August 2026

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence is pleased to present our August newsletter, which features information about our new programs and services for academic departments, and includes programming and registration information for upcoming workshops during “Syllabus Spotlight” week August 17-21 and our fall book clubs. We’re also excited to be offering three different opportunities to join a faculty learning community. Read on to learn more about the Fall 2026 Student Reading Community of Practice, the Contemplative Teaching Community of Practice, and “By Design: A Community of Practice on Inclusive Teaching,” facilitated in partnership with the Center for Disability Resources. Lastly, everyone is invited to our very first CTLE + AIO semester kick-off event, “Coffee and Cake with Jessamyn and Kate,” on Friday, August 21, 9:00-10:00 a.m., 550 Bird Library. Register for Coffee and Cake with Jessamyn and Kate. We hope you can join us!

Departmental Support, Pedagogy Pitstops, and Services Spotlights

The CTLE is pleased to offer a new resource page: Departmental Support. It includes information about our brand new program, “Pedagogy Pitstops.” A Pedagogy Pitstop is a short (10 minute or less), fast-paced presentation on a specific, high-impact, evidence-based teaching practice. It includes several immediately applicable teaching takeaways for faculty. The CTLE brings the Pedagogy Pitstop directly to you and will present it during any regularly scheduled department (or program, school, or college) meeting. We can also present a “CTLE Services Spotlight” at your department meeting: a short (10 minutes or less) overview of a programmatic or on-demand service that the CTLE provides to individual faculty, departments, programs, schools, or colleges. We are also able to bring a wide range of workshops right to your department and/or consult with your department on any teaching-related topic. To schedule CTLE department services, use this link: Schedule a Consultation.

August Programs

Workshop: Reduce Fear and Promote Process with Productive Error Syllabus Design

This workshop will begin with a brief overview of some specific course design principles such as scaffolding, low-stakes assignments, student reflection and self-assessment, and regular in-class practice time, as well as pedagogical practices such as co-creating community agreements and demonstrating approachability, that help create a “productive error” classroom climate. This kind of learning environment helps reduce students’ fears (such as fear of failure) and promotes the importance of process in authentic learning. Students build durable skills such as metacognition and growth mindset by trying new things, making mistakes, getting formative feedback, reflecting on their own learning, and trying again. We’ll touch on small, specific ways to increase students’ understanding of the vital role of mistakes in learning how to do anything new, and how many aspects of standard schooling and traditional grading feeds students’ fears about making errors. Then, after some group brainstorming, participants will have time to engage in their own course and assignment adjustments and revisions through the lens of normalizing mistakes and reframing errors as an essential part of building durable skills. Participants are encouraged to have readily available a syllabus and/or assignments that you would like to use for this portion of the workshop. Facilitated by Jessamyn Neuhaus, Director of the CTLE and Professor in the School of Education.

August 17, 9:00-10:30 a.m., Zoom

Workshop: AI Usage Statements and Citations for Teaching and Learning

The ways we utilize generative AI is expanding so rapidly, it’s hard to keep up. Come to this hands-on workshop for implementing practical and immediately applicable best-practice strategies for ethical and responsible AI use in teaching and learning next semester. We will review the benefits of AI citation, disclosure, usage, and process statements–for learners and for educators–including promoting a classroom culture of academic integrity and building trust between students and faculty at this challenging moment in higher ed. Facilitated by Jessamyn Neuhaus.

August 17, 1:00-2:00 p.m., Zoom

Workshop: Helping Students Build Academic Integrity Skills

The Academic Integrity Office is excited to invite faculty to a 60-minute virtual workshop designed to give faculty practical tools and foundational knowledge for fostering a culture of integrity in their classrooms. During this session, the academic integrity team will facilitate the exploration of why students struggle with academic integrity, Syracuse University’s policy, the case submission process, and classroom strategies that can be used immediately to help students thrive.

August 17, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Zoom

Workshop: Co-Creating Classroom Civility

How can college educators work together with students to create and maintain respectful and productive learning environments? Encouraging and ensuring civility between students, and between students and ourselves, can be challenging at times, and politically/socially divisive events and issues create additional pressures on classroom interactions. This workshop explores one high-impact strategy: co-creating with students, and incentivizing ongoing use of a classroom standards, values, and/or “rules of engagement” document. Facilitated by Jessamyn Neuhaus.

