In Winter & Spring 2025, DTEI leaders visited nearly 20 departments & school meetings to listen to faculty teaching challenges and support needs. DTEI is implementing a comprehensive response through targeted resources, training programs, and strategic partnerships. The common faculty concerns and corresponding DTEI action plan include:
- AI & Academic Integrity
Faculty Concerns: AI misuse, need for GenAI training and guidance
DTEI Actions:
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- Support of the UCI IMPACT program – instructor support for AI-focused course transformation
- Hosting of discipline-specific GenAI teaching events
- Humanities panel in Spring 2025
- ICS event planned for Fall 2025
- Upcoming: Construction of a GenAI Faculty Resource Hub (syllabus templates, use cases, assessment alternatives; also provides recommended procedures/policies for instructors and students)
- Class Sizes & Instructional Challenges
Faculty Concerns: Growing classes, fewer TAs, limited active learning spaces, LA support gaps
DTEI Actions:
- Release of a campuswide Reader training program
- Creation of enhanced LA faculty resource guide and administrative support
- Upcoming: Construction of a “Teaching Large Classes” toolkit with engagement strategies
- Canvas & Technology
Faculty Concerns: Canvas/gradebook issues, unclear DTEI vs. OIT roles
DTEI Actions:
- Facilitation of gradebook workshops
- Expansion of DTEI/OIT partnerships
- Updated Canvas sample template
- Peer Observation & Teaching Evaluation
Faculty Concerns: Need peer observation protocols, student evaluation limitations
DTEI Actions:
- Updating of the peer observation protocol aligned with merit/promotion
- Release of the Peer Alliance for Classroom Excellence (PACE) program
- DEI, Accessibility & Student Support
Faculty Concerns: Accessibility compliance, inclusive environments, demographic awareness
DTEI Actions:
- Creation of the DTEI Teaching Accessibility Guide
- Working to acquire an accessibility checker (Blackboard Ally) to identify accessibility issues in Canvas courses
- Establish the Digital Accessibility Help and Support (DASH) team at DTEI
- One-on-one accessibility consultation
- The Accessible Teaching Digest (monthly newsletter)
- The DASH Studio – A hands-on session guiding faculty and grad students in working directly on their own Canvas courses, lecture slides, instructional videos, and electronic documents.
- Upcoming: Development of new data dashboards for faculty insights
- Enhanced DTEI Campus Support
Faculty Needs: Flexible workshops, just-in-time resources, Professor of Teaching collaboration
DTEI Actions:
- Upcoming: Quickstart guide for new instructors
- Expanded programming calendar with additional summer programs
- Expansion of drop-in office hours
