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CITL Teaching and Learning News: August 29, 2025

Sep 16, 2025, 11:56 AM
CITL Teaching and Learning News August 29, 2025
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CITL Newsletter - Issue 13 for 2025

 
 

Welcome to the CITL Newsletter, your go-to resource for professional learning, teaching strategies, and innovative practices in education. Stay informed, get inspired, and explore new ways to enhance student learning and engagement.

 
 

Instructor Voices

 
     
 
 

Talking AI: Hope, Hesitations, and Higher Ed Panel Discussion

Speakers: Michael Curtin, Jake Metz, Meicen Sun, and Mike Yao

This dynamic panel explored the promises and pitfalls of generative AI in higher education. Faculty and staff shared diverse perspectives on how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, ethics, and the future of academia. Watch the recording here.

 
 

Announcements

 
     
 
 

Join the CITL Faculty Book Club: Strengthening Teaching Through Relationships

One book, two formats, endless opportunities to connect! This fall, we’ll explore Relationship-Rich Education: How Human Connections Drive Success in College (Felten & Lambert, 2020). Research shows that strong relationships are the single most powerful factor in shaping meaningful college experiences—and we’ll discuss what that means for our own teaching and mentoring.

Faculty and post-docs are invited to join us for engaging conversations across disciplines. Benefits include a free copy of the book, a CITL notebook, an Accredible badge, and the chance to recommend future reads.

Choose your format:

  • 💻 Online (Zoom) on Tuesdays: September 16, September 30, October 14, October 28 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. | Register Here

  • 🏛️ In Person (103 Armory) on Fridays: September 19, October 3, October 17, October 31 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Register Here

CITL Advanced Graduate TA Support Program – Still Enrolling!

The Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) invites graduate students to join the Advanced Graduate TA Support Program, a free, two-semester initiative supporting those teaching as instructors of record or preparing for future teaching roles. Participants will engage in workshops, cohort meetings, and one-on-one consultations while building a teaching portfolio. Two tracks are available: Graduate Teacher Certificate (for teaching TAs) and Foundations of Teaching Certificate (for non-teaching TAs). Ready to grow as a teacher and scholar? Complete the sign-up form to join us! Deadline to sign up: Monday, September 8, 2025.

Illinois AnyWare: Your Virtual Computer Lab for Teaching and Learning 

Illinois AnyWare is a virtual computer lab that supports both blended and remote learning. It provides students with secure access to over 100 academic software applications—anytime, anywhere. Whether students are on campus, off campus, or attending class remotely, Illinois AnyWare helps ensure they have the tools needed to succeed. 

Instructors can also use Illinois AnyWare in place of reserving a physical computer lab, making it easier to integrate specialized software into their courses without location or scheduling constraints. Learn more and get started on the Illinois AnyWare webpage

On Discourse: Building Trust Through Dialogue, Reflection, and Engagement

Join us at the first session of the AY 25-26 "Through the Faculty Ranks" series on Discourse: Building Trust Through Dialogue, Reflection and Engagement. This online-based, interactive session introduces faculty to key principles of productive dialogue and values-based leadership with a focus on building trust and rapport across differences. Faculty will explore their own communication styles, practice active listening, and apply strategies to enhance collaboration in their current roles. If you're a tenure-stream or specialized faculty member (all ranks are invited), register here by Wednesday, September 3.

💻 Session 1: Building Trust Through Dialogue, Reflection, and Engagement, Wednesday, September 10, 8:30 - 10 a.m., Zoom (recorded) 

Provost Events • Office of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

 
 

Upcoming Workshops & Events

🔹 Inclusive Course Design Series
📅 Tuesday, September 2 | ⏰ 9 - 9:50 a.m. | 📍 Siebel Center for Design, Sunset Studio 1050 (Inclusive Strategies to Diversify Your Curriculum)
📅 Tuesday, September 9 | ⏰ 9 - 9:50 a.m. | 📍 Siebel Center for Design, Sunset Studio 1050 (Inclusive Strategies for Facilitating Difficult and Sensitive Discussions

🔹 General Workshops and Events
📅 Thursday, September 4 | ⏰ Noon - 1 p.m. | 💻 Online (Art of Teaching Lunchtime Seminar Series: Guiding Students to Explore Scientific Literature)
📅 Wednesday, September 10 | ⏰ 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | 💻 Online (Designing Cooperative Learning Experiences)

Recurring Events

🔹 Canvas Open Office Hours
📅 Thursdays | ⏰ 11 a.m. - Noon | 💻 Online

Bookmark the CITL Event Calendar for all upcoming workshops and check with Technology Services for additional training opportunities.

 
 

UDL Tips of the Month

 
     
 

The Power of One: Using the Plus-One UDL Approach

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to redesign your entire course, you’re not alone. Many instructors share that feeling, and this is exactly why the “Plus-One” approach, popularized by author and educator Thomas Tobin, is so effective. To learn how to apply this effective design method, see the full article

 
 
 
 
 
 
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