Recent Announcements for Faculty

October 7, 2026

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here.  College closed Oct 12; follow Mon schedule Tues, Oct 13. Last day to drop with W grade: Fri, Nov 6 (Sept 30 for 8-Wk-1 classes).
2. The CUNY Alert system notifies us in an emergency. CUNY will conduct a test of the system Fri, Oct 9, 10:09 AM. Please update your contact information by logging into CUNYfirst and selecting the CUNY Alert tile. More info on the CUNY Alert web page.  
3. Peer Teaching Observations must be conducted by Fri, Nov 6. To request Brightspace access to observe an online course: BrS Enrollment Request Form. Other forms here. Note: If you don’t receive approval by the morning of the observation date, email me to inquire. Please input info accurately (e.g., email addresses) or the form will reject it.  When completing your observation, please remember that you are NOT there to participate, only to observe and discuss with the instructor later.
4. Need a headshot? Schedule a free session with a photographer: Oct 26-28, 9:30am-4:30pm. Reservations required. Questions: Kira Poplowski.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 7 

Student Success Communication Campaign! Students receive weekly Tips for Success. We invite you to share the companion slide below in class (or online) to amplify each tip. This week: Career Focused? Start Planning Now. See Timely Teaching Tip below for more.

• Find the message to students under Week 7.
• Faculty can reinforce this week’s message by sharing this slide, PDF or Infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

This week’s Success Campaign message encourages students to take steps towards their career goals. We can further support their progress through making these connections: 

CareerCon: Encourage students to attend Career Con next week to network with employers, agencies, law schools and other organizations: 10/14 & 10/15, 12–5 PM, Hound Square.

Career Learning Lab: Ask your students if they’ve visited the Career Learning Lab (CLL). Remind them where they can find the CLL (L72.00NB) and what resources are available.

Disciplinary and soft skills: Ask students to identify the disciplinary and soft skills they are building in your course. How might those transfer to an internship or entry level position? 

Guest speakers: Know someone with an interesting and inspiring story of how they achieved career success? A guest speaker can infuse energy in class and validate student aspirations. 

Our career stories: By telling our own stories, we humanize ourselves for our students. Our  struggles and hard decisions can reassure students that they can also persist and succeed. 

There are many ways to make career connections meaningful in our courses: try sharing your favorite practices with your peers! To discuss teaching, mentoring, and related resource questions, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  

4.  Professional/Pedagogical Development Opportunities 

ProfessionalDevtSched_2026-27.xlsx

1. TODAY!  ODL LMS How to Webinar (register): Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, Oct 7, 1:45-2:55pm
2. Full-time faculty - Workload: Learn how to report your Fall 2026 workload and about the workload review process. Info sessions: Thurs, Oct 8 or Weds, Oct 21, 1:40-2:55pm. Join the Zoom meeting. Meeting ID: 461 223 6540, Passcode: 1023.
3. CUNY CITA: Don’t AI Alone: Mapping the CUNY AI Landscape, Fri, Oct 9, 11am-12 pm. Connects faculty across campuses around AI. View event details and Register here. 
4. CUNY CITA: Navigate in Practice: Essential Tools for Faculty, Fri, Oct 9, 11am-12:30pm. Learn Navigate features to support students. Event Details and Navigate Registration. 
5. AI in the Disciplines Webinar 2 (TLC): AI and Accounting, by Iralma Pozo (PAD), Weds, Oct 14, 1:40-2:55pm, Zoom (links shared with registrants). Details & RSVP: AI and Accounting - Details and Register 
6. ODL LMS How to Webinar (register): Accessibility in Brightspace,  Weds, Oct 14, 1:45-2:55pm.

5.  Community Events 

Calendar of upcoming John Jay Community Events

1. Today! JJ Annual Benefits Fair!  Weds, Oct 7, 11am-2:30pm, Student Dining Hall, NB (east end) Learn about available benefits and connect with participating organizations.
2. Food for Thought lunch! Join us to lunch and learn with colleagues. Thurs, Oct 8, 1:30-2:45pm, Faculty/Staff Dining Room. Host: Africana Studies: speakers Eishelle Tillery-Hargrave, Teresa Booker, Jama Adams [Next: Nov 19, POL]. RSVP-Food for Thought
3. Library Author Series: Thurs, Oct 15, 1:40-3pm, 2nd fl library class. Charissa Che (ENG) will discuss Reclaiming “Pretty Girl”: A Critical Reflection on Heritage Chinese Voices, Identities, and Third Places. RSVP And you can Register for future Fall semester author series events here. 
4. Join us for Compliance Week, Oct 19-23, making it easier to complete required trainings.  Compliance Labs: Drop by Mon, Oct 19 or Weds, Oct 21, 11am-3pm. Compliance Express Pass: Join an in-person Express Pass session: Tues, Oct 20: Cybersecurity Awareness (10-11am), ESPARC (2-3pm); Thurs, Oct 22: Title VI (10-11am), Workplace Violence Prevention (2-3pm). Register for Compliance Labs and/or Compliance Express Pass here. 

6.  Digital Literacy Hacks from the Office of Digital Learning  

Teaching Gen Alpha: Rethinking How We Engage the Next Wave of Students

As the enrollment cliff approaches, keeping Gen Alpha engaged is key to retention, and that starts with understanding how they learn. Assigning more reading won't build stronger cognitive outcomes when those skills weren't developed before college. Instead, Gen Alpha gravitates toward more creative, hands-on learning and tends to have shorter attention spans, which calls for a shift in teaching methods well beyond AI alone. Strategies like the flipped classroom and AI integration with clear guidance are already part of our conversations. This week, we explore seven innovative teaching methods for Gen Alpha.

If you have questions or want to brainstorm ideas, our next Digital Literacy Hacks drop-in session will be on October 20th at 2 pm. We hope to see you there!

September 30, 2026

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars. College closed Oct 12; follow Mon schedule Tues, Oct 13. Last day to drop with W grade: Fri, Nov 6 (Sept 30 for 8-Wk-1 classes).

2. Peer Teaching Observations must be conducted by Fri, Nov 6. To request Brightspace access for a teaching observation, we now have an ONLINE Brightspace Enrollment Request Form.  Note: If you don’t receive approval within 2 business days, email me to inquire. Please input info accurately (e.g., email addresses) or the form will reject it.

   – When completing your observation, please remember that you are NOT there to participate, only to observe and discuss with the instructor later.

3. The Committee on Honorary Degrees is accepting nominations for candidates for honorary degrees. Deadline: Weds, Sept 30. Nominations/questions to Nathan Lents.
4. Do you need a headshot for your faculty profile, a conference program, a book, etc.? Schedule a free session with a professional photographer, sponsored by President Karol V. Mason: October 26-28, 9:30am-4:30pm. Reservations required. Preference will be given to faculty members who did not receive a John Jay headshot in fall 2025. Questions to Kira Poplowski, chief communications officer.
5. Students make class decisions based on book costs. It is imperative to have accurate info posted for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Non-bookstore purchase? You can put cost in notes. Upcoming deadlines: Winter 2027 Adoption deadline: November 13; Spring 2027 deadline: December 7. 

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 6 

Student Success Communication Campaign! Students receive weekly Tips for Success. We invite you to share the companion slide below in class (or online) to amplify each tip. This week: Reach Out Early to Stay on Track. See Timely Teaching Tip below for more.

• Find the message to students under Week 6.
• Faculty can reinforce this week’s message by sharing this slide, PDF or Infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Reaching out for academic help is a learned skill. In some cases, we may feel nearly as anxious as our students about sending emails, making phone calls, or dropping into offices for the first time, particularly when we feel vulnerable. We may not know where to go or how to frame requests.

We can help our students learn these skills to advocate for themselves and find help by: 

• sharing our own experiences of discomfort and bravery in asking for academic help 
• suggesting that students choose at least one method of academic support for this term and make a plan to access it (e.g., study group, tutoring, office hour visits). 
• inviting students to share success stories from their academic support activities. 

A commitment to learning is also a commitment to humility: we don’t know it all. We learn through practice, errors, and guidance. This is a great mindset to share with students. 

