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) will again be offering the Course Design Institute (CDI) in May 2027! 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 2027-2028 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 2027-2028 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 2027 Course Design Institute will be held on campus (no remote option available).

  • Required sessions: 9 am–12 pm
    • Tuesday, May 18
    • Wednesday, May 19
    • Thursday, May 20
  • One required, topical session: 1-3pm
    • Participants will choose to attend either Tuesday, May 18 or Wednesday, May 19
    • Thursday, May 20 from 1–3 pm is required

Application Process

CTL will announce the CDI Call for Applications to the RIT community and on this webpage in February, 2027. 

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.