Smeal Academy Newsletter: August 2025

Teach. Engage. Excel.

Fall ’25 Semester Kick-Off!

Fall at Smeal is here—time to gear up, teach smarter, and make every class count. This issue of the Smeal Academy Newsletter will help you elevate your courses right now. Find resources to assist you by saving valuable prep time, or revisit our popular AI Inspiration Lab sessions from the summer. Every resource inside is here to help you feel prepared and stay ahead all semester.

Resources to Start Fall ’25 Strong!

1. 1. Start-of-Semester Checklist for Instructors

   There is a lot to consider when preparing to teach and set up your Canvas space. Use this helpful checklist to ensure that you have covered your Canvas bases and are ready for Day 1!

2. 2. GenAI and Syllabus Recommendations
   • Add a policy about AI tools: eLDIG has sample syllabus statements you can adapt based on your course objectives. Once you determine the GenAI policy for your course, we suggest adding a statement in each Canvas assignment reminding students of the policy. Our GenAI Canvas Assignment icons can be incorporated into your course to communicate your expectations.
   • Include a link to syllabus policy language: Do you struggle to keep up with syllabus policies? eLDIG maintains a current Smeal Undergraduate Residential Syllabus, Part 2, based on the semester instructions from Undergraduate Programs. You are welcome to link to this from your syllabus now or in the future.
   • Use an accessible syllabus template: Our Syllabus, Part 1 Template includes all Faculty Senate-required elements, meets all DOJ and University accessibility requirements, and links to the Undergraduate Residential Syllabus, Part 2.
3. 3. Up Your Course Ally Accessibility Score

   Here are three quick steps you can take right now to make your Canvas course more accessible, raise your Ally score, and support Penn State’s compliance with the new DOJ accessibility ruling:

   1. Check Your Score: Open your Canvas course and check your accessibility score using the Ally Course Accessibility Report in the course navigation. Remember that we want to be "A" students!
   2. Delete Unused Files: Delete any old or unused files that are no longer needed—this reduces clutter and improves your course’s accessibility profile.
   3. Describe Images: Add alternative (alt) text to images, especially those that convey important meaning or instructional content.

   For more guidance, visit the Canvas Accessibility page and check out the Ally Instructor Quickstart Guide, which includes tips and a full Course Report Guide. Small changes make a big difference for your students and help us stay compliant.

   NOTE: Students being provided with accommodations from SDR is a separate matter. The above pertains to all faculty and courses at Smeal.

4. 4. Engage Students with Polling in Microsoft Forms

   Want a way to engage students in the classroom using a polling tool that is free, easy to set up and use, and can scale to any class size? Try using the Microsoft Forms "Quiz" feature to:

   • identify gaps in student knowledge,
   • guide classroom discussion, and
   • engage students in learning content.

   Polls can be set up with just a couple of clicks and students can access them easily via QR code or URL. Best of all, it’s built right into Penn State’s Office 365 suite, so creating engaging polls has never been easier!

   Check out our Engaging Students with Microsoft Forms Video Tech Tip to get started!

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   Have questions? Ask us!

   Ask eLDIG

Revisit Our Most Popular Summer Sessions!

This summer’s AI Inspiration Lab offered a supportive space to explore AI tools that enhance teaching, streamline administrative tasks, and boost student learning. Faculty and staff turnout was strong, with lively discussion and collaborative learning throughout.

This session featured:

1. Building Assessments & Rubrics with AI
2. Custom GPTs for Instructors
3. Building Interactive Tools with AI

View the Session 1 recording

Highlights include:

1. AI Tools for Research
2. BoodleBox for Teaching and Learning
3. Teaching with NotebookLM and Copilot

View the Session 2 recording

eLDIG on LinkedIn

Don’t forget to connect with us via Smeal Academy’s LinkedIn page, your hub for staying engaged with our mission to empower Smeal instructors with the tools, strategies, and best practices they need to excel in teaching.

Follow us for updates, resources, and opportunities to engage. We can’t wait to connect with you!