To discuss teaching, mentoring, and related resource questions, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional/Pedagogical Development Opportunities 

ProfessionalDevtSched_2026-27.xlsx

1. AI Funding: Call for Round 2 of CUNY AI Innovation Funding, for innovative campus-initiated projects. Applications open through Weds, Sept 30, 5pm.
2. NCFDD Live Webinar, A Dialogical Approach to Navigating Tension in the Classroom, Thurs, Oct 1, 1pm. NCFDD RSVP here
3. Faculty First Friday: Staying in the Lines: Policies & Faculty Responsibilities, Fri, Oct 2, 1:30-3pm, ZOOM ONLY. Workload, books, VOE, timesheets, compliance, trainings – learn what faculty need to know (especially new faculty)! Kinya Chandler, Myrna Forney. RSVPby Thurs, Oct 1, 5pm: RSVP: First Fri Workshops - Fall 2026
4. CITA Workshop: “I Can Math!” Reducing Math Anxiety using a Mindfulness and Growth Mindset Approach (MAGMA) in the Classroom, Fri, Oct 2, 11am-12pm. Presenter: Tashana Samuel​. Explore practical strategies for incorporating MAGMA into your teaching. Register here to join the MAGMA Workshop.
5. ICPSR Research Data Archive Demonstration. Join the CUNY Office of Library Services for an online demo of ICPSR on Tues, Oct 6, 11:00 AM. Learn how to discover datasets across criminal justice, psychology and public policy for teaching and research, and how to deposit data for free through CUNY to satisfy grant-sharing mandates. Session will be recorded. Zoom Link-ICPSR Demo, Meeting ID: 878 4920 5540, Passcode: 180209.

5.  Community Events  

Calendar of upcoming John Jay Community Events

1. Economics Justice Speaker Series begins: John Clegg, Thurs, Oct 1, 1:40-3pm, L2.85 will discuss carceral effects of Mississippi flooding. A.M. Gittlitz, Tues, Oct 6, 1:40-3pm, L2.84 will discuss the Mets baseball team and sports in relation to social and political struggle.
2. Book presentation: Rossana Rosado, CUNY Trustee & Commissioner of the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, Tues, Oct 6, 4-6pm, Moot Court (6.68NB), in celebration of publication of her memoir Bronx Attitude. RSVP by 5:00pm on Fri, Oct 2
3. JJ Annual Benefits Fair!  Weds, Oct 7, 11am-2:30pm,Student Dining Hall, NB (east end) Learn more about available benefits and connect with participating organizations.
4. Save the dates! For Fall 2026 Food for Thought lunches! Join us to lunch and learn with colleagues. Each event is 1:30-2:45pm in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room. Dates: Thurs, Oct 8 (Africana Studies); Thurs, Nov 19 (Political Science). RSVP here-Food for Thought
5. Library Author Series: Thurs, Oct 15, 1:40-3pm, 2nd fl library class. Charissa Che (ENG) will discuss Reclaiming “Pretty Girl”: A Critical Reflection on Heritage Chinese Voices, Identities, and Third Places. RSVP. Register for future Fall semester author series events. 
6. Compliance Week! Please join JJ HR for the first-ever Compliance Week, Oct 19-23. This initiative is designed to make it easier than ever to complete required trainings, check your compliance status, and learn about resources. 
   Register for Compliance Labs and/or Compliance Express Pass.  
   Compliance Labs: Drop by a Compliance Lab Mon, Oct 19 or Weds, Oct 21, 11am-3pm.
   Compliance Express Pass: Join an in-person Express Pass session:  Tues, Oct 20:  Cybersecurity Awareness (10-11am), ESPARC (2-3pm), Thurs, Oct 22: Title VI (10-11am), Workplace Violence Prevention (2-3pm).

6.  Digital Literacy Hacks from the Office of Digital Learning  

Can You Actually Detect AI Cheating?

We've asked students to write as a meaningful form of assessment for as long as we can remember, and now we're asking machines to tell us who is actually doing the writing. But what happens when AI detectors get outsmarted by "humanizers"? This podcast episode from Learning Curve asks: can you actually detect AI cheating, or is it time to rethink what we're teaching in the first place?

The question Learning Curve asks is directly addressed in the August 2026 report by MIT's Ad Hoc Committee on AI Use. Their answer is a cautious "not in ways that matter." The committee advises against relying on detectors, warning of the same issues the episode describes in which students turn to "humanizers" to scrub the signals the software looks for, leaving both sides expending effort that "serves no one." Both the episode and report argue that policing is the wrong response, because it fosters an "underground river of mutual suspicion" between instructors and students. Instead, the committee urges faculty to treat AI as a prompt to rethink their teaching, through oral exams, portfolios, process evidence such as version histories, and clear course policies that explain why AI is permitted or not. 

For faculty weighing how to respond in their own classrooms, the episode and the report make the same case: the more productive question isn't how to catch students, but what we want them to learn, and how to design work that makes learning worth doing.

7.  Call for Applications: Be a Faculty Mentor, Find a Faculty Mentor  

1. Invitation to share your wisdom!  If you earned tenure/CCE and/or promotion and want to get to know a new colleague, you are qualified and encouraged to become a faculty peer mentor!  It’s a wonderful way to contribute to the success of a colleague – and it’s fun! We will again work with OAR to match with research mentors.  Please sign up by Weds, Sept 30:  JJC 2026-27: Faculty Mentorship Program - Mentors – Fill out form   
2. Find a peer mentor!  Full-time faculty wishing to find a mentor for navigating JJ or grant writing (e.g., new faculty; associate professors planning for promotion, full professors looking to get research funding), please submit your request by Weds, Sept 30: JJC 2026-27: Faculty Mentorship - Mentees – Fill out form

September 23, 2026

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here. College closed Oct 12; follow Mon schedule Tues, Oct 13. Last day to drop with W grade: Sept 30 for 8-Wk-1 classes; Fri, Nov 6 for fall classes.
2. Peer Teaching Observations must be conducted by Fri, Nov 6. NEW: To request Brightspace access for a teaching observation (or another reason) – we now have an ONLINE Brightspace Enrollment Request Form!  Note: If you don’t receive approval within 2 business days, email me to inquire (in case of bugs). Please input the info accurately (e.g., email addresses) or the form will reject it.
3. The Committee on Honorary Degrees is accepting nominations for candidates for honorary degrees to be conferred at the 2027, 2028, or 2029 commencement exercises. Deadline: Weds, Sept 30. Send nominations or questions to Nathan Lents.
4. Do you need a headshot for your faculty profile, a conference program, a book, etc.? Schedule a free session with a professional photographer, sponsored by President Karol V. Mason: October 26-28, 9:30am-4:30pm. Reservations required. Preference will be given to faculty members who did not receive a John Jay headshot in fall 2025. Questions to Kira Poplowski, chief communications officer.
5. In response to faculty suggestions and focus groups, the COACHE Working Group on the Faculty has posted general process steps and a guide for faculty, staff and students on how and where to discuss or report concerns, complaints or conflict.  See the top of the Office of Compliance’s Report a Complaint page. And stay tuned – the next COACHE survey will be planned this fall and administered in the spring!
6. Calling all Spanish-English bilingual faculty!  Are you interested in teaching one of your course sections in Spanish in Spring 2027? This is a great opportunity to reinforce the skills of our multilingual students and bring your expertise into a Spanish-language learning environment. Contact Rosemary Barberet (SOC) for info
7. Students make class decisions based on book costs. It is imperative to have accurate info posted for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Non-bookstore purchase? You can put cost in notes. Upcoming deadlines are:  Winter 2027 Adoption deadline: Nov 13; Spring 2027 deadline: Dec 7. 

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 5 

Student Success Communication Campaign! Students receive weekly Tips for Success. We invite you to share the companion slide below in class (or online) to amplify each tip. This week: EAB Navigate: Your One-Stop Success App. See Timely Teaching Tip below for more.

• Find the message to students under Week 5.
• Faculty can reinforce this week’s message by sharing this slide, PDF or Infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Navigate360 is John Jay’s hub for coordinated student support. It helps us connect students with the right help at the right time via early check-ins, faculty alerts and student requests.

Early Check-In requests are being sent to faculty today for first year, transfer and cohort students. Submissions are open until Oct 7. This helps us connect students with resources before they fall too far behind.  

