The new academic year is fast approaching, and course preparations are either underway or on everyone’s mind. We begin every semester, every year, wanting all our courses to go well. Even more importantly, we want our students engaged and learning. And they begin each new course with high hopes. They want it to be one they “like,” taught by a teacher who cares. The challenge for teachers and students is moving forward and staying connected. Below are pieces of advice on beginnings that keep everyone traveling together in the direction of learning, activities to help you implement that advice, and links to other relevant articles within the Teaching Professor archives.