Facilitating Academic Support and Training (FAST)
The Facilitating Academic Support and Training (FAST) Program is designed to support staff members and administrators in developing and refining their facilitation and presentation skills. This program is ideal for those who design and deliver educational experiences, such as workshops, webinars, and training sessions, as well as those who present information sharing sessions.
The program is offered annually in the Spring.
Registration for the Spring/Summer 2026 program is now closed.
In order to earn the FAST Program completion badge, you must:
- Attend all four (4) synchronous sessions
- Complete four (4) short post-session assessments with a passing grade
- Deliver a short facilitation presentation (~10 minutes)
By the end of this program, you will be able to:
- Design a synchronous educational experience, such as a training session, workshop, or webinar, with clear learning outcomes and activities.
- Deliver content in a way that is accessible, engaging, and inclusive, following the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
- Apply professional and inclusive communication strategies to support effective instruction and facilitation.
FAST consists of four (4) synchronous online sessions, from May 12 until June 23.
All sessions take place on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- May 12 – Session 1: Facilitating Learning in Professional Environments
- May 26 – Session 2: Designing with the End in Mind
- June 9 – Session 3: Engaging Audiences Across Modalities
- June 23 – Session 4: Presenting with Purpose
When will the next program be offered?
The Facilitating Academic Support and Training (FAST) program will be offered annually in the spring term. The next cohort will run in Spring 2027.
Who can participate in this program?
This program is open to all staff members and administrators at Ontario Tech University who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills related to teaching, learning, and student support.
Is there a cost to enroll in FAST?
No. There is no cost to participate in the Facilitating Academic Support and Training (FAST) porgram for members of the Ontario Tech community.
What is the time commitment?
Participants will attend one (1) synchronous session (approximately 1.5 hours) every two weeks between May and June. Following each session, participants will complete a short workbook-based assessment, which may require an additional 1-3 hours of independent work.
Is there a final assessment?
Yes. Participants will deliver a final presentation in July that allows them to reflect on and apply what they have learned throughout the program. Additional details and expectations will be shared during the program.
Do you have more questions?
Please contact instructionalsupport@ontariotechu.ca if you have any questions about the program or would like additional information.