be made by April 26. You may need to see a dean and provide documentation. Exam excuses are commonly granted for the following reasons:

Note: Temporary grades of IN and AB factor into your GPA and can impact eligibility.


Pass/Fail Deadline: April 27

u-n-c academic advising

Students, the priority deadline to declare a course as pass/fail is April 20, and the final deadline is April 27. Be sure to review the the University Registrar's Pass/Fail FAQs opens in new window, and consider talking to an Academic Advisor about pass/failing a course opens in new window.


CAPS Therapy Groups

counseling and psychological services

Your mental health and wellness matter.

Mental health consistently tops the charts in impacting students' ability to succeed and can impair your academic performance. Supportive CAPS therapy groups opens in new window are available to address student concerns and staffed with a diverse group of representatives who can support the entire Carolina community. There is a place for you at CAPS, which offers a variety of support, skills, and interpersonal process groups, including:


2022 Celebration of Undergraduate Research

The 23rd Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research opens in new window will be held on Monday, April 25 from 2-5pm in the Blue Zone of Kenan Stadium. This in-person event will feature three sequential poster sessions starting at 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm.

Carolina undergraduates who wish to present their research at the Celebration must register before the April 10 deadline. All presenters who have registered will then submit their abstract, poster PDF, and an optional but recommended three-minute video narrative to present the highlights of their research before April 22. These materials will be made available for online access on the day of the in-person event. Presenter registration details can be found on the 2022 Celebration website opens in new window.

The Celebration is open to the public, and all members of the Carolina community are encouraged to attend. Attendees who are not presenting do not need to pre-register.

Rameses mascot at research poster


Onyen Password Resets made Faster and Easier

Duo logo

Starting 5pm on April 4th, you'll be able to use Duo to reset your forgotten password at onyen.unc.edu 24/7!

Challenge and response questions will no longer be used for password resets because many of their answers can be discovered.


Drop-In Peer Tutoring at the Writing and Learning Center!

the learning center presents free peer tutoring

Stop by Dey Hall opens in new window on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6-8pm for in-person tutoring opens in new window in STEM and language courses! No appointment needed—just show up to the main floor of Dey Hall. See if a tutor for your course is available opens in new window. For more Writing and Learning Center services, please visit the Writing Center website opens in new window, the Learning Center website opens in new window, and their upcoming workshops and events page opens in new window.


Office of Distinguished Scholarships Info Session 3/23

office of distinguished scholarships

Join the Office of Distinguished Scholarships to take a deep dive into three prestigious scholarships for study in the UK and Ireland—the Marshall, Mitchell, and Rhodes.

All three awards provide for fully-funded graduate study abroad, yet differ in their application processes. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions relating to the nuances between each award and hear from past recipients of these prestigious scholarships.

ODS Info Session on Marshall, Mitchell, and Rhodes Scholarships
Wed 3/23 at 4pm, Zoom
Register for the information session opens in new window


Partners for Equity in Teaching: UNC-CH Peer Support Core

Logo for U-N-C Peer Support Core, Peers for Progress

The UNC-CH Peer Support Core promotes and enhances peer support for staff, students, and faculty to broadly address mental health issues, COVID-19, and racism and other stressors. The Core also promotes peer support as an agent for positive culture change on the campus – the culture of care. Join the Core at their next workshop to learn more about peer support and how others have included peer support in academic classes and programs.

Peer Support Core Workshop: Partners for Equity in Teaching (registration) opens in new window
Wednesday, March 23
2pm - 3pm
Zoom


The Carolina Across 100 Hackathon

Challenge yourself and support our state at the hackathon

Carolina Across 100 opens in new window is excited to announce its first "Civic Hackathon," which will take place during UNC's Engagement Week opens in new window from March 21-25!

The theme for the Civic Hacking competition is "(Visualize) Helping NC Communities Recover from the Impacts of COVID-19.” Event organizers are looking for a diverse collective of students across campus to create innovative, creative, and diverse data visualizations that help tell the story of community impacts of COVID-19. These visualizations will create starting points for conversations with communities and opportunities for engagement and information sharing. All students are encouraged to participate and register for the Hackathon opens in new window.


Create Your Summer 2022 Course Sites

cute hedgehog says it's your lucky day because summer 2022 rosters are in Sakai

Instructors, summer rosters are now in Sakai so you can get a head start and create your Summer 2022 course sites now opens in new window! In order to create your Sakai sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as Primary/Secondary/Proxy Instructor in ConnectCarolina opens in new window for each of your rosters.

Important Notes:


University Libraries Provides Free Access to The WP & NYT

University Libraries logo

Learn more about the world with expert reporting through The Washington Post and The New York Times — for free! Carolina students, faculty, and staff have access to The WP and NYT online. These subscriptions offer award-winning investigative coverage and editorial commentary, which instructors may use for assigned readings and other class resources.

Access free academic passes through University Libraries:


Upcoming Workshops at the CFE

U-N-C center for faculty excellence logo

Instructors, consider attending some of these upcoming workshops offered by the Center for Faculty Excellence opens in new window. All are held via Zoom.

Beyond Think-Pair-Share: 10 Strategies for In-Class Small Groups
Thurs 2/3, 3:30-4:30pm (registration) opens in new window

Fostering Independence in Mentees
Fri 2/4, 12-1:30pm (registration) opens in new window

Carolina T&L Colloquium Series: Using Guided Notes to Scaffold Student Learning
Fri 2/4, 3:30-4:45pm (registration) opens in new window

Promoting Mentee Research Self-Efficacy
Fri 2/11, 12-1:30pm (registration) opens in new window


Faculty Share: Support for Student Mental Health

the well logo

Instructors, please see this "Support for Student Mental Health" article opens in new window from The Well where UNC faculty members share examples of how they are helping students cope with crisis. Express genuine care for your students and be flexible and understanding.


Sharing Zoom Recordings through Panopto in Sakai

Sharing Zoom recordings with students? See our EdTech Blog opens in new window for everything instructors and students need to know about sharing and accessing these recordings! Videos are typically recorded through Zoom, are automatically transferred to Panopto, and then students will access them through the Panopto tool in Sakai.

Students, you must follow these two steps to get access to Panopto videos:

  1. First log in directly at panopto.unc.edu opens in new window -- this creates your Panopto account
  2. Then go to your Sakai course site and click on the Panopto tool -- this adds you to the Panopto course group

cycle guide of Zoom to Panopto to Sakai


Get Your Sakai Courses Ready for Spring 2022

happy dog in carolina hat announces spring rosters are in Sakai

Instructors, now is the time to get your Sakai courses ready for the Spring 2022 semester. See our EdTech Blog opens in new window for details on creating your Sakai sites and a video recording of a crash course on teaching in Sakai. Also check out the Keep Teaching Spring 2022 Planning Guide opens in new window to help you focus planning efforts on providing flexibility for your students, but within limits, and other considerations on course content delivery.

Important notes on Sakai sites:


Upcoming Workshops at the CFE

U-N-C center for faculty excellence logo

Instructors, consider attending some of the workshops offered by the Center for Faculty Excellence to get you ready for the spring term! All are held through Zoom.

Creating an Inclusive Syllabus
Wed 1/5, 10am-11:15am: Registration opens in new window

Overcoming the Tyranny of Content
Thurs 1/6, 10am-11:15am: Registration opens in new window

Navigating the First Two Weeks of Class (two options)
Wed 1/5, 1pm-1:50pm: Registration opens in new window
Fri 1/7, 1pm-1:50pm: Registration opens in new window

Getting Started with Poll Everywhere
Mon 1/10, 2:30pm-3:30pm: Registration opens in new window


Microsoft O365 Login Update Jan 6

On Thursday, January 6, ITS is moving Microsoft Office 365 to cloud authenticating. Please note the Office 365 login page will look a bit different but still work the same way after this update. Read more on moving to cloud authenticating opens in new window.

preview of updated Microsoft Office 365 login page


Happy Holidays, Tar Heels!

Winter views of the Old Well at U-N-C

We wish you all a happy, safe, and relaxing holiday season! Find festive Carolina-themed inspirations and activities opens in new window to enjoy while you take a well-deserved break.

Sakai Help

If you need assistance with setting up your Sakai course site opens in new window, we recommend watching the video recording of the Crash Course on Teaching with Sakai opens in new window (broken down by topic on our EdTech Blog). You can also submit a help request opens in new window if you have questions. Please anticipate extended response times while the University is closed for Winter Break until January 3, 2022.


Create Your Spring 2022 Course Sites

happy dog in carolina hat announces spring rosters are in Sakai

Instructors, you can start preparing for the spring semester and create your Spring 2022 course sites now opens in new window. In order to create your Sakai sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as Primary/Secondary/Proxy Instructor in ConnectCarolina opens in new window for each of your rosters.

Important Notes:


Sakai Maintenance Outages Dec. 15 & 16 @ 5 AM red maintenance tools

Sakai will be offline for scheduled maintenance the mornings of December 15th and 16th starting at 5am. These maintenance plans opens in new window are scheduled after Fall 2021 grades are due (Dec. 13), according to the University Registrar opens in new window. Please plan accordingly and submit a help request opens in new window if you have any questions.

Sakai Maintenance Outages:


Final Course Grade Tips

set zero score for empty cells in course grade column

Check out our 5-item Gradebook Checklist opens in new window to verify your grades are calculated correctly. Also, here are important tips on calculating course grades in the Gradebook:


Prepare for Finals this week

finals bootcamp

Finals week can be a busy and stressful time, but a solid plan can help you be more efficient and bring you peace of mind. Join the Writing and Learning Center this week to prepare for your finals! Be sure to register for each session using your @email.unc.edu email address.

Make a Plan for Finals
Dec. 1 @ 4pm | Zoom

Bring your finals schedule to this workshop, where the Center will share evidence-based learning strategies and help you create a finals study plan that will give you the best chance for success on your exams! Register to Make a Plan for Finals opens in new window.

Finals Boot Camp
Dec. 2-7 | 12-5pm | SASB North 0127 (Writing Center)

Come study with the Center during finals! Join this shared study space to set study goals, study among other students, and end the semester strong! Academic coaches will be available. Register for any or all of four Finals Boot Camp days opens in new window.


Cultivating Ethical Behavior: Supporting Graduate Student Mentees

U-N-C The Graduate School logo

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn about ways to cultivate ethical behavior in their graduate student mentees. This workshop is intended for faculty who mentor graduate students and is adapted from TEAM ADVANCE's Faculty Mentor Training and CIMER's Entering Mentoring.

Cultivating Ethical Behavior: Supporting Graduate Student Mentees [Registration] opens in new window
Monday, November 29
12pm - 1:30pm
Zoom

The ongoing series is a collaboration between The Graduate School, Center for Faculty Excellence, TEAM ADVANCE, and the Office of Graduate Education (School of Medicine).


Top 10 Tips for Digital Accessibility

All digital content created for UNC business must be accessible to all users. The University's Digital Accessibility Office has made available Top 10 Tips for Digital Accessibility opens in new window. We highly recommend reviewing them as a starting point for making your content accessible!

web accessibility icon


Prep for Finals with the Writing and Learning Center

studious ram wearing glasses with pencil in mouth

Peer Tutoring opens in new window – Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 6-8pm, Dey Hall
Work with a peer tutor Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in Dey Hall to review content, pick effective study strategies, and make a study plan! Find out when a tutor for your course is available opens in new window. No appointment necessary.

ADHD, Me, and UNC Event: Final Exam Prep opens in new window – Nov. 16 @ 4pm, SASB 2115
Finals start on December 3rd, but preparing for them ahead of time is key! Start mapping out your final exam plan at this session!

Bullet Journaling Workshop opens in new window – Nov. 17 @ 4pm, SASB 0127
Are you new to bullet journaling or a #buju pro?  Come learn how bullet journaling can help you organize your thoughts, keep track of tasks, and establish good habits. Bring your own bullet journal, just a few sheets of paper, or just yourself!

UNC Mental Health Summit Nov. 15

the university of north carolina at chapel hill logo

The University is hosting a virtual Mental Health Summit opens in new window on November 15 from 9am - 5pm and all students, faculty, and staff are invited to join. The Summit will address three important and related topics specific to mental health at Carolina: Campus Culture, Crisis Services, and Prevention. Each session will be led by thought leaders on our campus who will share best practices from their respective fields on the topic. There will be time to hear from a diverse group of campus stakeholders, including students and parents, about their experiences with mental health at UNC.


University Research Week: Nov. 8-12

university research week November 8-12, 2021

University Research Week opens in new window is an annual celebration of Carolina's research excellence and an effort to increase participation by students, of all levels, in research activity. This year's theme is Research Perseveres opens in new window. Through more than 50 keynote presentations, symposiums, workshops, and more, the tenacity and dedication of our researchers and students will be highlighted, along with the strategic initiatives that make Carolina one of the top research institutions in the world.

There are dozens of exciting events during University Research Week, including the following that may be of interest to undergraduates:


Nov. 7 Reminder! Set Clocks Back 1 Hour

red alarm clock

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 7, so don't forget to set your clocks back one hour! When the clock should strike 2:00 A.M. on November 7, the time will fall back to 1:00 A.M. EST. Make sure you've got the correct time so you don't miss any assignment deadlines!


Poll Everywhere Now Supports Participation Grading

Poll Everywhere logo

Instructors, are you using Poll Everywhere opens in new window for live web-based polling in your classroom? We're happy to share that Poll Everywhere results can now be imported into the Sakai Gradebook as participation grades! You are no longer limited to graded multiple-choice or clickable image questions but can apply participation credit on ALL Poll Everywhere questions! See our EdTech Blog opens in new window for more details.


Required Zoom Update

Please be aware of an upcoming required update on Zoom functionality. Beginning November 1, everyone will be required to update their Zoom software to ensure it is no more than nine months behind the current version at any given time. From that point on, users must update their software if their version falls behind this nine-month window. Users will be prompted to update the Zoom meeting client to the latest version before they can sign in or join a meeting/webinar if they fall behind the 9-month window but will be provided the option to join a meeting through the web client instead.

To prevent disruption of scheduled meetings, we recommend all users check their current Zoom version opens in new window and upgrade their Zoom client opens in new window if needed. Beginning October 22 at 6am, you will receive a prompt to update your Zoom client if you do not have version 5.5.0 or later installed. Please see this Zoom notice opens in new window for more information.

Zoom alert reminds users to update their client starting at 6am on October 22, 2021


University Research Week: Nov. 8-12

university research week November 8-12, 2021

University Research Week opens in new window is an annual celebration of Carolina's research excellence and an effort to increase participation by students, of all levels, in research activity. The 2021 theme is “Research Perseveres,” highlighting the impressive achievements and successes our researchers and students have made throughout a time of adversity and challenges. One of the week’s signature events will be a virtual series of presentations from interdisciplinary teams of UNC researchers who have come together to solve major societal issues. Additionally, many schools and departments will be hosting lectures and symposiums, the Office of Undergraduate Research will be hosting workshops on how to engage in research, and research award winners will be recognized at every career stage.


Peer Support Core for Mental Health at UNC

Logo for U-N-C Peer Support Core, Peers for Progress

Student populations are experiencing high rates of mental health-related concerns while faculty and staff also express concerns broadly related to their mental health. With recognizing the importance of mental health, the need for cultural changes to improve mental health across campus, and the potential for a breadth of strategies outside of clinical care, the UNC-CH Peer Support Core was developed.

Please visit the Peer Support Core opens in new window whose mission is to promote high quality, diverse, broadly available peer support for students, staff, and faculty that provides a social base for individual, group, and institutional coping with challenges; provides a base especially for coping with COVID-19 and UNC-CH’s reckoning with and response to racism and inequity; contributes to overall goals of Carolina Next.

Instructors are also encouraged to use these teaching strategies to promote mental health and well-being in crisis opens in new window, put together by the Center for Faculty Excellence.


Changes to Duo Mobile App

updated Duo Mobile app shows swapped positions for deny and approve buttons

Duo is updating its Mobile App. The most significant change is that the Approve and Deny buttons are swapping positions -- left to right. The updated app will be available in the Apple App and Google Play Stores beginning October 11th. Read the Duo Mobile App 4.0 Guide opens in new window for more information about the upcoming changes.


HR / Payroll System Outage Friday 10/8

ConnectCarolina user information

There will be an HR/Payroll system outage starting on Friday, October 8, at 12pm. University employees may view paychecks in ConnectCarolina until the outage begins at noon that day. The system will be back up by 8am on Monday, October 11. See more information on the ConnectCarolina HR/Payroll Outage opens in new window.


New Workshop Series for Mentoring Grad Students

U-N-C The Graduate School logo

There is a new workshop series designed to help faculty improve skills in mentoring graduate students. This week's workshop focuses on how to assess and promote mentee understanding. Participants will explore different environments and approaches that faculty mentors can utilize to help graduate student mentees understand specific topics and build self-efficacy. Register today!

Promoting and Assessing Understanding for Graduate Student Mentees [Registration] opens in new window
Friday, October 1
2pm - 3:30pm
Zoom

This workshop series is a partnership between The Graduate School, TEAM ADVANCE, the Center for Faculty Excellence, and the Biological & Biomedical Sciences Program.


New Look for UNC SSO Coming Sept. 23

As part of the continuous improvements ITS is making to the UNC single sign-on experience, starting September 23, you’ll notice the Single Sign-On (SSO) page will have a new look and feel. The wording and fields are the same, but the overall look is larger, and the font is clearer. The SSO page will also be responsive, making it work better on mobile devices. 

New look starting September 23:

updated U-N-C single sign on page features larger look and clearer font


The Writing and Learning Center is open!

studious ram wearing glasses with pencil in mouth

Did you know that more than half of last year’s graduating class took advantage of a Writing and Learning Center service during their time at UNC? Get your semester off to a successful start with a writing coaching, academic coaching, or peer tutoring appointment. Make an in-person or Zoom appointment through the Writing Center opens in new window and Learning Center opens in new window websites. You can also submit a draft to the Online Coach for written feedback on any type of writing, including application essays. The Writing and Learning Center is here to support you at any stage of the writing and learning process.


Start of Semester Tech Checklist

flowers and carolina bike in front of Old Well

Students, not seeing your course sites? Click the "waffle" icon in the top right to access your Sakai sites! You can also go to Home > Membership > My Official Course Enrollments to see if a site is available for your enrolled courses.

Instructors, here is a Tech Checklist opens in new window to help you get set up with all your tech needs for the start of classes! The checklist covers how to:

  1. Create your Sakai course site, add your syllabus, give students and TAs access
  2. Check your Classroom connection and setup
  3. Connect through Zoom
  4. Share videos through Panopto
  5. Engage students through Poll Everywhere

Top Student Wishes for Returning to In-Person Learning, and What You Can Do

U-N-C center for faculty excellence logo

Results of a Spring 2021 survey of Carolina undergraduates revealed several top wishes they hope faculty will consider in the return to in-person teaching and learning. Dr. Kelly Hogan will share the top student wishes as well as teaching strategies you can implement this Fall whether teaching in-person, hybrid, or online. Join your colleagues to discuss how to implement evidence-based teaching practices that foster student success.

Top Student Wishes for Returning to In-Person Learning, and What You Can Do [Registration] opens in new window
Friday, August 13
11am - 12pm
Zoom

This workshop is part of the Just-in-Time Workshop Series opens in new window by the Center for Faculty Excellence.


Create Your Fall 2021 Course Sites

bunny in grassy field looks at text create your fall course sites

Instructors, create your fall course sites now opens in new window and be sure to publish your sites opens in new window when you're ready to give students access. In order to create your Sakai sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as Primary/Secondary/Proxy Instructor in ConnectCarolina opens in new window for each of your rosters.

Important Notes:


Inclusion through Digital Accessibility

The Digital Accessibility Office has created a schedule of trainings that goes through the Fall semester. Come learn about best practices for making your courses accessible and inclusive. There are sessions on Digital Accessibility in Course Design, Video Captioning, Document Remediation for Word, PowerPoint, PDFs, and much more!

All UNC Faculty, Staff, and Teaching Assistants are invited to register for upcoming trainings opens in new window on digital accessibility. If you have any questions, please let the DAO know at digital_accessibility@unc.edu.

web accessibility icon


COVID-19 Vaccine Certification Form

carolina together

This is our shot! Help the University keep an accurate count of those vaccinated.

Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to let Carolina know when they have received one or both doses of an FDA-authorized vaccine. Complete the secure COVID-19 Vaccine Certification form opens in new window by providing information on the vaccine manufacturer and when and where you received a dose. You'll have the option to upload a copy of your vaccination verification form. If you're receiving a 2-dose vaccination, you may enter your first dose and go back to enter your second dose later. Working together, we'll keep everyone safer.

Find the latest information about COVID-19 vaccinations and the Carolina Community's response on Carolina Together opens in new window.


Stay on Track in Your Summer Classes!

writing and learning center logo with bright flowers and studious rameses

Scheduling appointments for writing coaching opens in new window, academic coaching opens in new window, and peer tutoring opens in new window can help you avoid procrastination and keep up in fast-paced summer classes. All sessions in Summer Session I and Summer Session II will be held by appointment on Zoom. Reserve a time today. You can also submit a draft to the Writing Center's asynchronous feedback service opens in new window or try out asynchronous online academic coaching opens in new window with the Learning Center. The Writing & Learning Center looks forward to working with you!


Warpwire Videos Stop Working June 30 -- Switch to Panopto Now

Panopto logo

Last year, the University adopted a new video streaming solution called Panopto opens in new window to replace Warpwire. The University’s Warpwire license expires June 30, 2021, at which point the Warpwire tool and all Warpwire videos will no longer be available. If you are still using Warpwire, you must switch to Panopto now and no later than June 30. Warpwire will not be available for Summer Session II and the following terms.

Important: If you are still sharing Warpwire videos, you must replace these video links and embed codes with the Panopto videos as the Warpwire videos will stop working on June 30. If you have shared Warpwire videos in Sakai, this impacts you. Please see our EdTech Blog opens in new window for required actions.


Getting Started with Digital Accessibility Conference Recordings

Missed the Getting Started with Digital Accessibility Conference opens in new window? Session recordings with slides are now available! This conference was part of the NC Higher Ed Digital Accessibility Collaborative opens in new window.

Digital accessibility is the practice of making technology and digital content more accessible to people with a diverse range of hearing, movement, sight, and cognitive abilities. The goal is to create an inclusive campus through the digital materials used in courses, on websites, and more. This goal aligns with the University’s strategic initiative of Build Our Community Together opens in new window.

web accessibility icon


Apply to be a Peer Tutor at the Learning Center!

apply to be a tutor

The Learning Center is accepting peer tutor applications for Fall 2021. Peer tutors must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a strong command of course material. Tutors must be available from 5-8pm on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. All tutors are enrolled in EDUC 387: Peer Tutoring, a 3-credit-hour EE course. Prospective peer tutors should submit an application through the Learning Center website opens in new window. Tutors are accepted on a rolling basis. Questions should be directed to Robin Horton at robin_horton@unc.edu.


Getting Started with Digital Accessibility Conference

The NC Higher Ed Digital Accessibility Collaborative opens in new window announces their inaugural Getting Started with Digital Accessibility Conference opens in new window. The conference will be online via Zoom on June 10. Check out the conference schedule for speakers and topics. and register today! This conference is a free professional development opportunity to learn about digital accessibility and open to everyone in higher ed in NC.

Digital accessibility is the practice of making technology and digital content more accessible to people with a diverse range of hearing, movement, sight, and cognitive abilities. The goal is to create an inclusive campus through the digital materials used in courses, on websites, and more. This goal aligns with the University’s strategic initiative of Build Our Community Together opens in new window.

web accessibility icon


 

Faculty Showcase Recordings Available

Faculty Showcase on Teaching April 22 and 23 banner features Carolina instructors and students

Missed the CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window that was held in April? Session recordings are available on the Showcase Program opens in new window along with slides and additional resources! While the pandemic's impact on teaching and learning was a common theme this year, most sessions featured methods and tools appropriate for any instructional setting. Please note session recordings require Onyen authentication through UNC Panopto.


Care in the Midst of Chaos: Providing Reasonable Accommodations

U-N-C Office of the Provost department of Diversity and Inclusion logo

An unprecedented year has created the need for increased flexibility in our care for students, but what does this “flexibility” look like? Colleagues from across UNC will provide examples of “reasonable flexibility” in their work with students in this upcoming webinar.

Care in the Midst of Chaos: Providing Reasonable Accommodations [Registration] opens in new window
Tuesday, May 25 | 4pm - 5:30pm EDT

This webinar is part of the “Culture of Care" series, which provides space for education, coping, health, and community resilience around issues related to identity-based and racial trauma. It is hosted by the University Office for Diversity and Inclusion, the Center for Faculty Excellence, and Student Affairs.


Congratulations, Graduates!

university of north carolina seal on top of blue and white tassels

University Commencement Ceremonies
May 14, 15, 16

Drs. Anthony Fauci and Kizzmekia Corbett ’14 (Ph.D.) will team up to deliver Carolina’s Spring Commencement address this weekend! Graduating Students, don't forget to review commencement details on the University Commencement site opens in new window. Also take a look at Check Your Tech opens in new window, the checklist for graduating students to know what steps to take before leaving UNC.


Virtual Finals Boot Camp at Writing & Learning Center

finals boot camp

Study with friends at Finals Boot Camp on May 6th, 10th, 11th, & 12th. Join the Writing and Learning Center at any or all of the sessions in this shared study space to set study goals, study among other students, and end the semester strong! Morning and evening options available! Bring a friend!

Register for Finals Boot Camp opens in new window (Please use your @email.unc.edu address to register)


Faculty Showcase this Thursday and Friday!

Faculty Showcase on Teaching April 22 and 23 banner features Carolina instructors and students

The CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window is this Thursday and Friday, April 22-23, and is open to all UNC instructors and members of the campus instructional support community. While the pandemic's impact on teaching and learning will be a common theme this year, most sessions feature methods and tools appropriate for any instructional setting. Don't forget to register to get access to all Showcase sessions through Zoom! The Showcase Program opens in new window will include:


Final Paper Support from the Writing Center

writing and learning center logo with bright flowers and studious rameses

Want to get the ball rolling on your final paper, reorganize a draft, or get feedback before submitting? No matter where you are in the writing process, the Writing Center’s coaches have you covered! Make an appointment to talk with a coach opens in new window on Zoom, or submit your draft opens in new window for written feedback. The Writing Center looks forward to helping you whip up a tasty paragraph or two opens in new window!


Faculty Showcase April 22-23: Program Now Available!

