Basics of UDL Course

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

Proposals are due by April 20, 2026

Online course is open June 1 - 12, 2026

Purpose

The purpose of the professional learning opportunity provides 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 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

Five participants will be allotted $300 of professional development funding for time spent completing the training, attending a mandatory Zoom meeting to discuss how they plan to implement UDL in their course(s), and writing a short article for the CEL online journal. The CEL’s leadership team will make the final determination if all aspects of this professional learning opportunity have been completed.

Please note: this is a repeat of the 2023-2025 courses. Those who have already completed the Basics of UDL summer or winter course offerings in previous years are not eligible for the professional development funding award.

Eligibility

The program is open to all faculty members employed at Kutztown University during the Summer-1 2026 session.

Expectations

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

  1. Complete an asynchronous, online course focused upon the principles of UDL, and earn a digital badge.
  2. Participate in one cohort session (TBD) to share works in progress.
  3. 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.

Ready to Apply?

  1. Provide the name of the course that you plan to revise to incorporate UDL principles.
  2. In a project narrative, 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 .