Faculty can also initiate Alerts with concerns about academic performance (e.g., “missing assignments,” “attendance concerns”), for referrals that trigger follow-up from advising or support staff – or to offer a high-five/commendation. View the guide to issuing Alerts. Faculty engagement is vital to making these tools effective. To learn more or for suggestions, email Kate Szur. For Navigate360 technical assistance: navigatesupport@jjay.cuny.edu.  

To discuss teaching, mentoring, and related resource questions, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.

4.  Professional/Pedagogical Development Opportunities  

ProfessionalDevtSched_2026-27.xlsx

1. TODAY!  ODL LMS How to Webinar (registration required): Brightspace Open Q&A, Weds, Sept 23, 1:45-2:55pm
2. The 2026 CUNY IT Conference (Theme: AI Disruption and Opportunities), will occur at John Jay, Dec 3-4. Proposals Due: Thurs, Sept 24. See CUNY IT Conference 2026 website
3. Workshop: Senior Lecturer Promotions, Fri, Sept 25, 1:40-3pm, TLC (335HH) and Zoom-Promotion Workshop (Meeting ID: 886 6533 0890, Passcode: 105086). RSVP here.
4. Faculty Development Opportunity (Paid). Teaching the Whole Student, a resilience-informed two semester seminar. Complete details and application. Deadline to apply: Friday, September 25.  Contact: Ruby Aguirre-Fuentes.
5. AI Funding: Call for Round 2 of CUNY AI Innovation Funding, for innovative campus-initiated projects. Applications open through Weds, Sept 30, 5pm.
6. Faculty First Friday: Staying in the Lines: Policies & Faculty Responsibilities, Fri, Oct 2, 1:30-3pm, 335HH (TLC) or ZOOM. Workload, books, VOE, timesheets, compliance, trainings – learn what faculty need to know (especially new faculty)! Kinya Chandler, Myrna Forney. RSVP by Thurs, Oct 1, 5pm: RSVP: First Fri Workshops - Fall 2026.

5.  Community Events 

Calendar of upcoming John Jay Community Events

1. TODAY! CareerCon  – Finance, Consulting, Tech, Marketing & Media: Weds, Sept 23, 12-4pm, Hound Square.
2. 9/11 25^th Anniversary Events all month. Including these Volunteer opportunities:

• Advancements In Forensic Science Following the 9/11 Attacks, Thurs, Sept 24, 1:45-3pm, Moot Court. Features NYC Chief Medical Examiner (ME) Jason K. Graham and an expert panel from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Register
• DeWitt Clinton Park Clean Up, Fri, Sept 25, 10am-noon, DeWitt Clinton Park. Clean-up for 9/11 day. All 9/11 event questions and RSVPs to externaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu.
• Staged Reading: The Guys, Tues, Sept 29, 1:45pm, Student Dining Hall. With Kevin Shea, the only surviving firefighter from Ladder 35 on 9/11. Post-show talk back with the actors, producer and playwright. RSVP  Questions to externalaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu.  

6.  Digital Literacy Hacks from the Office of Digital Learning 

Is your class "working"? OSCQR can help.

Do you want a quick way to see how well your course is working for students? The OSCQR (SUNY Online Course Quality Review) rubric is a practical, research-based tool designed to help faculty review and improve online and hybrid courses. OSCQR can help you take a fresh look at course organization, accessibility, student engagement, learning activities, and assessments. It’s not about evaluating faculty, it’s about identifying small changes that can make a meaningful difference in the student experience. What’s even better is that OSCQR is not a one-size-fits-all rubric. It’s flexible and can be customized to fit the needs of each individual course. 

Explore OSCQR. Enroll in OSCQR’s self-paced course.

7.  Call for Applications: Be a Faculty Mentor, Find a Faculty Mentor  

1. Invitation to share your wisdom!  If you earned tenure/CCE and/or promotion and want to get to know a new colleague, you are qualified and encouraged to become a faculty peer mentor!  It’s a wonderful way to contribute to the success of a colleague – and it’s fun! We will again work with OAR to match with research mentors.  Please sign up by Weds, Sept 30:  JJC 2026-27: Faculty Mentorship Program - Mentors – Fill out form   
2. Find a peer mentor!  Full-time faculty wishing to find a mentor for navigating JJ or grant writing (e.g., new faculty; associate professors planning for promotion, full professors looking to get research funding), please submit your request by Weds, Sept 30: JJC 2026-27: Faculty Mentorship - Mentees – Fill out form

September 16, 2026

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here 

• No classes Mon, Sept 21. Verification of Enrollment rosters close Sept 17. 
• Last day to drop without W grade: Sept 17.

2. Call for Members. The COACHE Working Group on the Faculty seeks full-time faculty members for the 2027 survey process. Email me to express interest by Thurs, Sept 17.
3. Adjunct Pay Dates: The first adjunct pay date for Fall was Sept 3 (then every 2 weeks). Please make sure you are seeing accurate payment according to your course load to avoid over- or underpayment. Contact your Department Chair if not. 
4. As the fall book adoption push ends (95% complete – thank you!) – I reiterate that students make class decisions based on book costs. It is imperative to have accurate info posted for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Non-bookstore purchase? You can put cost in notes. To help plan, the upcoming deadlines are:

• Winter 2027: Adoption deadline – Nov 13 (bookstore open date Nov 23) 
• Spring 2027: Adoption deadline – Dec 7 (bookstore open date Dec 17) 

5. Calling all Spanish-English bilingual faculty!  Are you interested in teaching one of your course sections in Spanish in Spring 2027? This is a great opportunity to reinforce the skills of our multilingual students and bring your expertise into a Spanish-language learning environment. Please contact Rosemary Barberet (SOC) for more information. 

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 4  

Student Success Communication Campaign! Students receive weekly Tips for Success. We invite you to share the companion slide below in class (or online) to amplify each tip. This week: The College Has Your Back.  See the Timely Teaching Tip below for more.

• Find the message to students under Week 4: First Month Check-In .
• Faculty can reinforce this week’s message by sharing this slide, PDF or Infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

We are three weeks into the fall term – a good time to look for attendance and participation patterns. Share appreciation with students who show up on time and for each class. Reach out to students who are accumulating absences or not participating: help may be needed; we can offer referrals, and in some cases, support students in getting back on track.

Faculty may submit any-time alerts in Navigate for any student in class. Visit Navigate360 Support site for how to submit alerts or for support/training. Sometimes academic support is not enough. For students experiencing crisis or severe struggles, please review these sites and have their current intake information and availability at hand:

• Student Wellness Center (Health Center, Counseling, Accessibility Services, Emergency Funding, the Food Pantry, book vouchers, and more)
• Immigrant and Student Success Center (information about rights for immigrant and undocumented students, mental health support, legal assistance, and more)
• Tutoring and Academic Support (the Math & Science Resource Center, the Writing Center, the Modern Language Center, and the Digital Creation Lab)

Questions about teaching? Great ideas and stories to share? Contact Teaching & Learning Center Director Gina Rae Foster, gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional/Pedagogical Development Opportunities  

