New Instructor Orientation Program

Teaching Excellence through Building Community

Lethbridge College’s New Instructor Orientation Program (NIOP) is an immersive program that fosters community and personalized learning. You’ll get familiar with lesson planning, student engagement, and campus resources throughout the program, connecting with fellow instructors and exploring teaching strategies. From navigating the Canvas Learning Management System to special topics in higher education, NIOP is your gateway to shaping your teaching style and thriving at Lethbridge College.

NIOP is offered twice a year—once before the fall semester and once before the winter semester—and then your learning journey continues throughout the year. Upon completion of the hiring process, your Associate Dean will reach out to you about registration.

For any questions, reach out to Taylor Burke, Kathryn Desrochers, and Silvana Campus at ctli@lethbridgecollege.ca.

NIOP schedule

Week 1

Draft Schedule – NIOP 2024: Week 1

Time	Tuesday August 6	Wednesday August 7	Thursday August 8	Friday August 9
9:00	NIOP Overview 9 to 10:30 a.m.	LP Policies: Part 1 9 to 10 a.m.	Formative and Summative Assessments 9 to 10:30 a.m.	Mini Lesson #1 9 to 10:30 a.m.
9:00
9:30
9:30
10:00		Community Building 10 to 10:30 a.m.
10:00
10:30	Break 10:30 to 11 a.m.
10:30	Break 10:30 to 11 a.m.
11:00	Panel Discussion: Meet the 2nd year NIOPers! 11 a.m. to noon	Mini Lesson Cycle 11 a.m. to noon	Authentic Assessment & Alignment Best Practices 11 a.m. to noon	Mini Lesson #1 Continued 11 a.m. to noon
11:00
11:30
11:30
12:00	Garden Court Welcome Lunch noon to 1:30 p.m.	Lunch break noon to 12:50 p.m.
12:00
12:30
12:30
1:00		Student Engagement: Active Learning in the Classroom 1 to 2 p.m.	Mini Lesson #1: Peer Feedback Session 1 to 2:30 p.m.	Faculty Role Descriptions: Part 1 1 to 1:30 p.m.
1:00				Faculty Role Descriptions: Part 1 1 to 1:30 p.m.
1:30	Teaching Excellence Framework Introduction 1:30 to 2 p.m.			Teaching Excellence Framework Self-assessment 1:30 to 2 p.m.
1:30	Teaching Excellence Framework Introduction 1:30 to 2 p.m.
2:00	Exploring BOPPPS Lesson Planning 2 to 2:45 p.m.	Break 2 to 2:30 p.m.		Break 2 to 2:30 p.m.
2:00		Break 2 to 2:30 p.m.		Break 2 to 2:30 p.m.
2:30		Work Block: Choose Your Path 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.	Break 2:30 to 2:45 p.m.	Exploring Canvas Workshop 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
2:30	Break 2:45 to 3 p.m.		Work Block: Mini Lesson Revisions 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.
3:00	Mini Lesson Demo 3 to 3:30 p.m.
3:00
3:30	End of Day

