Basics of UDL Course

An Initiative of the Center for Engaged Learning’s Inclusive Teaching Institute

Proposals are due by:  12/20/2024

Purpose

The purpose of the professional learning opportunity is to provide KU faculty with the skills and knowledge that help facilitate the institutionalization of equity, inclusion, and diversity at KU through the application of the Principles of Universal Design Learning (UDL). UDL aims to change the design of the environment and curriculum rather than to change the learner. By anticipating learner variability and proactively reducing and eliminating barriers to learning, UDL empowers all learners to engage in rigorous, meaningful learning experiences.

Faculty participants will first complete an asynchronous online course about the basics of UDL. They will then select one future course in which they will develop, implement, and assess an approach to teaching that incorporates the principles of UDL. The expected outcome is to cultivate students who are engaged through the deliberate design of a learning environment that supports their growth and development as purposeful, motivated learners.

Award

Participants will be allotted up to $600 of professional development funding for time spent completing the training, revising their course, and participating in the mandatory events. The Center for Engaged Learning’s leadership team will make the final determination on the successful completion of all aspects of professional learning.

Please note: those who have already completed the January 2023 or 2024, or the Summer 2023 or 2024 Basics of UDL course are not eligible for the professional development funding award.

Eligibility

The program is open to all faculty members employed at Kutztown University during the Spring 2025 semester.

Please note: this is a repeat of the 2023 and 2024 course. While we encourage anyone to participate again, those who have already completed the January 2023 and 2024, or Summer 2023 or 2024 Basics of UDL course are not eligible for the professional development funding award.

Expectations

Participants are expected to develop a brief narrative proposal to apply, and participate in the following:

    • Complete an asynchronous, online course focused upon the principles of UDL, and earn a digital badge.
    • Participate in two cohort sessions during the semester to share works in progress.
    • Contribute their development and revision process to a written article, hosted online by the Center for Engaged Learning (CEL)

Please notify the CEL immediately of any changes that may prevent you from completing the proposed project.

Project Narrative

    1. Provide the name of the course that you plan to revise to incorporate UDL principles.
    2. Describe issue(s) in teaching your course that has/have been a challenge.

The project narrative must be formatted as a single .pdf file and sent from the faculty member’s email address to  and include the following in the subject line of email: “Last name / CEL UDL Application.” Please direct questions to the CEL at .