ProfessionalDevtSched_2026-27.xlsx

1. TODAY!  ODL LMS How to Webinar (registration required): Brightspace Quizzes, Weds, Sept 16, 1:45-2:55pm
2. ODL LMS Drop-in Labs: Thurs, Sept 17, 1:45-2:55pm, L2.72.03 NB
3. AI in the Disciplines Webinar (TLC): Integrating Generative AI Interventions into Programming Courses, by Fatma Najar (Math & CS), Thurs, Sept 17, 1:40-2:55 pm, 335HH (TLC) and Zoom (links shared with registrants). Details & RSVP: Integrating Gen AI Interventions into Programming Courses  (9/17/26) 
4. Faculty First Friday, Successful Teaching @ JJ, Fri, Sept 18, 1:30-3pm, 335HH (TLC) or ZOOM. Effective teaching; resources for teaching; academic integrity; observations & evaluations; teaching with a growth mindset. Gina Rae Foster, Helen Kapstein. RSVP by Thurs, Sept 17, noon: RSVP: Faculty First Fri Workshops - Fall 2026
5. Cayuse Live Demo, Fri, Sept 18, 2:30-3:30pm. Register to attend online. Learn more about navigating Cayuse Human Ethics at a demo hosted by the CUNY Office of Research. More information about Cayuse in a 9/15 email from hrpp@cuny.
6. OAR will host a Research Open Forum, Tues, Sept 22, 12-1:15pm, Zoom for faculty and staff interested in discussing research, funding opportunities, and support. Register. 
7. Early Warning Signs: Resilience Preparation & Strategies, Tues, Sept 22, 1:45-3pm, Online-Register. The two-part webinar series explores practical, trauma-informed approaches to teaching, learning, and supporting well-being. Led by Ruby Aguirre-Fuentes (SOC), hosted by the TLC. Part 2: Staying Connected: Navigating Seasonal Stress & Supporting Well-Being, Thurs, Nov 19, 1:45-3pm.
8. GC Mina Rees Library Workshop: AI and Scholarly Publishing: A 30,000-Foot View, Tues, Sept 22, 2:00-3:00pm (Zoom) — registration link & again Thurs, Oct 8, 12:30-1:30pm (Zoom) — registration link.  This workshop will look at how AI is changing scholarly publishing, especially journal publishing.
9. The 2026 CUNY IT Conference (Theme: AI Disruption and Opportunities), will occur at John Jay, Dec 3-4. Proposal deadline: Sept 24. See CUNY IT Conference 2026 website.
10. Workshop: Senior Lecturer Promotions, Fri, Sept 25, 1:40-3pm, TLC (335HH) and Zoom-Promotion Workshop (Meeting ID: 886 6533 0890, Passcode: 105086). RSVP here.
11. Faculty Development Opportunity (Paid). Teaching the Whole Student, a resilience-informed two semester seminar inviting faculty to consider the whole student, not only the student who appears before us in class. Complete details and application. Deadline to apply: Friday, September 25.  Contact: Ruby Aguirre-Fuentes.
12. AI Funding: Call for Round 2 of CUNY AI Innovation Funding, for innovative projects that advance teaching and learning, student success, academic support, AI education and literacy, AI in courses, responsible AI adoption, and AI-enabled research and academic operations. Applications open through Weds, Sept 30, 5pm.

5.  Community Events  

Calendar of upcoming John Jay Community Events

1. 9/11 25^th Anniversary Events all month. Including these Volunteer opportunities:

• TODAY!  Winter Pack-A-Thon, Wed, Sept 16, 1:30-4pm, Student Dining Hall.  
• Book talk & Panel, Thurs, Sept 17, 5-7:30pm, Moot Court. Presentation of Rebecca Neusteter’s book: 911, What's Your Emergency?: The Promise and Peril of Crisis Response with Moderated Panel Discussion on 911 & emergency response systems.
• Advancements In Forensic Science Following the 9/11 Attacks, Thurs, Sept 24, 1:45-3pm, Moot Court. Features NYC Chief Medical Examiner (ME) Jason K. Graham and an expert panel from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Register
• DeWitt Clinton Park Clean Up, Fri, Sept 25, 10am-noon, DeWitt Clinton Park. Clean-up for 9/11 day. All 9/11 event questions and RSVPs to externaffairs@jjay.cuny.edu. 

2. Lloyd Sealy Library Author Series. Join us in the library for this semester’s first event with Alex J. Moffett-Bateau (POL), author of Redefining the Political: Black Feminist Politics of Everyday Life,  Thurs, Sept 17, 1:40-3pm, Lloyd Sealy Library Classroom. RSVP
3. CareerCon – Finance, Consulting, Tech, Marketing & Media:  Weds, Sept 23, 12-4pm, Hound Square.

6.  Digital Literacy Hacks from the Office of Digital Learning 

Pressbook Release!  Last spring, the Office of Digital Learning was awarded a CUNY AI Innovation grant, which funded a faculty-facilitated workshop, an upcoming podcast series following the faculty journeys post-workshop, and the creation of a Pressbook titled Mindful AI for Modern Teaching: From Workshop to Practice.

This companion book serves as a practical, cross-disciplinary toolkit for faculty navigating the integration of generative AI into their teaching practice. It compiles peer-reviewed syllabus statements, AI-integrated assignments, and rubrics developed during the "Mindful AI for Modern Teaching" workshop to foster AI literacy and maintain academic integrity. By providing ready-to-use materials, this collection helps instructors move from uncertainty to the forefront of responsible, ethically grounded pedagogy. 

September 9, 2026

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here 

• No classes Sept 11-13.
• Fall 2026 classes: Verification of Enrollment (VOE; info here) rosters close Sept 17.
• 8-Week-1 Graduate classes:  VOE rosters close today, Sept 9.

2. FT Faculty Personnel Process: Use this Faculty Personnel Action Form (FPAF) (replaces Form C). Revised Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines. Files (FIDO) close Sept 11.
3. Call for Members. The COACHE Working Group on the Faculty seeks full-time faculty members for the 2027 survey process. Email me to express interest by Thurs, Sept 17.
4. Ellis Island Honors Society Immigrant Student Success Center Interim Manager, Carla Cordova Farfan, shared a request form to invite a Center representative to speak in a class. See updated Immigrant and Undocumented Student Support: Guide for Facult
5. We must submit book info for EVERY CLASS including independent studies, research, thesis and capstone sections – even if no purchases required.

• Fall: 95% complete, 126 missing. Thank you!  
• To submit or to indicate zero cost/OER, non-bookstore or no materials to adopt, log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help.
• Consider using no-cost Open Educational Resources (OER). 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 3 

Student Success Communication Campaign! Students receive weekly Tips for Success. We invite you to share the companion slide below in class (or online) to amplify each tip. This week: Office Hours = Power Hours.  See the Timely Teaching Tip below for more.

• Find the message to students under Week 3: Connect with Your Professors.
• Faculty can reinforce this week’s message by sharing this slide, PDF or Infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC 

Mentoring and academic connections between students and faculty are central to college experiences. Below are tips for increasing effective and positive student-faculty connections:

• Office Hours. Many students are unfamiliar with office hours as a practice and opportunity. Explain what office hours mean to you and post your description in ‘course information’ on Brightspace. You might also rename your student time as “student hours” or “power hours”.
  • Sample: I see office hours as times for students to ask about classwork, discuss connections between our course and career plans, share interests, and discuss their goals for college.
• Brief Contact Opportunities. If teaching in person, the minutes before and after class can be great for short Q&A or informal check-ins on wellbeing and interests. If online, maybe set up a discussion topic to share interests and questions not covered in regular communications.
• Group activities. Share course-related events and encourage students to attend for extra credit. Or attend as a class. Apply for funding from the Faculty/Staff Student Engagement Program (see also CUNY Arts). Two deadlines per semester. The next is Fri, Sep 11, 5 pm (for Nov-Dec events). Details and how to apply. Questions to fse@jjay.cuny.edu.

To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, please email TLC Director Gina Rae Foster.  

4.  Professional/Pedagogical Development Opportunities 

ProfessionalDevtSched_2026-27.xlsx

1. ODL LMS How to Webinars (register in advance): Brightspace Discussions and Interacting with Students, Weds, Sept 9, 1:45-2:55pm
2. ODL LMS Drop-in Labs: Thurs, Sept 10, 1:45-2:55pm, L2.72.03 NB
3. Faculty Development Opportunity (Paid). Participate in the Learning in Practice seminar. Details and Learning in Practice application, due Thurs, Sept 10. 
4. Faculty Development Opportunity (Paid). If you’re teaching a Gen Ed flex core or ENG 101, join the  Gen Ed Community of Practice: Info & Application, due Thurs, Sept 10.
5. Looking to jump start a writing project? Join this fall’s The Write Space! Faculty from all departments are invited to join The Write Space and commit to writing for 2 hours online each week, Thursdays, 9:30-11:30am, without interruptions! Dates, details and to sign up. Please sign up no later than Tuesday, September 15.  
6. AI in the Disciplines Webinar: The TLC is launching this webinar series, led by JJ faculty with transferable insights and strategies from their fields. First webinar: Integrating Generative AI Interventions into Programming Courses, by Fatma Najar (Math & CS), Thurs, Sept 17, 1:40-2:55 pm, 335HH (TLC) and Zoom (links shared with registrants). Details & RSVP: Integrating Gen AI Interventions into Programming Courses  (9/17/26)
7. Faculty Development Opportunity (Paid). Teaching the Whole Student, a resilience-informed two semester seminar inviting faculty to consider the whole student, not only the student who appears before us in class. Complete details and application. Deadline to apply: Friday, September 25.  Contact: Ruby Aguirre-Fuentes.
8. AI Funding: After CUNY AI Innovation Fund last spring, the program returns for Round 2 of campus-led initiatives. The fund will invest in innovative projects that advance teaching and learning, student success, academic support, AI education and literacy, AI in courses, responsible AI adoption, and AI-enabled research and academic operations. Applications open through Weds, Sept 30, 5pm to faculty and staff and campus teams.

