September 22, 2021
This message is distributed to All-Instructors, Academic-Assistant-Deans, and Academic-Department-Managers. (Click here to view description of distribution groups.)
The following is being sent on behalf of the Instructional Support Team
**************************************************************
Happy (almost) first day of Fall 2021! The Instructional Support Team is back with a number of updates as we dive into the quarter.
Welcome back and Welcoming Students back!
Students are here and the campus is buzzing! The Instructional Support Team has had the happy opportunity to talk with hundreds of (appropriately masked) students who are VERY excited to be here.
For ~50% of our students, this will be their first time on campus. There are new first years who have not been here; sophomores who attended last year remotely; new junior level transfers; and senior level transfers who also attended last year remotely. You can help them find their ways around and navigate all aspects of the campus experience. There are also "ASK ME!" kiosks around campus and you can direct students to those.
Remember, too, we'll all need to give ourselves some time and space as we return to 3-D living and working. The Instructional Support team often reminds students to take a moment and breathe, looking at the space around us; the IS team hopes you can do the same, and enjoy these eager (sometimes new) faces!
Making a List, Checking It Before Class...
As we return to campus, you might want to take a little extra time to check things you used to do automatically -- where to park, moving and buildings, using the class lecterns (some larger rooms have a new lectern interface) and so on.
General Assignment Classroom Lecterns Need Key and Logins
Remember: General Assignment classroom Lecterns need keys! Your UCSB Net ID will not work as a login for general assignment classrooms. You need a special, unique login for General Assignment classrooms. You can set this up in 1160 Kerr Hall when you pick up your lectern key.
Classroom “Teaching Space” Conditions
General Assignment Classroom Updates
We have made some great improvements to welcome you back! Over last year, the 14 largest classrooms received complete AV equipment upgrades including new house lights inIV Theater 1, Lotte Lehmann, and the Buchanan lectures halls . In addition the screen in Buchanan Hall was completely renovated and will provide a much higher quality image. South Hall 1431 was also converted to a large project based, active learning, classroom. Check the General Assignment Classroom Attributes Database to learn about what’s in your classroom. Even with the renovations, the past two years have taught us to expect technological challenges and have a backup plan in mind (such as an idea for class discussion if technology isn’t cooperating).
Rooms that are awaiting upgrades, but are still functional with new projectors or projector lenses on their way:
North Hall 1006, Harold Frank Hall 1104, Broida 1940, Chem 1179, and Girvetz 2128.
If you are teaching in one of these rooms, please contact help@id.ucsb.edu so that we can help ensure that you will be successful in this first week of instruction.
Departmental Classroom Update
Although we have performed audits in departmental classrooms there is always a chance something may not work as expected. Please, as you return to your offices, test your technology to make sure it is fit for your needs. If you find you have any issues or questions please make a request via help@lsit.ucsb.edu.
Questions about using GauchoSpace? GauchoSpace support is available by emailing help@collaborate.ucsb.edu for all GauchoSpace related questions. One on one support is also available to be scheduled Monday-Friday 10am-4pm over Zoom.
Classroom Ventilation Status
Information about classroom ventilation can be found on the Classroom Readiness site.
Course Crashers
Learn about the UCSB waitlist to manage course crashers, and consider allowing access to your course GauchoSpace site. Make a plan for how you and your TAs will manage students who want to attend in-person in the event that the classroom is filled to capacity (for example, by giving crashers access to the recorded lecture and asking that only enrolled students attend).
Campus Wireless - Intermittent Disruption
The campus’s wireless network had issues earlier this week. From the UCSB Status site:
“The root cause is a software defect in the wireless controller infrastructure which was triggered by the increased on-campus population. Similar problems are being experienced at other campuses. The network equipment vendor's engineers have confirmed a new software defect and are conducting further investigation in an attempt to permanently fix the defect. It is possible the wireless network will trigger the bug again, however campus network staff should be able to restore service much more quickly."
For updates on the campus wireless network please refer to UCSB Status.
Remember Flexibility and Empathy for yourself, your students and your TAs. The Instructional Support team will continue to update KeepTeaching and send more updates soon. Send any questions to help@id.ucsb.edu.