Resources for New and Returning Faculty
Resources from the Fall 2026 Faculty Orientation
Here are a few recommendations for new and returning faculty to help you get organized for teaching in the new semester.
Make sure you can access your accounts:
If you can’t access these accounts, and you did not teach at Queens College in the preceding semester, ask your department chair to initiate a Person of Interest (POI) ePAF to expedite account activation. Otherwise, contact the ITS Help Desk at Support@qc.cuny.edu.
Any application that uses the CUNY Login Single Sign-On (SSO) system now requires MFA. This includes both University-wide tools and college-specific platforms such as the following: Brightspace, CUNYfirst, Degreeworks, QC Navigate360, and Zoom. Instructions for setting up MFA
For more information about ITS support services, visit the Information Technology Services site.
Using CUNYfirst
- You can view your Teaching Schedule on CUNYfirst.
- Log into CUNYfirst to make sure your classes are listed correctly in CUNYfirst, including the correct mode of instruction.
- Check your class rosters to see who’s enrolled in your class.
- You can email your students from CUNYfirst.
Using Brightspace
Access your Brightspace course
- Go to Brightspace Login and log in with your CUNY Login credentials.
- If your course is not listed, check CUNYfirst and CourseDog to confirm that you were correctly added as an instructor to the course.
Remember to make your Brightspace Course Available
You can instruct your students, via an email from CUNYfirst, to contact you if they cannot see their course in Brightspace.
Add users to your Brightspace Course
- Request to Add User to a Brightspace Course (to add a Learner, Designer, Grader, or Observer)
- Adding in TAs and Instructors will be completed by your department’s administrative assistant/chair. They will add in users via CourseDog, once completed, the changes will reflect in Brightspace the next business day. The registrar will be able to assist with any issues with CourseDog enrollments. Contact your department with the full name of the user(s) you want to add as TAs/instructors, their 8 digit EMPL ID, and the course name/ID to which they need to be added.
Build your syllabus
Visit What’s in a Syllabus? for guidance on what to include and download an accessible syllabus template.
Course Materials
Submit your course adoption information through the online book store to support course accessibility and affordability.
Enter information about textbooks, alternative course materials, or select “no books required” for each of your courses.
Consider asking the library to place a copy of the materials on reserve for your class. Information on requesting reserves can be found at Reserves Information for Faculty.
Also consider consulting the CUNY Academic Calendar for important updates, deadlines, and dates when organizing your class materials and schedule. The Office of the Registrar will send reminder communications during the semester.
Reserve course materials for the next semester
For questions about Reserves, go to Reserves Information for Faculty or email qc_reserve@qc.cuny.edu.
The library’s Open Educational Resources (OER)/Zero Textbook Cost Guide has details on how they can help you find OER alternatives to commercial textbooks. For questions or assistance with OER, contact OER Coordinator Leila S. Walker at lwalker@qc.cuny.edu.
Your campus classroom
Make sure you have access to your classroom. If the room has card swipe access, make sure your QC ID card is activated. For key access, contact the QC Locksmith.
You can also contact the Main Gate Security at 718-997-5912.
Support
CETLL provides pedagogical support during our virtual Drop-in Hours. You can find the schedule and joining link at CETLL Virtual Drop-in Hours.
Email us at CTLOnline@qc.cuny.edu.
Subscribe to our email list Socrates, to receive announcements about upcoming events, workshops, and other offerings.
Bookmark the CETLL site to view our latest announcements.