Faculty Bulletin Board

This page contains all recent emails and important announcements from the Faculty Success Department. Check back regularly for updates on webinars, policy changes, and more.

Faculty will continue to receive these updates by email as usual. This page serves as a reference archive for easy access to past messages.


Please note: This archive includes email updates starting from July 2025. For earlier communications, please check your inbox or contact the Faculty Success Department.

2026 Updates

Dear Faculty,
 
The Zoom–Canvas integration issue has now been resolved.
 
6/8 Courses
  • If you have already posted your Week 1 live session link in Announcements, leave it as-is so students who saved the link can still access it.
  • Be sure to post the corresponding session recording in Announcements after each class.
  • If you have not yet created your Week 1 session, use Zoom Meetings (Canvas integration).
5/11 Courses
  • If you have already shared upcoming Zoom links, keep them in place.
General
  • All new live session links should now be created through Zoom Meetings in Canvas.
  • If you experience Zoom issues, try an incognito/private browser window first. If it works there, clear your browser cache.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility.
The Zoom integration issue is still not resolved. This is currently impacting both the 5/11 and 6/8 course starts. This is not a Bryan-specific issue and is related to the Canvas–Zoom integration, which is currently outside of our control.
For both modules (5/11 and 6/8), please use the alternative method to create and share live session links until further notice.
We are hopeful the Zoom Meetings integration will be restored soon so that links can be added directly within the course.
Once each session is created, please:
 
​Click here​​ ​for the alternative method for creating live sessions. 
 
If you need any assistance or have questions, please contact your Program Director or Valerie Akbulut.
Dear Faculty,
The Zoom integration issue is still not resolved. This applies to both the 4/13 and the 5/11 start. With this in mind, please continue using the alternative method below to create your Zoom session links for live classes until further notice.
At this time, you do not need to create all session links at once. Please create and share Zoom links on a week-by-week basis only.
Once created, please:
  • Share the meeting link in your course announcements
  • Inbox the link to your students through Canvas
  • Record the session to the Cloud as usual
  • Share the recording link with students afterward through announcements
We are hopeful the Zoom Meetings integration will be restored soon so remaining links can eventually be added directly within the course.
Below is the alternative method for creating Zoom links: 
➡️1. Go to https://www.zoom.com/  
➡️2. Select Sign in with SSO The company domain is bryanuniversity 
 
 
➡️3. Select Meetings and +Schedule a Meeting 
 
➡️4. Enter meeting details. Add Topic (Course Name Plus Week #) Add date and time. 
 
➡️5. Scroll down to Options and Select Show. Check Allow Participants to Join at anytime AND Mute participants upon entry. Select SAVE 
 
 
➡️6. Copy the Zoom link and share with students via announcements AND Canvas Inbox message. 
 
 
Dear Faculty,
 
I hope this email finds you well.
 
I wanted to send a quick reminder that our OC reviews will be starting back up on May 11.
 
All of the updated criteria and scoring rubric are available on the website through the link below:
 
You’ll also find a helpful “cheat sheet” on the same page that breaks things down in a simple, easy-to-use way as you prepare.
Please take a few minutes to review these materials before QC reviews begin. It should help make the process clear and straightforward as we move forward together.
As always, thank you for the work you do and your attention to maintaining strong quality standards for our students. If anything comes up or you have questions while reviewing the updates, feel free to reach out.
 
The Faculty Success Department 
Dear Faculty,
 
Feeling excited and maybe a little overwhelmed by how quickly AI is changing higher education?
 
Join us for a webinar designed to help you stay grounded and focused during rapid change. We’ll share practical strategies to reduce stress, stay centered, and reconnect with your purpose as an educator.
 
➡️Staying Grounded in the Age of AI: Supporting Faculty & Staff Wellbeing During Rapid Change
⭐Presented by: Julia Pearl, Faculty Success Specialist
📅Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
⌚Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Pacific)
📍Location: Virtual (invite link coming soon)
 
Bonus:
  • Earn in-service credit after completing a short post-webinar activity
 
We hope to see you there.
 
