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Universal Design for Learning Institute

Universal Design for Learning Institute (UDL-I)

The Universal Design for Learning Institute (UDL-I) is a three-day in-person institute on accessible course design that centers around Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support instructors in crafting equitable course materials and assessment methods. Participants will develop/revise learning outcomes, syllabus language, assessment strategies, and Canvas course elements that center inclusion, accessibility, and equity. We’ll also look at ways to leverage AI as an accessibility tool.

Overview

Important Dates:
  • Fall 2024 UDL-I dates:
    • Monday, September 9 - Wednesday, September 11, 2024; 9AM - 3PM
  • Application window opens:
    • Monday, July 15
  • Application window closes:
    • Friday, August 9, 5PM

There are 12 seats open in this program. All workshops and activities will be in the Teaching & Learning Complex (TLC) 1211.

Apply here

Learning Outcomes and Intended Impacts

After completing UDL-I., participants will leave with: 
  • a revised syllabus and learning activity based on Universal Design for Learning
  • a redesigned, accessible Canvas template that can be applied to all courses
  • strategies to implement UDL and accessibility sustainably

Benefits

  • Experiential and intensive professional development in digital accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (a flexible pedagogical framework that honors learner variability)
  • Collaboration with colleagues who are also committed to inclusive, equitable, and accessible courses, including online classes
  • Individualized support from CEE 
  • Access to $500 start-up funding to support each Fellow’s course transformation (additional instructional materials)
  • Complementary lunch will be provided

Eligibility

We’re currently working to make the UDL-I accessible to all who are interested. Right now, the Universal Design for Learning Institute is open to all full-time Academic Senate members. 

Per Academic Labor Relations, Federation faculty members and instructors need a letter of support from their department chair to participate. Support letter template. An active appointment for 2024 and/or for the 2024-2025 academic year is necessary for participation for Pre-6 Unit 18, and continuing lecturer applicants. Pre-6 Unit 18 applicants should submit a PDF of an Appointment Letter with their application. Continuing Unit 18 applicants do not need to provide a letter of appointment. 

Unit 18 Lecturers who successfully complete the Universal Design for Learning Institute will be provided access to a $500 fund that will be available to pay for approved expenses related to the Lecturer's transformation of their course.

Contact

Katie Healey, Ph.D., Education Specialist for Online/Hybrid Pedagogies, khhealey@ucdavis.edu.

 

Past Participants

Alicia Rusoja

Azra Jahanitabesh

Bwalya Lungu

Claudia Sanchez-Gutierrez

Erin Gray

Mark Carroll

Nancy Tseng

Sascha Nicklisch

YeunShin Lee

Yutian Tan