Learning Communities

Learning Communities graphic logo of chairs at a conference table

Interested in getting new ideas about teaching from peers around the institution? Want to try something new, but not sure how to get started or how to decide whether it’s working? Join a CITL Learning Community. The overarching goal of a learning community is for instructors to make informed changes that increase the effectiveness of their teaching with the support of a community of peers. The specificity of those changes will be directed by the participants themselves, with the learning community intended to provide collegiality, guidance, and resources.

 

2026-27 Faculty Learning Communities

Two Faculty Learning Communities (FLC) are being offered through CITL for the 2026-27 academic year. Faculty and instructional staff are invited to apply. Those who participate in a CITL FLC and complete the activities will receive a $500 stipend at the conclusion of the FLC (May 2027).

Information on each FLC and a link to apply are shared on this page. Interested faculty should apply no later than June 1, 2026.


INCLUSIVE AND ENGAGED TEACHING PRACTICES

This FLC is designed to support instructors in supporting student learning and belonging through reflection, interaction with colleagues, and discussions of evidence-based strategies. The FLC will use the book Critical Teaching Behaviors as a shared reading to explore topics including course alignment, student engagement, assessment, technology use, and reflection on teaching practice.

Participants in this FLC will:
  • Explore inclusive and engaged teaching practices
  • Reflect on how teaching choices align with course goals and student needs
  • Experiment with small, meaningful changes to teaching practices
  • Gather and discuss evidence of student learning and engagement (e.g., artifacts, feedback, reflections)
  • Articulate their teaching practices and choices more clearly to others

This FLC is open to faculty and instructional staff from any discipline, campus, or career stage, and will be helpful to any instructor who wants to be more intentional about their teaching, increase student engagement and inclusion, or find better ways to talk about and document their teaching.


SCHOLARSHIP OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

Building on the success of this year’s SoTL FLC, this learning community will once again be led by James Berry, Associate Professor of English. Designed for anyone with an interest in SoTL, whether you are simply curious, exploring a first project, or looking for dedicated time and space to work on an existing project, the FLC will meet regularly throughout the academic year to support participants in developing and engaging in meaningful SoTL projects.

Participants will:
  • Engage in shared readings and discussions about SoTL principles, methods, and examples
  • Learn from experienced SoTL scholars on campus through guest conversations
  • Explore opportunities for collaboration and peer feedback
  • Discuss practical considerations for engaging in SoTL, including:
    • Navigating the IRB process
    • Identifying venues for publication and presentation
    • Planning, designing, and sustaining SoTL projects

Faculty and instructors from any discipline, campus, or career stage are encouraged to apply. Participants do not need a fully formed research question to apply, just curiosity and a willingness to engage in reflective, evidence-based conversations about teaching and learning.

Apply to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning FLC.

 


Past Participants

Online Video Creation Facutly Learning Community - 2024-25

Angie Servi
Jess Bowers
Lauren Gantz
Aaron Gierhart
Steve Johnson
Ellen Meier
Ismalia Odogba
Jeffrey Verona

High-Impact Practices on Quality of Design - 2024-25

Erin Speetzen
Tobias Barske
Sydney Bueno
Rachel Craig
Dave Dettman
Lauren Gantz
Aaron Gierhart
Amanda Jonsson
Kate Kipp
Krista Slemmons
Susan Turgeson
Marrisa Warzynski

High-Impact Practices on Critical Thinking - 2024-25

Dona Warren
Maggie Bohm-Jordan
Jennifer Collins
Dave Dettman
Cary Elza
Heidi Oberstadt

Inclusive Pedagogy Learning Community

Retention Teaching Learning Community

Valerie Barske, CITL Faculty Fellow
Cary Elza
Troy Espe
Roland Gong
Patricia Gott
Jennifer Huffman
Laura Lee
Sarah Orlofske
Saemyi Park
Holly Petrillo
Sarah Ross
Eduardo Gregori Selles
Erin Speetzen
Susan Turgeson

Teaching with Technology Learning Community

Malek Alkasrawi
Karyn Biasca
Nisha Fernando
Jennifer Huffman
Vera Klekovkina
Terri Muraski
Holly Petrillo
Marian Trzebiatowski

Faculty Learning Community

Cortney Chaffin
Becky Gathje
Stephanie Lyon
Melissa Maier
Sarah Scripps