The Learning and Teaching Matters newsletter provides just in time resources to support academics and professional staff. Keep up to date with current news and resources through the latest edition below.
The Learning and Teaching Matters newsletter provides just in time resources to support academics and professional staff. Keep up to date with current news and resources through the latest edition below.
Preparing for the upcoming assessment period ahead can feel daunting, however CEI are proud to be leading initiatives, and collaborating with other directorates to enhance the experience for both staff and students. We encourage all staff to familiarise themselves with the Assignment Extension Tool and discuss its use with their students. It is also important that teaching staff engage appropriately with the process for reporting potential academic misconduct, revisit the information here.
Wishing you all the best for the remainder of Semester 1 and the current teaching period. HELTA offer support and guidance on a number of topics and professional development opportunities. If you need support with an aspect of your learning and teaching, please get in touch at CEI@acu.edu.au.
Professor Anthony Whitty
Director, CEI
ACU has streamlined the assignment extension process across ACU and ACU Online (ACUO) with the new Assignment Extension tool in Canvas. Students can request a 72-hour extension for eligible assignments directly in Canvas, with automatic approval and instant confirmation via email. This ensures consistency, transparency, and reduced email traffic for staff.
Staff with the role of Editing Lecturer (ACU) or Course Coordinator/LIC (ACUO) can view approved extensions via the Assignment Extension menu in the Canvas course navigation.
All other cases including requests for more than 72 hours, ineligible assessment types (e.g. group tasks, exams, in-class tests), or late submissions must use the Special Consideration process.
Students with an Education Inclusion Plan (EIP) should follow this three-stage process if they require additional time for assessments:
Students should not request extensions by email. Staff Canvas guides and tutorials are available in Service Central and support for students is available in AskACU.
Interactive Oral Assessments
Join us on Thursday 22 May for an exciting and informative webinar on Interactive Oral (IO) assessments - an innovative assessment model that is gaining traction across diverse disciplines and program levels. Danielle Logan-Fleming will share its pedagogical foundations, tips on practical implementation, and real-world examples.
Grants and Awards
Applications for the 2025 Teaching Development Grants (TDGs) and Awards and Citations are now open. We recently hosted information sessions for both schemes; you can now revisit each of the recordings:
The Student Advocacy Service is a key resource offering support and guidance to students in challenging academic or personal matters. The Service is running an information session designed to provide staff with a clearer understanding of the scope of support available to students.
Session covers:
Whether you don't know anything about the Student Advocacy Service or simply want a refresher, this session will equip you with the knowledge to confidently connect students to the support they need.
Connect & Refer: A Staff Guide to Student Advocacy
Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Time: 2:00 - 3:00pm
Location: Online
Please download the calendar file to add the event to your Outlook calendar. The meeting invitation includes the Microsoft Teams link.
This session will be recorded for any staff who are unable to attend live. For more information, contact advocacy.service@acu.edu.au.
Marking this semester?
The Academic Skills Unit recently developed and released a set of standard comment libraries to support academics with assessment marking. These ready-to-use feedback comments can be copied directly into Canvas SpeedGrader and link to Academic Skills online resources that help students build key writing micro-skills.
Dr Rhonda Siu and Associate Professor Georgia Clarkson are now seeking feedback to help refine the libraries. Academics, including academic developers and those involved in Equity and Pathway programs, who have used at least one of the standard comments in their marking are encouraged to participate in a research study.
To express interest in participating, please contact Dr Rhonda Siu at rhonda.siu@acu.edu.au.
Project title: 'Enhancing feedback literacy in higher education: Refining standard-comment libraries based on teaching staff's perceptions of their effectiveness' (2024-3132E).
Copyright, Copyright and AI and Intellectual Property - Navigating Legal Challenges in Research and Practice
Join us for an engaging workshop exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and copyright in academic work. As AI tools become increasingly embedded in research, teaching, and creative practice, new legal and ethical questions arise.
This session will unpack common scenarios where AI is used, such as generating text, images, or data analysis and examine the implications for copyright, authorship, and intellectual property. We'll discuss who owns AI-generated content, how to responsibly use copyrighted material in AI training and outputs, and what legal precedents are emerging in this fast-changing area.
Whether you're using AI for writing, coding, teaching, or research, this workshop will provide practical guidance and foster critical discussion.
Date: Thursday 22 May 2025
Time: 10:30am (AEST)
Location: Online
The session is open to staff across all disciplines.
Advance HE is running a series of webinars and workshops throughout May and June. As an access member institution of Advance HE, all ACU staff can become members at no cost. Simply activate your Advance HE account before registering for the sessions linked below.
Webinar: Student Success Through Belonging: Lessons from QILT and Best Practice
20 May, 3pm AEST
Faciltated by Juliet Morgan, Advance HE with presenters from Curtin University and UNSW
This session explores QILT insights on student experience and success, with a focus on belonging and student voice. Hear best practices from institutions across Australia.
Senior and principal fellowship online workshops
Faciltated by Deanne Gannaway, Associate Professor, The University of Queensland and Dr Ian Davis, Associate Professor and Dean of Higher Education, Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
If you have any questions about Advance HE Fellowships, please email
Fellowships.CEI@acu.edu.au.
The International Student Barometer (ISB), conducted in partnership with Etio Global, provides essential insights into our international students' experiences. It helps us evaluate and improve all aspects of the international student journey, from application to academic and social integration.
Gathering comprehensive feedback is crucial to meet the evolving needs of our diverse student body. We need your assistance to encourage all international students participate in this important survey.
Key details:
The feedback from this survey is instrumental in shaping our strategic initiatives and ensuring the ongoing excellence of the international student experience at ACU.
Your support in this endeavour is greatly appreciated. Contact Bronwyn Bartsch if you have any questions.
| Assoc Professor Jennifer Carpenter | Associate Dean Learning Teaching and Governance, Faculty of Education and Arts |
| Dr Ian Elmer | Acting Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy |
| Assoc Professor Stephen Guinea | Associate Dean, Learning, Teaching and Professional Experience, Faculty of Health Sciences |
| Assoc Professor Bhavani Sridharan | Associate Dean (Learning Teaching and Accreditation), Faculty of Law and Business |
Visit Service Central to access Corporate Services.