Human Centered Teaching Series

In an era of technology, pressure, and complexity, teaching remains deeply human.

Teaching today requires balancing clarity and care, structure and flexibility, expertise and empathy. Human-centered teaching recognizes that learning happens most efectively when courses are designed with transparency, accessibility, and engagement in mind--and when instructors are supported in navigating the real challenges of classroom life.

Click a link below to read more about:

Human-Centered Teaching Series
The Series at a Glance
Workshop Descriptions
How to Participate
Who Should Attend
Registration & Logistics

Human-Centered Teaching Series

Six workshops. One connected approach to teaching humans, not just content.

The Center for Faculty Excellence invites faculty to participate in the Human-Centered Teaching Series, a connected set of faculty development workshops supporting effective, sustainable teaching in today's classrooms.

Each session will focus on a different dimension of creating learning environments where clarity, compassion, and curiosity can thrive--for students and instructors alike. From building transparent syllabi and accessible courses, to navigating mental health concerns and challenging classroom scenarios, to tapping into awe as a catalyst for engagement.

This series supports both student learning and faculty practice by ofering tools that enhance instructional effectiveness while promoting sustainable, human-centered approaches to teaching.

Faculty may attend individual sessoins or engage with the full series. Each workshop offers practical strategies that can be adapted across disciplines while contributing to a broader, cohesive teaching toolkit.

The Series at a Glance

Foundations of Clarity & Access

Syllabus 101 - Designing clear, transparent, accessible syllabi to promote engagement and support
Accessibility 101 - Building inclusive courses that support all learners

Awareness & Response

Mental Health in the Classroom - Recognizing and responding to student mental health concerns
Suicide Prevention - Identifying warning signs and connecting students with support

Navigation & Engagement

Challenging Scenarios in the Classroom - Responding to difficult situations with confidence and care
Awe as Inspiration - Using curiosity and wonder to deepen engagement and learning

Workshop Descriptions

Syllabus 101 - Januray 9, 2025 || 12:00-1:30 pm || Renne Library 324

We often think of the syllabus as a course contract with students but it can also be an important way to set the tone and guide for learning and success in a course. In this workshop, we will explore what is required on a syllabus, what is good to have on a syllabus to support students and their learning, and ways to get students to engage with or actually read the syllabus. This workshop is geared towards new faculty who have not created a syllabus before but it may offer tips and strategies to improve a syllabus to experienced faculty who have created syllabi before. All are welcome to attend.

Mental Health in the Classroom - January 21, 2025 || 1:00-2:00 pm || Renne Library 324

In this workshop, CAPS will join to discuss how mental health concerns may surface in classroom settings and how these challenges can impact learning and engagement. This session focuses on recognizing common signs, responding with care, and understanding appropriate boundaries and campus resources.

Accessibility 101 - January 29, 2025 || 11:00-12:00 pm || Renne Library 324

In this workshop, the CFE will team up with the Library, ATO, and Disability Services to discuss the core principles of accessibility and inclusive course design that benefit all learners. Faculty will learn practical strategies for creating accessible materials, assignments, and learning environments without overhauling existing courses.

Challenging Scenarios in the Classroom - February 3, 2025 || 11:00-12:00 pm || Renne Library 324

In this workshop, Campus Civil Rights joins to discuss common challenging situations faculty encounter in the classroom, from difficult conversations to disruptive dynamics. Participants will discuss strategies for responding thoughtfully while maintaining authority and fostering a respectful learning environment.

Suicide Prevention - February 18, 2025 || 11:00-12:00 pm || Renne Library 324

In this workshop, CAPS will join again to help faculty recognize warning signs of suicide risk and understand how to respond appropriately. Participants will learn how to connect students with support while maintaining professional boundaries and personal wellbeing.

Awe as Inspiration - April 7, 2025 || 11:00-12:00 pm || Renne Library 324

In this last session of the series, we'll explore how moments of awe—curiosity, wonder, and deep attention—can enhance learning and engagement. Faculty will consider practical ways to incorporate awe into teaching practices to reenergize classrooms and deepen intellectual connection. Come ready to share your experiences!