1. Getting Started & IT Setup
Ensure key administrative channels and technological resources are established before the start of the quarter.
Administration
Managed at the department level. Consult your Department Chair or Chief Academic Officer (CAO) for onboarding, official leave reporting, and workplace accommodations.
Technology Essentials
Secure an active ucdavis.edu email account to access Canvas LMS, Box cloud storage, Zoom, and Microsoft Office campus platforms.
Specialty Software
Third-party instructional applications require explicit approval from department leadership and IT prior to course integration for data privacy compliance.
2. Course Design & Syllabus Regulations
Every UC Davis course must have an accessible syllabus distributed prior to or on the first day of instruction, outlining course structure, learning objectives, and grading criteria.
Davis Division Regulation (DDR) 537 Mandatory Provisions
- Topical content outline and explicit weekly work expectations.
- Examination and grading procedures (including weighting, midterm dates, and final exam format).
- UC Davis Code of Academic Conduct notice and integrity guidelines.
- Scheduled office hours and direct contact methods for student consultation.
3. Instructional Materials & Accessibility
"My lectures and course materials, including presentations, tests, outlines, and similar materials, are protected by U.S. copyright law and UC policy. You may take notes and make copies of course materials for your own educational use, but you may not share, record, upload, or distribute them without explicit permission."
4. Navigating AI in the Classroom
Approved Enterprise AI Tools
UC Davis enterprise-contracted AI applications are recommended (e.g., UC Davis Microsoft Copilot) to safeguard student data privacy under FERPA. Never input non-public student work, grades, or personal identifying information into commercial public AI tools.
Transparent Syllabus AI Policy
Define transparent AI usage rules in your syllabus for each assignment category. Specify whether AI is prohibited, permitted with explicit citation, or actively integrated into coursework. Provide accessible alternatives for students who choose to opt out.
5. Supporting Student Success & Accommodations
- TA & Reader Agreements (ASE Contracts): Review duties with department leadership. Work responsibilities, grading hours, and expectations must be documented in signed ASE union agreements prior to instruction.
- Student Disability Center (SDC) Accommodations: Promptly acknowledge official accommodation letters sent by the SDC. Coordinate extended exam time, distraction-reduced testing, or note-taking support confidentially.
- Student Health & Mental Well-being: Normalize seeking help by providing direct links to Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center, Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS), Academic Success Center, and Writing Center. Include information about these resources in your syllabus or course materials.
6. Institutional Policies, Grading & Safety
FERPA Privacy Regulations
Student records, grades, accommodation letters, and roster data are strictly confidential. Never post public grades associated with student names or IDs.
Academic Misconduct Reporting
Report suspected academic misconduct (cheating, unauthorized AI usage, plagiarism) directly to Student Conduct and Integrity.
Grade Submission Deadlines
Final grades must be submitted via Canvas / Banner by the Wednesday immediately following finals week to protect financial aid eligibility and degree conferral.
Lab & Field Safety Compliance
Ensure mandatory Safety Data Sheet (SDS) reviews, PPE compliance, and emergency protocols in all wet laboratories, field sites, and studio environments.
7. 2026–2027 Academic Quarter Milestones
Instructional dates, finals week, and grade submission deadlines.
8. Tailored AI Assistant Prompts
Copy these prompts to query NotebookLM for customized teaching guidance.
"Who do I talk to about setting up a new class or course section in CA&ES?"
"Prepare a checklist for what I need to do before a class starts, during the class, and at the end of the class."
"How do I submit final grades?"
"How do I manage SDC accommodation letters and schedule extended-time exams confidentially under FERPA?"
Explore More
Query specific UC Davis policy details, search handbook sources, or generate quick teaching outlines in our dedicated AI assistant workspace.