5.  Community Events 

1. 9/11 25^th Anniversary Commemoration Eventsall month. Visit the flags on the Jay Walk

• 9/11 Day of Service – Blood Drive, Weds, Sept 9, 12-6pm, L.61NB. Register for the Blood Drive. (For medical eligibility questions, call 800-688-0900)
• 9/11 Anniversary Tribute Ceremony, Thurs, Sept 10, 1:45 pm, Student Dining Hall. JJ remembers the Victims and First Responders of the 9/11 attacks. Reception to follow ceremony.  JJ YouTube  John Jay 9/11 Commemoration & Events

2. Fall at Shiva Gallery: Uneven Geographies until Oct 30. For a class visit or education kit, email Macushla Robinson. Screening: Particular Waters film trilogy, Thur, Sept 10, 7pm
3. Lloyd Sealy Library Author Series. Join us in the library for this semester’s first event with Alex J. Moffett-Bateau (POL), author of Redefining the Political: Black Feminist Politics of Everyday Life, Thurs, Sept 17, 1:40-3pm, Lloyd Sealy Library Classroom. Her book documents the political life of a community of Black women living below the poverty line on the far South Side of Chicago. RSVP

6.  Digital Literacy Hacks from the Office of Digital Learning

Do you have a policy or guidance in your syllabus about student AI use? Whether you strictly prohibit, permit, or even encourage AI use with certain parameters, you are likely to face the same underlying challenge: when a submission raises questions about whether a student did their own thinking, you need a legitimate way to find out. AI detectors won’t give you one; research has shown they produce unacceptable false positive rates and carry particular bias against non-native English speakers (Liang et al., 2023; Weber-Wulff et al., 2023). This week, we are sharing a quick read from Faculty Focus that highlights five ways to verify student learning in the age of AI.

Don’t forget: our first Digital Literacy Hacks drop-in session will be September 15th at 2 pm. We hope to see you there!  Registration Link-Digital Literacy Hacks Drop-In.  

September 2, 2026

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here 

• College closed Mon, Sept 7. No classes Sept 11-13.
• Fall 2026 classes:  Verification of Enrollment (VOE; info here) rosters open Sept 4-17.
• 8-Week-1 Graduate classes:  VOE rosters open Sept 4-Sept 9.

2. FT Faculty Personnel Process: If you want me to review your FPAF, please send it to me by Mon, Sept 7^th.  Use this form: Faculty Personnel Action Form (FPAF) (previously Form C). Revised Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines. Personnel files (FIDO) close Sept 11.
3. Our Ellis Island Honors Society Immigrant Student Success Center has a new Interim Manager, Carla Cordova Farfan! She shared a request form for faculty who wish to invite a Center representative to speak in their classes. She and Nancy Yang-Camisa also updated the Immigrant and Undocumented Student Support: Quick Guide for Faculty
4. Why do I harass you about Book Adoptions? Because students  DEFINITELY make decisions about classes based on how much books cost and they need that information WELL IN ADVANCE of classes starting – including clear information stating that no purchases are required. This also helps students get accessible and/or less expensive versions of materials. Please do this ON TIME each semester for your students.

Submit info for EVERY CLASS - now if you haven’t – even if no purchases are required.

• Fall:  93% complete, 157 missing.
• To submit or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook. 

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 2  

Student Success Communication Campaign! Students receive weekly Tips for Success. We invite you to share the companion slide below in class (or online) to amplify each tip. This week: Attend Class Like You Mean It!  See the Timely Teaching Tip below for more.

• Find the message to Students under Week 2: Success Starts with Showing Up!
• Faculty can reinforce this week’s message by sharing this slide, PDF or Infographic.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC

As an academic and human community, each of us wants to believe that we belong together. The success message students receive this week is an early step in creating our class communities: let’s make sure our students know how, when, and where to find us!

• Set up CUNY MFA: Let’s remind our students to set up their CUNY MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) to make sure they have access to their CUNY email and apps.
• Help our students find us: Make sure that our students know our in-person or virtual office hours and have our JJ email information. Also, share specific information about your communication times and routines (students expect quick responses to their emails!).
• Memorize names: To help students feel they belong, I encourage you to learn your students’ names and ask them to do this for each other. This can be daunting – find some tips here.
• Transparent expectations: Try these tips for supporting students (UBuffalo) during week 1 of classes: explaining our expectations makes a strong start towards creating connections.

Let’s connect with our students and help them connect with each other and John Jay! To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster.  

4.  Professional/Pedagogical Development Opportunities  

ProfessionalDevtSched_2026-27.xlsx

1. ODL LMS How to Webinars (register in advance): 
   • Brightspace Assignments, Weds, Sept 2, 1:45-2:55pm.
   • Brightspace Discussions and Interacting with Students, Weds, Sept 9, 1:45-2:55pm
2. ODL LMS Drop-in Labs: Thurs, Sept 3 & Thurs, Sept 10, 1:45-2:55pm, L2.72.03 NB
3. Applications open: ASRC Fall 2026 Grants 101 Bootcamp. Deadline: Thurs, Sept 3, 5PM. Application Link. Webpage with additional information. Bootcamp Focus: conceptualize a research idea for a specific funder (e.g., NSF, NIH, NEH, DOD, DOE, IES, Spencer, Simons) by writing a 1-3 page concept paper to discuss with program officers. Ideal for tenure track assistant professors intending to apply for NSF’s CAREER award in 2027. 
4. Fun Faculty Development Opportunity – FREE & No experience necessary! Join us on the water! Improve your teaching by experiencing the Hudson River estuary from a kayak and discovering how the river can be a living classroom for connection, climate justice and place-based learning. Questions to Bibi Calderaro. Learn about the project here: Planting the Estuary Project and apply by 9/7. 
5. Faculty Development Opportunity – Paid!  Participate in the fall 2026 Learning in Practice seminar. Learn more about this embedded workplace learning project and find the Learn more about this embedded workplace learning project and find the Learning in Practice application due Thurs, Sept 10. 
6. Faculty Development Opportunity – Paid! Are you teaching a Gen Ed flex core or ENG 101 course? Join the Gen Ed Community of Practice to discuss assignment design and the curriculum. Gen Ed Community of Practice Info & Application, due Thurs, Sept 10.
7. AI Funding: After the success of CUNY’s AI Innovation Fund last spring, the program returns this fall to support Round 2 of campus-led initiatives with awards totaling up to $2M from a statewide grant. The fund will invest in innovative projects that advance teaching and learning, student success, academic support, AI education and literacy, AI in courses, responsible AI adoption, and AI-enabled research and academic operations. Applications open through Weds, Sept 30, 5pm to faculty and staff and campus teams.

5.  Community Events  

1. Fall at the Shiva Gallery! Uneven Geographies, Sept 3-Oct 30. To discuss a class visit or education kit, email Macushla Robinson: marobinson@jjay.cuny.edu. 

• Exhibition Opening, Thurs, Sept 3, 6:30pm, special performance with Raneem Ayyad, Where Do We Meet the Sun? 
• Screening, Particular Waters film trilogy, Thurs, Sept 10, 7:00pm, conversation between artist Su Yu Hsin, critic Dawn Chan, introduction by Candice Strongwater.

2. 9/11 25th Anniversary Commemoration Events this month – all are invited.

• 9/11 Flag Planting, Tues, Sept 8, 1:45pm, Jay Walk.
• 9/11 Day of Service – Blood Drive, Weds, Sept 9, 12-6pm, L.61NB. Register for the Blood Drive. (For medical eligibility questions, call 800-688-0900)
• 9/11 Anniversary Tribute Ceremony, Thurs, Sept 10, 1:45 pm, Student Dining Hall. JJ remembers the Victims and First Responders of the 9/11 attacks. Reception to follow ceremony. JJ YouTube   John Jay 9/11 Commemoration & Events.

