Navigating IUB: New Faculty Guide

Navigating innovation and research at IU

August 5, 2025

Welcome to the Hoosier family! We're thrilled you've chosen Indiana University—a place where innovation meets tradition, and where our commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and research runs deep. 

As the newest members of our faculty community, you're joining a university that has been a national leader in educational technology for decades. Our Learning Technologies (LT) team is excited to support your success from day one.  Whether you're interested in becoming a Faculty Fellow in Learning Analytics, Extended Reality, Digital Literacy, Generative AI, or Active Learning, or you simply want to connect with colleagues through our popular "speed dating" events and teaching center workshops, we've got you covered. 

IU's teaching tools are truly unparalleled. From Canvas and Top Hat to Kaltura, Gradescope,  Ally, and our comprehensive IU eTexts program, you'll have everything you need to create engaging, accessible, and innovative learning experiences. Our state-of-the-art classrooms are designed for active learning, as you'll see from our Classroom Database. 

Beyond teaching tools, you'll have access to our full enterprise software suite, including Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud, and cutting-edge AI tools like Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT to enhance both your teaching and research. For research endeavors, Indiana University's technology resources span from powerful supercomputers to specialized software like NVivo, ArcGIS, and SPSS. Plus, the UITS Support Center and our dedicated local IT support staff—embedded right in your college or school—are always ready to help you navigate any challenge. 

We can't wait to see the incredible contributions you'll make to our Hoosier community. Here's to innovation, collaboration, and great things ahead! 

 

Warmly yours,  

Anne Leftwich, PhD 
Barbara B. Jacobs Chair in Education and Technology 
Professor, Instructional Systems Technology, School of Education 
Adjunct Professor, Computer Science 
Associate Vice President for Learning Technologies, UITS 

Technology Support is just a click away

University Information Technology Services (UITS) provides extensive resources to support teaching, learning, and research at IU. From cost-saving options like IU eTexts to accessibility tools like Ally to day-to-day apps like OneDrive for storage and Teams for calls and meetings, they're designed to further your success and your students' success. 

To stay current, subscribe to messages from the Faculty Liaison for UITS Learning Technologies. These short, biweekly updates include tips and tricks for getting the most out of teaching with tech, early announcements about faculty pilots and fellowship opportunities, and highlights on events like Teaching Gen Z. 

Also keep an eye out for the latest ProfBox in your campus mailbox. Each month, you'll receive a fresh round of tech tips and creative ideas for connecting with students. 

Exploring Generative AI 

Generative AI (GenAI) is a hot topic. IU offers two free, self-paced workshops—GenAI in the Classroom and GenAI Essential Skills—to help you feel more at ease navigating the use of GenAI in your classes. For tips on making the most of GenAI at IU, visit AI at IU. 

Support for inclusive, evidence-based teaching 

Teaching.IU is your hub for practical, faculty-informed strategies. Explore sections on delivering content, engaging students, assessing learning, and using GenAI.

Note: New rules concerning Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act 

On April 24, 2026, all digital course materials, including content in the Canvas learning management system, must comply with new federal rules around accessibility. Review the "Minimum digital accessibility guidelines for IU courses" IU Knowledge Base article to ensure your materials meet the new requirements. 

Need help? We’re here for you. 

Get answers about IT at IU from the IU Knowledge Base or contact the Support Center for tech help. The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning offers personalized consultations on course design and instructional technologies, as well as professional development opportunities. And the IT Training team offers custom training sessions for groups and classes and no-cost access to LinkedIn Learning. 

Upcoming Events for New Faculty

See more events from OVPFAA