New Faculty Survival Guide
Instructional Resources
Overview
As a faculty member at CSU Stanislaus, you have access to a range of services and resources to help support your teaching and research. You can find assistance for many things, from creating a multimedia PowerPoint presentation for your class to getting room fixtures repaired. Below are descriptions of the offices you will most commonly deal with for instructional materials, resources, and support.
University Library
The University Library is located on the second and third floors of the Vasche Library building. A satellite location – The Library Access Center – is available on the CSU Stanislaus-Stockton campus.
The mission of the University Library is to provide access to information resources and services that facilitate teaching, learning and research, and to provide an environment that encourages and enables those in our diverse community to expand their intellectual, cultural and artistic horizons.
At present, the University Library owns over 378,000 volumes and acquires just over 5,000 new books every year. The Library also provides access to over 7,000 electronic books and maintains an extensive print reference collection. The Library sustains a collection of DVD and VHS tapes that can be used in classes. To access these as well as other library materials, the Library provides numerous online catalogs including the University Library Catalog, LINK+ (a union catalog of holdings from participating libraries in California and Nevada), and WorldCat (containing millions of records of any type of material cataloged by Online Computer Library Center member libraries).
The University Library subscribes to about 125 different online resources, including full-text electronic journal collections, research databases, academic e-book collections, and online reference materials. With these resources the Library provides the campus community with electronic access to the full-text of over 15,000 scholarly journals and 25,000 newspapers, popular magazines, and professional/trade publications. Additionally, the Library maintains 810 print periodical subscriptions.
Other collections maintained by the Library include federal, state and local documents (the Library has been a partial repository for federal and state documents since 1965); a juvenile collection containing over 6,500 volumes of award-winning and notable titles in children’s literature; University Archives, comprised of documents relating to University history; and Special Collections, containing materials that relate primarily to the University’s six-county service area.
You can access all of these resources through the Library’s website at:
http://library.csustan.edu
Within the Library campus community members will find desktop computers for student use, laptops for student check-out, the availability of a variety of e-book devices, great study spaces including group study areas, the East and West Reading Rooms, and wireless network access. Equally important, reference librarians are available. A tremendous resource for faculty in both teaching and research, librarians are dedicated to offering reference services in a variety of mediums, access services for distance learning programs, and instruction. Librarian goals include supporting and supplementing classroom, independent, and faculty research; and providing users with lifelong skills in identifying, locating, and evaluating information.
Library Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Changes or exceptions for holidays, finals week, time between terms, and intersession or summer sessions are available from the Library’s website.
Borrowing Privileges
Most library books circulate to undergraduate students, faculty spouses and immediate family for 28 days. Faculty can borrow books for up to one year. Fines are not charged to faculty and spouses, but replacement of lost or damaged publications is expected.
Reference Services
To assist faculty and students in the location and use of varied information resources, librarians are available for consultation in person at the Reference Desk, via online chat, by phone or email, and by appointment. http://www.library.csustan.edu/refdesk/webref.html
Research Skills Instruction
Instruction is available for all courses. Sessions can be conducted in the University Library’s instruction room or in Turlock and Stockton classrooms. To make an appointment for class instruction, complete the Online Instruction Request Form available at http://library.csustan.edu/instruction/
Course Reserve
At the request of the course instructor, Circulation Desk staff will place materials on reserve for students’ use. Call ext. 3234 for more information. At the beginning of a term, at least two to three days notice is needed to place materials on reserve. Forms for reserving materials may be obtained at the Circulation Desk or from the Library website at http://library.csustan.edu:8080/course_reserves
LINK+
LINK+ is a consortium of academic and public libraries in California and Nevada that allows Stanislaus students, faculty, and staff to borrow books not available from the University Library. Requests are easily made online from the University Library Catalog with a few simple steps and generally arrive in two to three days. The Library provides this service at no cost to students, faculty, and staff.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
The University Library maintains a vibrant and active Interlibrary Loan Department (ILL). This department obtains materials not owned by the Library from an international partnership of libraries. ILL is a valuable resource for faculty conducting specialized research. ILL provides electronic delivery of articles to best serve users. Students, faculty, and staff can make interlibrary loan requests from the Library’s website.