6.  Digital Literacy Hacks from the Office of Digital Learning:  Connecting with Students on Brightspace to Build Community

Brightspace can be more than a place to post course materials and assignments; it can provide opportunities for students to connect with their instructor and one another. Regular announcements, informal discussion spaces, peer-to-peer activities, and VoiceThread conversations can encourage students to share ideas, ask questions, and respond to different perspectives. These small but regular interactions help establish instructor presence, reduce isolation, and create a stronger sense of belonging and community throughout the course.

Don’t forget: our first Digital Literacy Hacks drop-in session will be September 15th at 2 pm. We hope to see you there!  Registration Link-Digital Literacy Hacks Drop-In.

August 26, 2026

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here:  Fall classes begin August 28.
2. Full-Time (FT) Faculty Personnel Process: Please use this form now Faculty Personnel Action Form (FPAF) (previously Form C). The Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (FPPG) were revised. Personnel files close Sept 11.
3. Book Adoptions. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Fall adoptions overdue.

• Fall:  90% complete, 246 missing.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Student Success Communication Campaign: Week 1 

Students value, and often hear, faculty voices best. So, as we did last year, we are collaborating across Academic Affairs on the Student Success Communication Campaign! We connect weekly Tips for Success messages that students receive with information that faculty can share in class (or online) that amplifies the same message, along with related Teaching Tips for faculty. Goal: coordinate our communications to help students succeed. 

• Students receive weekly messages: Short text messages that highlight important deadlines, college requirements, and success strategies.
• Faculty receive in this weekly email: Links to matching slides (Google Slide, PDF, PNG) that can be shared in class or online to reinforce the message students receive. 
• Pedagogy & Teaching Tips: We also share our weekly Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC and resources to support faculty around the week’s theme.

This week’s theme:  Welcome + Start Strong!              

• Each week we will share here a link to the message students receive, and...
• For faculty, I will share here a matching slide that amplifies the message.

3.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC 

As a college, we are encouraging our students to “start strong!” on the first days and weeks of classes. Starting strong includes our mindsets as well as showing up ready to learn and engage. Here are a few suggestions to help students be present in our classes from Day One.

1. Motivate student attendance through pre-class outreach
   1. Post a Brightspace announcement with details about the first day of class and what your students can expect to do and learn in this session.
   2. Send a Brightspace or CUNYfirst class email with the same info and a few details about yourself and your teaching goals in working with your students this term.
   3. Post a note about your inspiration for teaching this course and meeting your students on LinkedIn or other social media that your students might see.
2. Motivate students to keep coming to class
   1. Offer low-stakes activities at the start of class (e.g., writing, quizzes, discussion)
   2. Offer extra credit for on-time attendance or regular log-in and content engagement
   3. Start class with community-building and belonging strategies (e.g., discuss current news, remember names, find connections between course material and careers)

For teaching questions and conversations, please contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu. 

4.  Professional/Pedagogical Development Opportunities 

ProfessionalDevtSched_2026-27.xlsx

1. ODL LMS How to Webinar: Brightspace Semester Quick Start, Weds, Aug 26, 2-3 pm
2. Fall 2026 Faculty Development Day is TOMORROW! Thurs, Aug 27, 9am-2:30pm. Click FDD Program. Email tlc@jjay.cuny.edu with questions.
3. ODL LMS Brightspace Drop-in Lab: Thurs, Aug 27, 2-3pm, L2.72.03 NB
4. ODL LMS How to Webinar: Brightspace Open Q&A - First Day of Classes Special, Fri, Aug 28, 11am-noon
5. Faculty Development Opportunity – Paid!  Participate in the fall 2026 Learning in Practice seminar. Learn more about this embedded workplace learning project and find the Learning in Practice application here, due Thurs, Sept 10. 
6. Faculty Development Opportunity – Paid!  Are you teaching a Gen Ed flex core or ENG 101 course this fall? Join the Gen Ed Community of Practice to discuss assignment design and curriculum efficacy with colleagues from fifteen academic departments that offer General Education courses in the required and flexible core. Learn about this project and apply by 9/10.
7. The Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies (MJIAS) at JGU invites applications for the Motwani Jadeja Fellowship Program 2027, a fully funded 4-week fellowship at the JGU campus Jan 4-29, 2027. See website for more info. Deadline to apply is Sept 15. Fellowship application link. For questions or more info, contact Professor Swati Chawla.

5.  Community Events  

1. 2026 New Student Convocation, Tues, Sept 1, 1:40-2:55pm, Lynch Theater. Register. Questions to Alyssa Hollywood. Faculty gather 1pm in L61.
2. Fall at the Shiva Gallery! Uneven Geographies, Sept 3-Oct 30, examines how the politics of water, light, air and land are shaped by competing systems of knowledge and memory, and how they are lived and contested. The Gallery offers tours, workshops for classes and education kits with suggested assignments, readings, etc. Enrich student learning while reminding them that art galleries are for them, too! To register your class or discuss a visit, email Macushla Robinson: marobinson@jjay.cuny.edu. 
3. JJ 9/11 Day of Service – Blood Drive, Weds, Sept 9, 12-6pm, L.61NB. Register for the Blood Drive. Give blood in honor of those who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 attacks. (For medical eligibility questions, call NYBC Community Health 800-688-0900)
4. 9/11 Anniversary Tribute Ceremony, Thurs, Sept 10, 1:45 pm, Student Dining Hall. The John Jay Community remembers the Victims and First Responders of the 9/11 attacks. Reception to follow ceremony. JJ YouTube  John Jay 9/11 Commemoration & Events.

6.  Digital Literacy Hacks from the Office of Digital Learning  

The Office of Digital Learning (ODL) team often finds new educational tools or assignment techniques that we marvel over. We think, "Wow! This could really be useful to so many of our faculty." This new section of the Faculty Newsletter serves as a way for us to share these ideas broadly. Here, we will share videos, tutorials, articles, podcasts, etc. that we hope will help faculty enhance their teaching and learning practice little by little. We will supplement these "hacks" with monthly drop-in sessions faculty can attend to ask for more details about something that was shared or ask questions about anything pertaining to digital literacy, educational technology, course design, assignment ideas, ADA considerations, Universal Design principles, etc. Our first session will be Tues, Sept 15 at 2 pm. Hope to see you there! 

Have you drafted an AI-use syllabus statement for your fall classes? There is no single “correct” AI-use syllabus statement. The most effective policies are clear and align with your course learning outcomes, assessment strategies, and instructional philosophy. If you need some inspiration, you may want to visit the following sources:

• John Jay’s Guidelines for Creating Your Syllabus with model language examples
• Baruch College: AI Use Policies for Course Syllabi
• Brandeis University: Possible AI Syllabus Statements
• Johns Hopkins University: Syllabus Statements
• Tufts University: Developing Syllabus Statements for AI
• UT-Austin: ChatGPT and Generative AI Tools: Sample Syllabus Statements
• UWashington: Sample Syllabus Statements Regarding Student Use of Artificial Intelligence
• West Chester University: Sample Generative AI Syllabus Statements

UPCOMING EVENT: Navigating AI for Grading and Assessment, Tues, Sept 1, 2 pm. 
AI is reshaping how faculty approach grading, promising faster feedback while raising difficult questions about the role of human judgment in teaching. This forum explores where AI-assisted assessment is delivering value, where concerns are growing and how institutions can develop policies that support both efficiency and meaningful learning. By the Chronicle of Higher Education with support from Google. Register now.  If you were unable to attend Teaching with Technology Week, recordings are available.  

August 19, 2026

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here:  Fall classes begin August 28.
2. Shared governance/service opportunities! Nominate yourself to serve on a College or Faculty Senate committee. Deadline: Tues, Aug 25. If you wish to serve, have questions, or want a list of openings, email kkaplowitz@jjay.cuny.edu or hgrant@jay.cuny.edu.
3. Full-Time (FT) Faculty Personnel Process: Please use this form now Faculty Personnel Action Form (FPAF) (previously Form C). The Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (FPPG) were revised. Personnel files close Sept 11.
4. Faculty who need Adobe Creative Cloud in Fall courses: a limited number of full Adobe Creative Cloud licenses are available for students. Faculty should request licenses only for students in courses that require access to the full Creative Cloud suite. (Adobe Express is available to all students by default.) To make the request, faculty must email the following information to helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu THIS WEEK:  Faculty member’s name; Course name and section; EMPLIDs of all students who require access.  Questions to helpdesk@jjay.cuny.edu or 212.237.8200.
5. Book Adoptions. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Fall adoptions overdue.

