Purpose

The Mid-Course Check-In is a structured conversation between the faculty member, external partner, and (when appropriate) the Design + Innovation Hub. Its purpose is to confirm that the partnership remains aligned, celebrate progress, identify any adjustments needed for the remainder of the semester, and prepare for a successful conclusion to the course. Most check-ins are brief and positive. 

Before the Meeting

Before the check-in:

• Review the original Partnered Course Outline (PCO).

• Review any notes or action items from the semester to date.

• Coordinate a meeting invitation with the partner in advance.

• Invite a representative from the Design + Innovation Hub if significant questions or concerns have emerged.

During the Meeting

Focus the conversation on four areas:

Mid-Semester Check-In

1. Progress

   1. What's working well?
   2. What has been most valuable?

2. Alignment

   1. Are expectations still aligned?
   2. Has the opportunity or scope changed?
   3. Does the remaining work still fit the course?

3. Looking Ahead

   1. What should happen during the remainder of the semester?
   2. Are there important milestones or presentations coming up?

4. Action Items

   1. Confirm any adjustments.
   2. Assign responsibilities.
   3. Identify whether Hub follow-up is needed.

Common Topics That May Arise

Many partnerships evolve during the semester. Common discussion topics include:

• Changes in project scope or priorities.

• Communication or scheduling challenges.

• Partner availability and responsiveness.

• Student access to information or feedback.

• Resource or logistical needs.

• Planning for final presentations or public sharing.

The goal is not to solve every issue during the meeting, but to identify any adjustments needed and determine whether additional support from the Design + Innovation Hub would be helpful.

When to Involve the Design + Innovation Hub

Consider involving the Hub when the conversation identifies:

• Significant changes to project scope.

• Funding or resource questions.

• Agreement or administrative issues.

• Intellectual property or confidentiality concerns.

• Communication challenges that may affect the partnership.

• Questions about continuing the work beyond the classroom.

The Hub can help coordinate institutional support so faculty can remain focused on the educational experience.

Looking Ahead

The Mid-Course Check-In is one step in the partnership lifecycle. At the end of the semester, the faculty member, external partner, and the Design + Innovation Hub will participate in the Post-Course Evaluation & Beyond the Classroom conversation to:

• Reflect on the educational experience.

• Capture lessons learned.

• Evaluate the partnership.

• Identify opportunities for continued collaboration.