The Active Learning Summer Institute (ALSI) offers instructors a supported course redesign process, including workshop sessions and structured work time, consultative support from

CTL faculty, and collegial support from cohort members as participants engage in active learning course redesign work in May.

Participants in the program will be expected to:
✔ Attend all sessions during the face-to-face portion of ALSI;
✔ Complete the redesign work started during the institute, for implementation during the following academic year;
✔ Complete pre- and post-assessment surveys and turn in existing course artifacts (e.g., syllabus) both before and after participation in ALSI;
✔ Submit draft course artifacts at the end of each week of ALSI, in line with the work done during that week;
✔ Meet with your dedicated CTL Consultant at least once between the end of ALSI and the first day of your redesigned course;
✔ Schedule a Mid-Semester Formative Evaluation with the CTL for your redesigned course.
✔ Prepare a poster (don’t worry, we’ll help you!) to present your work at the 2027 Active Learning Summit (details TBD in coordination with  UGA’s Active learning QEP);
✔ Coordinate with QEP leadership to provide students in your ALSI course with a reflection prompt for three semesters following the course redesign, as part of QEP assessment efforts.

In return, you’ll receive curated and one-on-one support from the CTL, as well as $7,500 in funds (eligible for use as summer salary and/or operating expenses).

Note that ALSI is designed to align with UGA’s May Session, and we strongly discourage teaching concurrently with participation in ALSI.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

1. Scope of course redesign:

Consider the extent to which the proposed course is anticipated to be redesigned with active learning. Highlight specific changes in course structure, teaching approach, and any existing challenges with the purposes behind this transformation.

2. Anticipated impacts:

The expected impacts of the proposed course redesign on both instructors and students. This includes but is not limited to, enrollment numbers, curricula or pedagogical development, and student development of knowledge skills.

3. Sustainability:

Evidence that the proposed adoption of active learning and evidence-based teaching practices for the redesigned course will likely be sustained beyond the program duration.

4. Readiness and commitment:

Applicants’ readiness and availability to actively participate throughout the course design process during the spring semester. This involves attending all sessions and completing course redesign action items between meetings, with implementation planned for the following academic year.

5. Alignment with other University initiatives:

Consider the proposed course redesign aligned with broader university initiatives. This encompasses the redesign of gateway courses (i.e., introductory courses or a prerequisite), general education courses, major requirements, and multidisciplinary studies. Focus on improvements that bolster student competencies in writing and communication skills.

To apply to the Active Learning Summer Institute (ALSI), applicants will submit the following:

• A support letter from your dean, associate dean, or department head (a Word template for this support letter is provided in the form linked above).
• Your responses to a set of application questions (a Word template containing these questions is provided at the top of the link above).
• Confirmation of teaching the proposed courses for the academic year 2026-2027.
• Commitment to meeting the expectations, if accepted into ALSI.
• A support letter from your dean, associate dean, or department head (a Word template for this support letter is provided in the form).

All applications must be submitted via the online form (link above) by 5:00 p.m. on January 15, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their standing in the selection process in early February 2026.