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, !

upcoming schedule of events
Cookie Chats and Workshops!

Feb. 1, 11am - 11:50am, RL 6
Workshop: CEL Connections at Play 

Collaboration is key to a successful career! Stephen Walker and Erin Kraal will lead this 45-minute, interactive, dynamic session to help you meet new people and build relationships across the university.  Attend with an open mind, have a few laughs, and leave with refreshed connections. Have FUN and find some new collaborators, teaching resources, or work friends!  
Event Page    

Feb. 22, 11am - 11:50am, RL 6
Rescheduled Cookie Chat: Funding Springboards for your Research and Teaching

Meet Jeff Werner and Susan Lushinsky from the Office of Grants and Sponsored Projects to learn about opportunities within KU, PASSHE, and external sources (big and small!) to help support your research and teaching ideas. Get some tips and ideas to use in your career. Zoom link is available on the Event page.
Featured cookie: Millionaire Bars – 'cause it's all about the bucks! 
Event page

Feb. 27, 11:10am - 11:40am, RL 6
Workshop: Advising Crunch?

Overwhelmed by advisingLots of advisees? Research-based practices can help make it smoother for you and your students. Give Maddie Anthes, Assistant Dean of LAS, and Erin Kraal 30 minutes and they’ll save you time and effort during the upcoming advising sessions!
Event page

Mar. 19, 11am and 12pm box lunch seatings, RL 6
Lunch x Learn: Working with Neurodivergent Students 

This workshop on Neurodiversity in the College Classroom, lead by DSO Assistant Director Megan Rutter, will include case studies and scenarios that may be similar to what you have experienced in your own classrooms! Join us for a free boxed lunch sponsored by the DSO as we discuss some of the biggest struggles for neurodiverse students, how they may manifest within your classroom space, and some suggestions on how to best support their needs.
Note: RSVP required for lunch, two seatings at 11am – 11:50am, and 12pm – 12:50pm 
Event page

Mar. 28, 11am - 11:50am, RL 6
Cookie Chat: Building strong alumni networks into our courses and programs 

Talk with faculty members Julie Palkendo of Environmental Science, Gary Chao (Business Administration), and Tim Kast from the KU Foundation about programs that link our current students with our devoted alumni.  Learn about different types of programs in science and business and how they might translate to your areas. Zoom link available in the Event page.
Featured Cookie: Golden Caramel Cookies – because it’s good to be golden! 
Event page

Apr. 11, 11:10am - 11:40am, RL 6
Workshop: 30 minutes of Recess 

Recess isn’t just for kids!  Join your playground monitor Erin Kraal and get your daily recess with the CEL. In 30 minutes we’ll have fun and learn a few key research outcomes of using playful approaches in our teaching.   
Event Page    

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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!

Graphic image of an open book with sun rising behind it.
  • UDL Course Redevelopment 2024
    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 and include the following in the subject line of email: “Last name / CEL UDL Application.” Please direct questions to the CEL at .

  • Incoming Faculty Orientation

    Incoming Faculty Orientation 

    August 21-22, Unity Room, Multicultural Center

    Incoming Faculty Orientation will take place on August 21-22, 2023 in the Unity Room of the Multicultural Center. Please visit the below link for the schedule, or download an accessible version (available soon). Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. We look forward to an engaging and collaborative orientation experience!

    Visit the Incoming Faculty Orientation page.

  • End-of-Year Reflective Retreat

    End-of-Year Reflective Retreat 2023 - May 17, 2023

    The Reflective Retreat will use a variety of reflective practices, ranging from personal writing, small group discussions, interactive games, and socializing to support our professional lives. All faculty are invited to attend!

    Our on-campus retreat will start at 9am with an optional meditative yoga session lead by Dr. Basden-Arnold. For those who do not wish to join in this opening, coffee will be available at 9:20 and our program will begin at 9:30. Pre-registration is required by May 9th, and group size is limited to the first 30 who apply. Registered faculty will receive additional schedule and location information prior to the retreat.

    Schedule

    9 - 9:20am Optional Start – Reflective meditation yoga with Dr. Basden-Arnold
    9:20am Coffee
    9:30am Official Start and group activity
    10 - 11am Personal reflective reading and writing time on provided materials
    11 - 12pm Small group discussions
    12 - 1pm Lunch
    1 - 2pm Creative personal reflective activity
    2 - 3pm Small group game challenge
    3 - 4pm Reflection time and wrap up

    Be on the look out for the next Reflective Retreat in May, 2024.

  • Chambliss Faculty Lecture
    Chambliss Faculty lecture

    This award, inaugurated in 2004 through a gift from Dr. Carlson R. Chambliss, professor emeriti, Physical Sciences, is meant to recognize the very highest achievement in research and scholarship and can be awarded only once within a person's career. Our distinguished faculty recipients share their research during the event.

    Visit the most recent Chambliss Faculty Lecture page.

  • CEL Podcasts
    cel podcasts

    Coming in 2024!

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