• Fall:  88% complete, 285 missing.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Classes start next Friday! We are entering new spaces and interactions even if we have taught our courses many times before. Let’s remember that our students may be new to John Jay, new to college or graduate school, or new to us.

Here are four tips for practical, productive first class sessions:

1. Let students know how you want them to see you and offer them the same respect. Ask how they want to be known in your class (e.g., oral responses, free writing, word clouds, discussion boards) and let them know they BELONG in your class and at JJay.
2. Transparently model professional behavior and behavior expectations. As you present your syllabus and the course, explain the standards that inform your behavior and how you are demonstrating the communication styles that you expect students to practice.
3. Help everyone find equity in terms of necessary resources, knowledge, and skills. The first day of class is an opportunity to check for student access to required materials and for prior knowledge and skills. Discussions and surveys can be helpful!
4. Share what the course and discipline mean to us and can mean for our students. Our students want their studies to be meaningful. Share your meaning and purpose from the start and make connections to potential career paths.

To discuss teaching, mentoring or pedagogical resources (see TLC resources), contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.   

3.  Professional/Pedagogical Development Opportunities  

1. Define, Refine, & Shine Fall 2026 TLC Teaching Workshops: 10th Annual TLC Course Prep Series. DR&S: Detailed Workshop Descriptions & RSVP here.

• Session 1: Unthingy Things: Cultivating Connections Between Raw Information and Real Human Beings, Mon, Aug 24, 12:30-2pm, 335HH (TLC), Dan Yaverbaum (SCI).  Brief description: In this workshop, we will interactively present concrete details and examples of two contemporary physics curricular techniques: the participation game and the 5-step method for solving problems. Please join us to learn more. 
• Session 2: Active Learners, Active Agents: Classroom Engagement through Applied Theatre, Tues, Aug 25, 10:30am-12pm, 335HH (TLC), Sarah Meister (DIS). Brief description: Explore applied theater techniques and applications such as low-stakes games and activities, using games as metaphor, and role plays that allow students to learn from others’ experiences and experiment with new ideas.
• Session 3: Objectives, Products, Reflections: Making the Whole Thing Click, Weds, Aug 26, 10:30am-12pm, Zoom (link will be shared with registrants), Penny Geyer (LPS). Brief description: I'll share how I design courses so that objectives, assignments, and feedback talk to each other, using a scaffolded, multi-draft assignment as a working example. Feel free to bring something from your own course for feedback.

2. 2026 CUNY Professional Development Conference will be Mon, Nov 9 & Tues, Nov 10. Theme: Beyond the Threshold: Shaping What’s Next in Higher Education. Proposal Submission Deadline: Fri, Aug 21. Submit proposals here.
3. The Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies (MJIAS) at JGU invites applications for the Motwani Jadeja Fellowship Program 2027, a fully funded 4-week fellowship at the JGU campus Jan 4-29, 2027. See website for more info. Deadline to apply is Sept 15. Fellowship application link. For questions or more info, contact Professor Swati Chawla.

4.  Community Events 

1. Fall 2026 Faculty Development Day is Thurs, Aug 27, 9am-2:30pm, with in person and zoom sessions (lunch will be in person only). RSVPs are now open here. Click FDD Program to see titles, abstracts, and presenters: we have a fantastic day planned!
2. Save the Date! 2026 New Student Convocation, Tues, Sept 1, 1:40-2:55pm, Lynch Theater. Register here to participate. Questions to Alyssa Hollywood.
3. Fall at the Shiva Gallery! Uneven Geographies, Sept 3-Oct 30, examines how the politics of water, light, air, and land, are shaped by competing systems of knowledge and memory, and how they are lived and contested. The Gallery offers tours, workshops for classes, public programs and education kits with suggested assignments, readings and a glossary of key terms for exhibits. Framing the art space as a somatic classroom, enrich student learning while reminding them that art galleries are for them, too! To register your class or discuss a visit, email Macushla Robinson: marobinson@jjay.cuny.edu. 
4. JJ 9/11 Day of Service – Blood Drive, Weds, Sept 9, 12-6pm, L.61NB. Register here-Blood Drive. Give blood in honor of those who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 attacks. (For medical eligibility questions, call NYBC Community Health 800-688-0900)
5. 9/11 Anniversary Tribute Ceremony, Thurs, Sept 10, 1:45 pm, Student Dining Hall. The John Jay Community remembers the Victims and First Responders of the 9/11 attacks. Reception to follow ceremony. JJ YouTube  John Jay 9/11 Commemoration & Events.

5.  Digital Literacy Hacks from the Office of Digital Learning 

So often, the team that makes up the Office of Digital Learning (ODL) stumbles upon a new educational tool or assignment technique that we marvel over. We think to ourselves, "Wow! This could really be useful to so many of our faculty." This new section of the Faculty Newsletter will serve as a way for us to share ideas more broadly. Here, we will be sharing videos, tutorials, articles, podcasts, etc. that we hope will help the faculty at John Jay enhance their teaching and learning practice little by little. We will supplement these "hacks" with monthly drop-in sessions faculty can attend to ask for more details about something that was previously shared or ask questions about anything pertaining to digital literacy, educational technology, course design, assignment ideas, ADA considerations, Universal Design principles, etc. We hope to see you there! 

ODL offers a Teaching with Technology Week leading up to both Fall (happening this week) and Spring semesters. If you missed Monday or Tuesday's sessions, recordings are below:

• Digital Accessibility: What It Is, Why It Matters & What We Can Actually Do About It: Recording link
• Make Every Reading Count: An Introduction to Perusal:  Recording link
• Teaching with Copilot: Practical AI for Faculty:  Recording link 
• VoiceThread for Engagement with Accessibility in Mind:   Recording link 
• And there’s more to come! It’s not too late to sign up for Thursday and Friday’s sessions. 
• WeVideo for All: Accessibility Strategies that Work, Thurs, Aug 20, 2pm-3pm, WeVideo Session - Registration
• Accessibility in Brightspace, Fri, Aug 21, 11am-12pm, Brightspace Accessibility Session - Registration 

August 12, 2026

1.  Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here 

• 5-Week-2:  Session ends Aug 13. Grade rosters open Aug 13-17.
• 3-Week-3:  Session ends today. Grade rosters open Aug 12-16.
• Fall classes begin August 28.

2. Shared governance/service opportunities! Please nominate yourself to serve on a Faculty Senate or College committee. Network with colleagues and influence the course of our college. Deadline for nominations is Tues, Aug 25.The Faculty Senate will elect committee members at its first meeting in the fall. You will receive an email confirming your nomination. Email kkaplowitz@jjay.cuny.edu or hgrant@jay.cuny.edu if you wish to serve, have questions or for a list of openings (Dr. Kaplowitz emailed them Aug 6^th).
3. Full-Time (FT) Faculty Personnel Process: Please use this form nowFaculty Personnel Action Form (FPAF) (previously Form C). The Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (FPPG) were revised. Personnel files close Sept 11.
4. Book Adoptions. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Fall adoptions overdue.

• Fall:  86% complete, 338 missing.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2.  Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Fall classes begin in just over 2 weeks. We have syllabus resources to share!

• Syllabus guide: John Jay has Guidelines for Creating Your Syllabus with model syllabus sections and sample policy statements and a Syllabus Template that incorporates required college and CUNY content (use CUNY login for access).
• Accessibility: Please use this OAS Reference Sheet and faculty checklist to make sure your courses are accessible BEFORE you meet your students. Accessibility Services Website
• AI use policies: There are AI syllabus policies to fit nearly every course and instructional need: AI Syllabus Policy Resources. Whether your policy is non-use, partial use, or full use, please include a clear policy in your syllabi so that students know your expectations.
• Great resource: The Teach@CUNY Handbook 6.0, by CUNY faculty and graduate students, supports effective, student-centered teaching. The information is practical and written specifically for those teaching CUNY students and using CUNY services and technologies.

The TLC’s new teaching resource site is nearly ready! To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.  