The Faculty Success Department

Dear Faculty, We’re excited to share that our updated Faculty Handbook is now available. 

Access the Updated Faculty Handbook here: 
View the Faculty Handbook 

To improve clarity and usability, the handbook now focuses solely on company policy. All operational training and role-specific resources have moved to the Faculty Success Center, with direct links included in the handbook for easy access.  We have also made updates to align with our transition from Fidelis to Salesforce. Because Salesforce is new for us, some processes may continue to evolve as we learn and refine our workflows. We will update policies as needed to reflect those improvements. Our goal is clarity, consistency, and continuous improvement. 

What is required: 
1. Bookmark the Faculty Success Center Website (Home - BU Resource Center Password: RADAR) 
2.Review the updated Faculty Handbook 
3. Submit the Handbook Acknowledgment Form located in the BU Webinar course in Canvas by APRIL 8 Need help finding the BU Webinar course?
View instructions here: Locate BU Webinar Courses 
NOTE: Submission of the acknowledgment form is mandatory for all employees. 

Optional ways to engage and learn more: 
1. Handbook Challenge: Complete the interactive Handbook Challenge in the BU Webinar course by April 10 for a chance to win one of two $50 Amazon gift cards—and earn in-service credit! 
2. Faculty Handbook FAQ: Review the Faculty Handbook FAQ Find answers to common questions about the handbook. 
3. Information Session: Join us April 3 from 12–1 PM PT for a virtual session reviewing key updates and answering your questions. A calendar invite will be sent soon, and a recording will be available. 

We appreciate your partnership as we continue building systems and policies that support our work and our people. Thank you for taking the time to review these updates and for being part of our growth. 

Thank you, 
Nick Keeling
Associate VP of Educational Programs and Instructional Quality

Dear Faculty,
 
If you are an adjunct faculty member, have you ever wondered how payroll works or how your pay is calculated?
 
Faculty Council recommended developing a clear explanation of the faculty pay process so that all adjunct faculty could benefit from a consistent, transparent overview. To provide these resources, Chrissy Zmijewski created a faculty pay handout and an accompanying video that walk through the payroll process step by step.
 
➡️The Adjunct Faculty Payroll Explanation handout is attached to this email. 
➡️The accompanying video can be accessed HERE
 
Please take a moment to review these materials. 
 

2025 Updates

Dear Faculty,

The second episode of The Faculty Lounge is now live!
Episode Title: Owning Your Education: Why Some Students Thrive — And Others Don’t

Click here to listen:  Faculty Lounge Podcast – BU Resource Center

Hear from Nick Keeling, the Associate VP of Educational Programs and Instructional Quality, as he explains why students disengage and how faculty can stay student-centered without taking it personally. You’ll get practical strategies for boosting engagement, understanding shifting student goals, and supporting learning without burning yourself out. If you’ve ever wondered why students show up but don’t participate, this episode is for you.  

In-Service Credit
Listening to Faculty Lounge can count toward in-service credit:
1. Listen to any episode.
2. Submit a brief summary and reflection.

Submit in one of two ways:
1. Email: Valerie Akbulut (valerie.akbulut@bryanuniversity.edu)
2. Canvas: Webinar Course → Podcast Reflection Assignment
*Credit will be updated in the Webinar Course once your submission is received.  
 
The Faculty Success Department

Dear Faculty,

We are pleased to announce an upcoming update to our catalog language regarding live events. Moving forward, all programs will operate within a single, expanded time block. Within this new structure, faculty will determine the scheduling of their live events in coordination with their program directors, rather than relying on a designated time block in the term instructor forecast.

What this means for you:
This change will take effect starting the December 2025 term and applies to all live events offered by faculty, including those that are part of a program and include participation points, as well as any additional live sessions voluntarily offered by faculty that do not include participation points. 