Week 2

Draft Schedule – NIOP 2024: Week 2

Time	Monday August 12	Tuesday August 13	Wednesday August 14	Thursday August 15 online day
9:00	First Day, First Week, First Month 9 to 10 a.m.	LP Policies: Part 2 9 to 10 a.m.	Accommodate Introduction with Accessibility Services 9 to 9:30 a.m.	Mini Lesson #3 9 to 10:30 a.m.
9:00
9:30			Meet Your CTLI Community Supports 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
9:30
10:00	Break 10 to 10:30 a.m.	Faculty Role Description: Part 2 10 to 10:30 a.m.
10:00	Break 10 to 10:30 a.m.	Faculty Role Description: Part 2 10 to 10:30 a.m.
10:30	Student Scenarios: Tailoring Support for Diverse Learners 10:30 a.m. to noon	Break 10:30 to 11 a.m.
10:30		Break 10:30 to 11 a.m.
11:00		Panel Discussion: Meet the Faculty Mentors! 11 a.m. to noon	10 minutes each: Integrated Student Supports International Student Services Early Alert Session 11 a.m. to noon	Mini Lesson #3 Continued 11 a.m. to noon
11:00
11:30
11:30
12:00	Lunch break noon to 12:50 p.m.
12:00
12:30
12:30
1:00	Mini Lesson #2 1 to 2 p.m.	Mentorship Meetings: Teaching in Trades Teaching in Labs Teaching in Clinical Stories from the Classroom: Round table discussion 1 to 2 p.m.	Centre Orientation Meetings 1 to 2 p.m. Location dependent on various Centres	Generative AI for Instructors & Student Use of Generative AI 1 to 2:30 p.m.
1:00
1:30
1:30
2:00	Break 2 to 2:30 p.m.
2:00	Break 2 to 2:30 p.m.
2:30	Mini Lesson #2 Continued 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.	Meet Your Campus Community Supports 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.	Letter to Yourself Work Block: Choose Your Path 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.	Break 2:30 to 2:45 p.m.
2:30				Wrap Up and Final Reflections 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.
3:00
3:00
3:30	End of Day

Download a printable version of the NIOP 2024 session descriptions.

Canvas Essentials micro-credential

We want to ensure you feel fully supported and confident in using our Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas. Our CTLI team has created an online, self-paced micro-credential you can complete at your own pace before starting NIOP that will equip you with the foundational knowledge to navigate Canvas effectively.

If you can’t complete it beforehand, no worries at all! During NIOP, we’ve intentionally set aside blocks of time that you can use to progress through the course.

We’re here to support you every step of the way on this learning journey!

Frequently asked questions

As you prepare to attend NIOP, you may have questions or concerns. Please take a look through this Frequently Asked Questions list to see if the information is covered. If not please contact Taylor Burke, Kathryn Desrochers, and Silvana Campus at ctli@lethbridgecollege.ca for further inquiries.

Lineart of a person holding a document on one hand.

Am I required to attend the entire orientation?

Yes, new instructors to LC are required to attend NIOP. These two weeks are used to introduce you to relevant people, departments, culture, and expectations at the College. You’ll learn information about the teaching skills and procedures you’ll need to begin the semester as an Instructor at Lethbridge College. If you have scheduling conflicts or wish to discuss your attendance requirements, please contact your Associate Dean.

What happens if I miss part of the orientation?

Please let the CTLI Team and your Associate Dean know ASAP if you are unable to attend any portion of the NIOP and we will find a way to ensure you receive information for the workshops you’ll miss.

What is the delivery method of the NIOP?

NIOP will be facilitated primarily face-to-face with some online components. The programming that will be delivered online will be indicated in the schedule above. We have designed this orientation to deliver the information you need, while also modelling various tools, technologies, and activities you may use in your own courses.

What happens on the Centre Orientation days?

These days are for you to get to know your specific academic Centre and orientate to your role as an Instructor. For more information, please contact your Associate Dean.

Will there be breaks throughout the day?

We have scheduled many breaks to give you time to rest and recharge.

Where do I get keys for my office?

Please contact your Associate Dean to make arrangements for office keys and information about when and if you should be on campus.

Do I get a computer to use for work?

Each full time, part-time, and continuing instructor will be allocated a laptop from the IT department. Please make arrangements with your Associate Dean. For help regarding your computer, talk to your program or contact the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@lethbridgecollege.ca

What is the dress code at the college?

Although there is no specific dress code at Lethbridge College, business causal is commonly worn during the week. Some Centres participate in casual Friday, so check with your Associate Dean about this practice.

When do I get my teaching schedule?

If you have not already received your teaching (workload) schedule, we have scheduled you to meet with you Dean and/or Associate Dean during your Centre Orientation. At this time, they will review your teaching workload for the year.