Faculty Showcase on Teaching April 22 and 23 banner features Carolina professor Kris Jordan editing on-screen video

The full program for the CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window is now available! We invite all UNC faculty, grad students, and other members of the campus instructional support community to register for the Faculty Showcase, which will be held virtually this year on April 22-23. While the impact of the pandemic on the University’s teaching and learning mission will be a common theme in this year's program, most of the sessions feature methods and tools appropriate for any instructional setting. The Showcase will include:


Create Your Summer 2021 Course Sites

cat wearing carolina bow tie looks up at text create your summer sites

Instructors, you can begin creating your Summer 2021 course sites opens in new window now and get them ready for the Summer Session. In order to create your sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as one of the following in ConnectCarolina opens in new window for each of your rosters:

Notes:


Course Drop Deadline: March 18

alarm clock

Students, the deadline to drop a spring class is Thursday, March 18. You have through the 8th week of the term to drop classes online through ConnectCarolina opens in new window (Student Center > Enroll > Drop tab) or visit an Academic Advisor during Virtual Drop-in Hours opens in new window. Drops processed between weeks 3-8 remain on the student record with a grade notation of “WCV” per the Spring 2021 grading accommodations opens in new window.

Note: The Pass/Fail deadline has been extended this term through May 5, 2021.


CFE Remote Teaching Field Notes

unc center for faculty excellence logo

Share a teaching practice, help build a resource!

The Center for Faculty Excellence is inviting Carolina instructors to share an example of a teaching practice that has worked in their remote courses. Write a short paragraph that describes ONE instructional practice from ONE course that you have taught since the shift to remote instruction. It can be a specific technique, strategy, or course design decision that you think has enhanced student learning in that course.

To contribute a teaching practice and/or to learn more, visit Remote Teaching Field Notes opens in new window, which currently lists these categories:


Save The Date: Faculty Showcase April 22 & 23

Faculty Showcase on Teaching April 22 and 23 banner features Carolina professor Kris Jordan editing on-screen video

We’re excited to announce that the CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window will return in a virtual format this spring! The Faculty Showcase has provided instructors with an opportunity to learn from each other about promising teaching practices and to connect with colleagues across disciplines. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to use this year’s event to think about what we’ve learned the past year and how it might inform teaching and learning moving forward.

CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window
April 22 & 23 | Online

Registration is required. The Showcase is open to all UNC instructors, as well as faculty, staff, and students with instructional support roles.


Using Zoom in General Purpose Classrooms

Teaching to in-person AND remote students at the same time? Check out our EdTech Blog to learn how to use Zoom in General Purpose Classrooms opens in new window, which are supported by our Classroom Hotline opens in new window team. You can take advantage of the classroom's high quality microphones and cameras while still using your personal device to share materials with students over Zoom and in the classroom!

computer control panel with camera and zoom settings


Connect with Your Peers at the Writing & Learning Center!

writing and learning center logo with bright flowers and studious rameses

Try a coaching group, workshop, or STEM group opens in new window at the Writing opens in new window and Learning opens in new window Center. Whether you want to find academic balance, stay motivated, read more effectively, or get support in a STEM course, the Writing and Learning Center has a group for you. Register for workshops and programs here! opens in new window


Office of Distinguished Scholarships Info Session Feb. 3

office of distinguished scholarships text next to Old Well

Join the Office of Distinguished Scholarships this Wednesday, February 3rd, from 4pm - 5:30pm EST over Zoom for an overview of the major scholarships the office endorses. This information session will allow students to meet and ask questions one-on-one with past scholarship recipients and committee chairs! Register for this event and more on the Honors Carolina website opens in new window.


Faculty Learning Community: Teaching with Zoom

u-n-c center for faculty excellence logo

Most courses will continue to be taught remotely this semester. To support faculty, the Center for Faculty Excellence plans to form Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) focused on Teaching with Zoom. Dr. Kelly Hogan, Dr. Viji Sathy, and CFE instructional support staff will facilitate discussions on teaching strategies before implementing them in your courses.

To participate in this Teaching with Zoom FLC opens in new window, submit your information by Monday, February 1.


Coaching and Peer Tutoring at the Writing and Learning Center!

the writing and learning centers logo

Get your semester off to a productive start with writing coaching, academic coaching and peer tutoring sessions at the Writing and Learning Center. Writing an application essay? Updating your resume? Planning your first paper? Make an appointment opens in new window to brainstorm with a writing coach. You don’t need a draft! Looking to combat procrastination? Study more effectively? Read more efficiently? Plan out your time so you stay on top of everything? The Learning Center has you covered with academic coaching opens in new window. Feeling intimidated by a tough course? Want to make sure you're understanding concepts? Bring your questions to a peer tutor opens in new window. Schedule an appointment today!opens in new window


Panopto: 2-Step Access

Panopto logo

Are your instructors sharing videos with you through Panopto? You must follow these two steps to get access to Panopto!

  1. First log in directly at panopto.unc.edu opens in new window -- this creates your Panopto account
  2. Then go to your Sakai course site and click on the Panopto tool -- this adds you to the Panopto course group

Note: If your instructor is using VoiceThread or Warpwire, also click on those tools in the Sakai course site menu to be added to the course group for those tools!


Jan. 21: Responding to Student Mental Health & Well-being During COVID-19

student studying alone at desk

Student mental health in higher education is an increasing concern, but Carolina experts are leading the way with innovative resources to help. Join the Tar Heels Together live event opens in new window on January 21st for an inside view on how UNC-Chapel Hill is responding to student mental health needs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Allen O’Barr and Dean Blackburn, leading Carolina practitioners in mental well-being and counseling services, will share current challenges, what they’ve learned during this time, and innovative approaches they hope to implement in the future.

Responding to Student Mental Health & Well-being During COVID-19
Thursday, January 21
5:30-6:30pm EST
Registration opens in new window


Start of Semester Checklist

Students -- If you are not seeing your course in Sakai, your instructor has not yet created or published their site. You can confirm in Home > Membership > My Official Course Enrollments. If your instructors are using Panopto to share videos, you must first log in to UNC Panopto opens in new window to create your account and get access.

Instructors -- Here is a quick checklist to make sure your Sakai site is ready for your students. We recommend watching our Crash Course on Teaching with Sakai opens in new window, broken down by topic with help guides.

  1. Create course site and confirm course rosters opens in new window - Not seeing all rosters? Teaching crosslisted courses? Review this step!
  2. Upload syllabus opens in new window
  3. Add your Zoom class meeting URL opens in new window
  4. Publish site opens in new window
  5. Give your TAs access opens in new window

cute chipmunk in a carolina hat in a flower field says hey ya'll, spring 2021 rosters are in Sakai


Preparing for the Spring Semester

cute chipmunk in a carolina hat in a flower field says hey ya'll, spring 2021 rosters are in Sakai

The Spring 2021 Semester begins January 19. See our EdTech Blog opens in new window for details on preparing for the new term. Instructors will find information on:


Reminder: Scheduled Deletion of Zoom Cloud Recordings Begins Jan. 7, 2021

Important: Beginning January 7, 2021, Zoom Cloud Recordings will be deleted 30 days after the recording was created. Your recordings are backed up, but you may need to take action. Note: This may not apply to Zoom sub-accounts for individual schools/departments. Check with your unit's IT staff for details.

Due to the dramatic increase of video storage since the University moved to remote instruction in March, continuing to retain files in Zoom is no longer feasible. Please see the announcement regarding changes to Zoom Cloud Recordings opens in new window starting in January, how this impacts you and your students, and actions you may need to take.

As previously announced opens in new window, Panopto is the University's new video-audio storage and management system and will gradually replace Warpwire by June 30, 2021.

zoom icon


Happy Holidays, Tar Heels!

Carolina mascot Rameses reading a book by the fireplace

We wish you all a happy, safe, and relaxing holiday season! Find festive Carolina-themed inspirations and activities opens in new window to enjoy while you take a well-deserved break.

Sakai Help: If you need assistance with setting up your Sakai course site, we recommend watching the video recording of the Crash Course on Teaching with Sakai opens in new window (broken down by topic on our EdTech Blog). You can also submit a help request opens in new window if you have questions. Please anticipate extended response times while the University is closed for Winter Break until January 4, 2021.


Digital Accessibility Training: Jan. 2021

digital accessibility office

The University believes everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and participate in a welcoming environment, which includes being committed to creating an inclusive digital experience. Digital accessibility is a practice ensuring that content, resources, and technology communicated electronically can be used regardless of ability, disability, or assistive technology.

We invite all UNC employees, including Faculty preparing for the Spring semester, to register for upcoming trainings on digital accessibility opens in new window, offered by the UNC Digital Accessibility Office opens in new window. Current training topics include the following -- you may want to begin with Digital Accessibility Awareness:


Welcome to Sakai 20!

Welcome to Sakai 20 announcement next to cup of hot chocolate with snowman marshmallows

We're thrilled to announce that Sakai 20 is here! Please clear your browser cache opens in new window to pick up the latest updates as you may experience display issues. Here are some of the new features you'll find in Sakai 20 -- see more on our EdTech Blog opens in new window:


Sakai 20 Upgrade Outage: Dec. 3, 8am-5pm EST

Please plan for Sakai to be unavailable from 8am-5pm EST on Thursday, December 3 as we apply the Sakai 20 upgrade. We will bring the system back online as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

See our EdTech Blog opens in new window for exciting new features coming in Sakai 20! Here are some of those features:

we're upgrading to Sakai 20 December 3rd announcement next to cup of hot chocolate with snowman marshmallows


Coming Dec. 3: Add Your Name Pronunciation & Pronoun

we're upgrading to Sakai 20 December 3rd announcement next to cup of hot chocolate with snowman marshmallows

The Sakai 20 Upgrade opens in new window is happening on December 3rd! Don't forget we will need to take Sakai offline that day to apply the upgrade, so please plan accordingly. We've been sharing several sneak peeks of new features coming in our Sakai 20 Blog Series opens in new window, including grading rubrics, a document preview grader in Assignments, many Gradebook improvements, and more. Another new feature you'll find is the option to add your name pronunciation opens in new window! You can include the phonetic spelling of your name, the pronouns you identify with, and a recording of your name.


Coming Dec. 3: T&Q Updates, Batch Date Manager, & Section Auto-Groups

we're upgrading to Sakai 20 December 3rd announcement next to cup of hot chocolate with snowman marshmallows

The Sakai 20 Upgrade opens in new window is happening on December 3rd! Don't forget we will need to take Sakai offline that day to apply the upgrade, so please plan accordingly. We've been sharing several sneak peeks of new features coming in Sakai 20 in our Sakai 20 Blog Series opens in new window. Here are more improvements to look for soon:


Tips on Finals & Grades

what students need to know about online tests in sakai

We highly recommend checking out our Tips on Sakai Tests & Quizzes opens in new window to help you prepare for finals.

Students -- Find tips on taking your tests online in Sakai, including using Firefox on a computer and testing your internet connection. To avoid potentially losing your answers, remain in one browser tab of Sakai while taking your test.

Instructors -- Find options to consider when setting up your exams, providing student accommodations, and resources from the Keep Teaching website. Check out this Gradebook Checklist opens in new window to help you finalize and approve final grades!


Coming Dec. 3: Grading Rubrics!

We've been sharing sneak peeks of new features coming in Sakai 20 opens in new window next month. We're excited to share that Grading Rubrics are finally coming to Sakai! Starting December 3rd, you can attach a rubric in the Gradebook, Assignments, Tests & Quizzes, and Forums. Learn more about Sakai Rubrics opens in new window on our EdTech Blog!

Please remember we must take Sakai offline on December 3 to apply the upgrade. Thank you for understanding.

student score calculated through Sakai rubric with comment added


Coming Dec. 3: Assignments Document Preview Grader

we're upgrading to Sakai 20 December 3rd announcement next to cup of hot chocolate with snowman marshmallows

We've been sharing sneak peeks of new features coming to Sakai opens in new window next month, and the Assignments tool will include several new improvements. There will be a new Grader that shows a preview of student attachments opens in new window, which means instructors will no longer have to download every student document to grade them! Other Assignments features in Sakai 20 opens in new window include the ability to unlock Groups associated with Group Assignments, automatically emailing students due date reminders, and more! Check out our Sakai 20 Blog Series opens in new window to see more sneak peeks.

Please remember we must take Sakai offline on December 3 to apply the upgrade. Thank you for understanding.


Coming Dec. 3: Many Gradebook Updates!

we're upgrading to Sakai 20 December 3rd announcement next to cup of hot chocolate with snowman marshmallows

Last month we announced we're upgrading to Sakai 20 opens in new window on December 3! Check out our Sakai 20 Blog Series opens in new window to get sneak peeks of Sakai 20 features. Here are some Gradebook improvements coming next month:


New Video-Streaming Tool: Panopto

Panopto logo

We're excited to announce that Panopto opens in new window is now available to all UNC users! Panopto is the University's centrally-supported video-audio storage and management system and will gradually replace Warpwire by June 30, 2021. See details on our EdTech Blog opens in new window. In addition to securely sharing videos, Panopto offers these features:

Beginning Sept. 5, 2020, all Zoom Cloud recordings created on that date and after are auto-sent to Panopto (may not yet apply to professional schools)


Spring 2021 Modes of Teaching

COVID-19 resources for UNC instructors to keep teaching

The University recently announced opens in new window the five modes of teaching to be used in the Spring 2021 semester, which will begin on January 19, 2021. Instructors, find resources on determining the appropriate modes of delivery for your courses and implementation guides on the Keep Teaching opens in new window site.

Two in-person modes of instruction:

Three remote modes of instruction:


Drop-in Peer Tutoring is available at the Writing & Learning Center!

the writing and learning centers logo

50+ peer tutors at the Writing & Learning Center provide drop-in tutoring for 100+ courses. Drop in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 6:00 to 8:00 pm ET by visiting Peer Tutoring opens in new window and filling out a quick form. The Center will then match you up with a tutor!


Sakai 20 Upgrade: Dec. 3

we're upgrading to Sakai 20 December 3rd announcement next to cup of hot chocolate with snowman marshmallows

We're excited to announce we're upgrading to Sakai 20 on December 3rd! Sakai 20 will bring many exciting new features (more on our EdTech Blog opens in new window), including:

The Sakai upgrade will happen about a week after all Fall 2020 grades are due in ConnectCarolina (Nov. 27). Please plan for Sakai to be unavailable all day on December 3, 2020, while we apply the upgrade. Thank you for understanding!


University Research Week: Oct. 19-23

university research week

University Research Week is an annual celebration of Carolina's research excellence and an effort to increase participation by students, of all levels, in research activity. Featured events this year include a virtual symposium on UNC's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, talks from the 2020 Hettleman Prize winners, and a workshop for students who are interested in pursuing independent research. Register for events on the University Research Week opens in new window website!


Writing Coaching is available at the Writing & Learning Center!

the writing and learning centers logo

Get a reader's perspective on what's clear or confusing in your paper before you turn it in. Writing Center Coaches will help you think through your ideas, respond as readers, and share great resources and strategies. Make a Zoom appointment or submit your draft online today at the Writing Center opens in new window.


Spring 2021 Rosters are in Sakai!

cute chipmunk in a carolina hat in a flower field says hey ya'll, spring 2021 rosters are in Sakai

The University announced opens in new window the Spring 2021 Semester will begin on January 19, 2021, and include five wellness days intended as breaks from the semester.

Instructors, you can begin creating your Spring 2021 Sakai course sites opens in new window now and get them ready for next semester. In order to create your sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as one of the following in ConnectCarolina opens in new window for each of your rosters:

NOTES:

It can take up to 24 hours for your roster to appear in Sakai -- updates run 3 times a day

TAs in ConnectCarolina cannot create course sites in Sakai


ODS Info Sessions

honors carolina logo

Students -- The Office of Distinguished Scholarships (ODS) opens in new window has some deadlines coming up. Be sure to register for the ODS Fall Scholarship Info Session download file to learn about scholarship opportunities!

Oct. 8: Truman Scholarship Info Session [registration] opens in new window
Would you like an opportunity to support the future of public service? Join the info session to learn about the Truman Scholarship opens in new window!

Oct. 14: ODS Fall Scholarship Info Session [registration] opens in new window

Join representatives from the ODS

Hear from past scholarship recipients

Learn how you can apply

Oct. 15: Deadline for Yenching and David-Weill Scholarships [flyer] opens in new window


9/27 Update Will Impact YOUR Zoom Meetings

Important: Beginning September 27, 2020, Zoom will require either the waiting room or a passcode to be applied to all meetings, including ones that have already been scheduled.

This will impact your Zoom meetings. Starting September 27, your students will be in the waiting room or you can set up a passcode. See details on securing Zoom and privacy settings opens in new window:

Waiting Room: UNC’s Zoom settings have been customized to add an option to allowing any UNC Zoom user to bypass the waiting room. If you created your UNC Zoom account before July 19, 2020, this setting will be your default. If you created your UNC Zoom account after that time, you will need to enable this option.

Passcode: If you enable “Require a passcode when scheduling new meetings,” you can disable the waiting room.


New Series: What's Working in Remote Teaching

COVID-19 resources for UNC instructors to keep teaching

With so many UNC instructors teaching fully online courses for the first time this semester, we have a lot to learn from each other! This is why the new series What's Working in Remote Teaching is launching. Register for the first two discussions and see more workshops on Keep Teaching opens in new window:

Collecting and Using Student Feedback in Remote Courses opens in new window
Mon 9/28 | 10:30-11:30am ET
UNC instructors will share their strategies for collecting, interpreting, and acting on mid- and end-of-semester feedback.

Administering Online Exams opens in new window
Fri 10/2 | 1-2pm ET
This session will feature instructors who are experimenting with a variety of technological and pedagogical approaches to fair, effective online assessments.


LNAP -- Wednesdays @ 7pm ET on Zoom

Need to get things done? The University Libraries opens in new window and the Writing opens in new window and Learning Centers opens in new window have teamed up for the Long Night Against Procrastination again! Hang out (virtually!) with classmates and jump start your schoolwork with librarians, learning coaches, and writing coaches every Wednesday from 7pm - 10pm ET on Zoom. Next one is this Wednesday 9/23!

Registration required: go.unc.edu/zlnap opens in new window
You must register using your ONYEN@email.unc.edu.


Visit Heel Life to Stay Connected

Heel Life connecting students. Inspiring involvement. Visit heellife.unc.edu today

Connecting to campus is part of the Carolina experience and can impact your life as a Carolina student. With over 800 student clubs and organizations, getting involved can be fun, easy, and a transformational way to make the most of your Carolina experience. Filter organizations and events based on academics, professional/leadership development, health and wellness, special interests, and more on the Heel Life opens in new window site. It's the main source for getting connected to the following:

Check out the "How to Get Involved Using Heel Life" video opens in new window and contact studentlife@unc.edu if you have any questions.


The Writing & Learning Center is open online!

ram in glasses with pencil in mouth

Did you know that more than half of last year’s graduating class took advantage of a Writing and Learning Center service during their time at UNC? Get your semester off to a successful start with a writing coaching, academic coaching, or peer tutoring appointment. Make an appointment through the Writing Center opens in new window and Learning Center opens in new window websites, and your coach or tutor will send you a Zoom link at your meeting time. You can also submit a draft to the Online Coach for written feedback on any type of writing, including application essays. The Writing and Learning Center is here to support you at any stage of the writing and learning process.

Reminder: Sign in at UNC.zoom.us opens in new window before joining your Zoom meetings.


Student Care Hub Site

cv19 student care hub text in front of bell tower

Students -- A student care hub is available to support you as you navigate the impacts of the current environment. Check out Keep Learning opens in new window, a one-stop shop where you can connect to units across campus to help you when needed and find information on:


August Updates

august updates text in front of carolina campus

While undergraduate instruction is now remote, our campus remains largely operational. Please see Carolina Together for August Updates opens in new window from the University. You will find information on the following and more:

Instructors, see Remote Teaching opens in new window on the Keep Teaching website to find resources designed to support quickly adapting your courses for fully remote instruction.


Quick Transition to Remote Instruction

All undergraduate instruction has shifted to remote learning. We recommend that instructors and TAs check out Remote Teaching opens in new window on the Keep Teaching website to find resources designed to support quickly adapting your courses for fully remote instruction. You'll find teaching strategies for remote instruction with synchronous and asynchronous activities, as well as general best practices for emergency remote instruction.


Sakai Tips

sakaiger in a face mask

Classes are back in full swing! Check out these Sakai tips, and see more on our Teaching & Learning Blog opens in new window.


Recording Available: Crash Course on Teaching with Sakai

sakaiger in a face mask

Welcome back, Tar Heels! Whether you're teaching remotely, in-person, or using a combination of the two, you'll likely use Sakai. Check out our Teaching & Learning Blog opens in new window for a recording of a crash course on teaching with Sakai, broken down by topic! We recommend watching the recording if you want to do any of the following:


Crash Course on Teaching with Sakai Aug. 6

sakaiger in a face mask

Fall classes begin August 10. If you are new to teaching with Sakai or looking for ways to streamline the learning experience for students, join us at our crash course on teaching with Sakai! Be sure to register for the workshop opens in new window, which will be held this Thursday at 2pm ET through Zoom. We'll cover:


Create Your Fall 2020 Course Sites

old well behind fall colored leaves

Instructors, Fall 2020 rosters are in Sakai! This means you can create your course sites now opens in new window to get them ready for start of classes. In order to create your sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as one of the following in ConnectCarolina opens in new window for each of your rosters:

NOTES:

It can take up to 24 hours for your roster to appear in Sakai -- updates run 3 times a day

TAs in ConnectCarolina cannot create course sites in Sakai


The Writing & Learning Center is open for business

the writing and learning centers

The Writing and Learning Center is here to support you this summer! You can make appointments for writing coaching, academic coaching, and peer tutoring. Book your appointment through the Writing Center opens in new window and Learning Center opens in new window websites, and they'll send you a Zoom link at your meeting time. You can also submit a draft for asynchronous writing feedback; they can help with papers in any subject, application essays, and even multimedia projects.

Reminder: Sign in at UNC.zoom.us opens in new window before joining your Zoom meetings.


Keep Teaching: Course Planning for Fall 2020

keep teaching covid-19 banner

Instructors -- Check out new opportunities on the Keep Teaching Training opens in new window page to help you plan for your Fall 2020 courses.

Essentials for Remote Teaching and Learning is a new resource designed to help Carolina instructors create effective remote teaching and learning experiences this Fall. Given the limited amount of time to develop or revise courses, this resource will focus on the essentials for effective remote instructions. It will be offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats (available now!) and will help faculty:

Several other workshops are also available on the Keep Teaching Training opens in new window page.


Create Your Summer 2020 Course Sites

create your summer coures sites text next to yellow flowers

Teaching a Summer Session II class? See details on creating your Summer 2020 course sites opens in new window in Sakai on our Teaching & Learning Blog!


Digital Accessibility Training

digital accessibility office

The University believes everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and participate in a welcoming environment, which includes being committed to creating an inclusive digital experience. Digital accessibility is a practice ensuring that content, resources, and technology communicated electronically can be used regardless of ability, disability, or assistive technology.

We invite all UNC employees, including Faculty preparing for the Fall semester, to register for upcoming trainings on digital accessibility opens in new window, offered by the UNC Digital Accessibility Office opens in new window. Current training topics include the following -- you may want to begin with Digital Accessibility Awareness:


Keep Teaching: Various Modes of Teaching

keep teaching covid-19 banner

To maximize safety, flexibility, and quality, the University is exploring the following modes for teaching in the fall. Please see Keep Teaching opens in new window for a description of these modes and how an instructor might achieve particular pedagogical strategies within each mode. A key assumption is that courses with 50+ students will be remote and any face-to-face classes will actually be mask-to-mask with social distancing rules in effect.


Upcoming Workshops for Instructors

old well behind pink tulips

Instructors -- Here are more workshops for you to learn about tools you can use in your courses! See all training opportunities and recordings of past sessions on the Keep Teaching website opens in new window.

Teaching with Videos: Tips to Create, Use and Manage Videos in your Course
Thurs 5/21, 3-3:45pm | Registration opens in new window

Facilitating Asynchronous Student Interaction with Remote Instruction
Fri 5/22, 1-1:45pm | Registration opens in new window

Strategies for Teaching Large Classes Remotely
Tues 5/26, 9-9:45am | Registration opens in new window


Upcoming Workshops for Instructors

old well behind pink tulips

Join us at our upcoming workshops to learn about tools you can use in your courses!

Getting Organized: Using the Lessons Tool in Sakai
Wed 5/13, 3-3:45pm | Registration opens in new window

Getting Started with PollEverywhere
Fri 5/15, 10-10:45am | Registration opens in new window

Assessment of Student Learning: Using Sakai Assignments, Tests & Quizzes
Mon 5/18, 4-4:45pm | Registration opens in new window


Create Your Summer 2020 Course Sites

create your summer coures sites text next to yellow flowers

Summer classes begin this week. See details on creating your Summer 2020 course sites opens in new window in Sakai on our Teaching & Learning Blog!


The Writing & Learning Center is open for business

the writing and learning centers

Do you have an exam around the corner or a paper due soon? Get a head start by making appointments for academic coaching, peer tutoring, and writing coaching. Book your appointment through the Writing Center opens in new window and Learning Center opens in new window websites, and they'll send you a Zoom link at your meeting time. You can also submit a draft to the Online Coach for writing feedback. Help is here for you!

Reminder: Sign in at UNC.zoom.us opens in new window before joining your Zoom meetings.


Always Sign in at UNC.ZOOM.US

zoom

Need to access a Zoom meeting or recording? Always sign in with your Onyen at: 

UNC.ZOOM.US opens in new window

You can also "Sign In with SSO" on the installed Zoom application, enter the "unc" domain, and Continue to log in. If you are signing in at zoom.us, you may not have the proper UNC permissions to access your Zoom session. 

NOTE: If you signed in at unc.zoom.us but still cannot access a UNC Zoom session, you may be in a Zoom sub-account different from the meeting host. Please submit a help request opens in new window.


Securing Zoom

zoom

You may be using Zoom to meet with your students online or record lectures for students to view on their own time. Check out the following recommended settings on securing Zoom on the Keep Teaching opens in new window website. These tips highlight settings to help mitigate the risk of privacy concerns, uninvited participants, and unauthorized distribution of your class content. 


Keep Teaching & Learning Remotely

bell tower in front of ominous clouds

Classes resume on March 23. Here are tips and resources to help you adjust to remote instruction and learning.

Students: Visit our Teaching & Learning Blog opens in new window for tips on:

Instructors: Visit Keep Teaching opens in new window to:


Faculty Showcase Program Announced

center for faculty excellence faculty showcase on teaching march 27, 2020

We are pleased to announce that the full program opens in new window for the CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window is now available! More than a dozen panel presentations on a variety of instructional topics will be offered throughout the day. We invite all UNC Faculty to register for the Showcase to learn about different teaching methods being used by colleagues and make connections across campus.

