Welcome, faculty! This toolkit has been designed to support you in supporting your students.
Question: How much time do you spend addressing non-content items (grammar, APA formatting, basic writing issues) in grading feedback?
Question: How many times do you feel torn because you want to encourage student to use the resources but you don't have the time to go into detail about where they are or how to use them?
This toolkit can help:
-faculty focus more on content with students; less on writing basics
-students develop better writing skills faster, leading to better grades
-students use resources more often, leading to better retention for them (and less chasing for you)
You know your students and you know how best to share these materials with them. Post, copy, and/or paste items in your courses, announcements, via email--whatever you choose. Share will all or with one--it's up to you.
This toolkit contains:
We welcome your feedback and suggestions about the Writing section of the Faculty Toolkit. Please share your insights with us so we can make the Toolkit the best it can be for you.
Week 1: Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
Week 1: Resources for the New Term
Welcome! Now that we're in Week 1, I wanted to share a few things that can help you get the best possible start on your classes.
[Option 1]: Check out our "Success Skills” webinars, where we’ll share our best advice for doing just that! Learn more about them and register here.
[Option 2] I really recommend these 30-minute webinars for some essential college tips from students who’ve been in your shoes. Check them out and register here.
[Option 3] Have you heard about the “Success Skills” webinars? They’re a great, quick resource for everything from APA Style to study habits. Learn more and register here.
Week 1: Resources for the New Term
Check out our “Success Skills” webinars and learn how to do just that! Learn more about them and register here.
I really recommend these 30-minute webinars for some essential college tips from students who’ve been in your shoes. Check them out and register here.
Have you heard about the “Success Skills” webinars? They’re a great, quick resource for everything from APA style to study habits. Learn more and register here.
Student Success Guide – Managing coursework along with work and family obligations can be a challenge. Our Student Success Guide offers great tips on time management as well as effective study skills to help you balance your time and get the most out of your classes.
Week 2: Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
“Where do I find ____?”
It can be hard to keep track of everything you need for college: eBooks, articles, websites, and the list goes on. Fortunately, there’s a single place you can check any time something slips your mind: the Resources link. From eBooks to tutor scheduling, you can access everything there:
It’s really easy to check it out: The Resources tab is the second from left on the main menu bar in the Portal.
Week 3: Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
One Simple Tool for Effortless Citations (It's True!)
If you have any questions about how to use APA Style for your paper citations, NoodleTools is the tool to use. NoodleTools is an online tool that helps you put together reference lists, annotated bibliographies and in-text citations in APA Style.
Rasmussen University students can register to have access to NoodleTools! Here's how to log in:
Once you've logged in, play around with the different options to see how NoodleTools works. If you have a specific type of citation you'd like to try right away, check out the guide put together by Library and Learning Services.
Week 4: Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
Questions about studying or writing papers? Tutoring services can help.
We're getting to that time of the quarter. The pace picks up, we start tackling harder concepts and there are more tests and assignments. It's really important to stay on top of your work, so if you have any questions about your coursework—big or small—get in touch with our tutoring services. They can make a big difference!
How to Connect with Tutoring Services for All Subjects
Week 5: Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
Week 5: Prep for Midterms
We’re almost halfway through the quarter—good work, everybody!
Of course, being nearly halfway through means it’s almost time for midterms. The good
news is we have some great resources that can make your studying and project work a lot easier. Take a look:
Guides—These guides cover most courses and every academic how-to topic, like APA Style.
Tutoring—We have some really great tutoring services. It's easy to schedule an appointment, and you can do it by phone, online, or in person.
Resources Link—Anything that's related to your courses and academics can be found here. It's good place to start looking for things that can help you study.
Week 6: Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
Week 6
Before You Start Researching …
Take a look at this five-step checklist the College has put out. Being able to say "Yes" to each of these steps—which you'll be able to do after checking out the pages they link to—will make your research so much faster and easier. Give them a try!
