Course Preparation
Please note that the course preparation timeline differs for English and French language instructors, as language courses are posted and assigned closer to the start of the term.
| When | Tasks |
|---|---|
|
1 month before |
⬜ Prepare course materials: Gather electronic resources (report any scans to COPIBEC) and/or order textbooks ⬜ Download software (and apply for any other required licenses - e.g., Alteryx, AWS credits, DataCamp, etc.) |
| 2 weeks before |
⬜ Prepare and submit your course outline to your Academic Program Coordinator (APC) |
| 1 week before |
⬜ Once approved, post your course outline and ALL course content on myCourses ⬜ Reserve any equipment you may need to teach your class ⬜ Meet with your Teaching Assistants and/or Graders (if applicable) ⬜ Online courses: Download and set up Zoom (create a meeting link, configure default settings, review checklist) |
First Week of Class
| When | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Start of first week |
⬜ Get to know your classroom location and equipment ⬜ Download your official class list from Minerva (credit) or from Athena (non-credit) ⬜ Send a welcome message via email to all your students (include the class location, zoom link, etc.) and copy your domain ⬜ Post any important announcements for your students on myCourses (e.g., advanced reading, course outline availability, etc.) |
| During first class |
⬜ Confirm that your students can reach you via McGill email and highlight your domain's administrative staff email for help with class logistics ⬜ Online courses: Encourage students to turn on their camera and inform them if you plan on recording your class |
| End of first week |
⬜ Fill out the Exam/Assessment Form to inform Instructor Services about whether or not your course will have an exam and start designing your exam(s) as far in advance as possible (Not applicable to English and French language instructors) ⬜ Review grading procedures and rubrics with your Teaching Assistant and/or Graders |
During the Term
| When | Tasks |
|---|---|
|
After the add/drop deadline |
⬜ View your final class list in Minerva (credit) or Athena (non-credit) |
| If you change your course material |
⬜ Update your course outline, send it to your APC for approval, and inform your students |
| (For online courses) After each class |
⬜ Check if recorded Zoom classes are uploaded to myCourses (if applicable) ⬜ Review the class attendance Zoom report |
| When you get a request from Instructor Services |
⬜ Submit a copy of your mid-term and final exams for archiving (Not applicable to English and French language instructors) |
| Throughout |
⬜ Provide timely feedback to help your students assess their performance in your class ⬜ Provide guidelines and share expectations with your students for each assignment |
End of Term
Note that references to final exams are not applicable to English and French language instructors.
| When | Tasks |
|---|---|
|
Last class (or second to last class if exam on the last day) |
⬜ Allow time for your students to complete their course evaluation and highlight the importance of providing feedback |
| Two weeks after final exam or end of class (if no exam) |
⬜ Enter final grades (priority must be given to graduating students - 3 days from the last day of class or the final exam) ⬜ Submit your Mark Breakdown to Instructor Services |
| Once the course is completed |
⬜ Review course evaluation results (you may consult with your APC if needed) |