The Course Design Essentials (CDE) Program supports graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, staff, and faculty in designing courses using evidence-based practices. In this certificate program, participants will practice backward, integrated course design by establishing goals for student learning and aligning assignments and assessments with these goals. Participants who complete all program requirements and attend all sessions, which are in person, will earn a Certificate in Course Design. The next CDE offering will be during Winter 2026.
Note that this is the same Certificate in Course Design that is offered in University Studies 390X and the Active Learning Institute.
Eligibility:
As a requirement, all participants should have a specific course they are interested in creating, designing, or redesigning in mind. Participant eligibility includes:
- Faculty from any discipline, including research faculty, teaching faculty, unit-18 faculty
- Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars
- Staff interested in course design and development
We want to welcome folks as much as possible – contact us if you don’t fall into one of these categories.
Certification Requirements Include Satisfactory Completion of:
All Readings & Associated Reflection Papers
Attend all sessions, complete required readings, and explore tools and resources related to the session’s topics.
A Course Syllabus
Throughout the program you will work on drafting your syllabus using evidence-based practices.
Either a Showcase Presentation or a Reflective Teaching Statement
During the last session you will share what you have learned or developed either through a showcase or reflective teaching statement.
Program Schedule
We will meet during the following five consecutive Tuesdays in Winter 2026 from 12pm-1:30pm:
Week 1
January 27, 2026 – Backward design, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), & student-centered learning objectives
Week 2
February 3, 2026 – Formative and summative assessments, Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT)
Week 3
February 10, 2026 – Active learning techniques, classroom engagement
Week 4
February 17, 2026 – Peer review and feedback
Week 5
February 24, 2026 – Showcase and further enhancements in course design
Registration:
Registration for the Winter 2026 Course Design Essentials Program will open at a later date.
Space is limited to 25 participants.
If you have any questions, contact Matt Mahavongtrakul.
If you would like to keep in touch and receive email opportunities and additional resources, please fill out this form.