Research Checklist: I know how to:
Week 11: Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
Week 11: Finals
Check out this Finals FAQ
I hope that all your preparations for finals are going well. I wanted to let you know about a really great article on the Student Portal that might help your studying and paper writing. It’s called “Finals Survival Q&A.” Click here for the article and hover over the text to locate the links for a number of helpful resources.
Steps for inserting a photo into announcements:
Here's a video about the process: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD1roHi3w3
The link for the resource has also been provided below the slide for your convenience. The live link can be added below the slide photo in the announcement.
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/studentsuccessguide
Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Student Success Guide – Managing coursework along with work and family obligations can be a challenge. Our Student Success Guide offers great tips on time management as well as effective study skills to help you balance your time and get the most out of your classes.
Steps for inserting a photo into announcements:
Here's a video about the process: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD1roHi3w3
The link for the resource has also been provided below the slide for your convenience. The live link can be added below the slide photo in the announcement.
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/apa
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/124805
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
Video: How to use the Rubric
Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
Writing Guide – Don’t get the writing blues—use your writing tools (that almost rhymed)! The Writing Guide can help you no matter what stage of the writing process you’re in, be it just getting started or putting the finishing touches on a course project.
Writing Lab – Did I write a good thesis? Did I find good resources? Does my paper flow well and make sense? It can be hard to answer these questions on your own, but you can get feedback from a professional writing tutor 24 hours using the Writing Lab.
Grammarly – You’ve been working hard on your paper and are putting the finishing touches on it. But did you make a mistake? Does that comma go there? Not sure? Grammarly can help! Grammarly will check for errors in grammar, spelling, mechanics, usage, and even potential plagiarism issues. It’s available anytime you’re awake, and its feedback is lickety-split. Try it on your discussion posts and emails too—you’ll look like a grammar pro!
Video snippets
Copy and paste the link or use the embed code to have the video show (as videos below) https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faculty/faq/67144
3 Ways the Writing Guide can Help You
Video below
Emails to copy and paste
Subject: Resource Recommendation
Dear _________: The Writing Guide can save you time on your assignments. Take a look at the Writing Guide and see how you can make it work for you.
Subject: Using the Writing Rubric
Dear _________: Using this rubric as part of your writing process can help you find things to improve and directs you to the resources you need. Start in the Writing Guide and scroll down to find the Rubric.
For use within grading feedback (copy and paste)
Please use the Writing Guide for your next assignment.Click on the link and then access the (choose one) weekly written assignments, discussion posts, research papers, annotated bibliographies, PowerPoints, letters/memos, newsletters/brochures, or projects page for resources and support. https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing
Copy the code below the button you want and paste it into the Announcement Editor using the HTML icon.
Click the icon, paste the code into the box, and remove the RED brackets. Toggle the HTML icon off and the hyperlinked APA button you selected should appear in the Announcement.
APA 7th Edition Guide Button
HTML embed code
{<p><a title="APA 7th Edition Guide "href="https://guides.rasmussen.edu/APA" target="_blank"><img src="https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/778/images/APA_7th_edition_button_square.png" alt="APA 7th Ed. Guide Button" width="130 height="130" /></a></p>} |
APA 7th Edition Guide Button (toolkit)
HTML embed code
{<p><a title="APA 7th Edition Guide "href="https://guides.rasmussen.edu/APA" target="_blank"><img src="https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/778/images/APA_7th_Ed_toolbox_announcement_final.png" alt="APA 7th Ed. Guide Toolkit button" width="300 height="181" /></a></p>} |
Need more help?
Visit the LLS FAQs: Q. How do I create an HTML announcement in my course?
Steps for inserting a photo into announcements:
Here's a video about the process: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD1roHi3w3
The link for the resource has also been provided below the slide for your convenience. The live link can be added below the slide photo in the announcement.
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/apa
Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
E-resources – You’re writing a paper and need research stat. Don’t Google it—use the credible, librarian-approved e-resources!
APA Guide – APA-what-now?? Are you confused about APA formatting? This online guide tackles all topics APA and provides many wonderful resources, including an APA template, your new best friend!