August 19, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Zoom

Workshop: Writing AI into the Syllabus: Clear Expectations for Ethical, Transparent, and Responsible Use

This workshop explores how faculty can move beyond generic AI policy statements and write syllabus language that gives students clear, practical guidance. Participants will consider how to communicate expectations for ethical, transparent, and responsible AI use in ways that align with course goals, support student learning, and preserve accountability. Facilitated by Doug Yung, Teaching Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and current Meredith Professor Faculty Fellow in artificial intelligence.

August 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Zoom

Workshop: The Value of Classroom Guest Speakers

How can we make the most of guest speakers in our teaching? The presenter shares SU students’ perspectives on speakers’ contributions to their learning. The session includes multiple practical ways to complement your class lessons by integrating different kinds of guests into your plans. Facilitated by Collie Fulford, Associate Professor in the Department of Writing Studies, Rhetoric, & Composition and Director of SU’s Writing Center.

August 19, 1:00-2:00 p.m., Zoom

Info Session: Why You Should Use the New Midsemester Course Grade Feature in Orange SUccess 2.0

Syracuse University faculty now have the ability to enter, via Orange SUccess, a midsemester class grade. We at the CTLE strongly recommend that every single person teaching a class next semester utilize this new Orange SUccess feature. The midsemester class grade will not appear on a student’s transcript, but it is the most transparent and high-impact way to meaningfully communicate a students’ standing in your class. Assigning mid semester course grades also makes our teaching lives easier. It is also one of the single most effective ways to reduce end-of-semester panic and grade disputes. Come to this information session to learn more and to begin planning for implementing this new Orange Success feature. Facilitated by Jessamyn Neuhaus.

August 20, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Zoom

Workshop: Classroom Phone and Device Policies

It’s a vexing issue for every instructor: The almost irresistible distractions of phones and devices that can interfere with student engagement and learning. While there is no easy solution or one-size-fits-all strategy, some classroom policies are more effective than others, particularly when we want to promote an inclusive, welcoming classroom learning environment. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the challenges of cultivating attention in the classroom and explore options for phone and device policies that can build trust, facilitate student self-efficacy, and reduce our own frustration. Facilitated by Jessamyn Neuhaus.

August 20, 1:00-2:00 p.m., Zoom

Question and Answer Session with the Academic Integrity Office

As you prepare for the start of the fall semester, the Academic Integrity Office invites you to a Q&A session dedicated to answering your questions. Whether you’re still learning about Syracuse University’s academic integrity policy, or you just need a refresher, this is an informal space for you to ask about what matters to you. There is no formal agenda, and the team will be happy to discuss Syracuse University’s academic integrity policy, how to submit a case and what to expect once it is filed, the annual goals of our office, or anything else that is on your mind. We know that navigating academic integrity can feel complex, and we are here to make it easier. We look forward to connecting with you and supporting you as the semester begins.

August 20, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Zoom

Workshop: Turning Your Syllabus Into a Podcast

From length and complexity to depressingly low readership, there may not be a single member of the campus community who doesn’t find the traditional written syllabus wanting in some way. This workshop will cover how faculty can judiciously harness technology to complement written syllabi with engaging audio content. More than just creating a recorded reading of the document, the seminar will discuss creative ways to leverage commonly used recording applications as well as recent advances in AI to enrich syllabus drafts with succinct, substantive conversational audio outputs focused on specific syllabus content, such as learning objectives, abstracts, topics, policies, assessments, and strategies for class success. The session will feature multiple examples, include opportunities for practice, and cover important considerations in technology implementation and accessibility. Facilitated by Zach Huitink, Associate Teaching Professor in Public Administration and International Affairs and a current Meredith Professorship Faculty Fellow in online learning.

August 20, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Zoom

CTLE + AIO Open House: Coffee and Cake with Jessamyn and Kate

Start the fall semester with good company and even better refreshments! Join Jessamyn Neuhaus, Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, and Kate Marzen, Director of the Academic Integrity Office, for a relaxed morning open house in their beautiful CTLE space next to the Faculty Commons in Bird Library 550. Whether you’re new to campus and still finding your way around, a returning faculty member looking to reconnect, a longtime CTLE enthusiast, or someone who’s never stopped by before–this event is for you. Enjoy delicious morning treats while getting to know the people and resources available to support your teaching and your students. No agenda, no pressure — just coffee, cake, and good conversation to ease you into the semester ahead.

