Looking ahead to the new year

Dear faculty,

With the winter recess approaching, we want to acknowledge the many contributions you have made and the commitment you have shown to Northwestern this fall. Thank you for all your hard work.

Before we know it, the new terms will be upon us, and we would like to remind you of best practices and new resources that will facilitate support for faculty, students and research during periods of change in the next year and beyond. 

Continuity in Teaching and Research 

• Syllabus statements: Please include the following language on course syllabi: “Please note that the specifics of this course syllabus are subject to change in the case of unforeseen circumstances. Instructors will notify students of any changes as soon as possible. Students will be responsible for abiding by the changes.” Please also periodically review the other syllabus statements on the Office of the Registrar website, including language regarding accommodations for religious observance, which is relevant for winter and spring holy days such as Ramadan, Passover and Easter.
• Grading and Canvas usage: The grading of assignments and assessments should be completed and recorded in a timely manner throughout the term. Instructors are encouraged to use Canvas to administer assignments and record grades when possible. If teaching assistants do not record grades in Canvas, instructors should make sure such grades are shared directly with them.
• Research backup support: Identify a backup individual for those with lab care responsibilities to ensure continued operations in the face of unexpected interruptions. Ideally, this person will have a full-time work status, making them more likely to be available to provide support when called upon. Lab manuals and notebooks should be kept up to date as well, so research activities can continue if backup support is needed.

Teaching During Turbulent Times

• In-the-moment strategies: The Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching has augmented a guide called Teaching During Turbulent Times, which provides strategies for instructors to demonstrate support for students, fortify student resilience and foster feelings of belonging, while also considering their own well-being.

Generative AI

• Guidance for leveraging and managing AI in the classroom: The Office of the Provost and AI@NU have created an easy-to-navigate website that includes guidance on how to clearly communicate expectations to students and engage generative artificial intelligence tools in the classroom. Look for more programming and updates as we explore the opportunities and challenges presented by these technologies.

If you have questions about instruction, research or faculty support and you don’t know whom to contact, you are always welcome to email the Office of the Provost’s Faculty Resources inbox at faculty@northwestern.edu.

Finally, as we break for the winter recess, we hope you will find time to refresh and connect with your loved ones. We look forward to seeing you all again in the new year.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Hagerty
Provost and Professor

Sumit Dhar
Associate Provost for Faculty and Professor

Miriam Gamoran Sherin
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Professor