Nimble Working Group

• Nimble representatives will be presenting Phase 4 Core Rotation proposals at their next department meetings. Phase 3 syllabi are being developed for Case-Based Learning, Anesthesia and Surgery, and Professional and Clinical Skills. The Surgical Task Force discussed gaps in student surgical experience and proposed solutions such as partnering with high-volume clinics, expanding primary care services, and exploring mobile units. Emphasis was placed on defining desired surgical experiences and learning outcomes. Phase 4 core rotations were reviewed, with discussions on emergency care, dentistry, and field conditions. Erin Lashnits presented on the Foundations of Homeostasis module, recommending a title change and making a suggestion for her replacement as co-module leader. Feedback included logistical challenges and successful peer teaching strategies. Next steps involve clarifying leadership roles and timelines for curriculum development in Phase 4.

Nimble Leadership Group

• Discussed the first week of OnWard implementation. Key topics included review of the proposed Surgery and Anesthesia syllabus, impacts on Anatomy and Clinical Skills labs, and Phase 4 planning. For Phase 4, each rotation will require defined learning outcomes. Phase level learning outcomes will be distributed to leadership for review. A critical gap identified is aligning learning outcomes, student experience, and assessments (ITERs), which are already in use.

Module Implementation Teams

• Fall 2025 courses should be completed on Canvas pages, with contingency plans for last minute changes and giving students adequate time to prepare for in person sessions. Spring 2026 courses should be populating Canvas sandbox pages with content, activities, labs, and instructors. The remaining courses in Phase 2 are in the development phase. Reminder: If you are teaching something in 25-26 that will end up in Year 2 of OnWard, think about where it will go and if any changes are needed. This will help spread out the development of Year 2 from now until August 2026.

Previous weekly updates are here

Where do I go to find the more detailed Weekly Updates? Click here

See this link for examples of how CTLM's Senior Instructional Media Coordinator, Alyson Herreid, can help anyone with recorded content with the following:

• Clean up audio and video quality

• Smooth transitions

• Provide suggestions (e.g. aspect ration, audio/video equipment, platforms, etc.)

• Insert knowledge check questions at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end

If you would like to work with Alyson, sign up on this link. The sign up sheet will be prioritized based on when the student would be viewing the content. This means Fall 2025 modules will work with Alyson before Spring 2026, with both occurring before Year 2, etc.

• See this video from Alyson for quick tips on creating and editing videos and this Recording Best Practices guide for more information. 

Hot Questions

Are their AI prompt lists to help with writing/gathering exam questions?

• Click here

Where can I find the teaching tips videos from Margene?

• Click here

What is the official name of the revised curriculum: OnWard

Where can I see the weekly plans for all courses as they are developed?

• Click here to see a curriculum map draft. 

• This contains weekly plans for all courses across the curriculum.

  • Some plans are complete, while others are being completed and revised.

When will the Phase 3 syllabi be voted on?

• Look for invite to Town Halls on Phase 3 in Fall 2025

  • Course coordinators will be presenting structure and current progress.

  • Questions related to Phase 3 will be answered.

• Website updated with Phase 3 learning outcomes, weekly rhythm, and example week late Fall 2025

How many electives will students be required to take in each Phase?

• Phase 1: 2 electives (1 in Fall and 1 in first 8 weeks of Spring)

• Phase 2: 5 electives 

• Phase 3: 7 electives

How do I become involved in teaching, contributing, or facilitating in a module?

• Click here to sign up as interested in teaching (classroom or lab), contributing (synchronous or asynchronous content and resources), or facilitating an active learning session. Module leaders will reach out to you once you have indicated the module(s) in which you would like to be involved. 

Has the modified pass/fail grading system been approved by the University Curriculum Committee?

• Yes, click here to see the letter from the UCC.