New Chairs and Directors Quick Guide
Highlighting available programs, resources and services offered in support of effective and innovative teaching
Teaching Effectiveness and Course Transformation Support and Resources
Individualized Instructional Support
Teaching effectiveness consultation
Assistance for faculty who voluntarily seek to improve their teaching and those faculty who are directed by their academic units to seek teaching-related assistance from CITL.
Course Design Partnerships
Ongoing partnership and consultation
Partnerships provides much more support than an individualized consultation, over a more extended period of time.
Teaching Effectiveness Programs
Workshops and Institutes
Wide variety of programs are offered on topics related to teaching, inclusive instruction, and instructional use of technology.
Classroom Teaching Observations
Collaboratively Making Positive Changes
CITL consultant observes faculty teaching in the classroom, analyzes related activities, and provides feedback for improvement.
Open Classroom Weeks
Faculty open their classrooms to colleagues
Opportunity for faculty to learn new approaches to teaching and make connections across disciplines. Unlike peer observation for tenure and promotion, the focus is on learning as opposed to critiquing.
Faculty Teaching Mentors
Building a Vibrant Teaching Community
These experienced and knowledgeable faculty (tenure track, instructional, or clinical) are available to provide advice, recommendations and mentoring to their colleagues on teaching.
Faculty Learning Communities
Active, Collaborative Discussions Across Disciplines in a Supportive Environment
Small groups of faculty who meet regularly throughout the semester or year about a specific topic related to teaching and learning.
One Button Video Studio
Simplified, Automated Video Recording
Excellent tool for recording short studio style lectures, designed to run with minimal staff support and minimal configuration
Lightboard Studio
Video Diagramming and Tutorial Creation Made Easy
Easy-to-use video recording solution that allows you to write or draw content on the glass while facing the camera. The lightboard studio can be used to create recorded videos to share in courses and on the web or can be used in live online meetings.
AI in Teaching Toolkit
Latest news and support for use of artificial intelligence in teaching
Resources to explore generative artificial intelligence and how to get started with applying AI in your teaching.
Week of Engagement Toolkit
Practical tips for a great first week of class
Recommended principles, tips, and simple strategies during the first week of class to create a welcoming and inviting learning environment that enable students to thrive.
Adobe Creative Campus
Adobe Creative Cloud suite available to all NIU faculty and students
NIU faculty and students now have access to a wealth of resources on getting started with digital literacy and using Adobe applications.
Enriching the Design of General Education (EDGE)
Pilot initiative supporting excellence in general education teaching
New community of practice among faculty teaching general education courses, emphasizing the unique philosophy and practices that define general education courses.
Graduate Teaching Assistants Support
Teaching Assistant Institute
Introduction to teaching assistant responsibilities and networking
The Teaching Assistant Institute features a mix of live online discussions and pre-recorded videos as well as asynchronous activities to promote connection and community. TAs are able to choose from a selection of elective activities based on their experience and role.
Graduate Teaching Programs
Workshops and Institutes
Programs are offered for teaching assistants on topics related to teaching, inclusive instruction, and instructional use of technology.
Graduate Teaching Certificate
Recognition for TAs participating in professional development programs
The certificate acknowledges teaching assistants' commitment to effective teaching and can enhance their academic credentials. To qualify, a teaching assistant must have attended the entire Teaching Assistant Institute and at least five (5) programs of shorter duration offered by CITL.
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards
Recognition of outstanding graduate teaching assistants for their contributions to the teaching mission of NIU
Each recipient of the award is presented with a plaque and recognized at the Graduate Student Reception sponsored by the Graduate School at the end of the spring semester.
Consultation Services for Graduate Teaching Assistants
Assistance in individual or group consultations
Assistance for TAs who voluntarily seek to improve their teaching skills and those teaching assistants who are directed by their academic units to seek teaching-related assistance from CITL.
Online Program Development and Support
Online Program Development
Your partner through the online program development process
There are many decisions to be made when developing an entire degree program online. CITL can partner with your department to offer support and assistance throughout the process.
Online Course Development
A wide variety of course development services are available
Instructional design services and support that can be tailored to your online program and faculty needs.
Online Teaching Support
Programs, resources and services available to support quality online teaching
Templates, checklists and guides, and more all designed to save faculty time and develop high quality online learning for their students.
Online Enrollment and Student Success Services
Supporting fully online students from initial contact all the way to graduation
Our team of dedicated Online Student Success Specialists respond promptly to prospective students and collaborate closely with program departments to support online students' success.
Online Standards and Principles
Representing quality online teaching and learning experiences
These standards and principles have been vetted by NIU faculty teaching online and adopted by NIU as our guiding principles for quality online learning.
Online Course Quality Essentials
Research-based standards used to design online and hybrid courses and assess online course quality
Courses that meet all essentials standards are recognized as NIU Quality Essentials courses.
Online Teaching Awards
Recognition of online teaching excellence
Excellence in online teaching and course design is recognized and celebrated through the Certificate of Excellence in Online Teaching and Excellence in Online Teaching Awards
Online Learning Trends
Trends in online learning preferences and course offerings at NIU over time
Highlights include online course and program enrollment, credit hours, faculty teaching online and participating in professional development for online teaching.
Additional Resources for Chairs and Directors
Academic Administrators's Blackboard Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions by chairs and directors on use of Blackboard
Answers to questions ranging from how to access Blackboard to providing early access for faculty in the hiring process.
Quick Access to this Guide
citl.niu.edu/new-chairs-and-directors
