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, please contact us!
upcoming schedule of events
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:
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- 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
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- Provide the name of the course that you plan to revise to incorporate UDL principles.
- 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 cel@kutztown.edu and include the following in the subject line of email: “Last name / CEL UDL Application.” Please direct questions to the CEL at cel@kutztown.edu.
Cookie Chats!
Take Note! The first Cookie Chat of Fall 2023
September 14, 11am - 11:50am in the CEL Center, Rohrbach Library 6
How can we help students take better notes to support their learning? Join us along with Deb Sailsbery from the Department of Elementary, Middle Level, Library and Technologies Education (EMLT) as she shows us how she uses sketchnoting in her courses. We'll also be joined by Jessica Smith from the Center for Student Success and Academic Excellence, who will share how Tutoring Services helps students develop notetaking skills. Bring examples or ideas from your own courses to join in the conversation!
Featured cookie: molasses crinkle
Event page
From discussion bore to discussion cure: make your discussion boards meaningful!
October 5, 10am-11am, in the CEL Center, Rohrbach Library 6
Discussion boards can be great tools for facilitating student learning in classes. They can also be tricky pedagogical tools to implement effectively. How can we make discussion boards more engaging and supportive as inclusive student learning communities? In this chat, Dr. Amber Pabon (Secondary Education and the Frederick Douglass Institute) will share her experience in structuring effective, supportive discussion boards. We invited you to bring examples of discussion board successes, and challenges, from your own courses.
Featured cookie: Chocolate Chip
Event page
Your Anxious Students and You
October 31, 11am - 11:50am in the CEL Center, Rohrbach Library 6
Recent surveys have shown that about 35% of students in our classrooms are diagnosed with anxiety. For this Cookie Chat, we’ll watch a the short, 6-minute film about college students’ anxiety. Lynn Kutch from German Studies, along with Cesar Velasquez from Counseling & Psychological Services, will facilitate a conversation with current first year students about how anxiety impacts our students and classrooms.
Featured Cookie: Monster Cookies (it is Halloween, after all!)
Event Page
Planning, Perseverance, and Publications - Not Perfection
November 9, 11am - 11:50am in the CEL Center, Rohrbach Library 6
Academic writing and publishing are a significant commitment of time and energy. In this cookie chat, Dr. Albert Fu will share tips and strategies for having a publication pipeline despite KU's 4/4 load. We invite others to share experiences on writing, revision, and dealing with peer reviewers.
Featured cookie: coconut macaroon
Event Page
Establish Your Scholarship!
November 30, 11am - 11:50am in the CEL Center, Rohrbach Library 6
Establishing — or re-establishing! — your scholarship and creative work is important for faculty members. As we transition into new jobs, new roles, and new areas of growth, our scholarly growth must transition as well. Co-hosts Dr. Mauricia John from Sociology and Anthropology, and Dr. George Sirrakos from Secondary Education, share their experiences and explore ways to establish scholarship at a teaching-focused institution. As always, all faculty are welcome. New and pre-tenure faculty are encouraged to attend.
Featured Cookie: brown butter
Event Page

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!

recent events
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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!
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UDL Course Redevelopment 2024
UDL COurse redevelopment program
UDL Course Redevelopment 2024
An Initiative of the Center for Engaged Learning’s Inclusive Teaching InstituteDeadline for application submission: TBA
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.
Eligibility
The program is open to all faculty members employed at Kutztown University during the Spring 2024 semester.
Expectations
Participants will be expected to complete the following:
-
- Develop a brief narrative proposal to apply (See below).
- Participate in 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 podcast or radio interview, or future CEL presentation.
Please notify the CEL immediately of any changes that may prevent you from completing the proposed project.
Project Narrative
-
- Provide the name of the course that you plan to revise to incorporate UDL principles.
- Describe issue(s) in teaching your course that has/have been a challenge.
Proposals are due by TBA.
The project narrative must be formatted as a single .pdf file and sent from the faculty member’s email address to cel@kutztown.edu and include the following in the subject line of email: “Last name / CEL UDL Application.” Please direct questions to the CEL at cel@kutztown.edu.
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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 upBe on the look out for the next Reflective Retreat in May, 2024.
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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!