NoodleTools – Learning the rules and exceptions of APA references pages and in-text citations can leave your head spinning. This citation-generation resource can take the guesswork out of APA. References page—piece of cake!
Steps for inserting a photo into announcements:
Here's a video about the process: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD1roHi3w3
The link for the resource has also been provided below the slide for your convenience. The live link can be added below the slide photo in the announcement.
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/studentsuccessguide/testtaking
Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
Freaking out about tests? Check out these resources to help you stay on your A game! We have all the resources you could want to help you prepare for that test and stay cool while taking it, plus some tips for mastering multiple-choice exams. Just click here!
You can also schedule an appointment for test-taking help with a peer mentor. For directions on how to use Tutor Match, click here. For Topic, select Success Skills, and for Subject, select Test-taking/Test Prep.
Steps for inserting a photo into announcements:
Here's a video about the process: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD1roHi3w3
The link for the resource has also been provided below the slide for your convenience. The live link can be added below the slide photo in the announcement.
Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
Tutor Match – Our tutors understand your challenges—they’re students too! Set up an appointment with a Rasmussen peer tutor online, over the phone, or on campus (where available) for course support or mentoring in topics such as time management, test-taking, and APA help.
Live Help – Did you know live help is available for some subjects in the Health Sciences field and is staffed by professional tutors with at least a master’s degree? There’s even 24/7 math support! Check out the Tutoring Schedule to see when you can connect live with a professional tutor for help in your areas.
Learning Express and SkillSurfer – Want to brush up on your PowerPoint skills, get a refresher on grammar, or maybe prepare for a certification exam? You can do all three and more using the Learning Express database and/or SkillSurfer! Just click on the name of each resource to link to more information.
Steps for inserting a photo into announcements:
Here's a video about the process: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD1roHi3w3
The link for the resource has also been provided below the slide for your convenience. The live link can be added below the slide photo in the announcement.
Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
Answers: FAQs for the Rasmussen Community – How can I change my schedule? Learn how to use my e-textbook? Order new scrubs? Find the archive for my live lecture? You have questions, and we’ve got Answers! Answers to just about any question you can think of can be found in our Answers database.
Live Chat – Did you know you can connect with a librarian LIVE to help with tough research and APA questions? Click on the link to find out more!
Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
As the term goes on, assignments get more challenging, and big due dates loom. Don’t fret! Here are some resources to help you overcome stress and take back control.
You can also schedule an appointment for time management help with a peer mentor. For directions on how to use Tutor Match, click here. For Topic, select Success Skills, and for Subject, select Time Management.
Text to copy and paste within Announcements
Choose the resources you'd like to include in your announcement.
Webinars – Our webinars cover APA help, writing, research, career, and even learning skills! Can’t make a webinar but still need the info? Check out our archives by clicking here.
We know transitioning into college can be tough, especially when there is so much information out there. Why not learn not just how to be a great student, but how to be a great Rasmussen student. Just click on any link below to watch an archived webinar on that topic.
Student Success:
Research:
APA:
You can also schedule an appointment for APA help with a peer mentor. For directions on how to use Tutor Match, click here. For Topic, select Success Skills, and for Subject, select APA.
The webinars listed above are just sample of everything we have to offer. Check out our webinar guides for a full list of offerings. If our live sessions don’t fit your schedule, view archives by clicking here.
Text to copy and paste within Announcements
LLS YouTube channel – Need a quick rundown of the library databases, APA formatting, or using Grammarly? Check out the LLS YouTube Channel for short tutorials on these topics and more! You can access LLS YouTube videos through the LLS Video Guide.
Steps for inserting a photo into announcements:
Here's a video about the process: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD1roHi3w3
The link for the resource has also been provided below the slide for your convenience. The live link can be added below the slide photo in the announcement.
https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/106283
Text to copy and paste with image:
Have you ever wanted to study with a classmate, but they don’t live close by? Now you can! Use the MEET session tool to schedule an online study session with your peer(s).