Register for the Showcase opens in new window today to reserve your spot. Stop by throughout the day or stay for the full event!

CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching
Friday, March 27 | 8am - 4pm
The Carolina Club


Ace Your Midterms!

Unsure how best to study for your upcoming tests? This video on exam preparation opens in new window from the UNC Learning Center opens in new window shows you how to systematically study using effective learning techniques. It will help you ace those exams!

Preparing for an Exam (AKA don't just cram the night before)

video on preparing for an exam where cat in tie says using these tips starts before the cram party


Long Night Against Procrastination

lnap long night against procrastination

Make progress on your papers and projects during the Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP)! Jump start your academic assignments with coffee, snacks, and prizes. Librarians and coaches will be on hand to help!

LNAP [Registration] opens in new window
Wed 2/26 | 8-11pm
0127 SASB North


Adverse Weather Digital Tech Options

​snow-covered old well and trees​

It's possible you and your students cannot make it to campus due to adverse weather conditions. Not being able to meet in person doesn't have to prevent you from having class or keeping your appointments. Here are some digital options to consider -- see our Teaching & Learning Blog opens in new window for full details!

Be sure to check AlertCarolina opens in new window for updates and stay safe!


Attention Undergraduate Faculty

faculty sitting with carolina students

Faculty-student interaction is key to undergraduate success.

Undergraduate Faculty: The Academic Progress Reporting period is open for Spring 2020! These reports are intended to encourage students to reflect on their academic performance and take action in a timely manner. Students will be given a mid-semester summary of feedback received on Tuesday, February 25th -- 1 week before the drop deadline of March 3rd. The last day to submit feedback for your undergraduate students is Wednesday, April 1st.

See more information from The Office of Undergraduate Retention opens in new window. For streamlined access to your class roster, photo roster, and academic progress reports, select Student Admin WorkCenter > Student Records > My Schedule in ConnectCarolina opens in new window.


SkillfUL Tech Workshops

skillful tech workshops

Check out the remaining SkillfUL Tech Workshops opens in new window this month! These hands-on sessions introduce you to new tools and concepts to make your projects clear and noteworthy. Be sure to register for the upcoming workshops that interest you!


Strategies to Make Large Classes Feel Small

unc center for faculty excellence

Teaching large classes is one of the most challenging assignments you will face as an instructor. Attend this session offered by the Center for Faculty Excellence opens in new window to learn more about techniques that you can use to create an engaging, inclusive, learning environment in even the largest enrollment courses.

Strategies to Make Large Classes Feel Small [Registration] opens in new window
Mon 2/17 | 3-4:15pm
116 Murphey Hall


Carolina Women in STEM Seminar Series

carolina women in stem

Join the Learning Center opens in new window and register for the Carolina Women in STEM group opens in new window for a four-part seminar series in support of undergraduate women who are in or considering a STEM major. Participants will explore the concept of growth mindset, set academic and professional goals, and connect with other STEM majors and women currently in STEM careers. The series will conclude with a vision board activity.

The following sessions are left in the series (all held 1-2:30pm):


Faculty Showcase Keynote on Retrieval-based Learning

center for faculty excellence faculty showcase on teaching march 27, 2020

UNC Faculty -- Register for the CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window today to reserve your spot! The Showcase brings together UNC Faculty to celebrate teaching at Carolina and will be held at the Carolina Club on Friday, March 27.

Faculty Showcase SPOTLIGHT: Keynote on Retrieval-based Learning
Retrieval-based Learning: Active Retrieval Promotes Meaningful Learning download file

In his keynote address, Dr. Jeff Karpicke will provide some background on the research behind retrieval-based learning and share practical suggestions for using this powerful learning strategy to support student learning.


Free Drop-in Peer Tutoring

free peer tutoring

Free drop-in Peer Tutoring at the Learning Center is now available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on the second floor of Dey Hall. Tutoring is also available by appointment throughout the week. To determine which days a tutor is available for your course or to schedule an appointment, check out the Learning Center opens in new window.

Peer Tutoring
Tues & Wed 6-8pm
Dey Hall 2nd Floor


STRIVE Funding Finder

strive

Interested in finding funding opportunities? Check out STRIVE opens in new window, the searchable funding finder from the Office of Distinguished Scholarship opens in new window! Undergraduate students, graduate students, recent grads, and alums can search for scholarships, fellowships, internships, and teaching opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. To talk about opportunities that might be a good fit and learn more, visit the STRIVE website opens in new window.


Start Strong Coaching Group at the Writing & Learning Center

start strong coaching group

Start strong this Semester! Join this six-week collaborative coaching group where you’ll set long-term goals for your best semester yet.  Each week you’ll learn strategies and develop accountability measures with your group to help you make progress on your goals. Be sure to register for this coaching group opens in new window!

Session dates: 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26
5pm - 6pm
SASB N 2115


SkillfUL Tech Workshops

skillful tech workshops

SkillfUL Tech Workshops opens in new window start back up next week! These hands-on sessions introduce you to new tools and concepts to make your projects clear and noteworthy. Be sure to register for the upcoming workshops that interest you!


Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)

summer undergraduate research fellows

The UNC-CH Office for Undergraduate Research (OUR) provides funding up to $3,000 for undergrads to carry out original research for at least nine weeks (20 hours/week) this summer under the supervision of a faculty research advisor. The OUR encourages applications from all disciplines. Applications are due February 1. To learn more, visit the Office for Undergraduate Research website opens in new window.


Attention Undergraduate Faculty

faculty sitting with carolina students

Faculty-student interaction is key to undergraduate success.

Undergraduate Faculty: The Academic Progress Reporting period is now open for Spring 2020! These reports are intended to encourage students to reflect on their academic performance and take action in a timely manner. Students will receive a mid-semester summary of feedback received on Tuesday, February 25th -- 1 week before the drop deadline of March 3rd. The last day to submit feedback for your undergraduate students is Wednesday, April 1st.

See more information from The Office of Undergraduate Retention opens in new window. For streamlined access to your class roster, photo roster, and academic progress reports, select Student Admin WorkCenter > Student Records > My Schedule in ConnectCarolina opens in new window.


Sakai Maintenance Outage: Jan 16 | 5-7 AM

Sakai will be offline for regularly scheduled maintenance this Thursday, January 16, from 5am - 7am.

Please note that Thursday mornings from 5am - 7am is our Sakai planned maintenance window opens in new window to add new features and apply any bug fixes. When we have scheduled maintenance, we will post an announcement at least 24 hours in advance on the Sakai Welcome page opens in new window, and an alert will notify users within the system a few hours before Sakai is taken offline. Please plan accordingly. You may view expected updates and an archive of past maintenance plans on our Sakai Maintenance page opens in new window.

Thank you for your understanding as we continuously improve the system!

green maintenance tools

Semester Kickoff at the Writing & Learning Center

the writing and learning centers

Start off your semester wisely through the Writing and Learning Center's Semester Kickoff opens in new window! Outline semester goals, create a balanced weekly routine, and complete a semester planner. Snacks and door prizes included.

Wed, Jan 15 | 5-7pm | SASB N 0127


Sakai & Poll Everywhere Workshops Jan. 6-10

hand holding coffee cup with 2020 written

Instructors -- Check out our Sakai and Poll Everywhere workshops this week to start off the Spring 2020 semester, and register for the sessions you wish to attend! If you prefer to work on your own, you can create your Sakai course sites now opens in new window.

Intro to Teaching in Sakai
Crash course on teaching in Sakai. Great for new instructors!

Drop in for Sakai Help
Get quick Sakai help!

Getting Started in Poll Everywhere
Learn how Poll Everywhere can support a variety of instructional goals and how to effectively integrate polls into class activities. This workshop will be held twice:


Create Your Spring 2020 Course Sites

old well behind pink tulips

Instructors, Spring 2020 rosters are now in Sakai! Get a head start on the spring and create your course sites now opens in new window. In order to create your sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as one of the following in ConnectCarolina opens in new window for each of your rosters:

NOTES:


CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching: March 27, 2020

center for faculty excellence faculty showcase on teaching march 27, 2020

UNC Instructors -- Registration is open for the CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching opens in new window! The Showcase will be held on Friday, March 27, 2020, at the Carolina Club and is open to all UNC Faculty. Have an idea for the Showcase program or is there a teaching topic you would like to see covered? Submit your ideas by December 31. Check out the Faculty Showcase website to submit any program ideas and to register now!


Congratulations, Graduates!

happy graduating carolina students clapping

University Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, December 15 @ 2pm
Dean E. Smith Center

commencement.unc.edu opens in new window

Graduating Students, don't forget to view Check Your Tech opens in new window, a list put together by the ITS Service Desk of recommended steps graduating students should take before leaving UNC. You will find tech info on the following and more:


Take a Study Break with Puppies!

3 happy unc students with 2 puppies and laptop outside

Feeling overwhelmed? Come take a paws from exams with Academic Advising opens in new window and meet certified therapy dogs to help de-stress from exam studying. Snacks are also provided!

Exam Paws
TODAY, Dec 11 | 11am-4pm
Student Union Art Gallery


Finals Boot Camp

finals boot camp

Join the Learning & Writing Centers for a focused study opportunity! Feel free to come when you can and stay as long as you'd like. Coaches will be available to help you reach those final exam goals. Snacks and prizes included! See more information and register for Finals Boot Camp here opens in new window.

Finals Boot Camp
Dec. 5-11, 0127 SASB North


Don't Snooze on Your Finals!

white cat sleeping

Students - the end of semester is quickly approaching! Unsure of where to begin with your exam planning? Know your final exam schedule opens in new window and consider the Learning Center's Final Exam Planning Tools opens in new window, which include a class-by-class task table and planner!

If you qualify for an exam excuse opens in new window, online requests were due Nov. 25 but you can still make a request in person during Academic Advising drop-in hours opens in new window through Dec. 4. You may need to see a dean and provide documentation. Exam excuses are commonly granted for the following reasons:

Note: Temporary grades of IN and AB factor into your GPA and can impact eligibility.


Want to be a Peer Tutor?

apply to be a peer tutor

Want to review content in your major and help your fellow Tar Heels? Warn to earn EE course credit while doing it? Apply to take EDUC 387 and serve as a peer tutor in Spring 2020! Tutors must have an overall 3.0, but no prior tutoring experience is necessary. Read the Learning Center's peer tutoring FAQs opens in new window and apply to be a tutor opens in new window.


Write Night Nov 20

get some real work done. write night fall 2019

Got papers? Come to the Writing Center this Wednesday, November 20, for a special evening of support, snacks, and productivity. Sign up at the event for a short coaching session, or just hang out and get some writing done. Register for Write Night opens in new window or just stop by anytime on Wednesday between 6-11 pm at the Writing Center (SASB North 0127)!


Don't Risk Losing Your Exam Responses!

what students need to know about online tests in Sakai

Taking an online exam in Sakai? Have your answers disappeared? Here's what you need to know:

DO NOT have multiple browser windows or tabs open -- **this opens multiple Sakai sessions for you and can interfere with your answers and submission**

See more details on online tests opens in new window


Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP)

long night against procrastination

This Wednesday, Nov. 13, 8-11pm, 0127 SASB North

Make progress on your papers and projects during the Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP)! Join the Writing Center to jump start your academic assignments with coffee, snacks, and prizes. Librarians and coaches will be on hand to help! Register for LNAP here opens in new window.


Brainstorming Tips from the Writing Center

writing center staff working with students

Got a paper due? Appointments are available at the Writing Center! You don't need a draft. Come brainstorm ideas for your next paper or make an outline. Sign up for an appointment with the Writing Center opens in new window, or submit a draft for online feedback. Here are some brainstorming tips:


NASA at UNC

university research week banner shows female astronaut

NASA is coming to campus as part of this year's University Research Week opens in new window!

Wed, Nov. 6: NASA Astronaut Zena Cardman opens in new window – Listen to UNC alumna and NASA Astronaut Zena Cardman share her journey from conducting research as an undergraduate to training for future space missions.

Thurs, Nov. 7: What’s Next at NASA? opens in new window – Learn about NASA’s current missions and opportunities to work with the space agency.

Tues-Thurs, Nov. 5-7: Experience interactive and immersive NASA exhibits that showcase the game-changing technologies the space agency is developing to send humans back to the Moon and eventually to Mars. Located in the Carolina Student Union.


Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning

Want to be more effective in the classroom as instructors? UNC Chapel Hill graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in any discipline can access the national CIRTL network's resources and trainings. Take advantage of local and cross-network opportunities for developing your academic and teaching skills. Check out the program's events, application process, and credentialing requirements at CIRTL at UNC Chapel Hill opens in new window.

center for the integration of research, teaching, and learning


Attend the Sakai Virtual Conference for Free

sakaiger with apereo logo

Faculty, Instructional Designers, and Support Staff -- join us and the rest of the global Sakai Community at the annual Sakai Virtual Conference opens in new window on November 6th! This completely-online, faculty-friendly conference is targeted toward the teaching and learning aspects of Sakai, as the emphasis is on pedagogy and best practices. We have several registrations available and encourage you to attend! You can tune into as many sessions as you want throughout the day. See our blog for registration details and suggested sessions opens in new window.

Sakai Virtual Conference 2019
Wednesday, November 6
10am - 5pm
All Online

Conference opens in new window | Schedule opens in new window | Session Descriptions opens in new window


Create Your Spring 2020 Course Sites

old well behind pink tulips

Instructors, Spring 2020 rosters are now in Sakai! Get a head start on the spring and create your course sites now opens in new window. In order to create your sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as one of the following in ConnectCarolina opens in new window for each of your rosters:

NOTES:


FREE Peer Tutoring Tues/Wed/Thurs 6-8pm

the writing and learning centers

Want help in your toughest classes? Let the Learning Center pair you with students who have already tackled them and can help you find strategies for success. Peer Tutors know the challenges you're facing and how to overcome them. You can drop in for tutoring or make an appointment through the Learning Center's Peer Tutoring services opens in new window.

Peer Tutoring
Tues / Wed / Thurs 6-8pm
Dey Hall 2nd Floor


University Research Week: Nov 4-8

university research week banner shows students working on research

University Research Week is an annual celebration of Carolina's research excellence and an effort to increase student participation in research activity. Several University Research Week events opens in new window are planned, and we invite you to check them out! Highlights for students this year include:


LNAP: Long Night Against Procrastination

long night against procrastination

Make progress on your papers and projects during the Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) opens in new window this Wednesday at the Writing Center! Jumpstart your academic assignments with coffee, snacks, and prizes, and get help from librarians and coaches. Staff from the Library, Writing Center, and Learning Center will be there to help you with all your research, writing, and time management questions. Stay energized and motivated, and plan for a strong second half of your semester!

LNAP
Dates: 10/9 & 11/13
Time: 8-11pm (drop in any time)
Location: 0127 SASB North


SkillfUL Tech Workshops

skillful tech workshops

Check out some of the upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops opens in new window to learn a new skill and get hands-on experience! The following workshops will be held in the Undergraduate Library, Room 124:


SkillfUL Tech Workshops

skillful tech workshops

SkillfUL Tech Workshops opens in new window are back in session! Register for an upcoming tech or design class to learn a new skill and get hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and other tools. Here are upcoming classes:


Carolina Women in STEM

Join the STEM Hub @ The Learning Center for their six-part Carolina Women in STEM colloquium series to learn more about careers in STEM fields and connect with other women in STEM. This series includes a graduate student panel, a graduate tests workshop, and a field trip. Be sure to register for the sessions opens in new window that interest you -- the first session is this Friday, September 13th!


ADHD, Me, & UNC

adhd, me, and unc

Students -- if you have ADHD, the Learning Center is offering monthly meetings to help you learn more about what resources are available to you at UNC. Meetings this semester are September 12, October 10, and November 14. Meet peers who have ADHD or other learning differences, learn about coaching groups and events, and connect with staff. Snacks are provided. Be sure to register for the next meeting on 9/12 opens in new window!

ADHD, Me, & UNC: Tips, Tools, & Resources
Thurs 9/12 | 4-5pm
SASB North 204


Adverse Weather Tech Options

person with blue umbrella walking behind old well in the rain

Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas will feel the effects of Hurricane Dorian this week, making it possible you won't be able to make it to campus. Not being able to meet in person doesn't have to prevent you from having class or keeping your appointments.

Here are some options to consider -- see our Teaching & Learning Blog opens in new window for full details!

Be sure to check Alert Carolina opens in new window for updates and stay safe!


Using Poll Everywhere in your class?

poll everywhere logo

Students, you must use an official UNC Poll Everywhere student account to get credit for poll responses! If you're logging in with a UNC email ending in @AD.unc.edu or a personal email, such as Gmail or Yahoo, you will NOT get credit for your responses!

To get an official UNC Poll Everywhere student account:

poll.unc.edu opens in new window > Student Account Registration > if asked, log in with Onyen via UNC SSO > check box to accept terms > create account

If you already have a UNC Poll Everywhere student account, you must log in each time!

polleverywhere.com opens in new window > click Log In > enter *your official UNC email* (check the "Account" tab in the left menu here in Sakai for the email you MUST use) > click Next > click Log in with UNC Chapel Hill > if asked, log in with Onyen via UNC SSO and Sign In


Attention Undergraduate Faculty

faculty sitting with carolina students

Faculty-student interaction is key to undergraduate success.

Undergraduate Faculty: The Academic Progress Reporting period is now open for Fall 2019! These reports are intended to encourage students to reflect on their academic performance and take action in a timely manner. Students will be given a mid-semester summary of feedback received on Thursday, October 10 -- 2 weeks before the drop deadline of October 24. The last day to submit feedback for your undergraduate students is Thursday, October 31.

See more information from The Office of Undergraduate Retention opens in new window. For streamlined access to your class roster, photo roster, and academic progress reports, select Student Administration > My Schedule from the left menu in ConnectCarolina opens in new window.


Semester Kick-Off

Students -- Start off your semester wisely! Outline semester goals, create a balanced weekly routine, and complete a semester planner with the Learning Center. There will be snacks and door prizes!

Semester Kick-Off: Registration opens in new window
Tuesday 8/27 | 5-7pm
SASB North 0127


Start of Semester Checklist

bell tower behind fall leaves

The Fall Semester is here!

Students -- if you are not seeing all of your courses in Sakai, your instructor has either not created / published their site yet or they may not be using Sakai.

Instructors -- check out our 5-step Start of Semester Checklist to help you get started with setting up your course site in Sakai! Full details are on our Teaching & Learning Blog opens in new window.


Just-In-Time Workshops Aug 13-30

unc center for faculty excellence logo

The Center for Faculty Excellence opens in new window is offering a wide range of "Just-In-Time" workshops opens in new window and resource sessions for Faculty from August 13-30. Along with the CFE, these sessions will be led by our ITS-Teaching & Learning team, OASIS, and the COOL. Some workshops include:

We invite all Faculty to check out these workshops and register for sessions that interest you!


New IT Help Site

servicenow a new and improved help.unc.edu

ITS just launched a new help.unc.edu! This is an exciting change that brings many benefits, including the ability to:

Find answers faster with better knowledge articles

Track your requests and support tickets

Chat live with IT support staff

When visiting help.unc.edu opens in new window, you'll notice a new design and layout. The first time you report a problem or submit a request, you will also notice a different set of forms and/or questions that you are asked to complete before submission. Going forward, you'll have full visibility into the status of your submission and be able to quickly and easily chat with the person helping you. Notifications and updates will also come via email from ServiceNow, the new platform technology provider.


Be a Maker at BEAM

beam be a maker

Curious about 3D printing, laser cutting, or just want to make stuff? BeAM@CAROLINA opens in new window is a network of makerspaces where any UNC student, staff, or faculty member can join the UNC maker community in the design and creation of physical objects for education, research, entrepreneurship, and recreation. Makers can participate in open studios, training sessions, workshops, hosted classes, and group activities. BEAM events are offered nearly every day -- we recommend checking them out!


New IT Help Site Coming Soon

servicenow a new and improved help.unc.edu

ITS is launching a new help.unc.edu on July 30! This is an exciting change that brings many benefits, including the ability to:

Find answers faster with better knowledge articles

Track your requests and support tickets

Chat live with IT support staff

Starting July 30, you'll notice a new design and layout when visiting help.unc.edu opens in new window. The first time you report a problem or submit a request, you will also notice a different set of forms and/or questions that you are asked to complete before submission. Going forward, you'll have full visibility into the status of your submission and be able to quickly and easily chat with the person helping you. Notifications and updates will also come via email from ServiceNow, the new platform technology provider.


CFE Course Design Institute

unc center for faculty excellence logo

The Center for Faculty Excellence Course Design Institute (CDI) opens in new window is a structured sequence of workshops, activities, and working sessions held over a 3-day period (12 hours) where a small cohort of instructors are immersed in backward design approaches for developing their courses. Consider applying for the next CDI, scheduled for August 5, 7, 9, by 9pm this Friday, July 12!

UNC Faculty can expect to leave a CDI:


Mobile CCI Printing

happy student working on tablet and prints from tablet

Students - did you know? You can print from your laptop, smartphone, and other mobile devices through CCI Printing! iOS and Android users should install the Pharos Print app and laptop users can print from mobileprint.unc.edu.


SkillfUL Tech Workshops this Summer

skillful tech workshops

Want to learn a new tech skill? Check out these free SkillfUL Tech Workshops this Summer!


Which slide grabs your attention?

black and white slide with large amount of text   OR   green slide with eye-catching stage 1 egg

Check out our Teaching & Learning Blog for our PowerPoint design series on communicating more visually!

We cover basic principles of good PowerPoint design to not just make your slides more visually appealing but to ultimately help students better grasp the content of your lecture and therefore improve their learning experience. We invite not just instructors but students and staff members to see tips on enhancing presentations!


ConnectCarolina Makeover May 20

connectcarolina infoporte logo

ConnectCarolina is getting a new, more modern look, which you will see on May 20! You can get a sneak peek and find out what's happening on the ConnectCarolina Makeover page. Key benefits include:

NOTE: To apply these updates, there will be a ConnectCarolina outage Friday, May 17 at 5pm - Monday, May 20 at 7am.


Create Your Fall 2019 Course Sites

bell tower behind fall leaves

Instructors, Fall 2019 rosters are now in Sakai! Get a head start on the fall and create your course sites now. In order to create your sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as one of the following in ConnectCarolina for each of your rosters:

NOTES:


Congratulations, Graduates!

University Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 12 @ 9am
Kenan Memorial Stadium

commencement.unc.edu

Graduating Students, don't forget to view Check Your Tech, a list put together by the ITS Service Desk of recommended steps graduating students should take before leaving UNC. You will find tech info on the following and more:


Onyen Password Expiration to Extend to 1 Year

unc information technology services

Beginning on May 13, UNC will switch to changing Onyen passwords only once a year instead of every 91 days! Less often means much more convenient and safe. You don’t need to take any action right now. You will change to your 1-year password the next time your password comes up for renewal on your current cycle. The new system will also help you create passwords that are harder for criminals to crack by:

The additional security layer from 2-Step Verification has made it possible to extend the Onyen password expiration.


Take a Study Break with Puppies!

3 happy unc students with 2 puppies and laptop outside

Feeling overwhelmed? Come take a paws from exams with Academic Advising and meet certified therapy dogs to help de-stress from exam studying. Snacks are also provided!

Exam Paws
Wed, May 1
11am-4pm
Union Art Gallery


Finals Boot Camp

finals boot camp. buckle down and get it done

FINALS BOOT CAMP
April 29 & 30, May 1, 2, 3

Come join your peers at the Writing and Learning Center for any or all of five days of productive study! Stay focused and stay fed, surrounded by your peers and Writing and Learning Center staff. Stay the whole time or come in/out as you need. Sign up for any or all days here.


Final Exam Schedule & Excuses

rameses in glasses with big mug and tech device

Students - the end of semester is quickly approaching! Unsure of where to begin with your exam planning? Know your final exam schedule and consider the Learning Center's Final Exam Planning Tools, which include a class-by-class task table and planner!

If you qualify for an exam excuse, online requests were due April 19 but you can still make a request in person during Academic Advising drop-in hours until April 26. You may need to see a dean and provide documentation. Exam excuses are commonly granted for the following reasons:

Note: Temporary grades of IN and AB factor into your GPA and can impact eligibility.


Be a Peer Tutor & Get Course Credit

Want to Serve as a Peer Tutor for EE Course Credit in Fall 2019?

Find out more about EDUC 387, a hands-on learning experience that allows you to help your peers, gain leadership skills, brush up on course content, and build your resume. More information and an application can be found at the Learning Center.

be a peer tutor for course credit with the learning center


Write Night TONIGHT 6-11pm

Got papers? Come to the Writing Center TONIGHT for a special evening of support, snacks, and productivity. Sign up at the event for a short coaching session, or just hang out and get some writing done. Register for Write Night or just stop by anytime between 6-11pm tonight at the Writing Center (SASB North 0127)!


STRIVE Funding Finder

strive

The Office of Distinguished Scholarship's new searchable funding finder, STRIVE, is now live! Undergraduate students, graduate students, recent grads, and alums can search for scholarships, fellowships, internships, and teaching opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. To talk about opportunities that might be a good fit, book an appointment at uncods.youcanbook.me. See more at strive.unc.edu.


Graduating Students Checklist: Check Your Tech

Calling all Graduating Students! Check Your Tech is a list put together by the ITS Service Desk of recommended steps graduating students should take before leaving UNC. You will find tech info on the following and more:

check your tech


Request FREE Captions on Warpwire Videos by April 12

Are you a course instructor and sharing videos with your students through Warpwire? All videos should come with captions and a transcript to encourage accessibility for all. Whether students have been approved for accommodations by Accessibility Resources & Service (ARS) or not, captions benefit all students.

We have great news for instructors -- ARS is currently accepting requests to make captions available on Warpwire videos for FREE! We encourage all instructors to take advantage of this and easily take part in a global effort to make accessibility a reality for all. Requests must be submitted by April 12th. Check out our blog for full details!

warpwire logo


LNAP: Long Night Against Procrastination

long night against procrastination

This is the last LNAP of the semester! Make progress on your papers and projects during the Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) this Wednesday with the Writing Center! Jumpstart your academic assignments with coffee, snacks, and prizes, and get help from librarians and coaches. Staff from the Library, Writing Center, and Learning Center will be there to help you with all your research, writing, and time management questions. Be sure to register for LNAP to plan for a strong second half of your semester!

LNAP
Wed 4/10 | 8-11pm
The Agora, Granville Towers


Survive and Thrive!: A New TA Institute

unc center for faculty excellence logo

Calling all Graduate Students!

On Wednesday, April 10, from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, a new 4-hour TA Institute will provide graduate students with key information and functional skills central to their success as TAs. Sessions and workshops are designed to help anticipate challenges and plan potential solutions, increase TA confidence when interacting with students, and navigate situations that may arise in their role as a TA. Faculty should encourage new TAs or those with expanded responsibilities next Fall to attend. Be sure to register for the TA Institute!