Books not available via the Library’s print or electronic collections or through LINK+ may be requested through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Articles not available via the Library’s electronic or print collections may also be requested through ILL. The Library provides this service at no cost to students, faculty, and staff. Interlibrary Loan requests may be made online from the Library’s website. Call the ILL office at ext. 3236 for more information or go to http://library.csustan.edu:8080/interlibrary-loan
Requesting Purchase of Materials for the Library Collection
The Library allocates funds to each academic department to develop the Library collection. A faculty member who wishes to request the purchase of library materials should consult his or her department’s Library Representative concerning procedures. Questions that cannot be resolved at the departmental level should be directed to the office of the Dean of Library Services at ext. 3232.
CSU Stanislaus-Stockton Library Access Center
The CSU Stanislaus-Stockton Library Access Center (LAC) is located in the Acacia building, room 1049. Circulating materials from the University Library can be delivered on request to the LAC via courier service in two to three working days. In addition, the LAC provides access to course reserves and ILL materials. Computers within the LAC offer access to Library databases, online catalogs, and the Internet. For more information, call ext. 4410.
University Archives & Special Collections
The University Archives is a repository for materials concerning the history of California State University Stanislaus and includes documentation in the form of press releases, newsletters, catalogs, photographs, the student newspaper The Signal, campus yearbooks, local newspaper articles, and other ephemera from the various campus entities. The Library also houses a Special Collections unit that contains a variety of collections of local and regional interest. Notable collections include the Sayad Assyrian collection, the Dias Photographic collection, Assemblyman Winton’s legislative papers, and a City and County Historical Documents collection (primarily Stanislaus County). The Library also holds a rare book collection that features a representative collection of California fine printing. During the academic year, the Archives and Special Collections’ area (L201) maintains public service hours on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please call ext. 6538 or email specialcollections@library.csustan.edu for inquiries or to arrange a special consultation appointment.
Office of Information Technology
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) provides a broad range of technology services to faculty, students and staff. The Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer reports to the Vice President of Business and Finance and holds university-wide responsibility for providing leadership for all aspects of campus information technology including academic, instructional and administrative technologies and their associated supporting infrastructure and services.
OIT services to the faculty include:
Instructional Computing Support Labs
OIT operates eight computer laboratories for instructional support. All labs are for student use and support both Windows and Mac OS operating systems. In addition, there are two open labs (L145 and N201) and the Library Collaboratory in which no classes are scheduled. Details on the hardware and software available in the labs can be found at http://www.csustan.edu/oit/ClientServices/ComputerLabs/
Office Computers
If your office does not have the computer equipment necessary for your instruction and research, please discuss the needs with your department chair. Please note that university-provided computing systems must be used in accordance with policies which are available for review on the OIT web site.
Phone and network connections
Most Offices on campus are cabled for a minimum of one telephone and one data/network connection. If this is not the case, or you need more services, please contact the OIT Help Desk in L150, call Ext. 3687 or e-mail HelpDesk@CSUStan.edu
Technology support
The Office of Information Technology provides centralized technical support for university owned computer equipment, computer labs, classroom and media equipment, and related services. Support for technology on campus is provided by our centralized and consolidated Help Desk located in L150. You can reach the Help Desk at Ext. 3687 or via e-mail at HelpDesk@CSUStan.edu. When classes are in session, the Help Desk is open M-Th 7:30 AM - 9 PM and Fridays 7:30 AM - 5 PM. When classes are not in session the Help Desk is open M-F 8 AM - 5 PM. A quick reference guide, with telephone extensions and email addresses, is available on the web at http://www.csustan.edu/oit/Publications/QuickRefTechsuprt.pdf
Other helpful documents are also available under Publications at http://www.csustan.edu/oit/Publications.html
Faculty Multimedia Lab
From the conception of an idea to its implementation, the FML serves as a source of inspiration and technical assistance to faculty in the systematic design, development, and application of multimedia, computing, and traditional to assisting faculty and are a valuable resource for dealing with technological, accessibility, and copyright issues. Scanning photos and documents, CD &DVD recording, international VHS tape viewing, locating illustrations, foreign standard video playback, assisting with PowerPoint, file format conversions, and digital video editing are some of the most frequently requested services. Handouts on various aspects of technology and software are available. The Faculty Multimedia Lab is located in FDC-102 of the Faculty Development Center and can be contacted at Ext. 3347 or Ext. 6782 or www.csustan.edu/oit/LearningServices
Televised Distance Learning
CSU Stanislaus has several classrooms reserved for courses transmitted by video over the internet - three in Turlock (DBH-150), three at the Stockton campus, and two (receive-only) at the Tri-College Center at Merced College. Some courses can be transmitted over cable television to local communities. Lectures and presentations can be archived and made available for student review over the internet via streaming video.