A MEET session allows you to study with other students online in a private study room. You can schedule meetings in the online classroom and invite others to join you to study for tests, work through homework concepts, or work on group projects.
To create a session, follow the steps below or visit our answer at https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/106283
Select “MEET” under “Study” in the Brainfuse platform.
Invite your participants and pick a time to meet.
Once you press “send”, a link to enter the online room will be emailed to your participants.
We hope you enjoy meeting with your classmates in this virtual classroom! It’s helpful to be able to write and draw on a shared whiteboard to work through difficult concepts or to study for tests. Just a friendly reminder, to be sure to always respect and abide by the plagiarism polices of Rasmussen University when studying in groups.
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Check out these sites and more for free images & sound files on the School of Design Guide!
Insert the image below into your announcement, and set the image to link here: https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/167429
Or, if you prefer, you can put in the HTML code so the link is already there for you. Copy and paste the code below:
<p><a href="https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/167429"><img src="//libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/70874/images/shushingbanner.png" alt="21st century librarians do a lot more than shushing. If you need help with research, the librarians have you covered! Click here to make an appointment." width="650" height="363" /></a></p>
Insert the image below into your announcement, and set the image to link here: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/studentsuccessguide
Or, if you prefer, you can put in the HTML code so the link is already there for you. Copy and paste the code below:
<p><a href="https://guides.rasmussen.edu/studentsuccessguide" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/70874/images/SSGbanner.png" alt="Feeling stressed? Being a new student can feel overwhelming, but the Student Success Guide can help! Click here to see all the resources you need, together in one place!" width="650" height="363" /></a></p>
Insert the image below into your announcement, and set the image to link here: https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/32816
Or, if you prefer, you can put in the HTML code so the link is already there for you. Copy and paste the code below:
<p><a href="https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/32816" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="//libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/70874/images/tutoringbanner.png" alt="Tutoring is available! Need help with assignments? Don't know where to start? Click here to connect with a student tutor!" width="650" height="363" /></a></p>
Insert the image below into your announcement, and set the image to link here: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing
Or, if you prefer, you can put in the HTML code so the link is already there for you. Copy and paste the code below:
<p><a href="https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/70874/images/writingguidebanner.png" alt="Writing is a skill. Hone it using the multitude of resources available in our writing guide. Click here to get started!" width="650" height="363" /></a></p>
General info statements you can copy and paste
Writing Guide – Don’t get the writing blues—use your writing tools (that almost rhymed)! The Writing Guide can help you no matter what stage of the writing process you’re in, be it just getting started or putting the finishing touches on a course project.
Writing Lab – Did I write a good thesis? Did I find good resources? Does my paper flow well and make sense? It can be hard to answer these questions on your own, but you can get feedback from a professional writing tutor 24 hours using the Writing Lab.
Grammarly – You’ve been working hard on your paper and are putting the finishing touches on it. But did you make a mistake? Does that comma go there? Not sure? Grammarly can help! Grammarly will check for errors in grammar, spelling, mechanics, usage, and even potential plagiarism issues. It’s available anytime you’re awake, and its feedback is lickety-split. Try it on your discussion posts and emails too—you’ll look like a grammar pro!
Steps for inserting a photo into announcements:
Here's a video about the process: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD1roHi3w3
The link for the resource has also been provided below the slide for your convenience. The live link can be added below the slide photo in the announcement.
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/124805
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing/
Video: How to use the Rubric
Video snippets
Copy and paste the link or use the embed code to have the video show (as videos below) https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faculty/faq/67144
3 Ways the Writing Guide can Help You
Video below
Using the Writing RUBRIC
Video below
Using the Writing Lab in Brainfuse
Video below
Emails
Subject: Resource Recommendation
Dear _________: The Writing Guide can save you time on your assignments. Take a look at the Writing Guide and see how you can make it work for you.
Subject: Using the Writing Rubric
Dear _________: Using this rubric as part of your writing process can help you find things to improve and directs you to the resources you need. Start in the Writing Guide and scroll down to find the Rubric.