3.  Professional/Pedagogical Development Opportunities  

1. John Jay – Teaching with Technology Week Sessions

• Digital Accessibility: What It Is, Why It Matters, and What We Can Actually Do About It, Mon, Aug 17, 11am-12pm, Digital Accessibility Session - Registration Link
• Make Every Reading Count: An Introduction to Perusall, Mon, Aug 17, 2pm-3pm, Perusall Session - Registration Link 
• Teaching with Copilot: Practical AI for Faculty, Tues, Aug 18, 11am-12pm, Microsoft Co Pilot Session - Registration Link
• VoiceThread for Engagement with Accessibility in Mind, Tues, Aug 18, 2pm-3pm, VoiceThread session - Registration Link
• WeVideo for All: Accessibility Strategies that Work, Thurs, Aug 20, 2pm-3pm, WeVideo Session - Registration Link
• Accessibility in Brightspace, Fri, Aug 21, 11am-12pm, Brightspace Accessibility Session - Registration Link

Other opportunities next week:

2. Hunter ACERT lunchtime seminar open to all of CUNY. GenAI Meets Learning: Rethinking Courses and Teaching, Mon 8/17 @ 12-1pm on Zoom.
3. CDI Webinar: Setting the Tone for Classroom Dialogue, Tues, Aug 18, 12-1pm. How to create classroom environments where students feel comfortable engaging across differences. Panelists share practical approaches for: setting classroom intentions, building trust, encouraging honest participation across differences, and responding thoughtfully in challenging conversations. Register - Setting the Tone: Building Trust.
4. The 2026 CUNY Professional Development Conference will be held virtually Mon, Nov 9 and Tues, Nov 10, 2026. This year’s theme, Beyond the Threshold: Shaping What’s Next in Higher Education, challenges us to move beyond imagining the future and toward actively creating it. Proposal Submission Deadline: Fri, Aug 21. Submit proposals here.
5. The Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies (MJIAS) at JGU invites applications for the Motwani Jadeja Fellowship Program 2027, a fully funded four-week residential fellowship to be held at the JGU campus from January 4-29, 2027. The Fellowship seeks to deepen scholarly and public understanding of India, the United States and the evolving relationship between the two countries through research, dialogue and sustained intellectual exchange. Fellows pursue an independent research project while engaging with JGU faculty members, scholars, practitioners and the wider academic community. The Fellowship is open to citizens of the U.S. holding at least a master’s degree in any discipline. Applications are particularly encouraged from early- and mid-career professionals with sustained interest in research, writing, teaching, policymaking or public engagement. See the website for more information on research project themes and what the Fellowship provides. Deadline for submitting applications is September 15, 2026. Application link for the Fellowship. For questions or more information, contact Fellowship Director Professor Swati Chawla.

4.  Community Events  

1. Fall 2026 Faculty Development Day is Thurs, Aug 27, 9am-2:30pm, with in person and zoom sessions (lunch will be in person only). RSVPs are now open here. Click FDD Program to see titles, abstracts, and presenters: we have a fantastic day planned!
2. Save the Date! 2026 New Student Convocation, Tues, Sept 1, 1:40-2:55pm, Lynch Theater. Register here to participate. Questions to Alyssa Hollywood.

August 5, 2026

1. Important Dates/Information

1. Academic calendars here 

• 5-Week-2:  Session ends Aug 13. Grade rosters open Aug 13-17.
• 3-Week-3:  Session ends Aug 12. Grade rosters open Aug 12-16.
• Fall classes begin August 28.

2. Save the Date!  2026 New Student Convocation, Tues, Sept 1, 1:40-2:55pm in the Lynch Theater. Register here to participate and, if needed, to borrow regalia by today, Weds, August 5. Questions to Alyssa Hollywood at ahollywood@jjay.cuny.edu.
3. Summer Fridays through Aug 14. HR Virtual Office Hours Thurs, 11am-1pm: Register  
4. Full-Time (FT) Faculty Personnel Process: Please use this form nowFaculty Personnel Action Form (FPAF) (previously Form C). The Faculty Personnel Process Guidelines (FPPG) were revised. Personnel files close Sept 11.
5. Book Adoptions. Please submit book/material information for EVERY CLASS – even if no purchases are required. Fall adoptions overdue.

• Fall:  78% complete, 533 missing or incomplete.
• To submit an adoption or click “no adoptions required/course does not use books”, log in with your CUNYfirst credentials at JohnJayBooks.com, click the faculty link. 
• Click “Help” for guides; email adoptions@vitalsource.com for help with adoptions.
• Faculty are encouraged to use no-cost Open Educational Resources. 
• If you ask students to buy a book from which you derive revenue, the CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy applies (clause 5.2). See Faculty Handbook.

2. Timely Teaching Tip from the TLC  

Writing and quantitative reasoning skills are two of the most critical literacies we can help students develop. For most courses, writing appropriate to the discipline is required: essays, summaries, arguments, posts, lab reports, analyses, research papers, etc. Through these, students gain knowledge and communication skills.

We also seek to help students build quantitative reasoning (QR) skills necessary for academic success: logical reasoning and data literacy, for example. Where do these skills support your assignments and expectations? Assignments that exercise QR skills work well with case studies and problem-based/project-based learning.

Here are some writing and QR resources to help facilitate course planning:

• John Jay Vertical Writing Program: writing resources for faculty that include First Year Writing, Writing Across the Curriculum, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Alan Siegel Writing Center: writing support for students (e.g., workshops, tutoring).
• QR Teaching Materials: guidance on teaching QR skills across disciplines (QC)
• Drs. Duane M. & Lily E. Christ Math & Science Resource Center: quantitative literacy and STEM support for students (e.g., course-specific workshops, tutoring).

The TLC’s new teaching resource site launches in a few weeks! To discuss teaching, mentoring, and resources, contact TLC Director Gina Rae Foster at gifoster@jjay.cuny.edu.

3. Professional/Pedagogical Development Opportunities

1. (FT faculty): The NCFDD Fall Faculty Success Program (9/14 - 11/22) discounted pricing ends this Friday 8/7! Please email me ASAP by Friday for fall participation. FT faculty can apply for funding from the Faculty Opportunity Fund to participate (this time or in a future session). See here for information on the Faculty Opportunity Fund. 
2. Hunter College ACERT is offering a 10-Day Syllabus Challenge that  begins Mon, Aug 10. All are welcome. The challenge is asynchronous. Participating instructors receive a daily weekday email for 2 weeks with brief tasks that move toward completing your syllabus. Resulting syllabi will be more student-centered, inviting, joyful, and help to cultivate inclusive learning communities. Enroll here in the 10-Day Syllabus Challenge! 
3. Hunter ACERT lunchtime seminar open to all of CUNY. GenAI Meets Learning: Rethinking Courses and Teaching, Mon 8/17 @ 12-1pm on Zoom.
4. CDI Webinar: Setting the Tone for Classroom Dialogue, Tues, Aug 18, 12-1pm EDT. Many faculty spend time preparing for difficult classroom conversations. One of the best ways to navigate those moments is to build trust before they happen. Join this conversation on how to create classroom environments where students feel comfortable engaging honestly across differences. Panelists will share practical approaches for: setting classroom intentions, building trust, encouraging honest participation across differences, and responding thoughtfully when conversations are challenging. Register - Setting the Tone: Building Classroom Trust from Day One.  

4. New Policies/Clarifications 

There are numerous policies and procedures regarding student work during a semester, including the commonly accessed policies on attendance, incomplete work, and student grade appeals. The College Bulletins (Undergraduate and Graduate) provide relevant and important information annually and are a useful resource for questions about policies and about requirements for programs of study (e.g., majors).

1. Attendance Policy. CUNY meets the federal definition of an institution that is not required to take attendance under Title IV regulation 34 CFR 668.22 (b)(3)(i). As a non-attendance taking institution, daily attendance records are not collected by the College Registrars, and CUNY does not require professors to take attendance. Any attendance records are taken for the professors’ own purposes. Therefore - a faculty member’s attendance policy should be clearly stated on the syllabus.
2. Recording Policy. The John Jay Policy Prohibiting Recording by Students or Visitors of Class Sessions Without the Written Permission of the Course Instructor(s) requires that faculty include the policy on their syllabi and state in their syllabi whether students may make recordings and, if so, under what conditions. Read the full policy at the link above. Model language will be shared in the Syllabus Guidelines (coming soon). 

See the Faculty Handbook: Teaching, Students and the Classroom for more information.