The Institute is a partnership between The Graduate School, The Center for Faculty Excellence, and CIRTL @ UNC Chapel Hill.


Upcoming SkillfUL Classes

skillful tech workshop logo

Only three SkillfUL Tech Workshops are left this semester! Attend a workshop to learn a new tech skill. Be sure to register!

Social Media Graphics & Video w/ the MRC
Wed 3/27 | 2-3pm | UL 124

Adobe XD
Thurs 3/28 | 6-7pm | UL 124

Bullet Journaling w/ The Learning Center
Fri 3/29 | 2-3pm | UL 124


Call for Sakai Models!

Want to be the new face of Sakai? We plan to update the header photo on the Sakai landing page and need your help! We are looking for photos of you and your friends using technology on campus to use as the new photo on Sakai. To have your photo considered for the next update, send us your photos by Tuesday, March 26.

See our blog for details and photo guidelines.

Check an item off your UNC bucket list (The Daily Tar Heel) by being the next face of Sakai. We're looking forward to seeing your photo submissions!

This could be YOU:

sakai photo of 4 carolina students with laptop on the quad


LNAP: Long Night Against Procrastination

long night against procrastination

Two LNAPs are coming up! Make progress on your papers and projects during the Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) with the Writing Center! Jumpstart your academic assignments with coffee, snacks, and prizes, and get help from librarians and coaches. Staff from the Library, Writing Center, and Learning Center will be there to help you with all your research, writing, and time management questions. Be sure to register for LNAP to plan for a strong second half of your semester!

LNAPs:


Flexible Learning Spaces Initiative

flexible learning spaces initiative banner with photo of instructor and students in flexible classroom

It is an exciting time to teach at UNC!

In response to a 2012 faculty survey on classrooms, the University has been experimenting with alternative classroom designs to accommodate a wider range of teaching methods. Now, Provost Bob Blouin has approved a master plan put forward by the Classroom Policy Steering Committee to expedite updates to many of the University’s general purpose classrooms. The Flexible Learning Spaces Initiative (FLSI) is a multi-year plan to implement these updates and help faculty, graduate instructors, and students make the most of them. 

Over the next five years:

Check out our blog to learn more about this exciting news, announced by the Center for Faculty Excellence.


Our Voice: Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct

This semester, Carolina joins 33 institutions across the country in the 2019 AAU Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct. UNC-Chapel Hill hopes every student will participate to help guide prevention programs and response resources for those impacted by sexual assault, harassment, relationship violence and stalking. The confidential survey will be open for 30 days, from February 7 until March 8. Individualized links will be sent to students in an email from 2019CampusClimateSurvey@westat.com with the subject line including the text “Our Voice.” Visit safe.unc.edu/ourvoice for more information.


Create Your Summer 2019 Course Sites

summer 2019 rosters are in sakai

Instructors, Summer 2019 rosters are now in Sakai! Get a head start on the summer and create your course sites now. In order to create your sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as one of the following in ConnectCarolina for each of your rosters:

NOTES:


LNAP: Long Night Against Procrastination

long night against procrastination

Make progress on your papers and projects during the Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) on Wednesday at the Writing Center! Jumpstart your academic assignments with coffee, snacks, and prizes, and get help from librarians and coaches. Staff from the Library, Writing Center, and Learning Center will also be there to help you with all your research, writing, and time management questions. Be sure to register for LNAP to plan for a strong second half of your semester!

LNAP
Wed 2/27 | 8-11pm
0127 SASB North (Writing Center)

*More LNAPs to come 3/20, 3/26, & 4/10!


Attention Undergraduate Faculty

image of faculty with students

Faculty-student interaction is key to undergraduate success.

Undergraduate Faculty: The Academic Progress Reporting period is now open for Spring 2019! These reports are intended to encourage students to reflect on their academic performance and take action in a timely manner. Students will receive a mid-semester summary of feedback received on Thursday, February 28 -- three business days before the drop deadline of March 5. The last day to submit feedback for your undergraduate students is Friday, March 29.

See more information from The Office of Undergraduate Retention. For streamlined access to your class roster, photo roster, and academic progress reports, select Student Administration > My Schedule from the left menu in ConnectCarolina.


Course Drop or Pass/Fail Deadline: March 5

unc academic advising

Students, the deadline to drop or declare a course as Pass/Fail is Tuesday, March 5. Be sure to check in with your Academic Advisor as soon as possible if you are considering either option. You have through the 8th week of the term to drop classes online through ConnectCarolina (Enroll - Drop tab) or visit an Academic Advisor during Drop-in Hours.

NOTE: Remember that after the 2nd week of classes, a dropped course results in a W / WC (withdrawal from course) notation on your transcript. This does not impact your GPA.


Upcoming SkillfUL Classes

skillful tech workshop logo

Check out this month's SkillUL Tech Workshops and learn a new tech skill! Be sure to register for the classes you wish to attend. See the full SkillfUL schedule.


Upcoming CFE Sessions

unc center for faculty excellence logo

UNC Faculty -- Here are sessions offered by the Center for Faculty Excellence this month that you may want to attend. Be sure to register for any sessions that interest you. Sessions are held in Wilson Library Room 304 (basement).

Identifying Conflict Styles & Managing Conflict Effectively

Th 2/14 | 12-1:30pm

Emotional Intelligence & Covey's 7 Habits of Effective Leaders

Th 2/21 | 11:30am-2pm

Listening Effectively | Giving & Receiving Feedback

Th 2/28 | 12-1:30pm


Writing Center Handouts

writing center logo

Looking for quick advice on a common writing challenge? The UNC Writing Center has more than a hundred online handouts and videos created specifically for Carolina students. Here are the topics on their Tips and Tools page -- we recommend you check them out!


Upcoming SkillfUL Classes

skillful tech workshop logo

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are back! Learn a new tech skill at this month's classes. See the full SkillfUL schedule.


FREE Peer Tutoring Tues/Wed 6-8pm

peer tutoring fall 2018

Take advantage of the Learning Center's free Peer Tutoring service on more than 100 of Carolina's toughest undergraduate courses! You can drop in every Tuesday or Wednesday from 6pm-8pm on the 2nd floor of Dey Hall or make an appointment with a tutor.


Make Spring 2019 Your Best Semester Yet

The Writing & Learning Centers are here to support you in aiming high and doing phenomenally in 2019. Make an appointment with an Academic Coach or Writing Coach now to start your semester well, or register for their “New Semester, New You” semester kickoff on January 15th. Be great this year!

New Semester Kickoff [Registration]
Tuesday, January 15 | 4:30pm-6pm
Writing Center (SASB N 0127)


Start of Semester Checklist & Workshops

happy golden dog in blue carolina hat announces spring rosters in sakai

Instructors, the Spring Semester is here! We have a quick 5-step checklist to help you get started with setting up your course sites in Sakai. If you need in-person assistance, consider registering for our Sakai help sessions:

Intro to Teaching in Sakai [Registration]
Crash course on teaching in Sakai. Great for new instructors!
Thurs 1/10 | 11am-Noon
UL 034

Drop in for Sakai Help [Registration]
Stop by with your Sakai questions and get quick help from a Sakai expert!
Fri 1/11 | 9-10:30am
UL 034

NOTE: Faculty -- see a quick refresher on accessing your Spring 2019 Class Schedule and Class Roster in ConnectCarolina.


Welcome to Sakai 12!

happy golden dog in glasses and watch with welcome to sakai 12 chalkboard

Sakai 12 is here! Is the view off or buttons not responding? Be sure to SHIFT + refresh your browser to see all the changes.

Check out our Teaching & Learning Blog to learn what's new in Sakai 12!


Sakai 12 Upgrade Postponed to January 3rd

golden dog in glasses and watch announces sakai 12 upgrade

Due to the adverse weather delaying fall semester final exams and grades, we have decided to postpone the Sakai 12 Upgrade until January 3rd. Please note the new outage date when Sakai will be completely offline:

Sakai 12 Upgrade Outage
Thursday, January 3rd, 2019
8am - 5pm

NOTE: Assignment conversions will take several hours to run. You may not see your Assignments in Sakai until the next morning on January 4th.

Be sure to follow our Teaching & Learning Blog for updates on new features in Sakai 12!


Course Grade Tips

Check out our 5-item Gradebook Checklist to verify your grades are calculated correctly. Also, here are important tips on calculating course grades in the Gradebook:

REMINDER: Faculty and Staff must use VPN for off-campus and Eduroam for on-campus wireless access to ConnectCarolina. VPN requires 2-Step Verification. See more on VPN.


Adverse Weather: Create Online Exam

With the adverse weather impacting exams, instructors may want to consider creating an online exam for finals. You can quickly bulk-upload your questions to create an online exam through Sakai Tests & Quizzes. It's a simple copy and paste method. See how to create online exams using the "markup text" option -- a *huge time-saver*!


Take a Study Break with Puppies!

Guess who's back...therapy dogs! Come take a paws from exams with Academic Advising and meet certified therapy dogs to help de-stress from exam studying. Snacks are also provided!

Exam Paws
Thurs Dec 6
11am-4pm
Union Art Gallery

happy yellow dog wears sunglasses with words work hard play hard


Finals Boot Camp

buckle down and get it done

FINALS BOOT CAMP
December 6, 7, 10, 11 & 12

Come join your peers at the Writing and Learning Center for any or all of five days of productive study! Stay focused and stay fed, surrounded by your peers and Writing and Learning Center staff. Stay the whole time or come in/out as you need. Sign up for any or all days here.


Final Exam Schedule & Excuses

black white dog with concerned expressed sits against coral white pillow with laptop on leg

Students - the end of semester is quickly approaching! Unsure of where to begin with your exam planning? Know your final exam schedule and consider the Learning Center's Final Exam Planning Tools, which include a class-by-class task table and planner!

If you qualify for an exam excuse, requests may be submitted online by November 28 or in person during Academic Advising drop-in hours until December 5. You may need to see a dean and provide documentation. Exam excuses are commonly granted for the following reasons:

Note: Temporary grades of IN and AB factor into your GPA and can impact eligibility.


Write Night Nov 28

Got papers? Come to the Writing Center for a special evening of support, snacks, and productivity. Sign up at the event for a short coaching session, or just hang out and get some writing done. It will be held this Wednesday, November 28, from 6-11:30pm at the Writing Center (SASB North 0127). Be sure to register for Write Night!


ConnectCarolina 10-Hour Outage Dec 8

connectcarolina infoporte logo

Faculty & Students: Please be aware that ConnectCarolina will temporarily be unavailable starting at 10pm on Saturday, December 8, until 8am on Sunday, December 9. You will not be able to view or enter final grades in ConnectCarolina during this 10-hour outage. View details on the ConnectCarolina Upgrade (opens in new tab).

NOTE: This outage does NOT impact Sakai. Sakai will continue to be available through the Final Exam / Grading Schedule.


Be a Peer Tutor & Get Course Credit

Want to Serve as a Peer Tutor for EE Course Credit in Spring 2019?

Find out more about EDUC 387, a hands-on learning experience that allows you to help your peers, gain leadership skills, brush up on course content, and build your resume. More information and an application can be found at the Learning Center.

be a peer tutor for course credit with the learning center


Upcoming Workshops: Prepare for Finals & Finish Strong

make time to be better

Students -- Thanksgiving Break is just around the corner, which means the end of semester is quickly approaching! Check out these workshops hosted by the Learning & Writing Centers to help you prepare for finals and finish strong this semester.

Use Thanksgiving Break to Your Advantage

Registration: Tues Nov 13 | 5-7pm | SASB North 0127

Polishing and Proofreading

Registration: Tues Nov 27 | 3:30-4:30pm | UL 124

Tackling Test Anxiety

Registration: Wed Nov 28 | 3:30-4:30pm | UL 124

Make a Plan for Finals

Registration: Thurs Nov 29 | 5-6pm | UL 124

Registration: Mon Dec 3 | 4:30-5:30pm | UL 124


Don't Lose Your Access to Heelmail!

​By December 5, 2-Step Verification will be required for all UNC users to access Office 365 (includes Heelmail and OneDrive!), and your account will automatically have 2-Step enforced according to this rollout schedule. Note that this requires a different 2-Step registration from what you've done before (Duo). Here's how to enroll:


Important points:


Attend the Sakai Virtual Conference for Free

sakaiger with apereo logo

Faculty, Instructional Designers, and Support Staff -- join us and the rest of the global Sakai Community at the annual Sakai Virtual Conference on November 7th! This completely-online, faculty-friendly conference is targeted toward the teaching and learning aspects of Sakai, as the emphasis is on pedagogy and best practices. We have several registrations available and encourage you to attend! You can tune into as many sessions as you want throughout the day. See our blog for registration details.

Sakai Virtual Conference 2018
Wednesday, November 7
10am - 5pm
All Online

Conference | Schedule | Session Descriptions


CFE Faculty Showcase Program Announced!

UNC Faculty -- We invite you to join us and the Center for Faculty Excellence at the CFE Faculty Showcase on November 2nd at the Carolina Club! Be sure to register today as spots are quickly filling up.

The Showcase Program is now available! Nearly 50 faculty presenters are lined up for concurrent sessions at the Showcase, which will also include remarks from Provost Bob Blouin and a discussion on creating inclusive learning environments by keynote speaker Dr. Joy Gaston Gayles.

Concurrent session topics to include:


Upcoming SkillfUL Classes

skillful tech workshop logo

There are only a few SkillfUL workshops left this semester. Be sure to register for any sessions that interest you to learn a new tech skill! See the full SkillfUL schedule.


Create Your Spring 2019 Course Sites

happy golden dog in blue carolina hat announces spring rosters in sakai

Instructors, Spring 2019 rosters are now in Sakai! Get a head start on the Spring Semester and create your course sites now. In order to create your sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as one of the following in ConnectCarolina for each of your rosters:

Seeing your rosters in ConnectCarolina but not in Sakai? Please wait up to 24 hours -- updates run 3 times a day.


Upcoming CFE Events

center for faculty excellence logo

Check out these upcoming events offered by the Center for Faculty Excellence! Be sure to register for the events you wish to attend. All sessions are held at the CFE in 304 Wilson Library (basement).

Using Mid-Semester Feedback to Make Changes in Your Teaching
Fri Oct 12 | 2-3:15pm

Introduction to the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity
Wed Oct 17 | 9-10am

Grading Writing: Using Rubrics for Effective Feedback and Time Management
Mon Oct 22 | 3:30-4:30pm


LNAP: Long Night Against Procrastination

long night against procrastination

Make progress on your papers and projects during the Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) this Wednesday at the Writing Center! Jump start your academic assignments with coffee, snacks, and prizes, and get help from librarians and coaches. Staff from the Library, Writing center, and Learning Center will also be there to help you with all your research, writing, and time management questions. Be sure to register for LNAP to plan for a strong second half of your semester!

LNAP
Wed, Oct 10
8pm - 11pm
0127 SASB North (Writing Center)


Writing & Learning Center Workshops

make time to be better

Take one hour out of your week to learn how to make your academic life easier Check out these upcoming Writing and Learning Center workshops, and be sure to register here. Workshops are offered all semester long!


Don't Lose Your Access to Heelmail!

​**Students not yet enrolled will have their account automatically enforced for 2-Step starting October 1 based on their last name. Check the rollout schedule for Oct 1-16.**

2-Step Verification will soon be required to access Office 365, which includes Heelmail and OneDrive! This requires a different 2-Step registration from what you've done before (Duo). Here's how to enroll:


Important points:


Attention Undergraduate Faculty

image of faculty with students

Faculty-student interaction is key to undergraduate success.

Undergraduate Faculty: The Academic Progress Reporting period is open for Fall 2018 in ConnectCarolina, and we encourage you to share feedback with your students by Wednesday, October 31. These reports are intended to encourage students to reflect on their academic performance and take action in a timely manner. See more information from The Office of Undergraduate Retention.

For streamlined access to your class roster, photo roster, and academic progress reports, select "Student Administration" from the left menu and click on "My Schedule."


Affected by Hurricane Florence? We want to hear from you

The University has organized a multidisciplinary team to support students seriously impacted by Hurricane Florence. If you’re one of those students, or if you’re a faculty or staff member who knows such a student, please let the team know by writing to florence@unc.edu.  Students may also drop by the Student Success Hub for Florence Recovery in the Student Union, room 2416, or complete this brief survey.

person with blue umbrella walking behind old well in the rain


SkillfUL Classes are back!

skillful tech workshop logo

SkillfUL classes are back in session! Be sure to register for any sessions that interest you to learn a new tech skill! All of the following workshops are in the Undergraduate Library, Room 124. See the full SkillfUL schedule.


Meet Online or Share Recorded Media

We hope you're all staying safe and prepared with the forecast of the hurricane. We know instructors are also trying to figure out how to adjust class schedules and meetings. Check out our Teaching & Learning Blog for details on having class online and sharing materials with your students.

Continue to check AlertCarolina for updates from the University. Be safe!

alertcarolina logo


2018 CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching

UNC Faculty -- The Center for Faculty Excellence and our ITS-Teaching & Learning team would like to invite you to the 7th CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching, which will take place on Friday, November 2, 2018 at the Carolina Club! The Showcase brings together faculty members from all over campus to celebrate teaching at Carolina. It’s an opportunity for instructors to learn from each other about promising teaching practices and to make new contacts with colleagues across disciplines. Learn. Connect. Share. Have fun!

This year's Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Joy Gaston Gayles, Professor of Higher Education at NCSU. Dr. Gayles will speak on creating inclusive learning environments.

Be sure to register for the Showcase!


Don't Lose Your Access to Heelmail!

​2-Step Verification will soon be required to access Office 365, which includes Heelmail and OneDrive! This requires a different 2-Step registration from what you've done before (Duo). Here's how to enroll:

Important points:


Not seeing your Sakai site?

Sites button in top right corner of Sakai

Check the Sites button in the top right corner of your Sakai screen if you are not seeing your Sakai site. You can easily "star" your favorite Sakai sites and organize how they are listed at the top of your screen. Check out our blog for more details!


Writing & Learning Center's Semester Kickoff

Start off your semester wisely through the Writing and Learning Center's Semester Kickoff! Outline semester goals, create a balanced weekly routine, and complete a semester planner. Snacks and door prizes included.

This event is happening TODAY, August 28! 5pm-7pm at the Writing Center in SASB North 0127.


Trying to create your course site but seeing this message? Want separate course sites?

The course creation process creates only one course site at a time. The above message means your roster is attached to another course site, and rosters can only be attached to one site. This happens when checking multiple rosters during the course creation process. You must remove the extra roster from the current course site in order to create a new site for this roster.

Go to the created course site > Site Info > Edit Class Roster(s) > check roster to remove > Remove Selected

We recommend checking out this 5-step course setup checklist to get your Sakai site ready. We also offer Personal Consultations!


Start of Semester Checklist & Workshops

old well behind red orange fall leaves

Instructors, the Fall Semester is here! We have a quick 5-step checklist to help you get started with setting up your course sites in Sakai. We are also offering Sakai workshops and help sessions to assist you in person. Please register for the sessions you wish to attend:

Intro to Teaching in Sakai

Drop in for Sakai Help


Don't Lose Your Access to Heelmail!

​2-Step Verification will soon be required to access Office 365, which includes Heelmail and OneDrive! This requires a different 2-Step registration from what you've done before (Duo). Here's how to enroll:


Important points:


Coming August 6: Testing Accommodations!

Earlier this month we announced that the Sakai 12 Upgrade was postponed to December 19 (opens in new tab) due to issues we encountered in our testing but that we would still be adding several new features on August 6. We are so excited to share that testing accommodations will soon be in Sakai!

This new feature will especially be helpful to instructors who have:

See our blog for full details! (opens in new tab)


Think Research Impact Before Publication: Tips & Tools

cfe logo

UNC Faculty -- Bring your laptops for this practical and impactful Summer Writing Group Special Topics session with the Center for Faculty Excellence (opens in new tab) and University Libraries staff! They will help you navigate the many decisions you must make around publishing your scholarly work. The session will be this Friday, July 27, from 1-3pm in 504 Wilson Library. Lunch will be served at 12:30pm. Be sure to register! (opens in new tab)

Topics will include:


Sakai 12 Upgrade Dec 19

dog announcing sakai 12 upgrade december 19

Back in April we announced the Sakai 12 Upgrade for August 6. We have been actively testing and debugging the system these past few months and have unfortunately encountered several critical issues that must be addressed. We do not wish to roll out a system that will negatively impact our users and have therefore decided to postpone the Sakai 12 Upgrade to December 19.

We are currently evaluating what features from Sakai 12 we can backport into our current version of Sakai 11 and still plan to add new big features to Sakai on August 6. We will announce what features to expect in the coming weeks. Hint -- big things are happening with web conferencing and student response systems. Stay tuned for details!

Thank you for your understanding and patience. Let us know if you have any concerns through help.unc.edu.

See more details on our blog.


SkillfUL July Classes

skillful tech workshop logo

Only two SkillfUL Tech Workshops remain this summer! Both classes are from 12pm to 1pm in the UL Media Resources Center. Registration is required.


2018 CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching

UNC Faculty -- The Center for Faculty Excellence and our ITS-Teaching & Learning team would like to invite you to the 7th CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching, which will take place on Friday, November 2, 2018 at the Carolina Club! The Showcase brings together faculty members from all over campus to celebrate teaching at Carolina. It’s an opportunity for instructors to learn from each other about promising teaching practices and to make new contacts with colleagues across disciplines. Be sure to register for the Showcase!

We are announcing another call for presentations this year! Are you or a colleague using an instructional method, resource, or technology that might interest other instructors on campus? Let us know by August 31 by submitting a proposal!


Set up 2-Step Now before Grades are Due

All administrative users are now required to use 2-Step Verification when logging into ConnectCarolina. Administrative users include anyone with permission to access anything in ConnectCarolina outside of the Self-Service menu options. This includes instructors entering and approving grades! Set up 2-Step now before you have to submit grades!

Already registered for 2-Step Duo? You're good to go! If you have not yet registered, visit onyen.unc.edu and click on "2-Step Verification for Duo" to get started.


Accessibility in the Classroom

Equal access is essential for all students to fully participate in your class. Perhaps you are unsure of where to start or have questions about what exactly accessibility means. Here is a FREE, 6-week, self-paced online course available to all Faculty and Staff within the UNC System. The course will provide an intro to digital accessibility and offer multiple practical methods for incorporating accessibility into face-to-face, hybrid online, and online classrooms. Participants who complete the course successfully will receive a joint certificate from NC State University and the UNC System office.

Accessibility in the Classroom
Dates: July 2 - August 10
Registration: Online via Reporter

We also have accessibility tips for PDFs available on our blog and invite you to check them out.

photo of woman using laptop and notebook


SkillfUL June Classes

SkillfUL Tech Workshops have been announced for the summer! Here is the June schedule. All classes are from 12pm to 1pm, and registration is required.


Lynda.com available to All UNC users

Want to learn new software or gain creative or business skills for professional or personal development? Lynda.com is a learning company with thousands of online tutorials to help anyone learn new skills, with subjects including Animation, Audio, Business, Design, Developer, Photography, Video, Web, and much more! Lynda.com is available to the entire UNC community through Software Acquisition.


University Research Week: Nov 5-9

Save the Dates -- November 5-9!

University Research Week is a semi-annual, campus-wide event designed to improve awareness of what it means to be a research university, align the University's missions of producing world-class research and providing a world-class undergraduate education, and promote opportunities for students to discover and engage in research and scholarship. In support of this weeklong effort, departments are encouraged to coordinate department-specific activities, such as:


Be a Peer Tutor & Get Course Credit

Want to Serve as a Peer Tutor for EE Course Credit in Fall 2018?

Find out more about EDUC 387, a hands-on learning experience that allows you to help your peers, gain leadership skills, brush up on course content, and build your resume. More information and an application can be found at the Learning Center.


Writing & Learning Centers are Open

The Writing and Learning Centers are open during SSI and SSII this summer!

Check out the Learning Center for peer tutoring in more than 25 courses or for academic coaching to help you manage your time, study more effectively, and more. Use the Writing Center for writing support (in person or online) in any kind of writing at any stage of the writing process.

Make an appointment here or watch a quick video for more information.


Carolina Women in STEM

Join the STEM Hub @ The Learning Center for their Carolina Women in STEM seminar series. Network with other female STEM majors and professors. Set professional and personal goals and create systems to help you achieve those goals. Develop skills to help you get the most out of your academic experiences. Attendees will be reading excerpts from Mindset, by Carol Dweck, which will serve as the basis for discussion. Participants will receive a certificate of completion after attending all of the sessions.

Begins May 23, click here to register.


2-Step in ConnectCarolina: May 23

Beginning May 23rd, all administrative users will be required to use 2-Step Verification when logging into ConnectCarolina. Administrative users include anyone with permission to access anything in ConnectCarolina outside of the Self-Service menu options. Click here for details.

Already registered for 2-Step Duo? You're good to go! If you have not yet registered, visit onyen.unc.edu and click on "2-Step Verification for Duo" to get started.


Create Course Site

Are you teaching and need to create your course site? Go to Worksite Setup > New or check out our Create a Course Site tutorial for instructions! You must be listed as the course instructor in ConnectCarolina to create your Sakai site. Instructors with the TA role cannot create course sites. Contact your departmental course scheduler to list you as one of the following in ConnectCarolina:

NOTE: It may take up to 24 hours after being added in ConnectCarolina for the course roster to appear in Sakai.

screenshot of worksite setup and new buttons
         >> click to enlarge image <<


Congratulations, Graduates!

University Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 13 @ 9am
Kenan Memorial Stadium

commencement.unc.edu | live stream


Take a Study Break with Puppies!

Guess who's back...therapy dogs! Come take a paws from exams with Academic Advising and meet certified therapy dogs to help de-stress from exam studying. Snacks are also provided!

Exam Paws
Wed May 2
11am-4pm
Union Art Gallery


Are you ready for Final Exams?

Come join the Learning Center for any or all of five days of productive study. Stay focused and stay fed, surrounded by your peers and Writing and Learning Center staff on hand. Stay the whole time or drop in/out as you need. Join one of the most productive places on campus during finals! Starting at noon, April 30-May 4th. Register for any of the days here.

Also check out the Learning Center's Final Exam Planning Tools to help you do your best!


Sakai 12 Upgrade: Aug 6

image of dog announcing sakai 12 upgrade on august 6

Before finals take over and you're gone for the summer, we have exciting news to share. We're upgrading to Sakai 12 on Monday, August 6th! Many exciting new features are coming with this upgrade and we invite you to check out our blog for more details. Here are some highlights!

