Events

The Targeted Teaching Transformation (T3) program is open to any Penn State instructor(s) of record, working as individuals or in small groups. The T3 program pairs you with an expert coach, who will work with you to identify and meet your teaching transformation goals. You will receive up to 10 hours of individual, one-on-one coaching (in person and virtual sessions available) you schedule at your convenience over the fall semester. You will have access to a host of T3 resources. You will receive a certificate of completion suitable for inclusion in your Faculty Activity Report. Instructors will apply through a short online form. Application deadline is September 16, 2024. Priority will be given to instructors designing courses to be taught during the 2024-25 academic year. Accepted participants will be notified by September 19, 2024.

Some examples of goals you could achieve through the T3 program are: adopting alternate forms of grading, planning to teach in a different modality, redesigning assignments, redesigning a course you inherited to make it your own, redesigning your course for more students, and much more.

Apply here: https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0pjr3vsWLsjeRn0

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

This endorsement is part of the Provost Endorsement Program.

This endorsement engages experienced instructors in implementing inclusive and equitable teaching in their current or upcoming course(s).  This program assumes participants already understand the need for inclusive and equitable practices. Eligible participants must have teaching responsibilities in the current or upcoming academic year so that they can most immediately benefit from the content of the program by applying program concepts to their teaching. Participants will revise a syllabus or assignments for future use, reflect on their teaching based on student feedback and peer interactions, and consider how they might cultivate belonging in their courses.  Once participants have registered, they will be added to a Canvas course and connected with a SITE faculty consultant. 

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

This Universal Design for Learning (UDL) course is self-directed and asynchronous. The course provides an introduction to the rationale for UDL, supporting research, applications of UDL. We welcome instructors and designers who embrace student variability, strive for equity, and seek to empower students. Participants will explore UDL terms, principles, structures, and applications, and ways to adapt teaching practices.

Facilitated by Mary Ann Tobin, this course is a collaboration between the Schreyer Institute and World Campus Online Faculty Development.

Visit the UDL course page to enroll before December 6, 2024. You will have 60 days to complete the course.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Good teaching involves planning, lots of it and at every level. This online, self-directed workshop, open to all new instructors at Penn State, is offered at the start of each semester through Canvas, Penn State’s learning management system.

This self directed workshop will provide you with a brief introduction to the resources and strategies that are crucial to good teaching and planning.

Registration for the Spring 2025 course will open Monday, December 9, 2024 and close at noon on Wednesday, February 26th. The course will open for completion January 13, 2025 and close February 28th, 2025. 

Registered participants will receive a registration confirmation immediately, followed by an email within two business days upon start of the course with Canvas access instructions.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.  

The Instructional Foundations Series is for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and instructors from all disciplines who have never taught at the university level (other than grading experience) prior to participation. The series is designed to provide people new to college teaching with some basic ideas they can use in their first teaching experience. The series includes 3 workshops focusing on best practices from the literature on teaching and learning, plus an assignment in which participants discuss teaching techniques with an experienced instructor in their discipline. For additional details, see https://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/instructionalfoundations

Do you find it difficult to engage in reflection or don't know where to start? In this interactive workshop, participants will consider the role of reflection at different moments before, during, and after the semester. We will discuss how our own beliefs about teaching, experiences in our classrooms, and feedback we receive from students and peers can serve as rich sources for reflection, self-assessment, and personal and professional growth. You will leave with strategies you can use to engage in the reflective process. Those who will craft a self-reflection for annual review or dossier purposes may find this workshop to be a good starting point for that process. Please join us.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

In this brief session, participants will explore the foundational role of accessible course design in fostering a sense of belonging by learning why accessibility matters, understanding the basics of accessible course design, and discovering strategies for discussing accommodations with students, supported by IT accessibility resources.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Join this sparkshop to discover practical ways to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom during the early weeks of the semester. Explore strategies like crafting inclusive syllabi, using engaging icebreakers, and setting norms that reflect DEAIB principles.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Did you know that students who feel a strong sense of belonging are more likely to thrive academically and personally? In this dynamic and interactive session, we will dive into practical strategies to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom where every student feels valued and connected. Join us to explore how fostering a sense of belonging can transform your course and positively impact your students’ success throughout the semester.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

IT Accessibility created a repository of accessible Word syllabus templates that you can use to quickly build an accessible syllabus. In this demonstration, participants will learn about the templates and basic accessibility techniques that can be applied to other academic or professional documents.

Registration will close 1 hour before the event starts. Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least 1 hour before the event.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

In this brief Sparkshop session, we will discuss how we can use student feedback and reflections as well as perspective taking activities to support an inclusive and welcoming learning environment.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

In this brief Sparkshop session, we will discuss strategies we can use to support student wellbeing as well as our own wellbeing as instructors.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

The Inclusive and Ethical Pedagogy Series explores how instructors might implement inclusive and ethical pedagogy, as described in the Elements of Effective Teaching. This session focuses on the syllabus as a tool to support student learning and success. Panelists will discuss their own research on students’ perceptions of the syllabus (at Penn State), recommendations for creating accessible syllabi based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and how to create equity-minded Syllabi that foster students’ sense of belonging and support a growth mindset. Participants are invited to share their own questions and experiences.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Sponsored by The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence and the Equity Pedagogy Network

This Universal Design for Learning (UDL) course is self-directed and asynchronous. The course provides an introduction to the rationale for UDL, supporting research, applications of UDL. We welcome instructors and designers who embrace student variability, strive for equity, and seek to empower students. Participants will explore UDL terms, principles, structures, and applications, and ways to adapt teaching practices.

