Before Your Course Begins 

Early preparation ensures a smooth start for both you and your learners, sets expectations, and helps prevent issues later in the term.   

Prepare your Brightspace course at least 5 days in advance of the course start date. We will load the course content for you, after which you should update the syllabus and the Getting Started page(s), and then check rubrics, the gradebook, and links. Here’s how:

  • If you have not already done so with an instructional designer, please prepare your syllabus using the PACE Noncredit Syllabus template. [10 minutes]  To do so, please follow these steps:
    1. Download the syllabus template.
    2. Update the Course Number & Title info in the header, as well as the Semester/Year.
    3. Add your Instructor bio and contact information.
    4. Review the Course Grading section and update as necessary.
    5. Fill in the Course Schedule section.
    6. Save the file as a PDF.
    7. Upload the PDF to the course, in the spot your instructional designer indicates.
  • Review information on your Getting Started page(s) to be sure it’s accurate. [1 minute]
  • Review all content links to be sure they are current and working. [5-10 minutes]
  • Enter due dates for all graded activities in the course [5 minutes per module]: 
  • Verify that your rubrics are complete and attached to the appropriate graded items. [2 minutes]
  • Verify that your gradebook setup and weighting are correct, and that it mirrors the grading information in your syllabus. [2 minutes]
  • Subscribe to course-based notifications, if helpful. 
  • View your course as a learner to check clarity and navigation [5 minutes]: 

Need more direct help with these items? Attend one of the upcoming Brightspace Prep Sessions listed below to get live support in prepping your course. These sessions will operate like office hours, so stay for as long as you need. We’ll answer any and all questions you might have. (Click the links to attend.)