Start of Term Checklist – Fall 2025

As you prepare for the coming Fall term, take note of our Fall support resources, tips for setting up your Canvas course, and some steps for success in your courses!

Key Dates for Upcoming Term(s)

• First Day of Fall Classes: Friday, August 29, 2025.
• Last Day of Fall Classes: Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
• Fall Canvas courses will be automatically published 3 business days before the start date.
• Review the Academic Calendar for all session dates.

Please note that online programs may follow different dates!

A Checklist for Setting Up Your Canvas Course

Whether you are teaching a course for the first time or are continuing to teach an existing course, our checklist will provide you with tips for success!

For more recommendations, please visit our Designing Your Canvas Course page.

Canvas Updates

The Montclair Syllabus, powered by Simple Syllabus, is a centralized, template-driven platform designed to help instructors efficiently create, customize, and publish interactive class syllabi. This tool ensures consistency across courses while allowing you to add personalized content to meet your teaching style and students’ needs. Visit our Simple Syllabus webpage to learn more and get started!

Canvas Integrations: For a comprehensive list of pre-installed Canvas integrations visit our Integrations page.

Faculty Development Opportunities

Preparing for Fall 2025

Tuesday, August 19th, 9am – 12:30pm, Online

We invite you to our faculty development event to help prepare for the Fall 2025 term. This event will include sessions focused on course design best practices, how to set up and design your Fall course(s) in Canvas, AI and other generative technologies, as well as strategies for effective assessment and student engagement. These sessions apply to teaching in any modality. Mark your calendars—registration opens shortly!

EOTL101: Foundations for Success

Monday, October 6th – Sunday, November 2nd, Online

EOTL101 is designed to enhance online teaching competencies. This foundational course is intended to provide faculty with an overview of online teaching and learning, applicable to both online and hybrid courses. Participants will explore strategies for creating inclusive online learning environments, the qualities of successful online instructors, and considerations for conducting effective assessments online. Standards for evaluating online courses to align with best pedagogical practices will also be shared. The cohort experience allows for a rich exchange of ideas and practices between faculty and peers across the university. This course provides a critical foundation for first-time online instructors, or for instructors hoping to tune up their online teaching practice.

One-on-One Consultations with ITDS

• Preparing for Fall 2025 Support: The ITDS team will be available for teaching support to start the Fall 2025 term. This support will be available August 25 to September 5 from 10am – 3pm (excluding September 1 and weekends). Support will be available in-person in University Hall on the 5th floor and also online. Please book an online appointment via https://itds.as.me/fall2025
• NEW ITDS Walk-In Office Hours for Faculty: At Instructional Technology & Design Services, we’re always looking for new ways to support faculty in their teaching and learning efforts. We’re excited to announce the addition of new walk-in office hours designed to offer convenient, in-person support—no appointment needed!

When: Mondays, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: University Hall, 5th Floor
Starting: Monday, September 8

Whether you have questions about Canvas, course design, or other instructional technologies, our team is here to help. Just stop by—we look forward to working with you!

• ITDS Consultations: ITDS staff are made available year round to meet with you to discuss your course(s) and provide guidance on designing your course(s) across modalities, instructional strategies, syllabus design, teaching/learning activities, instructional technologies and more. You can set up an appointment with one of our ITDS staff via the ITDS Consultation Scheduler.

Technical Support

Make sure your devices are registered on the campus network (see the Connect to Wireless page). If you need technical support, please contact the IT Service Desk or your academic technology team. You may also review information on classroom technology on the Audio-Visual Services website, check NEST for modality, room, and other details.