Dear Colleagues,

We blinked and another semester came to an end! I want to extend my gratitude to the instructors who are nearing the end of Fall 2025. While each semester brings its own challenges, this one has been particularly eventful as campus navigated its first semester with Workday Student among other things. Thank you all for your resilience and constructive engagement.

A few weeks ago, we published an article in the Record about the refreshed Credit Policy which will take effect in Fall 2026. Lots of thoughtful colleagues engaged in the revision of this policy and I believe it provides reasonable and effective guidance on shared standards while leaving ample opportunity for flexible and creative pedagogical approaches.

I’m sure many of you are asking, what does this mean for me? A key goal of the revision was to minimize impact to instructors, so for many the answer will be “Not much, if anything.” We have begun an FAQ webpage to help address some common questions and will continue to update it. My team and I will be meeting and communicating with various groups in your schools (including curriculum committees) to clarify and answer questions as needed.  

As I mentioned, the changes discussed above are for Fall 2026. Below, please find important information and resources to help you prepare for the upcoming semester.

  • Syllabus Checklist: For those not looking to substantively revise their syllabus, please review this checklist and incorporate sections as necessary to ensure that your syllabus contains elements for compliance requirements.
  • CTL Syllabus Template: The CTL’s downloadable template builds on the checklist above with suggestions and guidance from experts in the CTL on making your syllabus a thorough and effective tool for student learning.
  • Instructor Resources Webpage: A helpful menu of links to resources and policies to support instructors in their teaching.
  • Resources to Support Students in the Classroom Webpage: Embedded both in the checklist and template above is a link to this webpage that aims to consolidate resources students may need throughout the semester. Instructors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the content to best support students.

Finally, I’d like to highlight some resources that are available to support your pedagogy:

  • iTeach: On January 7, the Center for Teaching and Learning will host a one-day, WashU faculty-only conference focused on all things teaching. Join your colleagues in discussions on innovative teaching strategies and rekindle inspiration for the new semester. The deadline for pre-registration is January 4.
  • Artificial Intelligence in teaching and learning: The CTL has made available a growing suite of resources on AI; new materials are added regularly. The Office of the Provost also maintains some general guidance and recommendations on navigating AI in the classroom.
    • New for spring semester: a student-facing “AI Literacy for the WashU Scholar” module, developed by the CTL in partnership with DI2. Instructors may opt to link to this brief module in Canvas; it will provide a basic understanding of generative AI and guidance on its responsible use, emphasizing supplementation rather than replacement of learning. More information is forthcoming, including a live demo at the iTeach symposium.

Wishing you some restful moments in the coming weeks and a successful start to the new semester (and year)!

Jen

Jen Smith
Vice Provost for Educational Initiatives