Fall 2025 Schedule (Fall 2026 TBD)
OSU’s Center for Teaching and Learning presents:
New Graduate Teaching Orientation
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Location: Learning Innovation Center (LINC) Lobby — Map
This conference is designed to support your success from day one and throughout the academic year. You’ll engage with a range of sessions that provide guidance on preparing for your first class, introduce you to key campus resources, create opportunities to connect with colleagues across disciplines, and explore innovative pedagogical practices to enhance your teaching effectiveness.
Attendance
Attendance is highly encouraged and is required by some academic units. Please check with your program if you are unsure whether your attendance is required.
For more information or disability accommodations, contact Elise Hohensee ([email protected]) by August 22.
8:30 - 9 a.m.
Registration and check in
9 - 9:20 a.m.
LINC 128
Welcome and Orientation
Presentation: Ashley Holmes, Ph.D., Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning
Conference Sessions
The following breakout sessions offer opportunities to dive deeper into the topics that matter most to you. For each of the four blocks, choose one session to attend.
9:30 - 10:20 a.m.
Breakout Session #1
Choose one of the following sessions:
LINC 302
Canvas: Getting Started
Join Tasha Biesinger, LMS Product Manager, to learn about your digital course environment, including grading and grades in canvas.
LINC 303
Grading Toolkit: Rubrics, Feedback, and More
Grading is one of the key roles of an instructor but requires intentional effort to make the process efficient as well as meaningful for students. In this session, you will learn how to create effective rubrics, tips for grading more quickly, and simple ways to provide helpful feedback for your students.
LINC 307
Lesson Planning: Preparing for Class
Learn practical strategies to design lesson plans that support your preparation, organization, and confidence. Well-structured plans also give students clear direction for a more focused, consistent, and meaningful class time experience.
LINC 314
Engaging Students in the Classroom
We will explore how to engage students in the learning process in your responsibilities as a teaching assistant, including in presentations, feedback to students and one-on-one meetings.
LINC 368
Federal, State and University Policies Related to Instruction at OSU (recommended session)
Instructors at OSU are responsible for understanding and applying a range of federal, state, and university policies. This session provides a practical introduction to the policies most relevant to teaching, explores how they apply in common situations, and highlights when to seek additional guidance or support.
10:20 - 10:50 a.m.
Networking Break
10:50 - 11:40 a.m.
Breakout Session #2
Choose one of the following sessions:
LINC 302
Canvas: Getting Started
Join Tasha Biesinger, LMS Product Manager, to learn about your digital course environment, including grading and grades in canvas.
LINC 303
Grading Toolkit: Rubrics, Feedback, and More
Grading is one of the key roles of an instructor but requires intentional effort to make the process efficient as well as meaningful for students. In this session, you will learn how to create effective rubrics, tips for grading more quickly, and simple ways to provide helpful feedback for your students.
LINC 307
Lesson Planning: Preparing for Class
Learn practical strategies to design lesson plans that support your preparation, organization, and confidence. Well-structured plans also give students clear direction for a more focused, consistent, and meaningful class time experience.
LINC 314
Engaging Students in the Classroom
We will explore how to engage students in the learning process in your responsibilities as a teaching assistant, including in presentations, feedback to students and one-on-one meetings.
LINC 368
Federal, State and University Policies Related to Instruction at OSU (recommended session)
Instructors at OSU are responsible for understanding and applying a range of federal, state, and university policies. This session provides a practical introduction to the policies most relevant to teaching, explores how they apply in common situations, and highlights when to seek additional guidance or support.
11:40 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.
Networking Break and Provided Lunch
12:40 - 1:30 p.m.
Breakout Session #3
Choose one of the following sessions:
LINC 268
Teaching in the U.S. Classroom: A Guide for International GTs
This session helps international GTAs understand U.S. classroom culture—covering expectations, communication, dynamics and relationships—while offering guidance to build confidence and support student learning.
LINC 303
Being Prepared: The First Day of Class
It's more than syllabus day! Join Dr. Kara Clevinger, Assistant Director for Pedagogical Support and Development in the Center for Teaching and Learning, to gain Week One tips and strategies to get to know your students, build trust and community, and set the tone for your class.
LINC 307
GCCUT: Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching
Join Dr. Jessica Beck, Director of the Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching (GCCUT), to discuss this popular 18-credit graduate certificate program, the ways it can support your instructional skills, and if it is right for you given your professional plans.
LINC 314
Graduate Teaching Panel: Student Voices
In this session, a panel of Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA) will share their firsthand experiences, discussing both the challenges and rewards of being a GTA. They will provide valuable insights into the multifaceted life of a GTA.
LINC 368
Federal, State and University Policies Related to Instruction at OSU (recommended session)
Instructors at OSU are responsible for understanding and applying a range of federal, state, and university policies. This session provides a practical introduction to the policies most relevant to teaching, explores how they apply in common situations, and highlights when to seek additional guidance or support.
1:30 - 1:40 p.m.
Transition time
1:40 - 2:30 p.m.
Breakout Session #4
Choose one of the following sessions:
LINC 302
Campus Connections: OSU Resources for Teaching and Learning
This session brings together representatives from OSU resource units that support teaching and learning—discover how their services can help you strengthen your teaching.
LINC 268
Simple Tips for Digital Access
In this hands-on session, you’ll learn why digital accessibility is essential in teaching and how to make your course materials more inclusive—starting with small, simple changes. We’ll explore built-in accessibility features in common tools (like Word and Canvas) that support all learners and help you meet the new ADA Title II requirements. You’ll leave with practical knowledge and resources to get started with digital accessibility. If possible, bring a laptop.
LINC 303
Being Prepared: The First Day of Class
It's more than syllabus day! Join Dr. Kara Clevinger, Assistant Director for Pedagogical Support and Development in the Center for Teaching and Learning, to gain Week One tips and strategies to get to know your students, build trust and community, and set the tone for your class
LINC 314
International Graduate Teaching Panel: Student Voices
In this session, a panel of international GTAs will share their firsthand experiences, discussing both the challenges and rewards of being a GTA. They will provide valuable insights into the multifaceted life of an international GTA.
LINC 368
Federal, State and University Policies Related to Instruction at OSU (recommended session)
Instructors at OSU are responsible for understanding and applying a range of federal, state, and university policies. This session provides a practical introduction to the policies most relevant to teaching, explores how they apply in common situations, and highlights when to seek additional guidance or support.
Can't decide which session to attend? All session slides, materials, and handouts will be available for digital download. You can also connect with colleagues to swap notes and share key takeaways.