Faculty offer many upper division general education courses as well as courses in a variety of majors via distance learning. Staff are available to assist instructors with the pedagogical and technological transition to teaching both televised and web-based courses. These offerings extend higher education to community members in our six county service area who, because of work, childcare, or distance, may not be able to attend classes on the Turlock campus or during traditional hours. Staff can be contacted at 667-3171 or www.csustan.edu/oit/LearningServices
Classroom Technology
All scheduled classrooms are "smart" rooms and have projectors, sound systems, DVD and VHS players. Laptop computers or other digital devices can be connected to the systems via the "Smart Box" located in the front of the classrooms. For assistance with this equipment, please contact the OIT Help Desk in L150, call x3687 or e-mail HelpDesk@CSUStan.edu
Reservation of Equipment and Materials for Classroom Delivery
Requests for equipment should be made by contacting the OIT Help Desk in L150, calling Ext. 3687 or e-mailing HelpDesk@CSUStan.edu
Orders must be received by 12:00 noon, the business day before it is needed. Equipment will be delivered to the classroom and set up by staff prior to the time request. Upon request, the staff will demonstrate the operation of equipment for faculty and staff members.
Check-out of Equipment and Materials
Media equipment including laptops, projectors, tape recorders, etc. is available for check out to faculty for instructional use, with priority given to scheduled credit classes. Equipment is available to faculty for classroom use. Requests for equipment to be checked out should contact the OIT Help Desk in L150, call Ext. 3687 or e-mail HelpDesk@CSUStan.edu at least one working day (24 hours) prior to the time needed. Requests with less lead time can be accommodated if the equipment is available. The borrower can pick up equipment from and return it to the, OIT HelpDesk in L150.
Equipment Problems with Classroom Equipment (Installed or Delivered)
Staff is available to demonstrate classroom equipment to faculty. Any equipment that fails to operate properly should be reported as soon as possible by contacting the OIT Help Desk in L150, calling Ext. 3687 or e-mailing HelpDesk@CSUStan.edu.
A replacement will be provided as quickly as possible. Faculty assistance in alerting the OIT staff of malfunctioning equipment is important in helping in to keep the equipment in working condition. To conserve power and lamp life, we ask that faculty turn off all equipment at the end of their classes.
Videotape Services
Videocassette tapes can be duplicated if written authorization from the copyright owner is provided. There is a nominal charge for duplication of tapes and small quantities of blank cassettes are available for purchase.
Videotapes from countries on different video standards can be viewed by appointment in the Faculty Multimedia Lab. Foreign standard tapes are subject to the same copyright restrictions as that of commercially produced domestic tapers. The Faculty Multimedia Lab is located in FDC102 of the Faculty Development Center and can be contacted at Ext. 3347 or Ext. 6782.
Exam Scoring
ScanTron machines for scoring exams are located in Physical Education (FH100A), Bizzini Hall (C134C), the Naraghi Hall (N324A), the Stockton Center and Demergasso-Bava Hall (P149). Student answer forms and faculty key forms are available for purchase in the bookstore. Item analysis forms for faculty are provided by OIT and usually are available in the Scantron machine rooms. For additional forms please contact the OIT Help Desk at x3687 or e-mail HelpDesk@CSUStan.edu
Web-Based Learning Management System
Blackboard is the web-based learning management system adopted by the campus. It is a powerful, secure, and easy-to-use method of enhancing teaching and learning by giving instructors the ability to post course content, communicate with students, administer tests and surveys, and manage grades online.