Recordings must be provided for each live session. You and your program director will have the flexibility to schedule live events at any time within the expanded time block below.  Your Program Director will be reaching out soon with additional details pertaining to your specific program.

Please review the handbook policy outlining expectations and requirements. If you have any questions, please contact your Program Director. Please ensure that all live sessions fall within the timeframes listed below.

ACTION REQUIRED: Please complete the following form to confirm that you have reviewed and understand the new live session policy by Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

Below is the updated verbiage of the catalog:

Bryan University offers live events for some programs.  All live events will be scheduled within the following time-block:  Monday – Thursday, 6 am (PST) – 7  pm (PST), and Saturday, 6 am – 10 am (PST).

Nick Keeling

Associate VP of Educational Programs and Instructional Quality

Dear Faculty,

As we approach Winter Break (December 22–28, 2025), we want to ensure you’re prepared if you’re teaching in the upcoming 11/17/25 or 12/15/25 module starts.

Please review the guidance provided on the Faculty Success Center page here:
Faculty Success Center – Winter Break Guidance

This resource includes important information on:

  • Adjusting due dates around the break

  • Setting up Yellowdig

  • Managing grading timelines

  • Communicating with students after the break

Thank you for your continued dedication, and we hope you have a restful and well-deserved Winter Break!

Dear Faculty,

We are excited to share a new resource now available on the Faculty Success Center website: the Yellowdig Engagement Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to help you make the most of Yellowdig in your courses by guiding you on:

  • Understanding Yellowdig – Learn about the platform’s features and how it supports student engagement.

  • Creating effective Sparks – Tips for crafting posts that spark meaningful conversation.

  • Teaching through comments – Strategies for guiding conversations and fostering a learning community.

Explore the toolkit and discover practical ways to enhance student interaction and engagement in your courses. You can access it directly on the Faculty Success Center website: Yellowdig Engagement Toolkit – BU Resource Center

Thank you for your dedication to teaching excellence!

Best,

Valerie Akbulut and Julia Pearl

The Faculty Success Department

Dear Faculty,

We’re excited to introduce Faculty Lounge, a new podcast created just for educators like you.

Hosted by Valerie Akbulut, Faculty Lounge is a 30-minute show designed to give you a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the heart of teaching. It is perfect for your commute, a quiet break, or late-night grading sessions.

Even better? Listening can count toward your in-service credit.

It’s simple and flexible:

  • Listen to an episode at your convenience.

  • Send a quick email to Valerie Akbulut (valerie.akbulut@bryanuniversity.edu) with a short summary of what you learned, and a reflection on how you might apply the ideas in your own teaching.

👉 The first episode is available now!
Faculty Lounge Podcast – BU Resource Center

We hope Faculty Lounge becomes a helpful space for you—whether you need inspiration, support, or just a thoughtful pause in your day.

Dear Faculty,

We wanted to inform you that the Faculty Success Center website has moved to a new location to better serve your needs.

You can now access the site here:
➡️ https://src.bryanuniversity.edu/faculty-success-center/
Password: RADAR

Please update any bookmarks or saved links you may have.  
 
We encourage you to explore the updated site to discover new resources and tools designed to support your success. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the layout and features.

If you have any questions or need assistance accessing the site, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued dedication and support.
 
The Faculty Success Department 

Yellowdig is a powerful tool but are you using it as simply and effectively as possible?

Learn how to get the most out of Yellowdig in this practical, one-hour session. Whether you’re new or just looking to improve engagement, you’ll leave with simple, effective strategies you can use right away.

Webinar: Yellowdig Made Simple: Practical Ways to Boost Engagement  with Debra Olberding, Senior Success Manager at Yellowdig
 Date: Friday, October 31st
 Time: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Pacific
 Location: Virtual (link coming via calendar invite)

Attendees will earn 1 in-service credit upon completing a short post-session activity
Plus, two lucky participants will win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Watch for your calendar invite with the Zoom link. We look forward to seeing you there!

