M 4 Frequently Asked Questions
4.17 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does lowering course costs matter?
- What if the library does not already have the book I wish to place on reserve in its collection?
- Can students still get books at the bookstore?
- Does the Learning Resource Center proofread/edit or complete any work for the students that visit?
- What do I do if a student has engaged in academic dishonesty in my class?
- What should I have in my syllabus about classroom conduct?
- How do students find jobs and internships?
- How can a student get help when they are feeling lost and unsure about their major or career?
- What is a community-based learning or service-learning course?
- Is there any funding available to help me improve my teaching?
Questions about Accessibility
- How do I change the time on an exam for a student who has that accommodation?
- Why do I need my videos captioned, and where can I get them captioned?
- How do I check to see if my syllabus and course materials are accessible?
- Who is responsible for providing an ASL interpreter for my class or activity if a student has that accommodation?
- Do I have to provide students with accommodations they have requested from me, but are not shown on SAAS as approved?
Why does lowering course costs matter?
Textbooks are very expensive, and students are often unable to purchase them right at the start of the semester. In one survey, 73% of CSUN students reported delaying the purchase of textbooks because of their cost. AL$ has created this video, where you can learn more.
What if the library does not already have the book I wish to place on reserve in its collection?
If the library does not already own the materials you wish to place on reserve, you can provide the ISBN on your reserve request form so that your materials can be added to the collection.
Can students still get books at the bookstore?
Yes, the campus bookstore even offers curbside pickup!
How do I change the time on an exam for a student who has that accommodation?
Open the Exam in Canvas and navigate to “Moderate this Exam” from the top of the main exam page in order to extend the time before or during an exam. From the moderation page, click the pencil icon next to the correct student, and add the extra time to the “minutes” box.
Why do I need my videos captioned, and where can I get them captioned?
Captioning supports the concept of universal design. Captions:
- Help with comprehension for various learning styles, especially for visual learners
- Are helpful for topics that are complex or contain technical terms
- Reduce language barriers by making it easier to understand speakers with accents or content not in the viewer’s native language
- Assist when a student is in a noisy environment or unable to play sound
- Help when the sound quality of the video is poor; captions give the viewer access to the content
You can find more information on captioning your videos here.
How do I check to see if my syllabus and course materials are accessible?
Canvas Ally is a CSUN service to help make course materials in Canvas more accessible. Canvas Ally provides faculty with feedback on the accessibility of course content in Canvas using a visual dial and provides suggested step-by-step instructions to improve the accessibility of the content. Contact the Universal Design Center (UDC) for additional resources.
Who is responsible for providing an ASL interpreter for my class or activity if a student has that accommodation?
CSUN, through NCOD, is responsible for providing services for classroom instruction and academic-related activities outside of the classroom (e.g., field trips, internships).
Do I have to provide students with accommodations they have requested from me, but are not shown on SAAS as approved?
Each student's situation is unique as is your class. If you have any questions about appropriately accommodating a student with a disability, even things listed on SAAS, please contact DRES or NCOD so they can discuss your questions or concerns.
Does the Learning Resource Center (LRC) proofread/edit or complete any work for the students that visit?
The LRC's advanced peer tutors and part-time faculty consultants are available to work with students to develop effective strategies for critical reading, analytical thinking, and coherent writing and revising. While they cannot "fix" or "edit" for the students, they are happy to show the students how to find and fix their errors in their work, grammatically, organizationally, developmentally, etc.
What do I do if a student has engaged in academic dishonesty in my class?
All reports of academic dishonesty must be reported to the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs. Prior to reporting, faculty are expected to discuss the student's work giving rise to the allegations and ascertain the student’s response to conclude whether or not there was indeed academic dishonesty. Please consult with your department chair, and once you have decided that there is sufficient evidence to file a student misconduct report, complete the Misconduct Reporting Form. Please include all pertinent information and attachments.
What should I have in my syllabus about classroom conduct?
It is important to have clear academic and behavioral policies, as well as, an electronics’ use policy (cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, e-devices). It is equally important to have information on standards of respect in the classroom environment. There is language in the conduct code that articulates a statement of campus community values that may be helpful. Each department has a different culture, and it is important to work with your department on refining what those policies should look like.
How do students find jobs and internships?
For jobs and internships, students can login to CareerLink/Handshake, using their CSUN Portal credentials, to find jobs, internships, information sessions, and job fairs. They should select Handshake if they want access to hundreds of employers looking to hire CSUN students. For on-campus jobs, students can log in to their CSUN portal to find the Financial Matters tab which includes the major sources for on-campus employment.
By following the Career Center on Instagram Links to an external site., they will access tips and strategies to job search in a virtual environment!
How can a student get help when they are feeling lost and unsure about their major or career?
Career counselors and peer educators are ready to help with quick questions and/or deeper career conversations. They can email career.center@csun.edu to schedule counseling appointments. Visit the Career Center's webpage to find drop-in career advisement times. CareerLink is CSUN's online career research and planning site.
What is a community-based learning or service-learning course?
Community-based service learning (CBL) pedagogy is a high-impact practice that connects coursework from a given discipline/course with work in the community at nonprofits, local businesses, CSUN institutes/centers and many other entities that serve the local, regional, national, and global communities. Community-based service learning courses also involve meaningful reflection activities (essays, surveys, presentations) with these in- and out-of-class experiences. Designs of CBL courses vary greatly but always serve the common good by helping to prepare educated, engaged citizens to become lifelong, civically minded learners and leaders.
Is there any funding available to help me improve my teaching?
Yes! The Office of Faculty Development offers funding opportunities through a Learning-Centered Instructional Projects Grant, the Professional Development Grant, Faculty Learning Community opportunities, and the e-Learning Institute.