SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The University of St. Martin (USM) hosted its first faculty training session for the new semester on Saturday, August 29, bringing together new and returning faculty members teaching within the University’s degree programs.
The session served as both a refresher for returning faculty and an introduction for new faculty to USM’s online platforms, resources, and digital tools. It formed part of the University’s continued commitment to supporting faculty and maintaining consistency and quality across its academic programs.
Led by Assistant Head of Hospitality and Business Division, Ms. Karen Hana, the session provided practical guidance on navigating Moodle, USM’s online platform, including managing course materials, assignments, and other resources available to support teaching and learning.
Faculty also reviewed the use of Turnitin as part of the assignment and grading process, including how the platform can assist in checking the originality of student work, identifying potential plagiarism, and providing feedback.
The discussion reinforced the importance of academic integrity, and the role faculty members play in helping students understand responsible academic practices. For returning faculty, the session provided an opportunity to refresh their knowledge of the platforms and ask questions, while new faculty were guided through the systems and resources they will use throughout the semester. USM recognizes that continued professional development is essential as teaching, learning and technology continue to evolve.
A second faculty training session is therefore being planned, with a focus on artificial intelligence and its responsible and effective use in the classroom. The upcoming session will explore ways faculty can incorporate AI into teaching and learning while maintaining academic standards, encouraging critical thinking and guiding students in its ethical use.
During Saturday’s session, USM Head of Marketing Shobhan Giterson also introduced the University’s new branded faculty wear and official faculty ID cards. All faculty members are expected to have a valid USM ID card as part of the University’s efforts to strengthen campus identification, security, professionalism, and institutional pride.
The introduction of the branded wear and ID cards also supports a more unified and recognizable USM identity, both on campus and when faculty members represent the University within the wider community. Through initiatives such as these, USM continues to invest in its faculty and strengthen the quality of its academic delivery.
USM looks forward to continuing its faculty development program throughout the academic year, creating opportunities for faculty to remain current, share knowledge and strengthen the overall student learning experience.
