The Summer Institute on Teaching is an intensive and celebratory multi-day event that brings together educators from across the University of Delaware to build and strengthen a community around teaching and learning. The institute highlights emerging and established pedagogical practices, resources, and technology tools with an emphasis on evidence and scholarship. It also provides a showcase for the exceptional efforts and accomplishments of UD’s educators.

SIT 2025: May 28 & 29

SIT is back in 2025. Themed “Back to the Basics of Teaching and Learning” this year’s program features a full day of online programming on Wednesday, May 28 and in-person programming on Thursday May, 29. Features of these days include:

Wednesday, May 28 (Online)

  • Opening remarks from Interim Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of the Honors College, Michael Chajes
  • Four, hour-long blocks of concurrent sessions (view full schedule)
  • “Birds of a feather” sessions for faculty to discuss impacts of, and opportunities for, the use of AI in teaching and learning.

Thursday, May 29 (In-person)

  • Keynote address from Claire Major, Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Alabama entitled “Why the Best Teaching Isn’t Easy–And Shouldn’t Be.”
  • Three, hour-long blocks of concurrent sessions (view full schedule) (ISE lab map)
  • “Birds of a feather” sessions for faculty to discuss pre-set teaching and learning topics in community. 

Note: Light breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided on May 29 with advanced registration (by May 20). 

Keynote Speaker

We are pleased to welcome Claire Major, Distinguished Teaching Professor, The University of Alabama, to Newark for SIT 2025.

Why the Best Teaching Isn’t Easy—And Shouldn’t Be

Great teaching is difficult more often than not. In this session, participants will consider how challenge is woven into transformative pedagogy, whether in defying norms, pioneering new pedagogical theory, or fostering critical thinking. In today’s landscape of AI, politicized classrooms, and rising expectations, difficulty isn’t a barrier but instead is a sign of engagement, pushing boundaries, and caring deeply.

A smiling white woman with blonde hair sits writing on a notepad at a desk with an apple computer visible behind her. Claire Major is a Distinguished Teaching Professor at The University of Alabama, recognized for her expertise in instructional approaches and the integration of instructional technology. She has authored or co-authored eleven influential books and published extensively in leading academic journals. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Major has presented her research at prestigious national and international conferences. She has also delivered public lectures and conducted workshops—both in person and online—on teaching and learning for dozens of colleges and universities across the United States and internationally. Her work demonstrates a commitment to advancing pedagogical practices and fostering innovation in higher education.

SIT 2025 FAQs

How can I check if I'm registered for SIT 2025?

You will receive an email confirmation if you registered! Please check your email and if you don’t have one, you need to register. Note: Session presenters/facilitators must also register for SIT.

Is there a quiet room if I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and would like to step away from the event?

Room 305 is a designated quiet room. This room will not have overhead lighting or electronics plugged in, and we will draw the shades to create a lower-light environment. Please be respectful of your colleagues who choose to use this space and do not speak loudly or use devices without headphones.

I need to take a call/meeting or check my email during the event, but I don’t want to disturb people. Where should I go?

Space 201 (the windowed space at the south end of the second floor) has been designated as a break zone. You can use this space to take care of some calls or simply enjoy a quick view of the green space outside of the building. There are desks with partitions and plugs for charging your devices.

Is there parking?

You are responsible for your own parking at SIT. You can find more information about parking at the University of Delaware here: https://sites.udel.edu/parking/

Where is the closest lactation space?

While not designed as a lactation space, there is an all-gender/accessible restroom on the second floor of ISLL.

Others: The following spaces on campus have been designated as Lactation Rooms: 346 Hullihen Hall, 128 Perkins Student Center, 214A McDowell Hall, 207E Morris Library, and The Tower at STAR, Room 354. All rooms operate in a first-come, first-serve manner and are available when the buildings are open. Room 128 Perkins Student Center is wheelchair/scooter accessible.

What is a “Birds of a Feather Session”, and how do I pick which one to attend?

Birds of a Feather sessions are informal opportunities to gather and discuss a common topic in a loosely structured format. These sessions are organized broadly by disciplinary portfolio (online) and topic (in-person) and attendees are encouraged to select the portfolio that they feel best represents their teaching, or topic they would most like to engage with colleagues on. Each session will be convened by a member of the SIT planning committee who will provide some structuring questions and help collect questions and ideas for future programming.

Will Zoom or in-person sessions be recorded?

To encourage open dialogue between participants and presenters, we will not record sessions. If unusual circumstances require us to record a session, we will prominently note that (a) in the program and (b) before and during the session(s).

How do I join Zoom sessions on May 28?

The URL for each Zoom session will be available in the program linked on the SIT website above that was also emailed out to all who registered. Participants will need to sign in to the Zoom application using their UD credentials to access the session.

Who can join these sessions?

SIT is open to all educators at UD including faculty, staff, and graduate students.

Will I receive a letter of participation?

Letters of participation in SIT, for the purposes of documenting one’s teaching and learning professional development, will be available upon request. Please complete this form to request a certificate.

All unit logos on a single line.

SIT is made possible through the dedicated efforts of our planning committee and the generous support of our financial sponsors/contributors.

Andrew Jenks, Co-Chair  – Center for Teaching & Assessment of Learning

Charissa Powel, Co-Chair  – Library, Museums and Press

Christin Bishop – UDOnline

Beth Cartwright – Academic Technology Services

Petra Clark – Library, Museums and Press

Colleen Kelemen – Academic Technology Services

Olivia Pollard – UDOnline

Amy Ritter – Center for Teaching & Assessment of Learning

Tiffany Thornhill – Center for Teaching & Assessment of Learning

 

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