First Day/Last Day Checklist
Start of Term Checklist Prepare syllabus o Copies made (if needed) o Submitted to Admin. Assistant in Division Office Send welcome letter to students if applicable Prepare Blackboard site o Load faculty information o Load syllabus o Load any schedule or agenda items o Load any prepared assignments o Load welcome announcement Include date, time, and location of first class meeting Quick message about what to bring or complete o Check to see students enrolled o Change course name if needed o Change colors or format if needed o Rename links if needed Print and post semester schedule on office door Load term schedule, meeting times, and breaks in Outlook Check and print/download roster on MyWestern Self Service (Compare to Blackboard roster). Make attendance sheets or Blackboard grading column if needed Check classroom for equipment software and key/badge admittance Remind yourself why you teach and why you are confident in teaching End of Term Checklist Give reminders to students about the end of the course o Announce when grades will be posted o Review syllabus for grading scale o Remind students to address grade questions immediately o Advise students that instructors can be used as a future resource Make notes of any changes to class materials or syllabus Finalize grades o Finish figuring grades and double check figures o Enter grades for class in MyWestern o Save and post grades o Print, archive or save grade book o Check with Division Office for any particular standards for recording grades Finalize Blackboard sites o Update grades o Post announcement and email that grades are posted o Decide on recycle/archive options o Change class to unavailable Reflect on your past term’s accomplishments and challenges Print and post next term schedule on office door Check currency and availability of next term’s textbooks Load term schedule, meeting times, and breaks in Outlook Set email to an out of office message for the break Save important, graded class projects or finals Clean up or organize computer files and desk o Check I/H/Skydrive for files and organize if needed o Create backup files for class materials Check the Professional Development/Training schedule over break for any possible sessions. Decide what day(s) to return for prep work now and put on calendar CELEBRATE the end your term!
