New Faculty Quick Guide
Highlighting key programs, resources and services to support teaching success at NIU
Welcome to Northern Illinois University! The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) supports effective and innovative teaching in pursuit of transformative learning experiences. Whether you're teaching face-to-face, online, or hybrid courses, CITL provides consultations, professional development, instructional resources, mentoring, and technology support to help you thrive as a faculty member.
Getting Started at NIU
New to Teaching at NIU
Essential teaching policies, course expectations and resources for faculty and instructors new to NIU.
Tips for Starting the Semester with Blackboard
Answers to common questions about NIU's course management system, Blackboard, including course access, setup, communication tools, gradebook usage and course preparation.
Strategies for Starting the Semester Well
Whether you have been teaching for several years or are beginning to teach your very first semester, being prepared for the start of the semester will help make the transition successful for you and your students.
Learning Technologies at NIU
Overview of institutionally supported technologies for teaching, communication, assessment, video creation, engagement, and collaboration.
Teaching Effectiveness and Course Design Support
Individual Teaching Consultations
Confidential support for questions related to course design, teaching strategies, student engagement, assessment, accessibility, AI or instructional technology.
Course Design Partnerships
Extended collaboration with CITL staff to develop, redesign or enhance courses and online learning experiences.
Classroom Teaching Observations
Supportive, developmental observations that provide constructive feedback and ideas for teaching improvement.
Connect with Other Faculty
Faculty Teaching Mentors
Award-winning and experienced faculty available to share teaching strategies, answer questions, and help you navigate instructional challenges.
Faculty Learning Communities
Small interdisciplinary groups that meet over a semester or year to explore topics related to teaching and learning.
Open Classroom Weeks
Visit colleagues' classes and learn innovative teaching approaches from across the university.
NIU AI Network
The NIU AI Network is a community of practice dedicated to exploring and advancing AI in ways that are ethical, equitable and aligned with our campus mission and values.
Professional Development Opportunities
Workshops and Webinars
Attend sessions throughout the year on teaching strategies, Blackboard, accessibility, assessment, AI and educational technology.
Self-Paced Learning
Access workshop recordings, self-paced tutorials and resource collections whenever your schedule allows.
Featured Teaching Resources
Syllabus Toolkit
Checklists, templates, sample statements and guidance for creating effective, learner-centered syllabi.
Week of Engagement Toolkit
Strategies for building student belonging, engagement, and participation during the critical first week of class.
Student Guide to AI and Faculty AI Resources
Resources for navigating generative AI in teaching and learning, including instructional strategies and student guidance.
Scaffolded Support for Teaching Gateway Courses
This toolkit provides faculty with the tools, resources, and support needed to create inclusive and engaging teaching and learning environments where all students can succeed, paticularly in our gateway courses.
Create Engaging Course Media
One Button Studio
Simple self-service video recording studio for creating lectures, course introductions, and other instructional videos.
Lightboard Studio
Create engaging videos while writing, drawing, or demonstrating concepts to students.
Kaltura
With Kaltura, you can create, upload, and share video-based media, as well as create in-video quizzes and other types of interactive learning experiences.
Adobe Express and Creative Cloud
NIU is an Adobe Creative Campus, which reflects our commitment to empowering students in all disciplines with essential skills in digital literacy, creativity, and visual communication. All faculty and students have access to Adobe Express and the full Creative Cloud suite.
Stay Connected
CITL Website
Browse guides, tutorials, toolkits, literature reviews and upcoming events.
CITL Newsletter and News Site
Stay informed about teaching tips, technology updates, innovative practices, and faculty success stories.
Contact CITL
Email citl@niu.edu, call 815-753-0595 or schedule a consultation or visit during office hours, Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm
Quick Access to this Guide
citl.niu.edu/new-faculty
