Course Essentials

Center for Teaching Excellence

Instructor Essentials 

This section provides the foundational guidance you need to prepare your course for a successful start. Here, you’ll find essential information about structuring your course, aligning learning outcomes, and setting clear expectations for students through your syllabus.

Use the links below to help you get organized, ensure consistency, and create a clear, engaging learning experience for your students from day one.

  • Building your Syllabus

    Find out when your course syllabus needs to be finalized and submitted to the department. For every credit-bearing course at ETSU, the Instructor of Record is required to create a syllabus, which is provided to every student enrolled in the course.

    A clear syllabus sets the tone and demonstrates a commitment to student-centered learning. Your syllabus can be a helpful tool and guide for you and your students throughout the semester.

    A syllabus should be created using the University's Syllabus Template. Access the links below to find the syllabus template, toolkit, and useful planning materials.

    Syllabus Template

    Syllabus Toolkit

    The syllabus policy specifies the requirements for credit-bearing undergraduate and graduate courses. This policy does not apply to the Quillen College of Medicine or the Gatton College of Pharmacy.

    Here, you can review the entire Syllabus Policy. 

  • Managing your Course

    Registration is an online process that students complete via GoldLink. Once registration ends, instructors must report attendance; this reporting is required in the third week of every semester. 

    Entering Attendance in GoldLink

    ETSU’s expectations for class attendance and guidelines for make-up exams and coursework necessitated by excused absences are provided in the university’s attendance policy.

    Attendance Policy

    Early Semester Progress Reporting (ESPR) must be entered for all undergraduate students at ETSU. Grade entry will take place during the 6th week of school. Advisors will be able to contact students who are at risk of doing poorly in a course, and students can also see their status at this point before the last day to drop a course in the 8th week.  

    Final Grades open the week of finals and will close the Monday following Commencement at Noon. It is necessary to enter grades in a timely manner to ensure that student records are accurate.

    Entering Grades in GoldLink

  • Supporting Student Well-Being

    The Counseling Center is working with the Dean of Students to create an ETSU-specific guide and training to support students' mental health and well-being. Resources that are currently available to offer guidance for managing these situations can be found here:

    Helping Others

    You can also copy information about counseling services for your syllabus:

    ETSU Cares
    Students may experience a range of personal issues that can create barriers to learning.  ETSU offers a variety of resources to support students in distress. Encourage students to contact the following resources for assistance and/or more information:

    Counseling Center (etsu.edu)  (423-439-3333)
    Dean of Students (etsu.edu)              (423-439-4210)

    If you believe your student is experiencing heightened feelings of hopelessness, thoughts of harm, or thoughts of suicide, crisis resources are also available by contacting:

    BucsPress2 (24/7 mental health helpline)              (423-439-4841, press 2)
    ETSU Police Department                                                (423-439-4480 OR Call 911)
    Suicide and Crisis Lifeline                                               Call or Text 988
  • Enhancing your Teaching 

    The CTE believes every student deserves good teaching.

    To support this belief, the CTE has developed and published an Open Guide to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. This guide is designed to support educators with tools and insights to enhance their teaching. Look here for a more comprehensive overview of teaching strategies, theories, and frameworks.  

    How can you integrate effective teaching practices in small or big ways in your classes? 

    Check out the many options in the High-Impact Teaching Practices Toolkit. High-Impact Teaching Practices (HITPs) are great to include and are a win-win: You'll engage and motivate your students and make their learning more effective, which can energize your own motivation to teach!

    The CTE’s core pedagogical values are expressed through four teaching essentials: 

    1. Active and Collaborative
    2. Learning Community of Learners
    3. Feedback & Assessment
    4. Respect for Students    

    Teaching Essentials Guides