August 21, 9:00-10:00 a.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)

Workshop: Alternatives to Timed Exams

Looking for a teaching strategy that will maximize accessibility in your classes while simultaneously hugely reducing stress for you and for your students? Consider using, whenever possible, assessment alternatives to high-stakes timed exams and quizzes! In this workshop, we’ll review some of the drawbacks to utilizing timed exams for assessing student learning and explore a variety of other options for encouraging and measuring authentic student learning. Facilitated by Jessamyn Neuhaus.

August 21, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Zoom

Drop-In Syllabus Assistance Hours

Need some support and assistance for brainstorming syllabus language, designing an assignment, or finalizing your class policies? Stop into Bird Library 550 (CTLE), August 21, any time between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and talk with Jessamyn Neuhaus, Kate Marzen, Ebony Graham, CTLE Faculty Developer and Coordinator of Students Consulting on Teaching (SCOT) or Ashley Jimenez, Assistant Director of the Academic Integrity Office.

August 21, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)

No registration or appointment needed.

Workshop: Syllabus Language and Policies that Support Student Wellness

Recent surveys across the University have highlighted a number of concerns regarding student wellness: anxiety, disconnection, depression, and stress. As instructors, we sometimes feel powerless to stem the tide of these issues among our students or invest a lot of time on single students that we can identify as needing help. But we are not as powerless as we think and we can help more students than we think we can. By implementing a few, simple best practices on our syllabi and in our course design, we can have a noticeable impact on student mental and physical health (and on our own mental and physical health as well). Facilitated by Mark Brockway, Assistant Teaching Professor in political science and a current Meredith Faculty Fellow in active learning and student-centered classroom practices and course design.

August 21, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Zoom

September Programs

Lunch and Learn: The Value of Student Group Work in the Age of AI

Faculty and students know that the ability to work in a group is an important academic and professional skill. Yet, students often dread group projects or group work, and faculty often do not provide the structure, instruction, and support that students need in order to effectively engage in group work. Moreover, as we all grapple with the technological disruptions of the “Age of AI,” students need opportunities to make connections and learn together more than ever. In this Lunch and Learn, we’ll review foundational best practices for designing, assigning, and assessing student group projects, with the goal of revitalizing and reinvigorating our ability to facilitate positive and productive student teamwork. Lunch will be provided, and space is limited to twelve participants. Last day to register: September 4.

September 9, 12:00-1:15 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)

2026-2027 “By Design: A Community of Practice on Inclusive Teaching”

The Center for Disability Resources (CDR), in partnership with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), invites Syracuse University faculty to apply for By Design—our inaugural Community of Practice (CoP) on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive pedagogy. Faculty participants in this first cohort will receive a $1,500 stipend in recognition of their time and contributions. This opportunity is open to all Syracuse University faculty who regularly teach three or more courses per year. Applications are due on August 24, 2026.

Apply for the “By Design” CDR + CTLE Community of Practice

Fall 2026 CTLE Book Club

The Fall 2026 CTLE Book Club will read Chavella Pittman’s book Empowered: A Woman Faculty of Color’s Guide to Teaching and Thriving (University of Oklahoma Press). The book club will meet four times and in order to maximize people’s ability to attend, we will offer the option of both an in-person meeting or a Zoom meeting. Co-facilitated by Jessamyn Neuhaus and Ebony Graham.

CTLE Book Club Meeting #1: September 16
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)
or
3:00-4:00 p.m., Zoom

CTLE Book Club Meeting #2: September 23
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)
or
3:00-4:00 p.m., Zoom

CTLE Book Club Meeting #3: September 30
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)
or
3:00-4:00 p.m., Zoom

CTLE Book Club Meeting #4: October 7
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)
or
3:00-4:00 p.m., Zoom

Registration is required and the first 12 people to register will receive a free paperback copy of the book. Fall 2026 Book Club Registration Form.

About the author: Chavella T. Pittman is the owner of Effective & Efficient Faculty, a faculty development company that works with faculty and campuses across the country to help them develop strategies for great teaching and thriving faculty. She received her PhD in Sociology and a MA in Higher Education from the University of Michigan. She is currently Professor of Sociology at Dominican University. Her research interests and expertise include higher education, interpersonal interactions and marginalized statuses, research methods and statistics. She has a love/hate relationship with running, is a beer aficionado, recently cured her black thumb via growing cherry tomatoes, loves to learn, and believes black joy is resistance.