While we will make every effort to minimize the outage that day, please plan for Sakai to be unavailable all day on August 6 while we apply the upgrade. Thank you for understanding!


Final Exam Schedule & Excuses

Students - the end of semester and finals are quickly approaching! Make sure you know your final exam schedule. Check out the Learning Center's Final Exam Planning Tools, including a class-by-class task table and planner!

If you qualify for an exam excuse, requests may be submitted in person during Academic Advising drop-in hours until Friday, April 27 (online requests closed April 23). You may need to see a dean and provide documentation. Exam excuses are commonly granted for the following reasons:

Note: Temporary grades of IN and AB factor into your GPA and can impact eligibility.


Prepare for Finals

learning center logo

Final Exams begin in less than 2 weeks! Join the Learning Center and bring your finals schedule to the Prepare for Finals Workshop. They will share evidence-based strategies and help you create a finals study plan that will give you the best chance for success on your exams!

Prepare for Finals
Option 1: Thurs 4/19 | 3:30-4:30pm
Option 2: Mon 4/23 | 4:30-5:30pm
Location: UL 124


Writing Center Midnight Marathon

Undergrads - join the Writing Center for an evening of productivity, snacks, and writing support at their Midnight Marathon! Feel free to drop in or stay for the whole session next Wednesday, April 18, from 6pm - 11pm at the Writing Center's SASB North location. Be sure to register!


FREE Peer Tutoring Tue/Wed 6-9pm

Take advantage of the Learning Center's free Peer Tutoring service on more than 100 of Carolina's toughest undergraduate courses! You can drop in every Tuesday or Wednesday from 6pm-9pm on the 2nd floor of Dey Hall or make an appointment with a tutor.


Upcoming Learning Center Workshops

learning center logo

Join the Learning Center at their upcoming workshops to get tips on having a more productive semester! All workshops are in the Undergraduate Library, Room 124. Be sure to register for each workshop you wish to attend.

Don't forget there is also Peer Tutoring on 100+ courses on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6-9pm in Dey Hall! No registration required.


2-Step Verification for Heelmail: March 21

Postponed until Fall 2018**

​​

Beginning on March 21, students will need to use 2-Step Verification to access Office 365, which includes Heelmail and OneDrive. This requires a different 2-Step registration from what you've done before (Duo). Here's how to enroll:


Important points:


Course Drop or Pass/Fail Deadline: March 7

Students, the deadline to drop or declare a course as Pass/Fail is Wednesday, March 7. Be sure to check in with your Academic Advisor as soon as possible if you are considering either option. See Academic Advising's Drop-in Hours.


Learn a New Skill!

Here are upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshop sessions -- plus more on the SkillfUL website! All classes are held in the Undergraduate Library, Room 124. Be sure to register for each session you wish to attend:


Major Madness

Students, are you undecided on a major or considering a second major or minor? Join Academic Advising and University Career Services at Major Madness! At this info fair, you will be able to interact with faculty, administrators, and students to learn about different majors, gateway classes, course sequences, and opportunities in and out of the classroom. There are nearly 50 schools and various campus departments currently signed up to attend!

Major Madness
Tues Feb 27 | 2-4pm
Student Union, Great Hall


Long Night Against Procrastination: Feb 20

Make progress on your papers and projects at the Writing Center's LNAP: Long Night Against Procrastination! Jump start your academic assignments with snacks, coffee, and prizes. Staff from the Library, Writing Center, and Learning Center will be on hand to help you with all your research, writing, and time management questions.

Long Night Against Procrastination [Register]
Tues Feb 20 | 8pm-11pm
SASB North 0127


Upcoming Learning Center Workshops

learning center logo

Join the Learning Center at their upcoming workshops this month to get tips on having a more productive semester! All workshops are in the Undergraduate Library, Room 124.

Academic Planning Before Spring Break [Register]
Tues Feb 20 | 6-7pm
Make the most of the 2.5 weeks before Spring Break! Stay on top of your game before break so you can come back to school relaxed and ready to ace the rest of the semester.

Sketchnoting: Remember More through Visual Notetaking [Register]
Wed Feb 21 | 2:30-3:30pm
Incorporate drawings, diagrams, and doodles into your notes to focus on key points, stay alert, and remember more later. No drawing skills necessary!

Read Better, Retain More [Register]
Wed Feb 28 | 3:30-4:30pm
Learn how to read with purpose and gain strategies to use before, during, and after reading to help you get through your reading more quickly and retain more of what you read.


2-Step for Students: Begins Feb 15

Beginning on February 15, ConnectCarolina will require students to use 2-Step Verification when accessing the student financial portion of ConnectCarolina. This includes student bill pay and direct deposit account access. Be prepared: learn more and register now. Visit go.unc.edu/CC2Step for details.

2-Step will be added to Office 365 for students on March 20. This includes Heelmail!


Learn a New Skill!

Here are upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshop sessions this month. Be sure to register for each session you wish to attend:


Turn Off Forum Notifications

You can opt to not receive email notifications when a new message has been posted to a Forum.

Course site > Forums > Watch > No notification > Save

forums watch settings


Time to Bookmark ConnectCarolina!

A new UNC.EDU website design is coming soon and the link to ConnectCarolina will move to the footer instead of the top bar. This is a perfect time to type connectcarolina.unc.edu into your browser and bookmark it for easy access.


Coming in 2018: 2-Step Verification for Students

With 2-Step Verification, you'll protect your account with something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone). On February 15, 2-Step Verification will be required to access student financial information in ConnectCarolina. On March 20, it will be required for Office 365 -- that includes Heelmail! Visit its.unc.edu/2-step to register and learn more!


Sakai Tip: Star Your Favorite Sites

Here's a Sakai tip! You can easily organize your favorite Sakai site tabs at the top of your Sakai screen by clicking on the Sites button in the top right corner, next to your name. Simply "star" the sites you want listed at the top. Click on the "Organize Favorites" tab to rearrange how they are listed. See more details on our Teaching & Learning Blog.


Learn a New Skill!

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are back! Here are upcoming sessions this month. Be sure to register for each session you wish to attend:


Snowed in? Have Class Online

image of faculty with students

When it's not safe to come to campus, consider having class online! There are a number of tools available to you in Sakai to virtually distribute your class material to students and have discussions. Check out our Teaching & Learning Blog to learn more!


Create Your Spring 2018 Course Sites

Instructors, it's time to create your Spring 2018 course sites. In order to create your sites, your departmental course scheduler must list you as one of the following in ConnectCarolina for each of your rosters:

Seeing your rosters in ConnectCarolina but not in Sakai? Please wait up to 24 hours -- updates run 3 times a day.


Reuse Resources between Sites

Need to copy or move content in Resources from one Sakai site to another? Click on the Copy Content from My Other Sites link at the bottom of your Resources page to display content from your other sites! You must be on the main, top-level folder of your Sakai site Resources to view the link.

NOTE: You can also import content from tools between sites through Site Info > Import from Site.


Give Your Parents ConnectCarolina Access

Going home for the holidays? Set up ConnectCarolina access for your parents!

Did you know that, as a student, you can give another person access to ConnectCarolina to pay your bills, see your class schedule...or both? Here are two great reasons to set your parents up with ConnectCarolina access:

Sharing your Onyen and password (yes, even with your parents!) violates security best practices and can make it more difficult to troubleshoot should your account become compromised. Setting up an appropriate access account for those who need it is a great way to provide the access they need while keeping your account secure.

What's more, as 2-Step Verification is added to campus resources it will become impossible for others (like your parents) to use your credentials without also having access to your mobile device.

Easy-to-follow instructions for setting up access can be found here: go.unc.edu/CCProxyInstructions


Finals Boot Camp

Come join the Learning Center and Writing Center for any or all of five days of productive study in SASB North 0127. Stay focused and stay fed, surrounded by your peers and Learning & Writing Center staff on hand. Each day, you're welcome to stay the whole time or drop in/out as you need. Join one of the most productive places on campus during finals!

Finals Boot Camps -- Be sure to register!


The puppies are back!

Academic Advising is bringing back the pups! Come take a paws from exams and meet certified therapy dogs to help de-stress from exam studying. Snacks are also provided!

Exam Paws
Thursday 12/8
11am-4pm
SASB North, Upendo Lounge


Final Exam Schedule & Excuses

Students - the end of semester is quickly approaching. Final Exams begin in a little over a week! Make sure you know your final exam schedule.

If you qualify for an exam excuse, requests may be submitted online until Friday, December 1, or in-person during Academic Advising drop-in hours until Wednesday, December 6. You may need to see a dean and provide documentation. Exam excuses are commonly granted for the following reasons:

Note: Temporary grades of IN and AB factor into your GPA and can impact eligibility.


Writing Center Midnight Marathon

Undergraduate Students -- Come to the Writing Center to buckle down and be productive at their Midnight Marathon. Writing coaches will be on hand from 6pm-11:30pm on Tuesday, November 28 at SASB North to provide a supportive atmosphere where you can get lots of writing done. Sign up here!


Visit VR Spaces at the Library

The University Library now provides Virtual Reality Spaces in the House Undergraduate Library and Kenan Science Library to help researchers, instructors, and students explore VR applications in their field. If you are interested in incorporating Virtual or Augmented Reality into your work, email library staff to talk about your ideas. You can also attend a workshop on Creating and Exploring in Virtual Reality!


Virtual Lab Course Request Form

Did you know you have access to free software that's available 24/7? Check out Virtual Lab to access software at no cost to you on your computer or mobile device! See details on our Teaching & Learning Blog.

Instructors -- you and your students are welcome to use Virtual Lab during class, however we ask that you submit the Virtual Lab Course Request Form due to licensing restrictions. Thank you!


Upcoming Learning Center Workshops

learning center logo

Students -- Thanksgiving Break is just around the corner, which means the end of semester is quickly approaching! Check out these workshops hosted by the Learning Center to help you prepare for finals and finish strong this semester.

Make the Most of Your Thanksgiving Break [Registration]
Tues Nov 14 | 5-7pm
SASB North 0127

Long Night Against Procrastination [Registration]
Wed Nov 15 | 8-11pm
Granville Towers

Preparing for Finals [Registration]
Wed Nov 29 | 3:30-4:30pm
UL 124


Attend the Sakai Virtual Conference for Free

Faculty, Instructional Designers, and Support Staff -- join us and the rest of the global Sakai Community at the annual Sakai Virtual Conference on November 14th! This completely-online, faculty-friendly conference is targeted toward the teaching and learning aspects of Sakai, as the emphasis is on pedagogy and best practices. We have several registrations available and encourage you to attend! You can tune into as many sessions as you want throughout the day. See our blog for registration details.

Sakai Virtual Conference 2017
Tuesday, November 14
9am - 5pm
All Online

Conference | Program | Session Descriptions


November SkillfUL Workshops

Here are the remaining SkillfUL Tech Workshops this semester. Classes are at the Undergraduate Library, Room 124 (unless otherwise posted). Be sure to register for each session you wish to attend:


image of orange ghost balloons with work vanishing caption

Save often and keep backup copies! Did you know that you have 2 GB of storage in Sakai? You can save your work in your Home tab > Resources!


Attention Undergraduate Faculty

image of faculty with students

Faculty-student interaction is key to undergraduate success.

Undergraduate Faculty: The Academic Progress Reporting period is about to close! These reports are intended to encourage students to reflect on their academic performance and take action in a timely manner. Please share feedback with your undergraduate students in ConnectCarolina by Tuesday, October 31. See more information from The Office of Undergraduate Retention.


Call for Sakai Models!

Want to be on this Sakai homepage? We plan to update the header next month and are looking for photos to use. Now is your chance to send us your pictures to possibly be featured on the Sakai homepage! In order to be considered for the next photo update, we must receive your submissions by Tuesday, October 31. Please note the following guidelines:

Here are some past photos for inspiration (click to enlarge):

image of Oct 17 deadline


Read The New York Times

Students - Did you know you can access The New York Times at no charge? All you have to do is sign up at nytimesaccess.com/unc-chapel_hill and look for an email from The New York Times! This subscription is provided by the University Library.

Interested in hearing about science communication? Join the University Library and NYT contributing writer, JoAnna Klein, as she discusses the topic of science communication.

Don't be Boring and Other Pro Tips for Talking about Science
Wed 10/25 | 5-6:30pm
Wilson Library, Pleasants Family Assembly Room


ConnectCarolina Gets a New Look: Oct 23

Starting Monday, October 23, you will see a new look for the ConnectCarolina pages that you use for rosters, grading, and other student-related touchpoints. These changes are an important step in improving accessibility and are part of an update of the underlying software for ConnectCarolina. Changes include a more muted color palette, wider screen layout, and alignment changes. Visit Student Administration 9.2 Upgrade for more details and to view "Before and After" screenshots. ConnectCarolina must be taken offline to apply the changes.

ConnectCarolina Outage
Fri 10/20 5pm - Mon 10/23 7am


Course Drop or Pass/Fail Deadline: Oct 17

image of Oct 17 deadline

Students, the deadline to drop or declare a course as Pass/Fail is Tuesday, October 17. Be sure to check in with your Academic Advisor as soon as possible if you are considering either option. See Academic Advising's Drop-in Hours.


Upcoming SkillfUL Workshops

Check out these upcoming SkillfUL workshops and learn a new tech skill! Classes are at the Undergraduate Library, Room 124. Be sure to register for each session you wish to attend:


FREE Peer Tutoring Tue/Wed 6-9pm

Take advantage of the Learning Center's free Peer Tutoring service on more than 100 of Carolina's toughest undergraduate courses! You can drop in every Tuesday or Wednesday from 6pm-9pm on the 2nd floor of Dey Hall or make an appointment with a tutor.


Tar Heel Tech Fair TODAY 10am-2pm

Students -- head out to the Pit today 9/26 for the Tar Heel Tech Fair and get some free food and swag! We'll be there from 10am till 2pm! Get all your tech info from:


Learn a New Skill at SkillfUL!

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are back in session! Come learn a new tech skill at these free workshops at the Undergraduate Library, Room 124. Please register for each session you wish to attend:


University Teaching Awards

There was likely an instructor who made a difference in your academic career as a student here at UNC. The University Committee on Teaching Awards strongly encourages you to nominate a deserving Faculty member or Graduate Teaching Assistant for distinguished teaching awards. Nominations are accepted year-round, however October 1 is the deadline for nominations to be announced in Spring 2018. See more details on University Teaching Awards.


Writing Center Handouts

Looking for quick advice on a common writing challenge? The UNC Writing Center has more than a hundred online handouts and videos created specifically for Carolina students. Here are the topics on their Tips and Tools page -- we recommend you check them out!


Attention Undergraduate Faculty

image of faculty with students

Faculty-student interaction is key to undergraduate success.

Undergraduate Faculty: The Academic Progress Reporting period is now open for Fall 2017 in ConnectCarolina, and we encourage you to share feedback with your students by Tuesday, October 31. These reports are intended to encourage students to reflect on their academic performance and take action in a timely manner. See more information from The Office of Undergraduate Retention.


Learning Center Semester Kick Off

learning center logo

Start off your semester wisely through the Learning Center's Semester Kick Off! Outline semester goals, create a balanced weekly routine, and complete a semester planner. Snacks and door prizes included.

Semester Kick Off [Registration]
Tues Aug 29
5pm - 7:30pm
SASB North Suite 0127


Caught a Phish?

Have you received an email attempting to get your login credentials or financial information? There was likely a sense of urgency in the email. You may have received a phishing email and should forward the email as an attachment to phish@unc.edu. Do not click on any links or open any attachments in the email. Please note that the University will never ask for your credentials by "clicking here" or ask you to provide your Onyen and password to verify an account or maintain a service. More information can be found on ITS Phish Alerts.

What is phishing? See the ITS video for tips on spotting phishing and spam emails: Phish for Fish


Discover the MRC

The MRC: A place to find reserves, watch films, reserve video camera equipment, and more!


SkillfUL Tech Workshops

Check out the SkillfUL Tech Workshops this month at the Undergraduate Library to learn a new tech skill! No registration required. All classes are held at NOON. 


Test Prep Resources at Learning Center

image of scantron

Check out what test prep resources are available to you at the UNC Learning Center!


Be a Peer Tutor & Get Course Credit

Want to Serve as a Peer Tutor for EE Course Credit in Fall 2017?

Find out more about EDUC 387, a hands-on learning experience that allows you to help your peers, gain leadership skills, brush up on course content, and build your resume. More information and an application can be found at the Learning Center.


Final Grades in ConnectCarolina

Instructors -- Don't forget that final course grades must be entered and approved in ConnectCarolina! They are due 72 hours after your scheduled final exam time. Check the Registrar Schedule to know when your grades are due.

You can easily import your final grades from the Sakai Gradebook to ConnectCarolina using a readily-formatted spreadsheet:

New Gradebook: Import Grades > Export Final Grades for ConnectCarolina
Gradebook Classic: Course Grades > Export for ConnectCarolina [Download]


Finals Boot Camp: May 1-5

Need a productive and supportive study environment for finals? Come to the Writing and Learning Centers for five days of quiet space, snacks, and FOCUS. Drop-in academic coaching also available. May 1st through 5th -- come to any or all. Register here.


Final Exam Schedule & Excuses

Students - the end of semester is quickly approaching. Final Exams begin in about 1 week! Make sure you know your final exam schedule. If you qualify for an exam excuse, be sure to submit your request ASAP. Exam excuses are issued through Academic Advising, and you may need to see a dean and provide documentation. Exam excuses are commonly granted for the following reasons:

Note: Temporary grades of IN and AB factor into your GPA and can impact eligibility.


It's Midnight Marathon Time!

Undergrads - join the Writing and Learning Centers for an evening of productivity, snacks, and writing support at the Midnight Marathon! Feel free to drop in or stay for the whole session this Wednesday, April 19, from 6pm - 11pm at the Writing Center's SASB North location. Register here.


Faculty Elections: April 7-19

UNC Faculty -- The Faculty Council makes university-wide educational policies and it is time to vote in the Faculty Elections. All members of the Voting Faculty should have received a ballot email on April 7th with the subject line "Faculty Elections Ballot 2017" with a unique ballot link. Faculty have until April 19 to cast their ballot. More information can be found on the Office of Faculty Governance Elections webpage.


CFE Faculty Showcase Slides Available

UNC Faculty -- Did you miss the CFE Faculty Showcase that was held on March 24? Or did you want a copy of the information that was shared at the Showcase? We invite you to check out the Showcase Program page to see all presentation slides and handouts! Thanks to all the presenters for sharing your ideas!


Sakai Tip: Star Your Favorite Sites

Here's a Sakai tip! You can easily organize your favorite Sakai site tabs at the top of your Sakai screen by clicking on the Sites button in the top right corner, next to your name. Simply "star" the sites you want listed at the top. Click on the "Organize Favorites" tab to rearrange how they are listed. See more details on our Teaching & Learning Blog.


Learning Management Systems & Student Success

UNC Faculty & Staff -- Please join the discussion with Dr. Matt Bernacki from UNLV on Learning Management systems and Student Success this Tuesday, April 4, from 3:30pm - 4:30pm in Dey Hall, Toy Lounge. Dr. Bernacki will provide an overview of his research and discuss open questions and important applications for supporting students in higher ed. Dr. Bernacki is finding ways to:

Co-Sponsors:


SkillfUL Tech Workshops

Check out the upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops at the Undergraduate Library to learn a new tech skill! All sessions are in UL 124 (with the exception of the 3/29 workshop) and require registration.


CFE Faculty Showcase this Friday

UNC Faculty -- If you registered for the 6th Annual CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching, don't forget that the Showcase is this Friday, March 24, from 8am - 3:30pm at the Carolina Club! The full Showcase Program is available and we invite you to check it out. Drop in for a session throughout the day or stay for the whole event.

Keynote Address by Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire: "Get Students to Focus on Learning Instead of Grades: Metacognition is the Key!"


Want to be on the Sakai Homepage?

Every few months we change out the picture on the Sakai homepage and it's about that time. We are launching a contest to find the next photo to be featured on the Sakai homepage! In order to be considered for the very next photo, we must receive your submission by this Friday, March 10, at 5pm. Please note any pictures we receive after this date or any not chosen this time around will still be considered for future homepage updates -- so keep sending them in! Find all the details on our blog!


Register Now for the CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching

UNC Faculty -- The 6th Annual CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching is this month! Check out the full Showcase program, which was just announced! The Showcase will be held on Friday, March 24 at the Carolina Club -- attend one session or the entire event. Session topics include:

Registration & details: cfe.unc.edu/showcase2017.


Major Madness

You’re invited to Major Madness, a major and career exploration event! Major Madness will take place on Thursday, March 2nd from 2-4pm in the Great Hall of the Union. Whether you are undecided and searching for the right fit or you’ve already chosen your major, this event provides you the opportunity to connect with departments across campus. Come learn more about Carolina’s many majors and the numerous research, departmental, and career opportunities available to you. No registration needed.

This event is hosted by Academic Advising and University Career Services.


SkillfUL Tech Workshops

Check out the upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops in March at the Undergraduate Library to learn a new tech skill! All sessions are in UL 124 (with the exception of the 3/29 workshop) and require registration.


Recipe for Résumé Success

How do you make your résumé stand out amongst a crowd? Join The Lab on 2/22 to discuss the key ingredients that make an effective résumé and how spicing it up with good design and creativity will help you catch the attention of prospective employers. Registration is required: bit.ly/register4lab


Visit the Writing & Learning Centers

The Writing Center offers free one-on-one or online support for any of your writing needs, as well as an internationally-renowned collection of helpful writing handouts.

The Learning Center provides students with free academic coaching, peer tutoring, workshops, coaching groups, and support for graduate school admissions tests.


SkillfUL Tech Workshops

Check out the remaining SkillfUL Tech Workshops this month at the Undergraduate Library to learn a new tech skill! All sessions are in UL 124 and require registration.


Attention Undergraduate Faculty

image of faculty with students

Faculty-student interaction is key to undergraduate success.

Undergraduate Faculty: The Academic Progress Reporting period is now open for Spring 2017 in ConnectCarolina, and we encourage you to share feedback with your students by Monday, February 27. These reports are intended to encourage students to reflect on their academic performance and take action in a timely manner. See more information from The Office of Undergraduate Retention.


Register Now for the CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching

UNC Faculty -- The 6th Annual CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching is less than two months away! The Showcase will be held on Friday, March 24 at the Carolina Club. Session topics include:

Full program to be announced soon. Please register at your earliest convenience at cfe.unc.edu/showcase2017.


FREE Conference on Transforming the T&L Environment

We invite you to attend the Transforming the Teaching & Learning Environment virtual conference, presented by Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. Registration costs are waived for all UNC-CH faculty, staff, and students, courtesy of our team, ITS Teaching & Learning. All conference details, including how to access sessions, can be found on our Teaching & Learning Blog (Onyen login required).

Transforming the Teaching & Learning Environment
Mon, Feb 13 - Fri, Feb 24
Six 1-hour, non-concurrent sessions each weekdayT
60 total sessions, all online


Not seeing the text box editor?

If you are not seeing the text box editor or having other display issues in Sakai, refresh the page or clear your browser cache! Web browsers will store images and other web content to speed up your browsing experience, so occasionally the browser cache needs to be cleared to show updates. Simply hold down your keyboard Shift key (if you are on a Mac, you may also need to hold down the Command key) as you click on your browser refresh button. You may need to completely clear your cache and close out your browser.


Not seeing your Sakai site?

Check the new Sites button in the top right corner of your Sakai screen if you are not seeing your Sakai site. You can easily "star" your favorite Sakai sites and organize how they are listed at the top of your screen. Check out our blog for more details!


Welcome to Sakai 11!

Sakai 11 is here! There are many new features and we invite you to check them out! See our blog for full details.

NOTE: If the layout is not displaying correctly or you have issues, please clear your browser cache by simultaneously holding down the Shift key on your keyboard and clicking on your browser refresh button.

Please let us know if you notice any bugs or strange behaviors by contacting the ITS Service Desk at help.unc.edu. Thank you!


Sakai 11 Upgrade Outage Dec 20 | 8am-5pm

sakai 11 upgrade announcement

The Sakai 11 Upgrade is finally here! Please prepare for Sakai to be offline and inaccessible on Tuesday, December 20, from 8am until 5pm. This is the day after all final grades are due in ConnectCarolina, per University policy. Here is the Gradebook Checklist if you are finalizing grades by December 19.

We hope you're as excited about the Sakai 11 Upgrade as we are!


Take a Study Break with Puppies, Kittens, & Horses!

Academic Advising is bringing back the pups! Come take a paws from exams and meet certified therapy dogs to help de-stress from exam studying. They will be in the Student Union Great Hall Lobby this Thursday, December 8 (Reading Day), from 11am-4pm. Snacks are also provided!

After the puppies leave, stop by PASS in the Great Hall from 4-6pm for free food and interactive 'stress-less' activities. More PASS activities are happening that day from 9am-10pm across campus. Find out where.

But wait! Cats, dogs, and horses will also be at the Health Sciences Library, Room 527 on Dec 8-12! Here's the lineup:


Finals Boot Camp Starts 12/8

Join your peers and the Learning Center for any or all five days of supervised study to help you focus for finals. There will be plenty of snacks and an atmosphere to help you stay focused and productive.

Finals Boot Camp [Register!]


Final Exam Schedule & Excuses

Students - the end of semester is quickly approaching. Final Exams begin the end of this week! Make sure you know your final exam schedule. If you qualify for an exam excuse, be sure to submit your request ASAP. Exam excuses are issued through Academic Advising, and you may need to see a dean and provide documentation. Exam excuses are commonly granted for the following reasons:

Note: Temporary grades of IN and AB factor into your GPA and can impact eligibility.


2017 CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching

UNC Faculty -- Please join us and the Center for Faculty Excellence at the 6th Annual CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching, which will take place on March 24, 2017 at the Carolina Club. This year we have announced a call for presentations! Are you or a colleague using an instructional method, resource, or technology that might interest other instructors on campus?

>> Let us know by this Wednesday, November 30 by submitting a proposal!


Tar Heel Tech Fair: Nov 28

Students -- ITS would like to invite you to join us and learn more about current technologies and I.T. services being offered on campus. Come play some games, eat free food, and get some swag!

Tar Heel Tech Fair
Mon Nov 28 | 10am - 2pm
The Pit


Midnight Marathon

Come to the Writing Center to buckle down and be productive. Writing coaches will be on hand from 6pm-11pm on Wednesday, November 30th for consultation, and there will be fun study breaks, snacks, prizes, and (most importantly!) a supportive atmosphere where you can get lots of writing done. Sign up her


Game Plan for Finals!

Come learn how to best use your Thanksgiving Break to study and prep for your finals. There will be planning tools from the Writing Center and support from Learning Center staff. Bring your laptops and study materials to create a plan to reach your end-of-semester academic goals, and also get free food. This is a great opportunity to finish your semester strong!

