Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence (CAFE)

Upcoming Programs & Events

Canvas in Practice: Strategies for Course Design and Student Success

Course Organization & Learning Outcomes

Dates/Times:
Tues, Feb. 3, 12-1pm
Presenter:
Donya Rahimi, Instructional Designer
Description:
A well-organized Canvas course makes learning easier and more engaging. This workshop focuses on effective Canvas navigation and course organization using best practices for modules, navigation menus, and the syllabus, while highlighting the role of clear learning outcomes in guiding student learning.

Communications (i.e., Announcements, Messaging)

Dates/Times:
Tues, Feb. 17, 12-1pm
Presenter:
Yajaira Garcia, Instructional Designer
Description:
This workshop will cover Canvas communication tools like Announcements, Inbox, and Discussions. We’ll share some tips, examples, and best practices for setting expectations, reducing confusion, and supporting student engagement.

Transparent Assignments & Assignment Collection

Dates/Times:
Tues, March 3, 12-1pm
Presenters:
Donya Rahimi, Instructional Designer
Marisela Chavez, Executive Director
Description:
Clear, transparent assignments help students focus on learning rather than guessing expectations. This workshop explores principles of transparent assignment design alongside practical guidance for setting up assignments in Canvas. Topics include writing clear assignment instructions, articulating purpose and criteria, and using Canvas tools to configure submission types and due dates.

Assignment Grading & Feedback (Speedgrader)

Dates/Times:
Tues, March 17, 12-1pm
Presenters:
Toni Davis, Instructional Designer
Description:
This workshop focuses on using Canvas SpeedGrader to streamline the grading process and provide learner feedback. Topics include navigating SpeedGrader, using rubrics and annotations, leaving typed, audio, or video feedback, and practical grading workflows.

Online Testing (Quizzes)

Dates/Times:
Tues, Apr 7, 12-1pm
Presenters:
Yajaira Garcia, Instructional Designer
Description:
Design and deliver effective online quizzes. This workshop will cover quiz setup, question types, availability and accommodation settings, and best practices to support authentic student learning.

Calculating Final Grades

Dates/Times:
Tues, Apr 28, 12-1pm
Presenters:
Ann Loomis, LMS Administrator
Description:
This workshop will guide instructors through the final steps of posting grades in Canvas, including configuring Gradebook settings, choosing between points-based and weighted grading, managing missing and late submissions, incorporating extra credit, and addressing common grading issues.

On Your Own Resources

Resources for New Lecturers

CAFE has lots of support for new and returning lecturers

Fundamentals of Accessibility

Format: Online via Canvas
Overview: The Fundamentals of Accessibility eCertificate will show you how to get started with incorporating best accessibility practices as an instructor at Cal Poly Pomona; certificate available for completion.

Intro to Teaching with Canvas Course

Format: Online via Canvas
Overview: This course will walk you through the basic steps for using Canvas to offer a good experience for your students.