Graduate School

First Day of Class

Classroom Expectations Guidelines

See a sample of appropriate expectations of both instructors and students in the University of Minnesota's official policies on conduct in the classroom.

Clicking with Large Classes

Karen Kelsky, assistant professor in anthropology, describes how she creates the sense of connectedness of a class with thirty students in a class of 350; developed by University of Oregon.

The First Day of Class 

The first day of class sets the tone for the rest of the term. Get tips from the Tools for Teaching Web site. Barbara Gross Davis, University of California, Berkeley. Presentation by Kelly Ward from a previous WSU Graduate Teaching Assistant Orientation.

Online Name Pronunciation Guide

Resources for naming conventions according to heritage, or search the Cal Poly Pomona database for common pronunciation of student names.

The Most Important Day, Starting Well

Tips developed by the Faculty Development Committee, Honolulu Community College for starting the semester off on the right foot. Ways to initiate class participation, present course expectations, and set the tone for the term.

Preparing Effective Syllabi

Locate helpful information for typical uses, commonly included elements, and positive attributes of various syllabi based on teaching research and pedagogical theory. Provided by Jeanne Slattery and Janet Carlson.

Setting the Pattern for Active Participation 

Helping students get motivated in the first few minutes of the first class.

Tools for Teaching: Creating a Syllabus

Barbara Gross Davis, professor from University of California, Berkeley offers important items to include in a syllabus.  

WSU Disability Resource Center Syllabus Statement

Locate the recommended disabilities statement that all instructors should include in every syllabus for courses at WSU. Contact Kay Smith, 509-335-8079, with questions.

Graduate School, P.O. Box 641030, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1030, 509-335-1446, Contact Us