Dear Faculty,

We want to make you aware that Yellowdig has updated the Community Setup page. These changes were made by YD (not internally), and they will affect how you set up your course communities moving forward.

To help you navigate the new layout, we’ve attached both a step-by-step handout and a short video walkthrough.

Updated YD Community Setup Instructions

  1. Select the Community Purpose
    Choose “Course” from the options.

  2. Choose the Community Organization
    Select “Bryan University Courses.”   Please note: While this option remains the same, its location on the setup page has changed.

  3. Create the Community
    Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Create Community.”

Attachments Included:

 

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out.

The Faculty Success Department

Dear Faculty,

We’d like to inform you of an important update regarding the completion of Faculty File Reports at Bryan University.

Effective this academic year, the deadline to submit Faculty File Reports is May 31.
Previously, faculty had until June 30 to complete their reports. However, this did not provide sufficient time for Victoria Clark and Valerie Akbulut to review and finalize documentation before the end of the academic year (July 1 – June 30). The updated deadline helps ensure all files are completed accurately and on time. You can view the policy in the Faculty Handbook. 

What’s Included in the Faculty File Report:

Each faculty member is required to complete or update the following:

  • Basic Employment Information

  • Description of Responsibilities

  • Academic Qualifications in the Teaching Area

  • Postsecondary Educational Background

  • Bryan University Instructor Training(s)

  • Licenses, Certifications, Affiliations, and Memberships

  • Continuing Education and Professional Development Activities

Action Required:

  1. Complete and submit your Faculty File Report by May 31.

  2. Submit this short acknowledgement form confirming you understand and agree to the new deadline policy.

Please complete the acknowledgement form no later than Friday, September 5, 2025.

Helpful Tips:

  • Complete your in-service training early.

  • Track your professional development as it happens. As you attend or present at conferences, complete certifications, participate in webinars or continuing education. Please send documentation directly to Victoria as soon as possible.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence at Bryan University. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Dear Faculty,

This is to inform you of an immediate change to our grading policy regarding unsubmitted student work.

Updated Policy (Effective Immediately):
For students with unsubmitted work, you must enter a zero in the grade book the day after the due date.

Encouraging comments are no longer required as part of this process and will no longer be reviewed during QC. However, if you would like to continue providing comments at your discretion, you are welcome to do so. (Example of an encouraging comment: “I didn’t see a submission. Please let me know how I can help. You may still submit for credit. A temporary zero has been placed to keep the gradebook current.”)

Please remember:

  • Grade books must remain current.

  • Zeros must be entered the day after the due date for any unsubmitted work.

Optional Tip:

In Canvas, you can enable the “Automatically apply grade for missing submissions” feature to streamline this process. This will automatically assign zeros after the due date for any missing work. Note that this setting only applies to assignments created directly in Canvas. It does NOT affect third-party tools such as Yellowdig, Bongo, Learnits, etc.—zeros for those must still be entered manually.

 

Thank you for your continued commitment to clear and consistent grading practices.

 

Best,

The Faculty Success Department

Dear Faculty,

We’re writing to inform you of an important update to our Live Session and Zoom Availability Policy, effective immediately.

Previously, faculty teaching live sessions were expected to open their Zoom rooms 30 minutes before the scheduled class start time. For intro courses, faculty were required to be available and on camera 30 minutes before class began, while faculty teaching non-intro courses were required to be on camera 10 minutes prior.

 

This policy has now been revised to better reflect current instructional needs and streamline preparation time.

Please review the Updated Policy:

Here is an Updated Policy Summary:

Zoom Access:
Zoom sessions will now open 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Faculty Availability:
Faculty must be on camera and available at least 10 minutes before the scheduled class start time. Arriving earlier is optional but encouraged to address any student questions prior to class.

Thank you for your continued dedication and flexibility as we enhance the learning experience for our students.

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Copyright 2025 | Bryan University | 350 West Washington Street, Tempe, AZ 85281