Blackboard is effective both as a supplement for classroom and televised courses, hybrid courses, and for the complete delivery of a fully online courses. For information about designing a web-based course contact Bob Koehler, Educational Technologist, OIT, FDC (209) 667 –3898, Bkoehler@csustan.edu
A large number of resources and tutorials for both faculty and students are available on the Blackboard login page: http://www.csustan.edu/blackboard
Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
The Faculty Center is located in the John Stuart Rogers Faculty Development Center (JSRFDC). The center is dedicated to building a learning-centered community, and to improving student learning by supporting faculty in ways that make teaching a more satisfying and productive activity. The center was founded in fall of 1998 to consolidate and expend the range of faculty development services offered on campus.
The Center houses a Teaching and Learning Resource Center with books, periodicals, and videotapes on a range of teaching and learning topics and a knowledgeable staff for consultations regarding teaching, assessment, and other related professional development issues. The Center also provides services such as videotaping of classes, workshops, institutes, and programs. Whatever your question, from constructing a syllabus to improving students’ motivation, feel free to drop by the Center and browse through the resource materials and/or talk with the staff. The Center is dedicated to supporting your efforts to be as innovative and creative as possible in your teaching. If you would like to see the Center develop other services or programs, please call Ext. 3216.
Bookstore
The Bookstore is operated by contract with Barnes & Noble and is located in the University Student Union. You can contact bookstore staff at 667-3161 or via the bookstore web site at www.csustan.edu/bookstore/ The Bookstore website is accessible via the CSU Stanislaus homepage, A-Z Directory, Bookstore. Visit the bookstore website and see what special services are offered faculty on the “Faculty Services” pages:
- Online Textbook Adoptions
- Faculty Center Network: quick access to extensive textbook information, request desk copies, and features like subject ranking and book usage data.
- Textbook Information
- Additional Services: special orders, specific supplies.
The Bookstore can be contacted at Ext. 3161.
The Campus Bookstore sells the textbooks and course materials required for classes. The Bookstore also carries general fiction and nonfiction books, reference texts, stationery items, college spirit clothing, health and beauty aids and other items. A percentage of the revenue generated by purchases at the bookstore goes back to the university to support various academic programs and scholarships.
Desk Copies
The Bookstore does not order desk copies, however, it sends desk copy forms to your department and keeps a supply at the store. You can also write publishers directly using college or department letterhead. Addresses are available in the National Association of College Stores Directory of Publishers, available at The Bookstore, or in “Books in Print,” available at the bookstore and the library. Bookstore staff members are happy to provide additional help for ordering desk copies.
Other Services
The Bookstore carries a full selection of books by campus authors and can arrange book signings and prepublication receptions. The bookstore can prepare bibliographies for classes you are teaching or for academic research purposes. Bibliographies are drawn from national lists of best-selling titles in your area of study. The bookstore can order any book in print, free of delivery or service charge, and can acquire books published by foreign presses. The bookstore also offers gift certificates.
Clerical-Secretarial Assistance
Departments vary in the amount and nature of the assistance staff can provide faculty in preparing class materials. While many departments do not provide typing or computer services, most department staff makes photocopies from camera-ready copy, order texts and instructional supplies, and handles classrooms changes.
Check with your chair for more information on how photocopying and other instructionally related tasks are handled within your department.
Student Assistants-Graders
Funding may be available for students to help you with grading papers or handling certain types of activities or assignments. If you have very large classes or have special need for assistance, check with your department chair for the types of help available.
Reprographic Services
A reprographics guide with services available can be obtained upon request. Reprographics is located in MSR 010 (Mary Stuart Rogers Building) for your printing, copying, and bindery needs. Copy machines are located around campus and can be accessed by copy card. To obtain a copy card, contact your department to see if one is available. To obtain a new card, contact Reprographics at Ext. 3013.
Photocopy Machines
Photocopy machines are generally available for your use in the departments. Check with the department chair and secretary to find out specific office policy. Coin-operated copy machines are located upstairs in the Vasche Library. You will generally need a copy card to run these machines. These machines are maintained by Reprographics, Ext 3013.