Questions Frequently Asked By Part-Time lecturers
Part-Time Lecturer Memo
Where is my classroom?
The name of your classroom can be determined using the USC class schedule, which is updated each semester. Once you know the room number (e.g., KAP 167), refer to the USC campus map for locating the building. Please report any errors or changes in classroom to ceedept@usc.edu
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How can I park on the USC campus?
You are responsible for your own parking, and will need to get a parking permit from the USC parking office, which is located in Parking Structure A. For additional instructions, please refer to the
USC transportation facilities
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What kind of audiovisual equipment does my classroom have?
USC computer services (ITS) maintains a list of all classroms with audiovisual tools. You will need an video cable to connect your laptop to ourLCD projector, and a RJ45 ethernet cable if you like to access the Internet. Both cables can be obtained from the Department (KAP210) at the beginning of each semester.
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Whom to contact in the Department?
For textbook and other student affairs: Irene Soloff, soloff@usc.edu (213 740 0587)
For payroll: Tessie Jamanila, jamanila@usc.edu (213 740 0606)
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Where is my mailbox?
Your mailbox is located in KAP 213, the small room next to the main office of the Civil and Engineering department.
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What is a Blackboard?
Blackboard is a powerful, yet simple to use, instructional tool for exchanging information with your students. With Blackboard you can download your syllabus, upload your assignments, download and collect your student homework, and post your grades. All instructors are issued a Blackboard account and password by the Student Affairs. In case your course has been assigned a TA, your TA can assist you with Blackboard. Please request a Blackboard account as soon as your courses is scheduled so that you can practice with Blackboard. Additional information including video are available from the
Blackboard Website.
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Am I required to use Blackboard?
It is strongly recommended that you use Blackboard, as it will faciliate the exchange of information between you and your students.
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How to manage my USC Email account?
All part-time lecturers are provided with a USC email account free of charge.
Tessie Jamanila should set up your email accounts when you sign up your part-time lecturer contract. Please check with Tessie for your email address. Please refer to our instructions on
how to configure your email account, including
how to forward your USC email to another email account, and
how to set up a spam filter on your USC mail.
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Do I really need to use my USC email account when I already have my own?
Yes you do need to use your USC email account as a USC part-time lecturer! This departmental policy ensures consistent and unique email addresses for all USC faculty and part-time lecturers. If you are concerned about having multiple email accounts or receiving junk mail, please check our instructions on how to forward USC mail to your alternate account, and how to set up a spam filter on your USC mail.
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What are the rights and responsabilities of part-time lecturers?
The rights and responsabilities of part-time lecturers are described in the USC Faculty Handbook.
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What procedures should I follow if I catch students cheating in my class?
The procedures for reporting a case of academic integrity violation are clearly explained in the
Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards. Please contact the Department Chair is you have any questions and concerns.
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How can I get help for class preparation, including xeroxing and scanning?
Starting in July 2006, the Department provides secretarial assistance to all part-time lecturers. Secretarial assistance is proved by two student workers in KAP 209 between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. It is recommended that you to contact directly these student workers if your have xeroxing or other tasks to be performed.
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What is DEN?
DEN is the Distance Educational network of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Through DEN you can reach students through state-of-the-art E-learning facilties. Additional information on DEN can be obtained from the
DEN Website. The Department has presently four MS programs on DEN.
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What kind of evaluation will my course subjected to?
All courses are subjected to the same types of mandatory evaluation during the last two-three weeks of class. There are three evalution tests for undergraduate courses, and two evaluation tests for graduate courses. All these evaluations are mandatory procedures that cannot be skipped under any reasons.
- Course evaluation: In due time, you will receive a memo from the Student Affairs to inform you about your course evaluation procedure. As explained in that memo, you will need to appoint a student to adminster the course evaluation. It is strongly recommended that you leave the room while the students fill out the evaluation forms so that you do not interfere in this evaluation process.
- Teaching Assistant evaluation: In addition to the course evaluation, which applies to the course and its instructor, there is a Teaching Assistant (TA) evaluation for evaluating the performance of the Teaching Assistant. TA evaluation applies only to courses that have a TA. All TA evaluations are administered by Chi-Epsilon.
- ABET evaluation: All undergraduate courses are subjected to the ABET survey (graduate courses are not). The purpose of that survey is to determine (1) how well the students understand the material covered in class, and (2) whether the class fulfill its objectives as defined in its syllabus. You should request a copy of the ABET survey at the beginnnig of the semester to ensure that the survey questions are consistent with your syllbaus. Please report immediately any discrepancies to the Student Affairs. Return to top
Is there any ABET requirements for my course?
Only undergraduate courses (levels 100 to 400) are subjectd to the ABET survey. If you teach an undergraduate course, please
download the End-of-Course ABET survey corresponding to your course. Please contact the student affairs if you cannot find the ABET survey corresponding to your course.
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Where can I hold office hours and prepare for class?
Part-time lecturers may hold office hours in KAP 230D. They may also use KAP 209 for class preparation. The Department is presently making some effort to expand the office space for our part-time lecturers.
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