For use within grading feedback (copy and paste)
Please use the Writing Guide for your next assignment.Click on the link and then access the (choose one) weekly written assignments, discussion posts, research papers, annotated bibliographies, PowerPoints, letters/memos, newsletters/brochures, or projects page for resources and support. https://guides.rasmussen.edu/writing
Business Guide - This online guide has all things Business, including links to library resources, writing support, tutoring information, and much more!
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/business/ - Program overview
Design Guide –This online guide has all things Design, including links to resources, course-specific help, tutoring support, and much more!
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/ - Program Guide
Health Sciences Guide –This online guide has all things Health Sciences, including links to resources, course-specific help, tutoring support, and much more!
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/- Program guide
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/justice-studies/ - Program guide
Steps for inserting a photo into announcements:
Here's a video about the process: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD1roHi3w3
The link for the resource has also been provided below the slide for your convenience. The live link can be added below the slide photo in the announcement.
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/- Program guide
Steps for inserting a photo into announcements:
Here's a video about the process: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cD1roHi3w3
The link for the resource has also been provided below the slide for your convenience. The live link can be added below the slide photo in the announcement.
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/nursing
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/nursing/learningskills
https://guides.rasmussen.edu/nursing/teasnclex
Technology Guide –This online guide has all things Technology, including links to resources, course-specific help, tutoring support, and much more!
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/- Program guide
Have you ever thought to yourself...
"This student is really solid with assignments. I wish other students were more like him/her" or "This student is offering peers ideas for excellent resources in my class"? If so, that student may make a wonderful peer Tutor!
As faculty, you are in a wonderful position to refer students for a possible Tutoring positions. Who has more insight about the academic strengths of your students that you do? Who has a better handle on how all of your students can benefit from collaboration with a Tutor? No one.
Below, you'll find all the information you'll need about this process:
Reach out to your program's Learning Services Coordinator with any questions or referrals (listed below).
Cassandra Feidt, Learning Services Coordinator for the School of Business
Tammy Hopps, Learning Services Coordinator for the Schools of Education and General Education
Kristie Keuntjes, Learning Services Coordinator for the School of Nursing
Bethany Marston, Learning Services Coordinator for the School of Justice Studies
Bonnie Ostrand, Learning Services Coordinator for the Schools of Technology and Design
Anna Phan, Learning Services Coordinator for the School of Health Sciences
Check out the rest of the Tutor Referral Information in the box below.
Also, the link below has the complete information about Faculty Tutor Referral in a file form.
What are the Benefits of Rasmussen's Tutor Training Program?
What are some tips for identifying a potential tutor?
How can I get the word out to my students about applying to be a tutor?
There are some simple and easy ways for you to spread the word about and help generate the interest of potential tutors. The most convenient are:
1. Posting a course announcement twice per term
Here’s a sample of a course announcement that you can copy and paste:
Are you interested in a part-time job as a Rasmussen Tutor?
Applications are currently being accepted for students in all programs!
The Rasmussen University Tutoring Program is certified through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), providing tutors with training and eventual Level 1, CRLA Certification.(*Employers love to see this on a resume!)
The pay rate is 16 dollars per hour and depending on eligibility, tutors may work up to 29 hours per week.
The positions are open to both campus-based and online students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Click on this link to fill out an application: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/WorkStudy
Once your application is received and if you are eligible for the program, the Learning Services Coordinator associated with your program may be in touch to schedule an interview.
2. Personal outreach through email
Here’s a sample of a personal outreach email that you can copy and paste:
Hi Student,
I appreciate your contributions in the course and based on your performance and engagement, I think you would make a great tutor! The tutor program at Rasmussen University is certified through the College Reading and Learning Association and tutors who successfully complete the requirements are eligible to earn Level 1 Tutor Certification. The program assists in building leadership skills and also helps you stay current on course material. If you are interested, you can find more information as well as how to apply via the following link: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/WorkStudy
Click on the link below for some samples that you can easily copy and paste.
What happens after I refer a student for tutoring?
In the tutors' own words...