Use Thanksgiving Break to Your Advantage! [Register]
Wed Nov 16 | 5pm-7pm
Writing Center (0127 SASB North)


Be a Peer Tutor!

Want to serve as a peer tutor for course credit in Spring 2017? Find out more about EDUC 387, a hands-on learning experience that allows you to help your peers, gain leadership skills, brush up on course content, and build your resume. More information and an application can be found at the Learning Center.


Convert PDFs into editable Text files

Need to edit your PDF files? Saving your PDFs as Text files allows you to edit the text, making the document more interactive. You can copy and paste the content into a word processor, such as MS Word, and then highlight, underline, and edit the text. To convert the PDF:

Open PDF > File > Save As > Text


Last 2 SkillfUL Tech Workshops!

graphic for skillful tech workshops

Only two SkillfUL Tech Workshops remain this semester! All classes are held in UL 124 and require no prior knowledge.

NOTE: Attendants must register for workshops this semester.


Build Your Brand

Register now for The Lab's upcoming workshop, Build Your Brand! How do you tell your story in a compelling and purposeful way? At the workshop, you'll examine what goes into creating an impactful brand and provide steps to help you build your very own.

Build Your Brand [Registration required]
Wed Nov 9 | 7pm - 8:30pm
Carolina Union Suite 1506


Looking for free help on your papers?

Take advantage of the UNC Writing Center, where you can make an appointment or submit your draft online. See the following video to learn more about what the Writing Center offers.

"Every writer needs a reader." - Kim Abels, UNC Writing Center


2017 CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching

UNC Faculty -- The Center for Faculty Excellence and our ITS-Teaching & Learning team would like to invite you to the 6th Annual CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching, which will take place on March 24, 2017 at the Carolina Club! The showcase brings together faculty members from all over campus to celebrate teaching at Carolina. It’s an opportunity for instructors to learn from each other about promising teaching practices and to make new contacts with colleagues across disciplines.

This year we are announcing a call for presentations! Are you or a colleague using an instructional method, resource, or technology that might interest other instructors on campus? Let us know by November 30 by submitting a proposal!


Attention Undergraduate Faculty

image of faculty with students

Faculty-student interaction is key to undergraduate success.

Undergraduate Faculty: The Academic Progress Reporting period is now open for Fall 2016 in ConnectCarolina, and we encourage you to share feedback with your students by Tuesday, October 18. These reports are intended to encourage students to reflect on their academic performance and take action in a timely manner. See more information from The Office of Undergraduate Retention.


October SkillfUL Tech Workshops

graphic for skillful tech workshops

Check out these upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops this month to learn a new tech skill. All classes are held in UL 124 and require no prior knowledge.

NOTE: Attendants must register for workshops this semester.

See the full schedule here.


Use Fall Break to Your Advantage!

Use the time before and during Fall Break to make a plan for the rest of your semester! Join the Writing and Learning Centers from 5pm-7pm on Tuesday, October 11th to get your academic life in order while enjoying free snacks. Register here.


BIG NEWS: Sakai 11 Upgrade Dec 20

sakai 11 upgrade announcement

We have a very big announcement. We are upgrading to Sakai 11 on December 20!

Please prepare for Sakai to be offline on Tuesday, December 20, as we must take the system offline to apply the upgrade. This outage will occur after Fall 2016 grades are due in ConnectCarolina.

Sakai 11 brings many new enhancements and features, some of which are outlined below. Check out our T&L Blog for more details!

We hope you're as excited about the Sakai 11 Upgrade as we are! Stay tuned for more details!


TAs & Grading

Are your Teaching Assistants unable to view student submissions and enter grades? Make sure TAs are added through ConnectCarolina! This is due to FERPA regulations.

See TA Access and Permissions


Makerspace at Kenan Science Library

Curious about 3D printing, 3D design, or just want to make stuff? Check out the Research Hub at Kenan Science Library! They have workshops nearly every weekday throughout the semester on fun, hands-on projects. All workshops are in Venable Hall Room G301. Here are just some of the workshop topics offered:

Also consider being part of the 8-foot UNC Periodic Table of Elements! See more information from Makerspace and a quick time lapse video of installed elements so far. Only about 10 unclaimed elements remain!


Learn a New Skill at SkillfUL Tech Workshops

graphic for skillful tech workshops

SkillfUL Tech Workshops in the Undergraduate Library have started back up! Check out these upcoming workshops to learn a new tech skill. All classes are held in UL 124 and require no prior knowledge.

NOTE: Attendants must register for workshops this semester.

See the full schedule here.


FREE Peer Tutoring Tue/Wed 6-9pm, Dey Hall

Drop in for help on more than 100 of Carolina's toughest undergraduate courses! Take advantage of the Learning Center's free Peer Tutoring service every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6pm-9pm on the 2nd floor of Dey Hall or make an appointment (new!). See which classes have tutoring offered here.


Sept 6 Deadline: TODAY is the last day!

Students, there are several deadlines to be aware of today, September 6. Today is the last day to:

Get more details through the University Registrar.


Want to remove old course sites from view?

You can customize your Sakai tabs or completely remove them from your view (still available in Worksite Setup) through My Workspace > Preferences. Drag and drop site tabs within the 3 columns to position exactly where you want them listed.

See this video explaining these steps.


                                          >>> Click to enlarge image <<<


Students not seeing your course sites?

Students -- If you are not seeing your course sites, your instructors may not have created or published them yet.

Instructors -- Be sure to publish your site to give students access. Simply click on the (Publish Now) button in the top left corner of your course site or go to Site Info > Manage Access.

Need to create your course site? See this tutorial.


E-Research Tools

Need to look up academic journals and articles for your research papers and projects? Use E-Research Tools to find articles, e-journals, and guides, provided by University Libraries.


July SkillfUL Tech Workshops

graphic for skillful tech workshops

Only three SkillfUL Tech Workshops remain this summer! All classes meet in Room 124 in the Undergraduate Library from 12pm - 1pm.

See the summer schedule here. No registration or prior knowledge required.


Beware of Phishing Emails

There are several phishing emails being sent to UNC employees and students, including those that appear to be from the Help Desk and ConnectCarolina. None of these are legitimate. DO NOT click on any links in these emails. We recommend you check its.unc.edu/phish-alerts to view reported and confirmed phish attempts.

What is phishing? See this ITS video for tips on spotting phishing and spam emails: Phish for Fish


Create an ePortfolio with WordPress

Trying to put an ePortfolio together? Consider attending the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop on Creating an ePortfolio with WordPress on Monday, June 27. All SkillfUL classes this summer are held from 12pm - 1pm in the House Undergraduate Library, Room 124.

See the full summer schedule here. No registration or prior knowledge required.


 

Use Firefox

For optimum performance, our recommended browser for both PC and Mac users is Firefox.

Other browsers such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome, and Opera may cause unexpected behaviors and errors.

 


Create Your First Webpage with HTML and CSS

graphic for skillful tech workshops

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are back! The first workshop to kick off the summer series is Create Your First Webpage with HTML and CSS to be held on Monday, June 20. All classes will meet in Room 124 in the Undergraduate Library from 12pm - 1pm.

See the summer schedule here. No registration or prior knowledge required.


Library Reserves tool now called Course Reserves

A new, more convenient Library Reserves system was made available in the Spring. Please note that the Sakai tool has been renamed to Course Reserves (formerly called Library/Reserves).

For Faculty:
You can submit reserve requests online, without having to email the library a special form. The new system allows you to add, remove, and edit your reserve material directly.

For Students:
All libraries with reserves now use the new system, for both electronic and physical reserve materials -- only one place to find all your course reserves.

See this 5-minute intro video.

If you have any questions, please contact reserve_reading@unc.edu or hsl-reserves@listserv.unc.edu.


Citation Builder

Having trouble putting together your list of resources for your research paper? Use the University Libraries' Citation Builder to quickly build citations following citation manuals.


Need to watch a film for class?

Check out the Media Resources Center!


Video Creation for Teaching and Learning

Do the words codec, compression, screencast, and render scare you? This Center for Faculty workshop will help move you beyond the jargon to take a holistic approach to instructional video creation. Starting with your teaching and learning goals, you will learn how to plan projects with realistic expectations and outcomes. Through hands-on activities, the CFE will guide you through the complete process of video production, examining content format choices while introducing recording, production, and delivery options.

Video Creation for Teaching and Learning - Faculty only
Option 1: Mon May 23 | 1pm - 3pm
Option 2: Wed May 25 | 10am - 12pm
304 Wilson Library


header for carolina women in stem

Join the STEM Hub @ The Learning Center for their Carolina Women in STEM summer seminar series.

You'll receive a copy of Mindset, by Carol Dweck, which will serve as the basis for discussion. You will also receive a certificate of completion after attending all of the sessions.

WHEN: Wednesdays, May 18 & 25, June 1 & 8 | 2pm - 3:30pm

WHERE: Bingham Hall 301

Apply soon - space is limited!

Questions? Contact: Jackie Stone - jacsto@email.unc.edu


Create Course Site

Need to create your course site? Check out our Create a Course Site tutorial for instructions! You must be listed as the course instructor in ConnectCarolina to create your Sakai site. Instructors with the TA role cannot create course sites. Contact your departmental course scheduler to list you as one of the following in ConnectCarolina:

NOTE: It may take up to 24 hours after being added in ConnectCarolina for the course roster to appear in Sakai.


Congratulations, Graduates!

University Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 8 @ 9am
Kenan Stadium

commencement.unc.edu | live stream


Get Sakai Help in the UL TODAY!

Instructors--have any last-minute Sakai questions before the semester ends? Stop by the House Undergraduate Library today between 2pm and 3:30pm in room 034 to meet with a Sakai expert! Get help on:

Please register for the event to ensure a consultant will be available to meet with you.


Are you ready for Finals?

Join your peers for any or all of 5 days of supervised study to help you focus and prepare for finals. The Learning Center will provide quiet spaces, camaraderie, discipline, abundant snacks, and more! Come to any or all sessions in 0127 SASB North (Writing Center).

Finals Boot Camp [Register!]

Note: You do not have to stay for the entirety of the session for which you sign up.


The pups are back!

graphic for exam paws event

Academic Advising is bringing back the pups! Come take a paws from exams and meet certified therapy dogs to help de-stress from exam studying. Snacks are also provided!

Exam Paws
Thurs 4/28 (Reading Day)
11am-4pm
Student Union Great Hall Lobby


Is it taking too long to create Sakai Tests?

Instructors -- here is a *huge time-saver* you may not have known about creating assessments in the Sakai Tests & Quizzes tool. Did you know you can quickly bulk-upload your test questions? It's a simple copy and paste method!

Check out our blog to learn more!


Writing Center Midnight Marathon

Join the Writing Center at their Midnight Marathon for a final push on your semester papers! Sign up for 20-minute consultations in person starting at 8pm this Sunday at the Writing Center in SASB North. The Writing Center coaches and staff will provide short coaching sessions, fun activities, and snacks to help you settle in and make serious progress on your final papers. Space is limited so register soon to let the Writing Center know you plan to attend!

Midnight Marathon [Registration]
Sunday, April 24
8pm - 11:30pm
127 SASB North


Book a Group Study Room

Need to reserve a study room? You can reserve study spaces yourself from the following locations through University Libraries:


Attention Rising Seniors

Rising Seniors--do you have any questions about Senior Year? Come see Academic Advising this Wednesday, April 13, from 11am until 2pm in front of Wilson Library. Come chat and ask questions, and enjoy some free cold lemonade as well!


New Makerspace at Kenan Science Library

Curious about 3D printing? Join the Research Hub at the Kenan Science Library as they host a launch party for the newest Makerspace on campus! Demonstrations and workshops will be held that day where you will be given the tools and space to turn metal, wood, electronics, and fabric into art, fun, and solutions for scientific and technical challenges. Please register for the workshops.

April 12 | Kenan Science Library | Venable G301

Also consider being part of the 8-foot UNC Periodic Table of Elements! See more information from Makerspace and a quick time lapse video of installed elements so far.


Be a Peer Tutor!

Want to become a Peer Tutor for course credit? Apply with the Learning Center and enroll in EDUC 387. Prior tutoring experience is not required, and training is provided during the first two weeks and over the course of the semester. As a peer tutor, you:

Don't forget peer tutoring is offered every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6-9pm on the 2nd floor of Dey Hall on more than 100 of Carolina's toughest undergraduate courses! See classes offered here.


Final Exam Excuse Deadline: April 27

Students--believe it or not, but Final Exams begin in 3 weeks! Certain circumstances usually warrant the rescheduling of a final exam. Exam excuses are issued through Academic Advising through Wednesday, April 27, and students may need to see a dean and provide documentation. Exam excuses are commonly granted for the following reasons:

Note: Temporary grades of IN and AB factor into your GPA and can impact eligibility.


STEM Coaching Group, Tuesdays 3-4pm

Students, be your best academic self! The Learning Center's STEM Coaching Group meets Tuesdays from 3-4pm in SASB North 0127 (Writing Center Café) to help you with the following. Consider registering--there are 4 meetings left!


Campus Study Spaces

Students--looking for a study space that is Absolutely Quiet, Open Late, Reservable, or for Group Study? Check out the University Libraries' Places to Study list to find your perfect place to study!


Inclusive Teaching Workshops

Instructors -- Join the Center for Faculty Excellence and the College of Arts and Sciences in their two-part Inclusive Teaching Workshop to meet with a community of educators who are passionate about diversity and inclusion. The workshop will be led by:

Participants who complete both sessions will receive a certificate. Please register for the sessions, which are held in Wilson Library Room 304:

Part 1: Thurs 3/31 | 12-1:30pm (lunch provided)

Part 2: Tues 4/19 | 1:30-3pm
Learn together about the implicit bias that both students and professors bring to a classroom and solutions to counteract these biases.


Create More Effective Slides for Presentations

graphic for skillful tech workshops

Are you working on a presentation or lecture? Do you currently use a lot of bullet points and text on your slides? Consider attending the very last SkillfUL Tech Workshop of this semester to learn how to create more effective slides for your presentations! This workshop will be led by our very own Kerry O'Sullivan in ITS-Teaching & Learning!

Presentations that Impress: Create Beautiful and Effective Slides
Wed 3/30 | 10am-11am
UL 124


Want Help on a Paper?

Did you know that you don't need to have started your paper to work with a writing coach? The UNC Writing Center can help at any stage of the process, with anything you're composing, including PowerPoints, blog posts, videos, and podcasts. You'll be surprised how much progress you can make in just 45 minutes! Book your appointment with the Writing Center--your future self will thank you.


Reflection on Student Learning & Your Teaching

Grad Students and Post Docs--We are approaching the end of the semester. Now is the time to reflect on key elements of your teaching and make plans for the next time you teach. Consider these questions:

The Center for Faculty Excellence is hosting two sessions on Reflection on Student Learning and Your Teaching at the Davis Library Research Hub (2nd floor) to discuss those questions. Consider attending!


Upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops

graphic for skillful tech workshops

There are only three SkillfUL Tech Workshops left this semester! Check out the two upcoming workshops:

Create an Academic Poster in InDesign
Wed 3/23 | 10am-11am
UL 124

Design a Flyer in Photoshop
Mon 3/28 | 6pm-7pm
UL 124

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule here.


Spring Break To-Do List


                  CC image on flickr
 

 

  

Have some free time this week while classes are not in session? Check off these items on your to-do list!

Students

Review and organize Final Exam Schedule

See Advising for Final Exam Excuse

Look up class registration and schedule

Summer registration begins 3/21

Fall registration begins 4/5

First-Years, complete First Year Module in Sakai site Academic Advising: Class of 2019 by 4/1

First-Years, have advising appointment or attend Advising 101 by 4/1

Faculty

Set up course Gradebook

Create Summer course sites

We wish everyone a safe and relaxing Spring Break!


Studying for a standardized test?

Get help with Test Prep!


Upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops

graphic for skillful tech workshops

Check out these upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops! They are in the House Undergraduate Library, Room 124.

Digital Photography Basics
Take better photos with your phone and perfect them in Photoshop
Mon 3/7 | 5:30pm-7pm

Build an Infographic in Illustrator
Thurs 3/10 | 10am-11am

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule here.


Evaluation of Teaching

Instructors--Consider giving midsemester evaluations, as they are a valuable strategy for:

The Center for Faculty Excellence is hosting two workshops at the Davis Library Research Hub (2nd floor) to discuss the Evaluation of Teaching:

Option 1 [Register]       |    Option 2 [Register]
Wed 3/9 | 12-1:30pm     |    Thurs 3/10 | 12:30-2pm


Major Madness

Wondering what your major can do for you? Find out at the Major Madness event on Wednesday, March 2, from 2pm until 4pm in the Great Hall. Explore new majors and minors, and enjoy a casual atmosphere to mingle with professors from many campus departments. This event is hosted by Academic Advising and University Career Services, who will be there to answer your questions on potential majors and careers.


Midterm Madness Study Camp

Join your peers for up to four nights of supervised study to stay focused. Learning Center staff will be on hand to keep you motivated and provide optional academic coaching. Free snacks are included.

Midterm Madness Study Camp [Registration]
SASB North Suite 0127
March 2, 3, 7, 8
5pm-8pm


Upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops

graphic for skillful tech workshops

Check out these upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops! They are in the House Undergraduate Library, Room 124.

Build a UNC-branded Website: Use the Heelium WordPress Theme
Wed, Feb 17 | 10am-11am
With ITS Digital Services staff

Build your Resume in InDesign
Mon, Feb 22 | 6pm-7pm
With UNC Career Services staff

Make Sense of Data with Excel
Thurs, Feb 25 | 10am-11am
With UNC Libraries' Research Hub staff

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule here.


Snowed in? Have Class Online!

Don't let the inclement weather disrupt your schedule. See our T&L Blog for details on having class and meetings online.


          Photo by UNC Student Nancy Le


Lessons Workshop Feb 17

The Lessons tool is a one-stop shop for all your course materials. Register for our Lessons Workshop on Wednesday, February 17, from 1pm-2pm in Health Sciences Library Room 307 to learn how you can:


New Library Reserves System now in Sakai

A new, more convenient Library Reserves system is now available! Take this survey to let University Libraries know about your experience with the new tool.

For Faculty:
You can submit reserve requests online, without having to email the library a special form. The new system allows you to add, remove, and edit your reserve material directly.

For Students:
All libraries with reserves now use the new system, for both electronic and physical reserve materials -- only one place to find all your course reserves.

See this 5-minute intro video.

If you have any questions, please contact reserve_reading@unc.edu or hsl-reserves@listserv.unc.edu.


The Art of Networking: Create a Business Card

The Lab from Communications & Creative Services and University Libraries are bringing the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop on exploring the basics of networking and the dos and don'ts of business card design. You'll also have a hands-on learning opportunity to discover how Adobe InDesign can be used as a tool for creating your very own business card.

The Art of Networking: Create a Business Card [Registration Required]
Thurs 2/11 | 7pm-8:30pm
UL 124

See the full SkillfUL Tech Workshop schedule here.


Upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops

Check out these upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops! They are in the House Undergraduate Library Room 124.

Add Style to your Website with CSS
Monday, Feb 1 | 6pm-7pm

Create an e-Portfolio with WordPress
Thursday, Feb 4 | 10am-11am
Monday, Feb 8 | 6pm-7pm

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule here.


Organize Site Menu

Instructors, you can organize your Sakai site menu through Page Order by removing tools you are not using, hiding tools from student view, renaming tools, and reordering the list of tools. Go to Site Info > Page Order and click Save for any changes. To reorder tools, click and drag the tool to reposition it.

Rename tool
(Un)hide tool
Lock tool
Delete tool

Learn about Photoshop and HTML

Want to learn about Photoshop or coding in HTML? SkillfUL Tech Workshops are back in session and begin this week! All workshops are in the House Undergraduate Library Room 124--check out the first two:

Code your First Webpage in HTML
Monday, January 25
6pm - 7pm

Design a Flyer in Photoshop
Thursday, January 28
10am - 11am

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Be a Peer Tutor!

The Learning Center is looking for peer tutors! As a peer tutor, you:

Apply to be a peer tutor here.


Congratulations, Graduates!

University Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, December 13 @ 2pm
Dean E. Smith Center

commencement.unc.edu | live stream


Are you ready for Final Exams?

The Learning Center is holding three more supervised study sessions for their Finals Boot Camp to help you prepare for finals! You will find quiet study spaces, help from the Learning Center staff, and food to stay energized.

Finals Boot Camp [Register]
SASB North, Room 0127
M-W 12/7-12/9
12pm-5pm

Also check out the Learning Center's Final Exam Planning Tools to help you do your best!


Guess who's back...

Academic Advising is bringing back the pups! Come take a paws from exams and meet certified therapy dogs to help de-stress from exam studying. Snacks are also provided!

Exam Paws
Thurs 12/3 (Reading Day)
11am-4pm
Student Union, Great Hall Lobby


Notify Students of Graded Assignments

Instructors, your students like receiving email notifications when their assignments have been graded. You can auto-notify students by email when you have released their graded Assignments. Select "Send notification email to student when the grade is released" under Release Grade Notification Email Options when creating or editing an Assignment. Be sure to save by clicking on Post.


Final Exam Schedule

Students -- Final Exams begin the week after you get back from Thanksgiving Break, so make sure you know your final exam schedule! You can check out the official schedule from the University Registrar.


Town Hall facilitated by Clarence Page: Nov 19

Chancellor Carol Folt is hosting a Town Hall this Thursday to provide the campus community with an opportunity to share perspectives on how to make Carolina more inclusive. Pulitzer Prize Winner Clarence Page will facilitate the Town Hall on race and inclusion. The entire campus community is encouraged to attend, and students, faculty, and staff with a UNC One Card will be admitted first.

Town Hall
Thurs 11/19 | 5:30-7:30pm
Memorial Hall

Live stream of event: With closed captioning | Without closed captioning


Have you seen Phillips 335 lately?

In the video below, Gina Bradford, Classroom Hotline Manager, and Father Michael Antonacci, a Physics TA, describe upgrades implemented in Phillips Hall Room 335 and the positive impacts they have made on the student learning experience. The upgrade included updating back-end equipment, putting technology on the network, and seating with peer-to-peer learning and collaboration in mind.

See our Teaching & Learning Blog for more details!


Undergraduate Research in the Social Sciences

Are you curious about research in Political Science, Sociology, Geography, Anthropology, and other disciplines in the social sciences? Come hear from faculty members, student researchers, and OUR staff about their experiences, advice, and guidance on Undergraduate Research in the Social Sciences!

Undergraduate Research in the Social Sciences
Hamilton Hall, Room 271
Thursday, November 5
5pm - 6:30pm


CFE Faculty Showcase: Nov 13

UNC Faculty--the 5th CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching at Carolina is next Friday! Register for this event now to learn about the exciting work your colleagues are doing to advance the University's instructional mission. Register and check out the full agenda on the Center for Faculty website.

CFE Faculty Showcase [Register]
Friday, November 13
8:45am - 2:45pm (lunch provided)
The Carolina Club


Explore UNC Majors Oct 26 - Nov 11

Students--want to learn more about math, science, public health, and allied health majors? Academic Advising is teaming up with Faculty members to bring you the Major Exploration Workshop Series!

First-year students--attending a workshop fulfills your academic advising meeting requirement


SACC Safety Tips

With the upcoming Halloween weekend, the Student Advisory Committee to the Chancellor wanted to share with the Carolina community tips on staying safe. Please see the following video for "Safety Tips from the SACC."

For more information, visit safe.unc.edu.


Free Speech in Higher Ed Symposium Oct 30

You're invited to attend the Law School's First Amendment Law Review on "Free Speech in Higher Education" this Friday, October 30, from 8:30am - 5:30pm. The importance of balancing student expression, academic freedom, and the practical challenges of maintaining a safe campus environment will be discussed with three panels:

Practical Perspectives Panel: Carol Folt (UNC Chancellor), Jeffrey Hirsch (UNC), Robert O'Neil (Former UVA President), Jenna Robinson (Pope Center for Higher Ed), Robert Shibley (FIRE)

Faculty Speech Panel: Bill Marshall (UNC), Vikram Amar (University of Illinois), Joseph Blocher (Duke University), Heidi Kitrosser (University of Minnesota)

Student Speech Panel: Mary-Rose Papandrea (UNC), Aaron Caplan, (Loyola - LA), Thomas Healy (Seton Hall University), Rodney Smolla (Widener University), Alexander Tsesis (Loyola University Chicago)

Be sure to register for the event.


This week's SkillfUL Tech Workshops

Want to learn about Adobe InDesign? Check out this week's SkillfUL Tech Workshops at the Undergraduate Library, Room 124!

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


CCI Printer Map - New location at Stone Center!

Did you know there's a map of CCI Printers on campus with live status updates? Get up-to-date alerts on how busy printing is at each location and find out where exactly each printer is located. There are nearly 60 printers on campus with a new location at the Stone Center!


Stay connected with CarolinaGO

Have Carolina information at your fingertips through the CarolinaGO app! Stay connected with all things Carolina by downloading the app on your smartphone or tablet. You can instantly connect to the following and much more--

If you are still seeing the old version, here are instructions on getting the new look.


Upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops

Want to learn about Adobe Photoshop or InDesign? Check out this week's SkillfUL Tech Workshops at the Undergraduate Library, Room 124!

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Upcoming events at the Research Hub

Check out upcoming events at the Research Hub in Davis Library Room 247!

See the full Research Hub schedule.


Campus Survey: Web Conferencing Technology

To help the Carolina IT community learn more about how web/video conferencing tools are used by faculty, staff, and students, the Web Conferencing Committee asks you to take a short 5-10 minute survey to provide your feedback. Please complete this survey by Monday, October 19th.

The UNC-CH Web Conferencing Committee is comprised of IT staff members from Information Technology Services, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the University's professional schools. The purpose of this survey is to identify the web conferencing tools currently in use, the level of user satisfaction associated with these tools, and how the use of these tools is currently being supported. The results of this survey will be shared with the CIO's Office.

For more information regarding this survey or the Web Conferencing Committee's work, please contact Brian Fodrey (fodrey@sog.unc.edu).


Papers due? Tests piling up?

Midterm Madness Study Camp will keep you on the ball! Join the Learning Center at their Midterm Madness Study Camp October 5-8 in SASB North, Suite 0127, any time from 5pm-8pm for:


Build an Infographic with Illustrator

Want to learn about Adobe Illustrator? Check out the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop at the Undergraduate Library and learn how to Build an Infographic with Illustrator! The workshop will be held this Thursday, 10/8, from 10am-11am in UL 124.

