September 30

October is Campus Sustainability Month, an international celebration of sustainability in higher education. UNC Charlotte’s Office of Sustainability has published a list of campus and community events to celebrate. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in events such as the Transportation Fair, the Student Sustainability Summit, the Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Sale and Campus Beautification Day. New events this year include the presentation “Campus from a Drone’s Eye View” and a workshop on making sustainable decorations.

Proposals are due tomorrow, October 1. The SoTL Grants program aims to fund faculty projects that systematically examine and reflect upon the teaching and learning practices in their discipline using appropriate research methods. 

Requirements: Grants may be awarded to individual faculty members or faculty groups who propose projects that will use funds to evaluate a teaching and learning intervention. 

Projects must: 

• Have measurable outcomes
• Benefit the UNC Charlotte Teaching and Learning Community
• Align with the University’s mission and Strategic Plan through one or more of the RFP strands below.

2024-2025 RFP Strands: 

1. Curricular Innovation and High Impact Teaching Practices
2. Educational Technology Innovation
3. Pedagogies using AI

Submit your proposals here by October 1 to receive funds by Winter Break.

The Office of International Programs is accepting applications for the 2024 Faculty International Education Award, the 2024 Staff International Education Award and the 2024 Student International Education Award until October 7 at midnight. The Faculty International Education Award recognizes a faculty member for his/her outstanding contributions to the enhancement of the international education experience at UNC Charlotte. The Staff International Education Award recognizes non-faculty university employees who support internationalization efforts at UNC Charlotte. The Student International Education Award recognizes outstanding contributions and involvement in international programs and studies at UNC Charlotte. For application and other information, visit the International Education Awards website and refer to the specific award. Award recipients will be recognized at the International Education Celebration on Wednesday, November 20.

The Critical Media Literacy Collaborative at UNC Charlotte is planning the Faculty Media Literacy Exchange for faculty involved in media literacy initiatives, classes, and research. This event will be held in Atkins Library’s Halton Room on Monday, October 7, 1:00-2:30 p.m. The exchange will provide dedicated time for faculty members to share their research, assignments, and ideas and to interact with others who are active in media literacy. If you are interested in talking about a project, an assignment, or your research related to media literacy, please indicate this on the registration form. These short, informal presentations will take place at a number of tables throughout the room. There will be time for questions and conversation after each presentation. Please share this invitation with others who are working on media literacy initiatives. Registration form.

One of the highlights of UNC Charlotte’s Commencement is the recognition of individuals for exceptional and distinctive service to the University or the larger community with an honorary degree from UNC Charlotte. We are asking for your assistance in nominating persons for this honor. Nomination details.

News from the Center for Teaching and Learning

Supporting Students through Difficult Events and Conversations

Are world events feeling a bit heavy for you and your students? Learn to support your students through difficult situations and classroom conversations by participating in the following opportunities: 

• Workshop: Supporting Students as Difficult Events Impact our World led by Dr. Kim Buch.
  • Thursday, October 17, 11:30 – 12:30 PM
  • Wednesday, October 30, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
• Self-Paced Micro-Training: Dealing with Difficult Situations in the Classroom
  • Enroll Here
• Other Resources for Communicating with Students
  • Using Feedback to Improve Teaching and Learning
  • Canvas Communication 

Important Dates: 

TOMORROW, October 1: 

• CTL Faculty Fellow on Generative AI Applications Due
• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Grant Proposals Due

November 1 – CTL 25th Anniversary Party

• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Kennedy Building (2nd Floor) (RSVP)

Center for Teaching and Learning Workshops 

Generative AI

Overview of Gen-AI Tools for Education

• Oct 8, 10:00am – 11:00am

Part 1: Introduction to Gen-AI and Prompt Writing

• Oct 3, 2:30pm – 3:30pm

Part 2: Student Study Skills with Gen-AI (with MS Copilot)

• Oct 10, 10:00am – 11:00am

Part 3: Student Writing Skills with Gen-AI (with MS Copilot)

• Oct 16, 2:30pm – 3:30pm

Ethical Considerations for Teaching with Gen-AI

• Oct 17, 10:00am – 11:00am

Zoom AI for Teaching

• Oct 9, 2:30pm – 3:30pm

Canvas Foundations

Canvas: Quizzing

• Oct 10, 10:00am – 11:00am

Canvas: Assignments and Gradebook

• Oct 24, 10:00am – 11:00am

This workshop is part of the Essentials of Learning Technologies Certificate.

Part 1: Canvas Studio – Creating Video Assignments

• Oct 2, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Part 2: Canvas Studio – Creating Video Quizzes

• Oct 22, 10:00am – 11:00am

Active Learning

Part 1: Teaching with Poll Everywhere

• Oct 18, 10:00am – 11:00am

Part 2: Active Learning with Poll Everywhere

• Oct 24, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Designing and Implementing Group Projects

• Oct 23, 10:00am – 11:00am

Teaching Effectiveness with Canvas Tools

Part 1: Canvas Analytics for Early Intervention

• Oct 10, 10:00am – 11:00am

Part 2: Canvas Studio – Exploring Video Insights

• Oct 7, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
• Oct 29, 10:00am – 11:00am

Part 3: Canvas Analytics to Improve Your Canvas Course Design

• Oct 4, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
• Oct 21, 11:30am – 12:30pm

Student Success Strategies

Growth Mindset Activities for Your Class

• Oct 11, 10:00am – 11:00am