Email the Courtesy Call

Numerous posts (see: Helping Students be There and Make the Courtesy Call ) addressed the idea of contacting the students prior to class to convey important information and help develop a sense of community. The example below is an email that Chris Matthews, Tai Chi instructor, sends his students.

“Hi everyone,Wanted to remind you all that you are signed up for a Tai Chi for Health class this weekend, Sat. and Sun., Nov 14 & 15. The class will be held at Focus Physical Therapy offices located at 901 NW Carlon Ave (just off Broadway and Colorado next to the Deschutes River). Class will run from 8:30 to 11:30 am. I will be there about 8:15 so feel free to get there a little early.We will be taking some breaks so please bring some light snacks for yourself as we will not have time to go out for anything. Wear comfortable clothes and Focus does ask that we not wear shoes on their practice floor, so if you are comfortable in socks that is great but if not please bring a clean pair of shoes to wear.I have attached some information on tai chi and qigong for you to look at when you have time. You do not need to bring this information to class.If you have any questions before class please feel free to call me at 541-555-1234 or email me. Look forward to seeing you Saturday!”

Thanks to Rachel Knox for this post

Five suggestions for Having a Guest Speaker in Your Class

Bringing a guest speaker into your classroom can be very rewarding. It provides insight from another expert, broadens the subject matter, allows for a change of pace, etc.

The following suggestions will help insure a positive experience for everyone involved.

1. Identify the topic suitable for inviting a guest speaker. The presence of the speaker is to augment class material.


2. Select the speaker carefully. Invite someone who is a good presenter and can keep to the time allowed.


3. Communicate with the speaker. Provide information on how their presence fits within your curriculum, classroom accommodations, parking, etc.


4. Inform the class that there will be a guest speaker prior to the event. It allows the students to prepare questions.


5. Be the moderator. Introduce the speaker, keep the presentation on track, facilitate a question/answer discussion, and provide a closing.
   

Sign of the Times

Seems like we should not make our first post of the new year somewhat negative but all those receiving mileage should be aware of the changes. So, here goes...

Effective January 1, 2010, the federal mileage reimbursement rate decreased from 55 cents to 50 cents per mile. It is the College’s practice to adjust its mileage reimbursement rate whenever there is a change in the federal rate. In accordance with General Business Procedure B-2-6, the College reduced its mileage reimbursement rate on January 1, 2010 to 50 cents per mile to coincide with the federal rate change. The travel reimbursement form on the fiscal services website will be adjusted to reflect the new rate. There are no changes in the meal per diem.