Facilitated by Mary Ann Tobin, this course is a collaboration between the Schreyer Institute and World Campus Online Faculty Development.

Visit the UDL course page at https://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/udl to enroll before April 1, 2025. You will have 60 days to complete the course.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

IT Accessibility created a repository of accessible Word syllabus templates that you can use to quickly build an accessible syllabus. In this demonstration, participants will learn about the templates and basic accessibility techniques that can be applied to other academic or professional documents.

Registration will close 1 hour before the event starts. Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least 1 hour before the event.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore practical strategies for planning individual class sessions, with special attention to the alignment of learning objectives, assessments, and learning activities.

Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least 45 minutes before the workshop begins.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore practical strategies for planning individual class sessions, with special attention to the alignment of learning objectives, assessments, and learning activities.

Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least 45 minutes before the workshop begins.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

This interactive workshop offers participants a first look at active learning and how active learning can be used in the classroom. Participants will build their understanding of what active learning is, how to effectively use active learning, and methods and techniques to leverage active learning in their own teaching/TAing. 

Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least 45 minutes before the workshop begins.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

In this interactive workshop, participants will explore strategies for writing a teaching philosophy statement that effectively communicates their goals, practices, and evidence of effectiveness. We will also analyze the strengths and weaknesses of some actual teaching philosophy statements.

Registrants will receive the Zoom link at least 45 minutes before the workshop begins.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

The Course in College Teaching (CCT) provides an opportunity for faculty, graduate students, and post-doc instructors from all disciplines to collaboratively explore successful teaching and learning. It is designed to allow participants to share ideas and strategies for successful teaching. This free, non-credit course includes discussion and practice based on information drawn from the teaching and learning literature, as well as from the teaching experiences of individual participants.

The Spring 2025 Course in College Teaching (CCT) will be held asynchronously in Canvas from February 3 through March 23. For more information, see https://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/cct or contact one of the course facilitators Deena Levy at drl21@psu.edu or Mary Ann Tobin at matobin@psu.edu.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

While students come to our classes with varying experiences with writing in college, it is often a challenge for them to write in the ways we expect them to as members of a particular field. If you’re a grad student or postdoc who is preparing or facilitating writing tasks in your teaching, you’re invited to bring a current writing assignment or draft of a proposed writing assignment for developmental advice and feedback. Schreyer Institute consultants will facilitate individual and peer activities to help you design writing assignments that support your students in writing like a scientist, critic, analyst, extension communicator, etc. We will consider teaching strategies for setting students up for writing success and providing useful feedback to diverse student writing. Space in the workshop is limited, but you can also schedule an individual consultation at a different time this spring, if desired. 

NOTE: This is an in-person event. It will be held in 315 Rider Building, University Park. 

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

José Antonio Bowen, PhD, offers unique insights into how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can strengthen learning outcomes assessment while helping institutions navigate the complex challenges AI poses to academic integrity for students, faculty, and staff. AI is rapidly changing how humans work and think, and it's shattering expectations around assignments, assessment, class preparation, and attendance. AI is also changing how we think about “average” grades. If AI can produce consistent “C” work, then we need to update our grading policies. In this webinar, we'll examine the skills and curriculum that will matter most in this new age, why articulation of “quality” is essential, and what policies and practices improve motivation and decrease cheating. Attendees will learn practical techniques to transform their assignments and assessments.

Bowen provides strategies for integrating AI in teaching and assessment, which could ensure Penn State’s academic community is well equipped to effectively and ethically utilize the technology. Bowen will enrich our understanding of AI’s impact on education and empower us to adopt forward-thinking approaches that advance pedagogical innovation, assessment, and academic integrity standards.

Co-sponsored by the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research and the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence.

Registration will close 1 hour before the event starts. Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least 1 hour before the event.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Trying to fit your 15-week course into a much shorter summer session? We can help! This interactive workshop offers strategies you can use to make your summer course an impactful--and less grueling--experience for you and your students. Registration will close 1 hour before the event starts.

Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least 45 minutes before the event.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

Whether you’ve already written a syllabus or are just starting your first one, this workshop will help you craft an effective and accessible syllabus document. In this interactive workshop designed especially for graduate students and postdocs, we explore the essential elements of the syllabus document and how they can be made accessible and clear to all students. Additionally, participants will practice tips and tools for improving syllabus design and converse about their own syllabi. 

Registration will close 1 hour before the event starts. Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least 45 minutes before the event. 

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact SITE at site@psu.edu or call 814-863-2599 at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the program to allow sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs