CEL Events

The CEL offers events on teaching and learning-focused topics in a variety of formats, each session providing the opportunity to share experiences and knowledge with colleagues. 

If you are interested in facilitating a workshop or have suggestions for future topics, please contact us!

upcoming schedule of events

Basics of UDL Course 2024

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

Proposals are due by: 12/22/2023

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 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 successful completion of all aspects of the professional learning.

Please note: those who have already completed the January 2023 or Summer 2023 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 2024 semester.

Please note: this is a repeat of the 2023 course. While we encourage anyone to participate again, those who have already completed the January 2023 or Summer 2023 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), OR:
  • Present findings at a later date by participating in a CEL Cookie Chat or podcast.

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 cel@kutztown.edu and include the following in the subject line of email: “Last name / CEL UDL Application.” Please direct questions to the CEL at cel@kutztown.edu.

Cookie Chats!

Take Note!  The first Cookie Chat of Fall 2023

September 14, 11am - 11:50am in the CEL Center, Rohrbach Library 6
How can we help students take better notes to support their learning?  Join us along with Deb Sailsbery from the Department of Elementary, Middle Level, Library and Technologies Education (EMLT) as she shows us how she uses sketchnoting in her courses.  We'll also be joined by Jessica Smith from the Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence, who will share how Tutoring Services helps students develop notetaking skills.  Bring examples or ideas from your own courses to join in the conversation!
Featured cookie:  molasses crinkle
Event page

From discussion bore to discussion cure: make your discussion boards meaningful!

October 5, 10am-11am, in the CEL Center, Rohrbach Library 6
Discussion boards can be great tools for facilitating student learning in classes. They can also be tricky pedagogical tools to implement effectively. How can we make discussion boards more engaging and supportive as inclusive student learning communities?  In this chat, Dr. Amber Pabon (Secondary Education and the Frederick Douglass Institute) will share her experience in structuring effective, supportive discussion boards.  We invited you to bring examples of discussion board successes, and challenges, from your own courses.  
Featured cookie: Chocolate Chip 
Event page

Your Anxious Students and You

October 31, 11am - 11:50am in the CEL Center, Rohrbach Library 6
Recent surveys have shown that about 35% of students in our classrooms are diagnosed with anxiety. For this Cookie Chat, we’ll watch a the short, 6-minute film about college students’ anxiety. Lynn Kutch from German Studies, along with Cesar Velasquez from Counseling & Psychological Services, will facilitate a conversation with current first year students about how anxiety impacts our students and classrooms. 
Featured Cookie: Monster Cookies (it is Halloween, after all!)
Event Page

Planning, Perseverance, and Publications - Not Perfection

November 9, 11am - 11:50am in the CEL Center, Rohrbach Library 6
Academic writing and publishing are a significant commitment of time and energy. In this cookie chat, Dr. Albert Fu will share tips and strategies for having a publication pipeline despite KU's 4/4 load. We invite others to share experiences on writing, revision, and dealing with peer reviewers.
Featured cookie: coconut macaroon
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Establish Your Scholarship!

November 30, 11am - 11:50am in the CEL Center, Rohrbach Library 6
Establishing — or re-establishing! — your scholarship and creative work is important for faculty members. As we transition into new jobs, new roles, and new areas of growth, our scholarly growth must transition as well. Co-hosts Dr. Mauricia John from Sociology and Anthropology, and Dr. George Sirrakos from Secondary Education, share their experiences and explore ways to establish scholarship at a teaching-focused institution. As always, all faculty are welcome. New and pre-tenure faculty are encouraged to attend.
Featured Cookie: brown butter
Event Page

Innovative Pedagogy Book Club

Join us as we explore Learner Centered Teaching through Making Learner-Centered Teaching Work by Phyllis Blumberg. This book explores how we as educators can pivot aspects of our teaching to be more effective for student learning. This book uses practical examples and applications across different disciplines supported by teaching and learning research.

The Innovative Pedagogy Book Club meets throughout the academic year. Complete our online form to join the club!

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