Student Success Academy

Do you want  to deepen your understanding of today’s first- and second-year students, connect with colleagues who teach foundational courses, and learn strategies that help all students thrive? 

CDI and Student Success Academy Application Portal

Introducing the Student Success Academy 

May 18, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the KU Lawrence campus.

Application deadline: March 30, 2026

Register for the Student Success Academy, a new professional development experience, designed specifically for faculty and instructors who teach 100- and 200-level courses. Co-hosted by Undergraduate Education, the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the event is scheduled for Monday, May 18th from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on KU’s Lawrence campus. 

What Will You Do in the Student Success Academy? The Academy brings together experienced instructors, campus partners, and student support leaders to help you develop a comprehensive picture of your first- and second-year students. Through a mix of presentations, panels, and hands-on activities, you will learn more about how to support your students’ intellectual and personal development with actionable recommendations based on real-life results. You will also discuss strategies for addressing some of today’s greatest challenges faced by both you and your students, including community building and the use of AI. Participants will revise their syllabus and course plans to integrate student success curriculum, activities, and principals into the class.   

During the 2026-2027 academic year you’ll participate in a couple of follow-up/check-in conversations, and you’ll be asked to share the changes you made to your revised course syllabus in August (for Fall 2026 courses) or January (for Spring 2027 courses).  

Take it Further with CDI. We encourage academy participants to also apply for the Center for Teaching Excellence’s Course Design Institute (CDI), taking place May 19-21. CDI gives you dedicated time and structured support to translate what you’ve learned into your course design. Learn more about CDI on the CDI information page.

Stipends. Faculty and instructors who complete the Academy and follow-up sessions will receive a stipend that follows this structure:

  • If you complete only the Student Success Academy, you will receive $500 from UG Ed/CLAS
  • If you complete only CDI, you will receive $1000 from CTE
  • If you complete both the Student Success Academy and CDI, you will receive $2000 from UG Ed/CLAS and CTE

First Year Seminar Faculty. The stipend for participation in the academy is already included in your FYS funding. However, FYS instructors are encouraged to apply for CDI and are eligible for the $1,000 CDI stipend.  

Space in both programs is limited. 

You can use the same application to apply for one or both programs, by March 30, 2026.  

Your application should address the following:  

  1. What specific teaching challenges have you faced this last year? Which one(s) do you want to focus on during the Student Success Academy and/or CDI? 
  2. Describe an example of something you have done in your teaching to improve your students’ learning. 
  3. Which specific course will you focus on during the Student Success Academy and/or CDI? 
  4. What are your goals for participating in the program(s)? For your students and their learning? If you are applying as part of a team, please share that. 

Questions about the Student Success Academy? Contact Millinda Fowles

Questions about CDI? Contact Judy Eddy

Application Portal