Class Setup

One important step for setting up your Canvas course is verifying the Canvas grading scheme does not conflict with the grading information on your syllabus. Your ASU Online syllabus template contains a table for you to update with the grading scheme for your course (for example, if you want to use points, or weighted grades, etc.). Your course also has a pre-enabled default grade scheme, which you can locate under your course settings. Your Canvas grade book will calculate grades based on your course's enabled grading scheme, regardless of what you post on your syllabus.  For additional information on managing your course's grading scheme see the following Canvas resource on viewing your grading scheme. 

Currently, ASU does not have a standard policy for use of generative AI in classes. Faculty should include a their own statement on the class syllabus. 

Faculty may choose from the following three examples to structure how students use generative artificial intelligence tools in their classes. One of the options below should be posted in the syllabus (with course policies and procedures) and discussed with students on the first day of class. 

Cited Use

Generative AI is a technology that automates part or all of the writing/content creation process for users. Popular examples of such technologies include ChatGPT (OpenAI), Gemini (Google), Copilot (Microsoft), and Claude (Anthropic). In this course, you may use generative AI technologies provided that you account for your usage in the Works Cited of your assignment. Instructions on how to cite generative AI output can be found at the MLA Style Center or the APA Style Center. If you have questions about how to use generative AI to complete your assignments effectively and responsibly, please schedule a meeting with me during office hours and I will be happy to address them. 

Guided Use

Generative AI is a technology that automates part or all of the writing/content creation process for users. Popular examples of such technologies include ChatGPT (OpenAI), Gemini (Google), Copilot (Microsoft), and Claude (Anthropic). In this course, I ask that you use generative AI technologies only as directed by me. Such directions may include but are not limited to citing all content generated by the AI software. I understand that generative AI technologies can help you compose assignments more efficiently. I also understand that your other professors may have different expectations associated with its usage. In this course, we will use generative AI technologies in a guided manner to ensure that we are meeting the outcomes that structure courses in our program. If you have questions, please schedule a meeting with me during office hours and I will be happy to address them.

Unauthorized Use

Generative AI is a technology that automates part or all of the writing/content creation process for users. Popular examples of such technologies include ChatGPT (OpenAI), Gemini (Google), Copilot (Microsoft), and Claude (Anthropic). In this course, I ask that you refrain from using generative AI tools. I understand that generative AI technologies can help you compose assignments more efficiently. I also understand that your other professors may have different expectations associated with its usage. In this course, we will not use generative AI technologies to ensure that we are meeting the outcomes that structure courses in our program. If you have questions or concerns, please schedule a meeting with me during office hours and I will be happy to address them.

All instructors are asked to post a copy of their syllabus at least two weeks prior to the start of a session. The syllabus provides helpful information for students related to the course, including any required course materials. To post your syllabus, select the S in the tool icon next to your class listed in My Class Schedule in MyASU. There you can upload a PDF copy of your syllabus for students to access through the course catalog. 

Approximately two weeks prior to the first day of class, consider sending a preliminary welcome email to notify students of any required course materials including textbook purchases or other additional course requirements such as film rentals, so they are prepared when the course begins.  Students will be given access to the class three days before the official start date of the session. Before then, you can send email using the Class Roster in the ASU Faculty Center in MyASU.  Once students have been added to the course, you can email students from within your Canvas class. 

Note: Once students are added to the Canvas course, they will be able to see any published changes that are not hidden from view

All instructors are encouraged to post an introductory video welcoming students to class. Introductory videos help increase a sense of instructor presence and student engagement in the class. Consider including a brief bio, an overview of interesting elements about the course, or reiterating the best method for students to contact you. You may also want to consider posting a separate course introductory video if there are any salient features of the course you believe should be highlighted via video.  You can easily create short videos anywhere within Canvas (through announcements, in assignments, within the gradebook) provided you have a webcam and microphone.  You can also enable VoiceThread in your class to leave video messages to which your students can easily respond as well. Additional information on recording videos is available through the ASU Online Instructor Resources in your class. 

Note: Your course likely includes lecture videos recorded by other professors. It may be helpful to clarify for students that the people featured in the videos are subject matter experts who have contributed to course development, but you are the course's primary instructor. 

See the Media Help Resource for recording options. 

There are a number of tools to enable regular student-faculty communication within your class including email, chat, community forums, and virtual conferencing. It is up to you to decide how you would like to manage communication with students, but you are required to make yourself regularly available for student inquiries during the week and provide a specific statement to students explaining how they should contact you. 

As a best practice, you should respond to student inquiries within 24 hours and schedule a phone conference, online chat, or video conference with a student if necessary to follow up on questions or issues that cannot be addressed via email or online discussion.

Although scheduled weekly office hours are not mandatory, faculty must be regularly available to communicate with online students through live and by remote methods. Per ACD 305-05: "Every instructor who teaches courses is expected to be available to students outside of class on a reasonable and regular basis." In addition, ACD 304-10 stipulates that all instructors should provide a statement indicating "how to contact the faculty member for an appointment outside office hours."