Resources for Spring 2021:
Synchronous and Asynchronous Engagement Strategies
As you prepare for your Spring 2021 courses visit the Synchronous and Asynchronous Engagement Strategies document for recommendations on sharing workload and time considerations with students, course design strategies to help with information overload, engagement strategies for both Zoom and Moodle, and student success strategies to incorporate into your remote and online courses.
Additional Resources
- Flex Forward portal
- University Quality Standards
- Flexible Course (Re)Design Modules
- IDEAS Workshops and Webinars
- Library Resources for Remote Instruction
- Information Literacy Modules
CNS faculty are encouraged to visit the CNS Faculty Remote Teaching Assistance Moodle site for the most current resources, links, tools, technologies, and recommended practices for remote and online teaching, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion, and strategies for maintaining academic integrity. If you are unable to access this site in Moodle please contact Please contact April Bellafiore, Director of Multi-Modal Education for the College of Natural Sciences.
The CNS Keep Teaching site was designed in Spring 2020 to provide guidance for working remotely, best practices, tools and technologies for remote learning, recommendations on how to offer exams online and suggestions for maintaining academic integrity in the submission of online work, and other helpful resources.
Faculty Development
CNS Faculty Development and Programs help meet the mission and strategic goals of the College of Natural Science by actively supporting the research, teaching, and service work of our faculty while also promoting their wellbeing and resilience. Visit the CNS Faculty Development page for information on upcoming events and resources for individuals, teams, and departments.
Academic Alert Initiative
The UMass Amherst Academic Alert initiative partners with instructors and advisors to connect undergraduate students with the resources needed to meet the rigors of college-level academic work and expectations. Through a coordinated referral network, students are guided toward resources that support mastery of course content and academic skill development. Questions? Contact Erin Battistoni, Academic Alert Coordinator for the College of Natural Sciences.
- Program overview and instructor resource guides Academic alert is a campus wide initiative supported by the Office of Undergraduate Student Success.
- How to Submit a Referral Quick one minute video walking you through the steps to submit a referral.
- CNS Advising Center The academic deans and advisors are here to answer your questions about how to best support your students.
Tools to share with students:
- Student Support Resources - This links you to all the campus resources to support students (CCPH, UHS, Dean of students, CNS support etc.).
- Student Success Toolkit - Workshop series on time management, test taking & study strategies and quick Study Skills Tips
- Take Charge of your Virtual Learning - Tips and resources for learning successfully online.