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Undergraduate Research in the Humanities

Are you curious about research in English, History, Communications, and other disciplines in the humanities? Come hear from faculty members, student researchers, and OUR staff about their experiences, advice, and guidance on Undergraduate Research in the Humanities! Join the Office for Undergraduate Research on Wednesday, October 7, from 5pm-6:30pm in Greenlaw Hall 223 (Donovan Lounge).


CFE Faculty Showcase: Nov 13

Registration is now open for the 5th CFE Faculty Showcase on Teaching at Carolina!

Learn about some of the exciting work Carolina Faculty members are doing in classrooms across campus to advance the University's instructional mission. See full details from the Center for Faculty Excellence. The Faculty Showcase will be held on Friday, November 13, from 8:45am-2:45pm at The Carolina Club.


Upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops

Interested in Adobe Illustrator or WordPress? Check out these upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops!

All workshops are held in the Undergraduate Library, Room 124. See the full schedule for this semester.


Graduating in December?

Graduating Seniors--Today is the last day to apply for graduation in December! If you expect to have all requirements completed by the last day of this term, you must go to ConnectCarolina TODAY to apply! See more details from Academic Advising and the Registrar's Office.


Retouch and Manipulate Photos with Photoshop

Want to learn how to Photoshop your pictures? Check out the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop at the Undergraduate Library and learn how to Retouch and Manipulate Photos! The workshop will be held this Thursday, 9/24, from 10am-11am in UL 124.

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


ArcGIS Workshop

Interested in learning about ArcGIS? The Research Hub @ Davis Library is hosting an ArcGIS Workshop to give an overview of ArcGIS software to beginners! Data resources from UNC Libraries will be introduced, and the core functionality of the software will be demonstrated and explored with hands-on exercises. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 22, from 5pm-6pm.

See a full listing of Hub events.


New Faculty Orientation Sept 18

Are you a new Faculty member? We highly recommend you attend the CFE Orientation for Faculty New to Carolina this Friday, September 18, from 10am-1:30pm to learn about campus resources available for you. See the schedule and register for the event here.


Design a Flyer with Photoshop

Interested in using Photoshop? Check out the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop at the Undergraduate Library and learn how to Design a Flyer with Photoshop! The workshop will be held this Thursday, 9/17, from 10am-11am in UL 124.

This workshop will also be held on Tuesday, 10/20, from 6pm-7pm in UL 124.

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Study Abroad Fair this Friday!

Thinking about studying abroad? Stop by the Study Abroad Fair this Friday between 10am-3pm in the Student Union Great Hall! Representatives from all over the world, study abroad staff, and past study abroad students will be there to answer all your questions about studying almost anywhere in the world.


Come to the Learning Center!

The Learning Center offers a range of free services to help any student succeed at Carolina. Make an appointment and find out more at learningcenter.unc.edu!


Code your First Webpage with HTML

Check out the first SkillfUL Tech Workshop this semester at the Undergraduate Library and learn how to Code your First Webpage with HTML! The workshop will be held this Thursday, 9/3, from 10-11am in UL 124.

This workshop will also be held on Tuesday, 9/15, from 6-7pm in UL 124.

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Paste copied Resources into Folders

If you are copying or moving content between folders in your Resources, be sure to click on the Paste icon next to the folder into which you want to copy items! You can also click on the folder's Actions menu > Paste copied items. Otherwise, your content will not be copied into the new location.


Semester Kickoff at the Learning Center

Want to increase your academic/life balance? Join the Learning Center for their Semester Kickoff, where you will outline your semester goals, create a weekly routine for yourself, and learn how to maximize your time. Be your best this semester! Snacks and door prizes included.

Wed, Aug 26 | 5-7pm | SASB North 0127 - Register here!


Students not seeing your Syllabus?

If you are using the Syllabus tool, students will not see your syllabus items until the light bulb is lit. Simply click on the light bulb to publish your syllabus!


Students can't access your site?

Make sure to publish your site to give students access. Simply click on the (Publish Now) button in the top left corner of your course site or go to Site Info > Manage Access.


Thesis Statement Tips from the Writing center

Are you working on your thesis statement? Ask yourself these questions or make an appointment with the Writing Center for more writing tips!

If you are writing a paper that makes an argument, does your thesis:

Give the reader a road map of your ideas?

Tell not just WHAT you are going to say but WHY it is interesting and HOW you will prove your point?

Make a claim that someone else could disagree with?

See the Writing Center's handout on thesis statements to help strengthen yours!


View Grades as a Student

Instructors--need to verify what your students are seeing in the Gradebook? You can view the Gradebook as a specific student in your class by selecting the student in your Gradebook and clicking on the student's View of Grades link.

Gradebook > All Grades > Student's name > Student's View of Grades

Learn more on our blog!


Design a Flyer with Photoshop

Come learn how to Design a Flyer with Photoshop at the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop in the Undergraduate Library! The workshop will be held on Monday, July 20, from 12-1pm in UL 124.

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Create an E-Portfolio with WordPress

Come learn how to Create an E-Portfolio with WordPress at the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop in the Undergraduate Library! The workshop will be held on Monday, July 13, from 12-1pm in UL 124.

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Style your Web Page with CSS

Come learn how to Style your Web Page with CSS at the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop in the Undergraduate Library! The workshop will be held on Monday, July 6, from 12pm - 1pm in UL 124.

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Need to Cancel Your Summer Classes?

Cancellation of enrollment is, in effect, the same as not having registration at all. No entry is made on your record and no tuition and fees are charged. You may cancel your registration prior to the first day of class or on/after the first day of class ONLY if you have not attended class. See more details from Academic Advising.


Study smarter, not harder!

Enroll now for the Learning Center's FREE Study Smarter Workshop to learn how to diversify study methods, improve efficiency, and remember more. Your own course materials are incorporated into this one-hour workshop!


 

Improve Reading Speed & Comprehension

Enroll now for the Learning Center's FREE Reading Skills Workshops to improve reading speed, comprehension, and retention! Students' own reading materials are incorporated into each workshop.

NOTE: Location TBA


Navigating the Research University

Students--enhance your academic experience at UNC and learn about resources, supports, and services available to you through the EDUC 130 course: Navigating the Research University! Through this 1 credit, graded course, students will learn about motivation, resiliency, and self-advocacy and reflect on their current work toward academic success and graduation.

*Highly recommended for transfer, new, and undeclared students


Welcome to Sakai 10!

Sakai 10 is here! There are several new features now available in Sakai--check out highlights below! You can see an extensive list of new features on our Teaching & Learning Blog.

Please contact help.unc.edu if you notice any issues so that we may resolve them as quickly as possible. Our goal is to continuously work on improving the system. Thank you!

NOTE: Users may need to clear their browser cache to see all updates.


Sakai 10 Upgrade Outage: May 11

We're upgrading to Sakai 10! The Sakai 10 Upgrade will bring several new enhancements, including Extra Credit, Group Assignments, Drag-and-Drop file uploads, and a Resources Recycle Bin!

Please plan for the Sakai system to be offline on Monday, May 11, from 5AM until 5PM as we apply the upgrade. Thank you!


Congratulations, Graduates!

University Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 10 @ 9AM
Kenan Stadium

commencement.unc.edu


"Paws" for a Study Break!

Feeling overwhelmed by finals? "Paws" and take a study break with some therapy dogs to help you relax and prepare for finals. Join Academic Advising this Wednesday, April 29th, between 10am and 4pm in Union Room 2518 A&B to meet some therapy dogs!


Are you ready for Final Exams?

Join the Learning Center at their Finals Boot Camp to help you prepare for finals! Look for quiet study spaces, help from the Learning Center staff, camaraderie, and snacks!

Finals Boot Camp [Register]
SASB North, Room 0127
April 27-29: 12-8pm
April 30-May 1: 12-5pm

Also check out the Learning Center's Final Exam Planning Tools to help you do your best!


Have a Final Exam Excuse?

Final Exams begin next week! Certain circumstances usually warrant the rescheduling of a final exam, such as the following reasons. Students must contact Academic Advising by this Friday, April 24, and may need to see a dean and provide documentation for exam excuses.

Note: Temporary grades of IN and AB factor into your GPA and can impact eligibility.


Writing Center Writing Marathon

The Writing Center is hosting its end-of semester Writing Marathon this Wednesday where tutors will be available for short questions and 25-minute consultations. There will also be food, raffles, and hourly study breaks. Whether you are finishing last papers of the semester or just need a comfortable place to study, sign up for this event! Space is limited.

Writing Marathon
Wed 4/22 | 5pm - 10pm
SASB North, Room 0127


Be a Fall 2015 Peer Tutor!

The UNC Learning Center is recruiting Peer Tutor applications for Fall 2015. Peer Tutors enroll in EDUC 387, a 3-hour credit course, and have the opportunity to:

Prospective peer tutors must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a strong command of content knowledge. Prior teaching or tutoring experience is not required as training is provided.

Applications are due August 15, 2015.


Introduction to Flipping Your Class

Are you interested in flipping your classroom? If you have replaced any of your lecture time with an in-class activity, you have begun the process of flipping your classroom. Check out the CFE's Introduction to Flipping Your Class page for details on:


Register now for Summer School classes! Go to summer.unc.edu to check out course descriptions and access their YouTube channel to hear what some instructors say about their courses.

In the summer, you can:


Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault

UNC is one of many campuses across the nation participating in the Association of American Universities' Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault. All students should have received the "Invitation to take part in a Campus Climate Survey" email, which includes a link to the voluntary survey. Students can receive a gift card or be entered to win a cash prize for taking the survey.

Results will be used to guide efforts to continue to encourage a healthy, safe, and nondiscriminatory environment at UNC, as noted by Chancellor Carol Folt. See a message from Vice Chancellors Felicia Washington and Winston Crisp about the survey and Sexual Assault Awareness Month on unc.edu.

Find more information on safe.unc.edu.


SkillfUL Tech Workshops - only 2 left!

Only two SkillfUL Tech Workshops remain this semester! All workshops are in UL 124. See the full schedule here.

Create a Custom Invitation with InDesign
Tues 4/7 | 7pm - 8pm

WordPress: Brand Yourself with an ePortfolio
Wed 4/15 | 7pm - 8pm


First-Year Group Advising Appointments

Still have your First-Year Academic Advising hold? Grab a friend and sign up for a First-Year Group Advising Appointment! Academic Advisors and Advising Peers will help you:

NOTE: Only 400 seats available. Bring your computer.


Reflection on Student Learning and Your Teaching

The end of the semester is approaching. Now is the time to reflect on key elements of your teaching and make plans for the next time you teach. The Center for Faculty Excellence is hosting the Reflection on Student Learning and Your Teaching Workshop for you to consider:

What pedagogies and teaching strategies will you use again?

What will you change?

How will you revise your Teaching Statement?

Option 1: Wed 4/1 | 12pm - 1:30pm | Davis Library Research Hub
Option 2: Thurs 4/2 | 12:30pm - 2pm | Davis Library Research Hub

*Graduate Students and Post Docs only.


Upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops

Check out these upcoming SkillfUL Tech Workshops at the Undergraduate Library! All workshops are in UL 124. See the full schedule here.

Design a Flyer with Photoshop
Tues, Mar 24 | 7pm - 8pm

InDesign II: Produce a Report
Thurs, Mar 26 | 10am - 11am

Retouch & Manipulate Images with Photoshop
Tues, Mar 31 | 7pm - 8pm


CFE Summer Writing Group Program

The Center for Faculty Excellence is bringing back the Summer Writing Group Program, which brings together Faculty members from all disciplines and career stages to spur productivity and build cross-disciplinary connections. The groups offer a framework of mutual support and friendly accountability that help Faculty set and meet writing goals!

Summer Writing Groups Orientation Meeting - Register today!
504 Wilson Library
Wednesday, May 6
12pm - 2pm - (lunch provided)


Create an Academic Poster

Come learn how to Create an Academic Poster with InDesign at this week's SkillfUL Tech Workshop!

Thursday, March 19
10am - 11am
UL 124

SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Careers in Higher Education Administration Panel

Love UNC and being part of a campus community? Administrators from across the university will share information about their career paths into and through higher education, the rewards and challenges of their work, and insight for those seeking to move into their first or next full-time role on a college campus. All staff and students are welcome!

The panel will take place on Wednesday, March 18, from 12-1pm in the Carolina Union, Room 2420. Lunch will be provided. Register here.

Panelists:


Build an Infographic

Come learn how to Build an Infographic at the Illustrator II SkillfUL Tech Workshop this Thursday!

Thursday, March 5
10am - 11am
UL 124

These SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Course Drop Deadline: March 4

The last day to drop a course is Wednesday, March 4! Last semester, the University instituted a new course drop policy for First-Year Undergraduate students; previously enrolled students remain under the old drop policies. See how the policy affects you here.


BioCell Study Groups

Taking Biology 101? Consider joining a collaborative learning group for Bio 101! The learning groups focus on current lecture content and establish productive and efficient study skills for the course. They also discuss and apply test prep strategies, tools for reading efficiency, and active learning techniques throughout the semester. Register here!

When: Thursdays 4-5pm (Hogan) | 5-6pm (DeSaix)
Where: Writing Center Café (SASB North, Basement)


Write Night Tutoring Sessions

The Writing Center holds Drop-in Tutoring Sessions at the UL on Wednesday nights! Look for the Write Night sign and clipboard starting at 9am on Wednesdays in UL 130 to sign up for 25-minute sessions.

Write Nights
Wednesdays | 5-8pm
Undergraduate Library | Room 130


Test Prep Tuesdays: Study & Coaching Group

Join a free collaborative test prep group for Carolina students! This group provides a structured time and space for test prep study, coaching, strategy development, review, and study planning. New attendees are always welcome. Register here to prepare for the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, DAT, PCAT, OAT, and more!

When: Tuesdays from 4-6pm; all Spring semester
Where: Dey Hall 204

Questions? Contact Marc Howlett at mhowlett@live.unc.edu.


Prepare Photos for Publications and Presentations

Come learn how to Prepare Photos for Publications and Presentations in Adobe Photoshop at the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop!

Thursday, 2/5
10am - 11am
UL 124

These SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


May Graduation Application Deadline: Feb 20

Graduating Seniors--don't forget to apply for graduation! The deadline to apply for May graduation is February 20. On ConnectCarolina, select "Apply for Graduation" from the Academics tab in your Student Center. See more details from Academic Advising.


Advanced HTML & CSS

Come learn Advanced HTML & CSS at the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop! It is recommended that you have a basic knowledge of HTML & CSS before attending this workshop.

Tuesday, 2/3
7pm - 8pm
UL 124

These SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


CFE February Events

Check out some events the Center for Faculty Excellence is hosting this month!

Managing Your Time Effectively
Feb 11 | 12-1:30pm | 318 Wilson Library

Learning Goals & Assessment
Option 1: Feb 11 | 12-1:30pm | Davis Library Research Hub
Option 2: Feb 12 | 12:30-2pm | Davis Library Research Hub

Strengthening Mid-Career Faculty Development
Feb 27 | 12-1:30pm | 318 Wilson Library


Come to the Learning Center!

The Learning Center offers a range of free services to help you succeed at Carolina:

Academic Coaching: Work with a coach to set goals and be accountable in improving your time management, study skills, test prep, reading comprehension, or note-taking.

Peer Tutoring: Work with a peer tutor to improve your learning in over a hundred courses.

Reading Skill Courses: Learn techniques to improve your reading speed, focus, comprehension, and retention.

Study Groups: Join a coaching group to help you set goals, plan for success, get support, and stay on track.

Test Prep: Join a collaborative test prep group for students studying for the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, and more.

Register for an event today!


Design a Flyer with Photoshop

Come learn how to design a flyer with Photoshop at the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop!

Thursday, 1/29
10am - 11am
UL 124

These SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


CSS I: Add Style to Your Website

Come learn how to improve the look of your web page with CSS at the next SkillfUL Tech Workshop!

Tuesday, 1/27
7pm - 8pm
UL 124

These SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Print Anywhere with CCI

Students are given a printing allotment each semester through the CCI Printing Program and can send print jobs from their laptops to any of the 35+ campus locations! See all the details on CCI Printing, including a live-status map of printer locations.


Peer Tutoring from the Learning Center

Students, need some assistance in your classes? Consider Peer Tutoring! No appointments are necessary to work with a Learning Center Peer Tutor on one of over a hundred courses! Peer Tutors are at the top of their class and receive extensive training and ongoing support from Learning Center Staff.

Peer Tutoring - begins Wed, Jan 21
Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 6-9pm
Dey Hall

*Staff will greet you at the main entrance of Dey Hall's 2nd floor and direct you to a course-specific tutor.


Code Your First Web Page

Interested in learning about HTML? Attend the first SkillfUL Tech Workshop of the semester on Coding your first Web Page with HTML!

Tuesday, 1/20
7pm - 8pm
UL 124

These SkillfUL Tech Workshops are free and require no registration. See the full schedule.


Improve Reading Speed & Comprehension

Enroll now for the Learning Center's free workshops and mini courses to improve reading speed, comprehension, and retention! Start dates are January 15, 21, & 26-29.

Speed Reading & Comprehension:

Introduction to Speed Reading

Reading Textbooks

Reading Journal Articles

Reading to Ace the Test


Teaching a cross-listed course but only seeing one roster?

Cross-listed courses will display as one roster in Sakai, taking the course ID of the sponsoring department. We recommend comparing site participants in Site Info to your rosters in ConnectCarolina to verify all users were added. Note that it may take up to 24 hours for the Sakai roster to update.


Not seeing all your course sites?

Need to create separate course sites but you selected multiple course sections when creating your course site? You can easily remove rosters through Site Info > Edit Class Roster(s).

To see more tutorials on rosters, please see our Roster FAQs.


LearnIT Online & Microsoft IT Academy

Software Acquisition has made available online training resources and tutorials to assist UNC faculty, staff, and students with programs such as SAS, SPSS, Maple, and Microsoft IT Academy. LearnIT Online is a repository of links to online learning for the majority of Software Acquisition's licensed software. Microsoft IT Academy is an e-Learning site that provides over 2000 online courses in developing technical skills and professional development.


Navigating the Research University

Students--enhance your academic experience at UNC and learn about resources, supports, and services available to you through the EDUC 130 course: Navigating the Research University! Through this 1 credit, graded course, students will learn about motivation, resiliency, and self-advocacy and reflect on their current work toward academic success and graduation.

*Highly recommended for transfer, new, and undeclared students


Congratulations, Graduates!

University Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, December 14 @ 2pm
Dean E. Smith Center

commencement.unc.edu


Are you ready for Final Exams?

Join the Learning Center at their Finals Boot Camp to help you prepare for finals! Look for quiet study spaces, help from the Learning Center staff, camaraderie, and snacks!

Finals Boot Camp [Register]
SASB North, Room 0127
Dec 3: 5-8pm
Dec 4: 12-8pm
Dec 5: 11am-4pm
Dec 8-10: 12-5pm

Also check out the Learning Center's Final Exam Planning Tools to help you do your best!


The dogs are back! The end of the semester can be very stressful, so join Academic Advising this Thursday for a fun, relaxing session with certified therapy dogs!

Exam Paws
Student Union, Great Hall Lobby
Thurs, Dec 4 (Reading Day)
11am - 4pm


Writing Marathon


                     Image courtesy of Alan Cleaver

Working on your last papers of the semester? Writing up your research results? Come work on your writing in the Writing Center and get quick help from the tutors! There will be food, prizes, and fun study breaks!

Writing Marathon
Writing Center (SASB North, Lower Level)
Monday, December 1
5pm - 11pm


Convert PDFs into editable Text files

Need to edit your PDF files? Saving your PDFs as Text files allows you to edit the text, making the document more interactive. You can copy and paste the content into a word processor, such as MS Word, and then highlight, underline, and edit the text. To convert the PDF:

Open PDF > File > Save As > Text


Carolina's New Mobile App

Head out to the Student Union NOW till 2pm to learn about the new UNC mobile app, CarolinaGO! This mobile app was a partnership between students and Information Technology Services to inform the campus of everything there is to know at UNC.

Here are a few things to check out:

Emergency Updates & Contacts

Bus Tracker

UNC Directory

Campus Events

Dining options

Virtual Pit - interactive map of organizations in the Pit

   


SkillfUL Tech Drop-In Workshop

The Undergraduate Library is bringing in one more skillfUL Tech Workshop this semester! Drop in any time this Tuesday between 6pm and 8pm in UL 124 to get help on any project using an HTML template or on WordPress! Come by if you have questions regarding:

HTML

CSS

WordPress

Adobe Creative Suite

Contact Caroline Hallam at cborden@live.unc.edu if you have questions.


Explore UNC Majors Oct 27 - Nov 7

Students--ever wonder what life would be like as a certain major? Academic Advising is teaming up with Faculty members to bring you the Major Exploration Workshop Series!

Workshops held from Oct 27 to Nov 7

Learn about 35+ majors

Meet Faculty members and find out what opportunities are available in their departments

Learn how it can all fit into your academic plan

First-year students--attending a workshop fulfills your academic advising meeting requirement


Intro to Photo Editing with Photoshop

Interested in Photoshop? Check out the next SkillfUL tech workshop for an Introduction to Photo Editing with Photoshop!

Tuesday, 10/21
7pm - 8pm
UL 124

The House Undergraduate Library is hosting a series of free drop-in workshops on technology throughout the semester, so feel free to attend sessions that interest you. No registration required.


National Cyber Security Awareness

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month! Check out its.unc.edu/ncsam for information on cyber security, made available by Information Technology Services:

News & Videos

Town Hall event this Friday, 11am-12pm

Email Tips

Tweets from @UNCTarHeelTech

Online security training

Check out interesting facts on Millennials!

Cybersecurity begins with a simple message everyone using the Internet can adopt: Stop. Think. Connect.


Get Help from the Writing Center

The Writing Center provides writing assistance for UNC students, faculty, and staff on any writing project at any point in the writing process. They can help you become more skillful, flexible writers!

Writing Center Tutors can teach:

Brainstorming techniques

Organization strategies

Concept mapping

Revision strategies

Watch this video to learn more! "What's the most important thing you've learned from the Writing Center?"


Student Success Workshops

Come learn about resources, approaches, and policies from campus partners that help YOU be your most successful here at UNC! Attend one of these workshops, offered by Academic Advising:

Tues, Oct 7 | 4pm - 5pm | Steele Building, Room 3020

Thurs, Oct 9 | 4pm - 5pm | Hardin Hall, Seminar Wing

Refreshments provided. No RSVP required.


Style your WordPress with Plugins

Does your WordPress site need a makeover? Check out the next SkillfUL tech workshop on Styling your WordPress with Plugins!

Tuesday, 10/7
3:30pm - 4:30pm
UL 124

The House Undergraduate Library is hosting a series of free drop-in workshops on technology throughout the semester, so feel free to attend sessions that interest you. No registration required.


ConnectCarolina & Infoporte Go-Live Oct 1

As of 8am on October 1, Finance, Human Resources, and Payroll are live in ConnectCarolina, as well as UNC's reporting application, Infoporte! Changes include finding paystubs, updating personal directory information, and more. See what you need to know here.

Note: During the month of October, Finance, HR, and Payroll systems will only be available from 7am until 7pm Monday through Saturday and 1pm until 7pm on Sundays. Student Administration, ePro, and InfoPorte are available 24/7.


Brand Yourself with a WordPress ePortfolio

Looking to put together a portfolio? Check out the next SkillfUL tech workshop on Branding Yourself with a WordPress ePortfolio!

Tuesday, 9/30
3:30pm - 4:30pm
UL 124

The House Undergraduate Library is hosting a series of free drop-in workshops on technology throughout the semester, so feel free to attend sessions that interest you. No registration required.


Proofreading Tips from the Writing Center

Do you need proofreading strategies? Try these or make an appointment with the Writing Center for more writing tips!

Read your paper out loud

You can often hear things you did not see--typos, grammar issues, very long sentences, gaps in your argument, etc.

Text-to-speech programs can read to you

Look for one thing at a time

Look only at punctuation, then typos, etc.

Read one sentence at a time

Start at the end of your paper and move back--you will better focus on each sentence instead of getting caught up in your argument


Graduating in December?

Graduating Seniors--Today is the last day to apply for graduation in December! If you expect to have all requirements completed by the last day of this term, you must go to ConnectCarolina by 5pm TODAY to apply! See more details from Academic Advising.

Note: There will be a ConnectCarolina outage this weekend starting today at 5pm.


Reading Skills Workshops

Enroll now for the Learning Center's free Reading Skills Workshops to improve reading speed, comprehension, and retention! Workshops are held now through next week and will pick up again at the end of October.

Reading Skills Workshops:

Introduction to Speed Reading

Reading Textbooks

Reading Journal Articles

Reading to Ace the Test


Check out some upcoming workshops and events held by the Center for Faculty Excellence!

TAs and the Honor Court System
9/30, 12-1pm | Graduate Student Center

Learning Goals and Assessment
10/1, 12pm-1:30pm | 214 Davis Library

Campus-Wide Conversation on Faculty Mentoring: Challenges and Promising Practices
10/6, 2-4pm | Wilson Library, Pleasants Room

Evaluation of Teaching
10/22, 12-1:30pm | 214 Davis Library


Improve the Look of Your Web Page with CSS

Interested in learning about CSS? Attend the next SkillfUL tech workshop to learn how to improve the look of your web page with CSS!

Tuesday, 9/16
7pm - 8pm
UL 124

The House Undergraduate Library is hosting a series of free drop-in workshops on technology throughout the semester, so feel free to attend sessions that interest you. No registration required.


Have you heard about the Writing Center?

The Writing Center provides writing assistance for UNC students, faculty, and staff on any writing project at any point in the writing process. They can help you become more skillful, flexible writers!

Writing Center Tutors ask questions that help:

Build audience awareness

Amass compelling evidence

Strengthen relationships between ideas

Improve clarity

Watch this video to learn more! "What's your favorite thing about Writing Center sessions?"


Code Your First Web Page with HTML

Interested in learning about HTML? Attend the next SkillfUL tech workshop to learn how to code a web page with HTML!

Tuesday, 9/9
7pm - 8pm
UL 124

The House Undergraduate Library is hosting a series of free drop-in workshops on technology throughout the semester, so feel free to attend sessions that interest you. No registration required.


Any of your Sakai pages blank?

If there are links in your Sakai site pointing to external sites, your content may not display due to enhanced security features in the Firefox browser. This can easily be fixed by clicking on the Shield icon in the top left corner of the browser and switching to "Disable Protection on This Page."

See more information from Mozilla Firefox.



Thinking of dropping a class?

