Course Design Institute

A program to help you design, refresh or reimagine your courses for deeper learning and engagement

May 17-19, 2023

Application deadline: March 31, 2023

KU faculty are invited to attend CTE’s Course Design Institute, a collegial, hands-on program for instructors who want to develop engaging and effective courses for today’s KU students. The CDI is designed to give faculty time, space and support for reflecting on and reimagining their courses to help all students thrive and develop skills they will need for their futures. You will work in small groups with faculty from various disciplines, as well as with institute facilitators and colleagues who have successfully implemented changes in their teaching. By the end of CDI, you will have a plan for designing or refining a course in the coming year and documenting results of your teaching project.

This year, we are particularly interested in supporting small groups of faculty members from the same department so that CDI would be an opportunity for them to work together to align their courses.

What will you do during CDI?

  • Explore what we know about the current and future needs of KU students, and the implications for our teaching
  • Develop assignments and instructional activities that engage today’s students in deep and meaningful learning, and that work best with your course modality (e.g., in-person, online, hybrid)
  • Identify strategies for creating a motivating and inclusive climate for learning
  • Develop time-efficient strategies for evaluating student learning
  • Connect with a community of colleagues from across the university with similar interests and experiences
  • Learn about KU resources that can help you enhance or support your courses

After you complete the program, you will create a poster about your course to document and showcase your teaching project and its impact on students. And as a CDI participant, in FY24 you will receive a $1000 fund you can use for materials or travel (non-taxable), or an overload payment (taxable).

When is CDI?

You will meet in person on the Lawrence campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 17, 18, and 19. Before and during CDI, you will complete readings and short writings. In the afternoons of May 17-19, you should reserve time for CDI work—individually, with your small group, or with institute facilitators (your choice). Participants will also attend a follow-up session in Fall 2023.

Who can apply?

Faculty (including teaching specialists, teaching professors, and multi-term lecturers) from any department or academic program on the KU Lawrence or Edwards campuses may apply. Please note space will be limited.

How do I apply?

Submit an application using Qualtircs or the form at the bottom of this page.

Apply by March 31, 2023

The 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 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 CDI?
  4. What are your goals for participating in this program? For your students and their learning?

Applications will be reviewed in early April. Watch for a notification in mid-April.

Questions? Contact Judy Eddy at jeddy@ku.edu.