Course Design Institute

An intensive learning opportunity that supports faculty in exploring and developing learner-centered teaching strategies.

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) invites you to apply for the newly developed Course Design Institute (CDI)! This is an exciting, intensive, on-campus opportunity for RIT faculty who are ready to create a new course or give an existing one a fresh, effective redesign for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Our goal for the CDI is to provide RIT faculty the support needed to craft courses that are coherent, engaging for students, and sustainable for you following evidence-based teaching practices. Over the Institute’s three days, we will engage in hands-on activities, group discussions, and guided workshops. We will explore learner-centered design principles, including how to:

  • Write clear, meaningful, and measurable learning outcomes.
  • Develop learning activities that directly support your students' success.
  • Design assessments that clearly measure what students have learned.

Institute deliverables include a completed syllabus, a course outline up to the first major assessment, and a short reflection on the experience. CDI participants will receive a small stipend upon completion.
 

Eligibility and Selection

The CDI is open to all full-time RIT faculty who are designing or redesigning a course for delivery in the 2026-2027 academic year. Applications will be reviewed by a committee using criteria such as the quality of the applicant’s statement, the potential impact of the course design work, and confirmation of Academic Unit Head support.

Schedule

The 2026 Course Design Institute will be held on campus (no remote option available).

  • Required sessions: 9 am–12 pm
    • Tuesday, May 19
    • Wednesday, May 20
    • Thursday, May 21
  • One required, topical session: 1-3pm
    • Participants will choose to attend either Tuesday, May 20 or Wednesday, May 21
    • Thursday, May 21 from 1–3 pm is required

Application Process

Submit your application by April 13, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by April 21, 2026.

More Information

Visit our Course Design and Assessment Planning website to learn more about course design as an evidence-based teaching strategy that enhances student learning.

For questions, please email ctl@rit.edu.