Undergraduate Students - Tuesday, September 2nd, is the last day that you can drop classes yourself through ConnectCarolina! After the September 2nd online registration period:

Add, drop, and audit requests must be made through an Academic Advisor or college/school dean

First-year students only will receive a grade of "W" on their official transcripts

Must be enrolled in 12+ academic hours to maintain full-time status

Must submit appeal if dropping a course after 8th week of classes or underloading with less than 12 hours

Full details:

First-Year Students entering in Fall 2014

All other Undergraduate Students


Formulas, Charts & Graphs in Excel

Confounded by Excel charts? Attend the first SkillfUL tech workshop of this semester to learn all about Excel charts!

Tuesday, 9/2
7pm - 8pm
UL 124

The House Undergraduate Library is hosting a series of free drop-in workshops on technology throughout the semester, so feel free to attend sessions that interest you. No registration required.


What to know about IT @ UNC

Information Technology Services has released this quick go-to-guide on important things to know about IT at UNC. See tips on protecting your devices, sharing concerns, where to get help, and more! Check out the full infographic on the newly redesigned ITS Website!


ConnectCarolina Display Changes Aug 15

Attention Faculty, Advisors, and Student Services Staff, ConnectCarolina will be making a slight change to their portal interface display on August 15. All student administrative functions will be available under Student Administration on the left-side menu for better organization and functionality.

See ConnectCarolina News for full details.

NOTE: There are no changes for students on August 15.


Has your Course been Renamed?

If your course ID has been renamed but you are still seeing the old course ID in Sakai, STOP. Do not create your course site just yet! You will need to contact your departmental course scheduling officer to update the LMS tab in ConnectCarolina. Once this is done and our Sakai data has updated in a few hours, your course ID should automatically update in Sakai. You can then create your course site.

NOTE: If the LMS tab is updated AFTER you create your Sakai course site, the site could disappear.


Graduating in August or December?

Seniors, if you plan on this August or December, don't forget to submit a Graduation Application! See more information from Academic Advising on the following:

Graduation Application

Senior Underload

Campus Commencement

Additional semester request

Taking courses after graduating


Trying to find a building or other location on campus?

Check out maps.unc.edu! This site includes several different maps including a searchable campus map, campus accessibility map, visitor/meter map, bike racks, and much more!


Learn how to Create a Logo with Adobe Illustrator at the next SkillfUL Workshop!

Wed 7/16 | 12pm - 1pm
UL 124


Learn how to Improve Your Web Site's Looks with CSS at the next SkillfUL Workshop!

Wed 7/9 | 12pm - 1pm
UL 124


Learn how to Build a Web Presence with WordPress at the next SkillfUL Workshop!

Wed 7/2 | 12pm - 1pm
UL 124


Show Other Sites

Need to copy or move content in Resources from one Sakai site to another? Click on the Show other sites link at the bottom of your Resources page to display content from your other sites! You must be on the main, top-level folder of your Sakai site to view the link.


Learn how to Code Your First Web Page with HTML at the next SkillfUL Workshop!

Wed, June 25
12pm - 1pm
Undergraduate Library Room 124


5 Tips for Summer School Students


       Image on flickr (CC BY)

Summer School Students--check out these 5 tips to help you succeed at Carolina this Summer!

Prepare | Organize | Schedule | Get Help | Follow Through


Speed Reading & Study Skills

Enroll now for the Learning Center's free Speed Reading & Study Skills Summer course that begins on May 13 (SSI) & June 19 (SSII). This non-credit course meets for one hour per day for 8 days. Consider enrolling if you want to:

Double or triple your reading speeds

Learn strategies to improve comprehension and recall

Have your own reading materials incorporated into every lesson


Congratulations, Graduates!

University Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 11 @ 9:30am
Kenan Stadium

commencement.unc.edu


Export Grades for ConnectCarolina

Instructors--final grades are due 72 hours after your final exam! You can easily export final grades from the Sakai Gradebook for ConnectCarolina! See our blog for details.


                    >>> Click on image to enlarge <<<


Are you ready for final exams?

Join the Learning Center at their Finals Boot Camp to help you prepare for finals! Look for quiet study spaces, help from the Learning Center staff, mini-workshops such as Multiple Choice Test Strategies and Making Study Guides, and snacks!

Finals Boot Camp [Register]
SASB North | Room 0127
April 29, 30 | 12pm - 8pm
May 1 & 2 | 12pm - 5pm

See their flyer for details.


"Paws" for a Study Break!

Feeling overwhelmed by finals? "Paws" and take a study break with some therapy animals to help you relax and prepare for finals.

Exam Paws
Join Academic Advising on Wed 4/30 between 11am and 4pm in Union Room 2518 A & B to meet some therapy dogs! See their flyer.

Pet a Pup or Cat
Therapy dogs and cats will be at the Health Sciences Library on Wed 4/30 and Fri 5/2. Just follow the paw prints to Room 227 between 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm!


Exams got you stressed?

Make a stress ball with Academic Advising to help you relax and get ready for exams! Advising will be in the Pit on Thursday, April 24, from 11am to 1pm. 

Also, don't forget to see an Advisor if you have a Final Exam Excuse - due this Friday! Exam Excuses are commonly granted in the following circumstances:

3 exams in 24 hours

2 exams at the same time

Religious observance

Serious illness or personal/family emergency


Writing Center Midnight Marathon

Join the Writing Center at their Midnight Marathon for a final push on your semester papers! There will be food, prizes, fun study breaks, and tutors available for consultations.

Monday, April 21
6pm - Midnight - doors close @10!
127 SASB North


Study Smarter Coaching Group

 

Improve your productivity and combat procrastination with the Learning Center's Study Smarter Coaching Group! The group meets Wednesdays from 5pm - 7pm in SASB North Room 2109.

Set and meet goals

Create action plans

Structured study time

Stay focused with peers

Optional academic skills workshop

Snacks!


Have a Final Exam Excuse?

Final Exams are just a few weeks away! Certain circumstances usually warrant the rescheduling of a final exam, such as the following reasons. Students are advised to contact Academic Advising ASAP and may need to see a dean and provide documentation for exam excuses.

3 exams within 24 hours

2 exams at the same time

Religious observance

Serious illness

Personal or family emergency

Have you met with an outstanding Advisor who deserves some recognition? Nominate them for an Adivsor Award by April 14th!


CFE April Workshops

Faculty, check out some great workshops this month, hosted by the Center for Faculty Excellence! Click on the title to register for the event:

Inquiry-Based Teaching and Learning
Friday, April 4 | 10am - 12pm
Graham Memorial, Room 039

How Students Learn
Thursday, April 10 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Wilson Library, Room 318

Resilient Leadership Under Stress
Friday, April 11 | 12pm - 1:30pm
Wilson Library, Pleasants Family Assembly Room

Assessing and Evaluating Student Performance
Tuesday, April 15 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Wilson Library, Room 318


Fall Course Registration

Course registration for Fall semester begins Tuesday, April 1st! Check out the University Registrar's blog for details on:

Registration dates

Enrollment appointments

Cart validation

Helpful tips


First Year Students - Don't forget!

All first-year students are required to complete the R.A.M.S. Module before April 1. The module is a guide to course registration, the curriculum, Tar Heel Tracker, academic eligibility rules, and other important topics.

*You must complete the R.A.M.S. Module AND complete an Advising appointment to be eligible to register for Fall courses!


Need help designing your resume? Learn how to Design Your Resume with InDesign at the very last skillfUL workshop of the semester! This workshop will be on Monday, March 24, from 7pm - 8pm, in UL 124.


Academic Advising Workshops

It is already time to think about Summer and Fall Registration! Have an Academic Advising hold on your ConnectCarolina account? Attend a Pre-Registration Group Advising Workshop to have the hold removed and for assistance on course planning with Advisors.

First-Years, this will fulfill your Academic Advising appointment requirement!

Thursday, April 3
5pm - 6pm
Murphey 116
Tuesday, April 8
6pm - 7pm
Hinton James

Register at advising.unc.edu/explore.


Summer Writing Groups

Faculty - working on your academic writing this summer? Register for the Summer Writing Group Program to meet with faculty members from all disciplines and career stages to help one another focus on your writing this summer. This program is sponsored by the Center for Faculty Excellence and Institute for the Arts and Humanities.

Summer Writing Group Orientation
Monday, May 5 | 11:45am - 2pm (lunch provided)
Wilson Library | Pleasants Room


Speed Reading & Study Skills

Enroll now for the Learning Center's free Speed Reading & Study Skills course that begins on March 19 & 20. This non-credit course meets for one hour, twice a week, for four weeks. Consider enrolling if you want to:

Double or triple your reading speeds

Learn strategies to improve comprehension and recall

Have your own reading materials incorporated into every lesson


Course Drop Deadline: March 5

Students, the deadline to drop or declare a course as Pass/D+/D/Fail is March 5th. All Academic Advisors will be assisting students that day between 8am and 5pm at Steele Building. Don't miss your last chance!

Academic Advising: Drop In Only Day
Wed 3/5 | 8am - 5pm
Steele Building

*No appointments. Drop-ins only.


Course Drop Express: March 4 | 5-7pm | Union

Undergraduate Students - the deadline to drop a course is March 5th. Stop by Academic Advising's Drop Express on March 4th for quick course drops!

Student Union, West Lounge
Tuesday, March 4
5pm - 7pm

Please note:

Drops only. No pass/fails.

College of Arts & Sciences Undergrads only.

Attend only if you have no questions, understand how the drop affects your graduation progress, and will be in 12+ hours after the drop.

*If you have questions about dropping a course or declaring Pass/D+/D/Fail, you must come to Steele Building on Tuesday or Wednesday from 8am - 5pm.


CFE March Workshops

Instructors, check out these upcoming workshops hosted by the Center for Faculty Excellence!

Basics of Adobe Photoshop - hosted by University Libraries
Thurs 3/6 | 10am - 11am
Undergraduate Library, Rm 124

How Students Learn
Thurs 3/20 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Wilson Library, Rm 318

Leading Discussions
Tues 3/25 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Wilson Library, Rm 318


The Learning Center

Visit the Learning Center to help you succeed at Carolina through a range of services including Peer Tutoring, Academic Counseling, Coaching, Study Camps, and much more.


Interested in Adobe Photoshop? Attend the next SkillfUL tech workshop and learn how to Create a Flyer with Photoshop!

Monday, Feb 24
7pm - 8pm
UL 124


Writing Center

Need feedback on your paper or new strategies on your writing process? Check out the Writing Center for assistance on any writing project, available to all students, faculty, and staff. You can make in-person appointments or even submit your written drafts online for review!


Learn how to Tweak Your WordPress Site with CSS at today's skillfUL tech workshop at the House Undergraduate Library! This workshop is TODAY from 3:30pm - 4:30pm in UL 124.


CFE February Workshops

Instructors--check out some great sessions hosted by the Center for Faculty Excellence this month! See the full schedule here.

Interactive Lecturing: [Register]
Thurs Feb 13, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Wilson Library, Room 318

Group Work: [Register]
Wed Feb 19, 12pm - 1pm
Wilson Library, Room 318

Flipping Your Classroom: [Register]
Thurs Feb 27, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Wilson Library, Room 318


Learn how to Code Your First Web Page with HTML at the next skillfUL tech workshop at the Undergraduate Library! This workshop will be Monday, February 10, from 7pm - 8pm in UL 124.


Web Conference in the Classroom

Looking to expand your classroom or enrich your lectures? Consider Web Conferencing in your Classroom! Web Conferencing is great for:

Guest Speakers

Distance Learning

Remote Teaching

Interviews

Classroom Hotline maintains several fully-equipped classrooms for web conferencing and support most popular conferencing platforms, such as Skype, Blackboard Collaborate, and Adobe Connect. Click here for more information.


Data Privacy Month

Data Privacy Month began January 28 on Data Privacy Day and will run through February 28. The UNC Information Security Office seeks to educate users about risks to data, whether the risks are to the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the data. Check out these resources to educate yourself on data security at UNC:

Security Awareness

Basic Security Checklist

Security Awareness at UNC

Goals of a Successful Security Awareness Program


CFE January Workshops

Instructors--check out these great sessions hosted by the CFE this week!

Communication in the Classroom [Register]
Wed 1/29, 12pm - 1pm
Wilson Library, Rm 318

Assessing and Evaluating Student Performance [Register]
Thurs 1/30, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Wilson Library, Rm 318

Playing to Your Strengths as a Teacher, Researcher, and Departmental Colleague [Register]
Fri 1/31, 12pm - 1:30pm
Wilson Library, Pleasants Family Assembly Room


Build an ePortfolio with WordPress

Build a Professional e-Portfolio with WordPress at the next skillfUL tech workshop, formerly known as engage! Digital University. This workshop will be held next Monday, February 3, from 3:30pm - 4:30pm in UL 124.


Graduate Student Check-in

Graduate and Professional Students, register for the Graduate and Professional Student Federation's Second Semester Check-in to stay up to date on your campus resources!

Thursday 1/30
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Morehead Planetarium, 3rd floor


Speed Reading & Study Skills

Enroll now for the Learning Center's free Speed Reading & Study Skills course that begins on January 27 & 28. This non-credit course meets for one hour, twice a week, for four weeks. Consider enrolling if you want to:

Double or triple your reading speeds

Learn strategies to improve comprehension and recall

Have your own reading materials incorporated into every lesson


Classroom Citrix Applications

Not sure how to open programs on the computer in your classroom? See Classroom Hotline's help documentation on Launching Citrix Applications using the Citrix receiver for assistance!


Classroom Demonstration


       Genome Sciences Building, Room G010

Not sure how to use the technology in your classroom? Schedule a demonstration through Classroom Hotline!


Changes to ConnectCarolina Access Dec 18

Beginning December 18, important changes will be implemented to ConnectCarolina access for Faculty and Staff. This is part of an effort to increase the security and reliability of Carolina's IT resources.

On Campus: If you are using wireless, you must be connected to the UNC-Secure wireless network. See instructions for setup.

Off Campus: You must use VPN. See instructions for installing.


Exams got you stressed? Come out to Academic Advising's Exam Paws to meet certified therapy dogs to help you relax, decompress, and then prepare for finals.

Student Union, Great Hall Lobby
Thursday, Dec 5
11am - 4pm


Finals Boot Camp

Final Exams begin this Friday! Register for the Learning Center's Finals Boot Camp for 7 days of supervised study to help you prepare for exams. Look for quiet study spaces, help from the Learning Center staff, mini-workshops such as Testing Your Understanding and Managing Test Anxiety, and snacks!

Dec 3-5:  5pm - 8pm
Dec 6, 9-11:  12pm - 5pm
SASB North, Suite 0127 (Writing Center)


Writing Center Midnight Marathon

Writing up last papers of the semester or research results? Come work on your writing at the Writing Center's Midnight Marathon on Monday! Register to join Writing Center tutors for quick questions, short consultations, snacks, and drinks!

Monday, December 2
6pm - 11:59pm (doors close 10pm)
127 SASB North, Writing Center


New Carolina Faculty

New Faculty--don't wait until last minute to prepare for performance reviews! Attend the CFE workshop Performance and Promotion: A Primer for New Faculty to get an idea of the tenure process, an overview of the review process for fixed-term faculty, and a sense of general expectations of faculty at Carolina.

Wilson Library, Room 318
Tuesday, December 3
12:30pm - 1:30pm


Gradebook Workshop

Have questions about the Sakai Gradebook? Register for our next Gradebook Workshop to discuss entering grades, viewing what students see in the Gradebook, calculating final grades for ConnectCarolina, and much more!

Thursday, Nov 21
4pm - 5pm
HSL 307


Office of the University Registrar

Do you have questions regarding handling student records, the Tar Heel Tracker, or course request approvals with the University Registrar? Consider attending a Registrar Training Class! See the Registrar's training calendar.


Still looking for a Classroom?

Use Classroom Hotline's Find a Classroom search tool to find your classroom! You can narrow your search by specific items you need, such as Laptop Connections, LCD Video Projector, White Board, Microphone System, and much more.


November Sessions

The CFE is hosting some great sessions this month that are open to all UNC Faculty members. Of possible interest:

Lesson Planning
Thurs 11/7 @ 12:30PM

Creating Effective Assignments
Tues 11/12 @ 12:30PM

Flipping Your Classroom
Wed 11/20 @ 12PM

>>See all sessions here<<


Learn SPSS

Interested in SPSS but not sure how to use it? Attend the next .eDU session: Intro to Data: The Basics of SPSS!

Tuesday, November 5
11:30am - 12pm
UL 124


The CFE and ITS are pleased to present the 4th Annual Faculty Showcase. This is a great opportunity for Carolina Faculty members to share and discuss instructional ideas with their peers. Register to find out what others are doing and make some new connections in other disciplines! Breakfast and lunch will be provided and a drawing held for giveaways.

The Carolina Club (George Watts Hill Alumni Center)
Friday, November 1
8:30 AM - 3 PM


Study in the Library

Looking for a place to study? Check out the University Library's Places to Study list to find your perfect place to study! You can sort by different categories: Absolute Quiet, Comfy Furniture, Group Study, Individual Study, Large Tables, Open Late, Reservable.


Changes to ConnectCarolina over Fall Break

ITS is launching a new login page for ConnectCarolina at connectcarolina.unc.edu over Fall Break, which includes important changes. For security purposes, Faculty and Staff will be required to access ConnectCarolina through VPN (Virtual Private Network) for off-campus use. On-campus wireless connection must be through UNC-Secure.

For more information on access and other changes, click on the following links:

Faculty/Staff CC Access

New CC Login Portal

Click on image for larger view:


Teaching Portfolios

Teaching portfolios are becoming increasingly important for marketing one's teaching credentials for new positions, promotions, and tenure. Register for the CFE's Teaching Portfolios Workshop to learn about the basic format of a teaching portfolio and developing ideas for your own portfolio.

Wilson Library, Room 318
Tuesday, October 15
12:30pm - 1:30pm


   

Celebrating 220 Years

October 12 is University Day, and this year UNC celebrates 220 years of public higher education in America.

Carolina will also install its 11th chancellor, Dr. Carol Folt, with festivities beginning at 1:30 PM in Polk Place on the steps of South Building.

University Day celebrations are October 10-13. See University Day 2013: Chancellor Installation for the full schedule and details.


Grading Considerations

Grading can be one of the most challenging aspects of teaching and learning. Make grading less challenging by registering for this next CFE session! This session focuses on assisting faculty in selecting grading approaches that are consistent, fair, and efficient.

Wilson Library, Room 318
Wednesday Oct 2
12pm - 1pm


MOOC Forum

UNC launched its first 2 Massive Open Online Courses this month. The Center for Faculty Excellence is hosting an open MOOC Forum for faculty to stay informed about this new initiative. Register to get an overview of UNC's MOOC initiative, hear details on the course creation process, listen to current MOOC faculty share their experiences, and ask questions!

Wilson Library, Pleasants Family Assembly Room
Friday, September 27
12pm - 1:30pm


Wireless Access Points

Did you know that all General Purpose Classrooms now have wireless internet? Check out where all the wireless network access points are located on campus!


Leading Groups and Meetings

Faculty, interested in learning about effective leadership skills in organizing group work and meetings? Sign up for this CFE workshop on Leading Groups and Meetings! Lunch will be provided.

Carroll Hall, Freedom Forum Conference Center
Friday, September 13
12pm - 1:30pm


UCS Career Fair

University Career Services is hosting two Career Fairs this week with 100+ employers registered to attend these events! Check out careers.unc.edu for more information. These are great opportunities for potential internships and employment!

Diversity Job & Internship Fair
Student Union, Great Hall
Wed 9/11, 6pm - 9pm

Fall Job & Internship Expo
Ram's Head Rec Center
Thurs 9/12, 12pm - 4pm


Add Participants

While we highly recommend adding participants through ConnectCarolina, if you manually add participants to a Sakai site, be sure to add users affiliated with the University with their Onyen and not email address. When UNC users are added with an email address, a separate Sakai account is created for them and they cannot access your Sakai site through their Onyen account.

NOTE: If you manually add TAs, you are taking responsibility for them handling student record information according to FERPA. See Teaching Assistants Access and Permission for more information.


CCI Printer Map

Tired of waiting in line to print from a CCI Printer? Check out the CCI Printer Map for over 50 printers on campus.

CCI Printer Map


Want separate course sites?

When creating a course site, be sure to select only one roster if you want separate course sites. The course creation process creates one site at a time, so if you select multiple rosters, all the checked rosters will be attached to the course site you are creating.

See instructions on removing rosters that are attached to a course site.


We've upgraded to Sakai 2.9!

  

Welcome to Sakai 2.9! We invite you to explore and discover the new features and improvements. We are continually working on improving the system, so if you find any issues, please open a help request so that we may fix them as quickly as possible. Thank you!

See our blog for highlighted new features and workshops!


Final Grades in ConnectCarolina

Don't forget to calculate final grades in the Sakai Gradebook and enter them into ConnectCarolina! The Registrar maintains a document repository to assist you with entering grades in ConnectCarolina. Contact grades@unc.edu if you have any questions about ConnectCarolina.


Icons and Graphics for Social Media

creative.unc.edu/resources/social-media-graphics/


Learn Adobe Photoshop

Learn about Text and Images in Adobe Photoshop at the final summer .eDU session at the Undergraduate Library!

Wednesday, July 10
12:15pm - 12:45pm
UL 124


Quick-create your Calendar with a Spreadsheet

See our blog for a simple method of populating your Sakai site calendar with a spreadsheet. The calendar helps orient everyone to important course events and displays on the home page of your Sakai site. Most instructors already have events in their syllabus that can easily be copied into a spreadsheet.



View Site As

Instructors, did you know you can view your site as a Student or Teaching Assistant? Look for the "View Site As" menu in the top-right corner of your Sakai site. This helps verify what everyone has access to in your site. Be sure to exit the Student or TA view to revert back to your regular Instructor view.


UNC Libraries present Clue

Summer School students--get familiar with the UNC Libraries Special Collections and get to know your librarians! Register for their live-action game of Clue to learn all about the Special Collections at Wilson Library.

Wilson Library Pleasants Assembly Room
Wednesday, May 22
5:30-8pm

Learn more about Special Collections


CCI Color Printing

You can now download CCI Color Printing on your computer at shareware.unc.edu! Like regular CCI Printing, downloading the color printer installer on your personal computer will allow you to submit print jobs directly from your computer to the CCI color printers.


Congratulations graduates!

commencement.unc.edu


Forums Statistics & Grading

Instructors, need to get an idea of student participation in your Forums? On the main Forums page, click on Statistics & Grading from the top menu. You can see performance by user or topic, grade student performance, and enter comments. See Statistics & Grading for more information.


Final Exams are coming...ARE YOU READY?

Register for the Learning Center's Finals Boot Camp for 7 days of supervised study to help you prepare. There will be mini-workshops, such as Testing Your Understanding and Managing Test Anxiety, quiet study spaces, camaraderie, discipline, food, and help from the Learning Center!

SASB North - Suite 0127
Wednesday 4/24 - Thursday 4/25: 5pm - 8pm
Monday 4/29 - Friday 5/3: 12pm - 5pm

See their Finals Boot Camp handout for info!


Flipping Your Classroom

Join the CFE at the Flipping Your Classroom workshop to explore the advantages of the flipped classroom model, develop the approach in your disclipline, and provide an overview of how you can assess the effectiveness of the strategy in your course.

Tuesday, April 23
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Wilson Library, Room 318

The flipped classroom is a model of instruction that places the student in charge of preparing for an active class session outside of class, then spending the class time working with their peers and the instructor to assure that they understand the material they have been working on through interactive techniques and discussion.



COS Pivot Training

COS Pivot is a database resource for funding opportunities that can streamline funding searches and make them more effective. Attend a COS Pivot Training session on Wed, March 20 or Thurs, March 21 in Davis Library, Room 247 for assistance in looking for research, program and curriculum, conference and seminar, and publishing funding. Register at the following:

Faculty and Research Staff: Wed March 20
Interdisciplinary Fields: 10:30am - 12pm
Humanities Fields: 1pm - 2:30pm
STEM / Medicine Fields: 3:15pm - 4:45pm

Graduate Students: Thurs March 21
Interdisciplinary Fields: 10:30am - 12pm
Humanities Fields: 1pm - 2:30pm
STEM / Medicine Fields: 3:15pm - 4:45pm


Personalize your Profile

 

Innovation and Intellectual Property

As part of the New Principal Investigator Training and Clinical Trial Investigator Series, this module focuses on the roles of the Office of Technology Development and TraCS's Carolina KickStart on campus.

Wed, March 6 from 10am - 11:30am
Brinkhous-Bullitt Building, Room 219

Register through Clinical Trial Investigator Series or New PI Training. Faculty and post-docs only.


Teaching Portfolios

Teaching portfolios are becoming increasingly important for marketing one's teaching credentials for new positions, promotions, and tenure. Register for the CFE's Teaching Portfolios Workshop to learn about the basic format of a teaching portfolio and developing ideas for your own portfolio.

Tues 3/5, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Wilson Library, Room 318


Papers due? Tests piling up?


Register for the Learning Center's Midterm Madness study camps for supervised study sessions with optional mini-workshops to help you ace your midterms! Workshops include Studying in Sprints, Managing Test Anxiety, Preparing for Essay Exams, and more. You can also get access to quiet study spaces, help from the Learning Center, and a peanut butter and jelly bar!

SASB North, Suite 0127 (Writing Center)
Wed 2/27, Thurs 2/28, Mon 3/4, Tues 3/5
5pm - 8pm


The end of the semester can be stressful...

...so take advantage of support and stress-relieving services during exam week. Available services include academic support, stress management, financial health, and other Campus Health services. Check CHS End of Semester Resources for details.


Exams got you stressed?

Campus Health is offering several services to help you relieve stress and anxiety during exam week. Services include the P.A.S.S. Exam Support Fair, therapy dog visits, gingerbread house decorating, and more! See CHS End of Semester Resources for the schedule and details.


Are you searching for research articles and scholarly journals? Search Smarter with University Libraries and learn more about Articles+!


Post-Docs COS Pivot Training

Are you a Postdoc looking to improve your research funding searches and opportunities? The Office of Research Development and the Center for Faculty Excellence are co-sponsoring training on COS Pivot, a database resource for funding opportunities. Register for one of the following training sessions in Davis Library, Room 247:

COS Pivot Training: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Focus
Thursday, Dec 6, 3:15pm-4:45pm

COS Pivot Training: Basic Sciences, STEM, and Medical Focus
Friday, Dec 7, 10:30am-12pm


Unable to create your new course site?

Instructors, are you not seeing the “New” option in Worksite Setup to create your new course site? Contact your departmental course scheduling officer to list you as an Instructor with the University Registrar. When you are listed as the Instructor and our Sakai feed updates, you should see the “New” option.

Note: You must be listed as a Primary Instructor, Secondary Instructor, or Proxy in ConnectCarolina to create the course site. Rosters are not linked to Teaching Assistants.