Indiana State University is committed to transforming the lives of students through a high-quality education infused with experiential learning, community engagement, and career-readiness. Our students succeed within a culture of inclusion and support that provides the skills and knowledge to impact Indiana and beyond.

Welcome to our Academic Community!

Interim Provost Bradley V. Balch, PhD

As a Part-Time Lecturer (PTL), you play a vital role in our mission to provide high-quality education and support to our students. Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another semester, we are grateful for the expertise and dedication you bring to the classroom.

This PTL Toolkit is designed to be your primary resource for navigating life at Indiana State University. From your initial HR and payroll setup to mastering Canvas and understanding university policies, this course provides the essential tools you need to succeed.

Our goal is to ensure you feel supported, informed, and connected to both your department and the broader university community. We value your contribution to student success and are committed to providing you with the professional development and resources necessary to thrive in your instructional role.

Thank you for choosing to teach at Indiana State. We look forward to a productive and successful semester together.

Brad Balch
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Indiana State University

A high-level overview of essential tasks and "need-to-know" campus information.

  • Access the employee portal to manage your contract, direct deposit, and tax documents.
  • Instructions for obtaining your Sycamore ID, securing a parking permit, and activating your university credentials.
  • Contact information for 24/7 technical assistance and campus Wi-Fi setup.
  • Stay informed on academic calendar dates, university holidays, and final grade submission deadlines.

    Quick Start Guide

We are committed to clear communication regarding your role and the professional support you will receive.

  • Role Expectations – Overview of instructional responsibilities, including syllabus adherence and regular interaction with students.
  • Evaluation – You can expect to be evaluated by way of student course ratings and program director or department chairperson evaluation. This may include direct observation of instruction or a review of course materials. 
  • Department Chair’s Checklist [LE1] – This resource indicates what a chairperson should be doing to prepare for your contributions to the department. Use this as a guide to help with what to ask for from your department chairperson.

 [LE1]Link to document

Our Learning Management System (LMS) is the primary environment for course delivery and student engagement.

  • Access your Canvas dashboard using your university-issued credentials.
  • Accessing the Syllabus & Schedule [LE1] – There is a standardized university syllabus template and course schedule. The syllabus serves as a foundational, public-facing document that outlines course objectives, required materials, and grading policies to ensure institutional consistency. In contrast, the course schedule is the dynamic, student-facing roadmap housed within the Learning Management System that actively guides learners through the week-to-week earning process. While the syllabus establishes the structural "what" and "why" of a course, the course schedule provides the essential "how" and "when," offering the granular detail, deadlines, and accountability measures necessary for daily student success.
    • You should be in consultation with the department chairperson about the course needs, including prior examples of course schedules as a guide.
  • Chat and phone support provided by Instructure.
  • A link to self-enroll in the comprehensive Part-Time Lecturer Toolkit, featuring modular "how-to" guides and the official course template.

 [LE1]Need to have external links and/or PDFs for these.

Use this step-by-step guide to ensure you are prepared before the first day of class.