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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 program 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:
  • Late Winter 2024 UDL-I dates:
    • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, March 17, 19, 21; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Application window opens:
    • Monday, January 20
  • Application window closes:
    • Friday, February 28 @ 5 p.m.

There are 12 seats open in this program. All workshops and activities will be held on Zoom for this offering.

Preview the application questions

            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)

Eligibility

We’re currently working to make the UDL-I accessible to all who are interested. Please also consider participating in the UC Accessibility (A11Y Project) we run, which welcomes any and everyone (all staff, instructors, and students at any UC campus).

Senate faculty members, and, per Academic Labor Relations, Federation faculty members and instructors need a letter of support from their department chair to participate in the UDL-I. Template support letters are available within the application and within the application  preview. Per Academic Labor Relations, an active appointment for Fall 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.

Senate members who successfully complete the Universal Design for Learning Institute will be provided $500 as a transfer into their Academic Enrichment Fund upon completion of the program requirements

Contact

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

 

  • Past Participants

  • Dr. Alicia Rusoja, Assistant Professor, School of Education 
    Dr. Andrew Alameda, Lecturer, Mathematics       
    Dr. Azra Jahanitabesh, Lecturer, Psychology
    Dr. Bwalya Lungu, Associate Professor of Teaching, Food Science and Technology
    Dr. Claudia Sanchez-Gutierrez, Associate Professor, Spanish
    Dr. Erin Gray, Assistant Professor, American Studies
    Kelly Crosby, Lecturer, Writing Center    
    Dr. Jason White, Associate Professor of Teaching, Chemical Engineering
    Dr. Korana Burke, Lecturer, Mathematics       
    Mark Carroll, M.P.H., Lecturer, Public Health
    Dr. Mona Monfared, Associate Professor of Teaching, Molecular and Cellular Biology
    Dr. Nancy Tseng, Associate Professor of Teaching, School of Education
    Dr. Rohit Thomas, Lecturer, Mathematics   
    Dr. Sanjai Parikh, Associate Professor of Soil Chemistry, Department of Land, Air and Water Resources 
    Dr. Sascha Nicklisch, Assistant Professor, Environmental Toxicology
    Dr. Susan Gentry, Associate Professor of Teaching, Materials Science and Engineering  
    Dr. YeunShin Lee, Lecturer, Animal Science
    Dr. Yutian Tan, Lecturer, Chinese