Chavella Pittman Workshop: “Developing Strategies for Classroom Incivilities”

The author of our Fall 2026 book club read, Empowered: A Woman Faculty of Color’s Guide to Teaching and Thriving will facilitate an important workshop via Zoom about proactively planning for and navigating classroom incivilities. Student incivility can derail faculty effectiveness and student learning. In an interactive format, participants will learn about faculty and students’ experiences with classroom incivility. They will also learn about the potential consequences of unchecked student incivilities. Most importantly, participants will be introduced to SoTL strategies used to address student classroom incivility. At the end, each participant will have an idea of how to address potential and actual student classroom incivilities. This is an interactive event. Participants should have their laptop/pen and paper/tablet/etc. and teaching materials (e.g. syllabi, faculty handbook, campus websites, etc.) available to examine during the session. This workshop is open to and highly relevant for anyone on campus with teaching responsibilities.

September 11, 1:00-2:15 p.m., Zoom

Contemplative Teaching Community of Practice

Dr. Rachel Razza, Meredith Professor and faculty leader of the Contemplative Campus initiative, is forming a Community of Practice for faculty interested in contemplative practice this fall. The group will gather monthly to build community, share ideas, and explore opportunities to grow contemplative work at Syracuse, including the Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies minor. Faculty affiliated with the former Contemplative Collaborative, those who teach courses touching on contemplative themes, and anyone curious about these practices are warmly encouraged to get involved. To learn more or express interest, contact Rachel at rrazza@syr.edu. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited to 20 participants. Deadline to register: Thursday, September 10.

September 15, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)
October 20, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)
November 17, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)

Encouraging Engagement and Building Belonging with an SU Museum Class Visit

In this interactive and hands-on workshop drawing on evidence-based teaching practices for authentic student learning, SU Art Museum Curator of Education Kate Holohan and Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence Director Jessamyn Neuhaus will introduce participants to the many ways that incorporating one museum visit into any course can facilitate increased student engagement in a wide range of courses and help build students’ sense of belonging at Syracuse University. We’ll meet at the Museum, and we’ll begin with a short overview of the Museum’s collections, how to plan and schedule a class visit, and a summary of why these visits exemplify effective and inclusive teaching practices and support pedagogical well-being. Participants will do an abbreviated version of a class activity called “Slow and Close Looking”. This workshop will take place in the SU Art Museum, and instructors from any discipline or area of study are welcome.

September 21, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Syracuse University Art Museum, Shaffer Art Building

Panel Discussion: What Your Students Want You to Know about Midsemester Feedback (and Midsemester Course Grades)

Midsemester feedback is a long-proven, evidence-based, high-impact benefit to teaching and learning. Come to this panel and hear SU students discuss what they find most beneficial about midsemester feedback in all its forms, including providing feedback to the instructor about the class and identifying what is working well. Syracuse University faculty now have the ability to enter, via Orange SUccess, a midsemester class grade that will not go on a student’s transcript but can clearly and transparently communicate to students their standing in the class. Our panelists will speak to why a midterm class grade can be so beneficial to student learning and academic success.

September 24, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Zoom

Student Reading Community of Practice

During the 2026-2027 academic year, the CTLE will facilitate a community of practice (CoP) focused on effective teaching strategies for helping students build reading skills. We will discuss relevant research and effective teaching strategies for helping students build reading skills, and we will also have an opportunity to hear insights directly from SU students as part of the CTLE’s commitment to pedagogical partnerships. Instructors of any rank, including graduate students, are invited to participate. The Student Reading CoP will meet four times during the Fall 2026 semester and three times during the Spring 2027 semester:

Student Reading CoP Meeting #1
August 31, 2:00-3:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)

Student Reading CoP Meeting #2
September 28, 2:00-3:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)

Student Reading CoP Meeting #3
October 26, 2:00-3:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)

Student Reading CoP Meeting #4
November 30, 2:00-3:00 p.m., 550 Bird Library (CTLE)

Spring 2027 meetings TBA.

Individual Consultations

We at the CTLE are available to support and assist you with any teaching-related issues, including but not limited to syllabus review, designing assignments, soliciting and interpreting student feedback, and navigating student biases and stereotypes about professors. Contact us via the Consultation Request Form on our website.

Online Course Design and Teaching Consultations

Zach Huitink, Associate Teaching Professor in Public Administration and International Affairs and a 2026-207 Meredith Professorship Faculty Fellow is available this semester for consultations on topics such as strategies and approaches to developing engaging asynchronous content; live session lesson planning and activity development; assessment in online formats; and community building when working with classes in distance learning formats. Contact him directly to schedule an appointment at zshuitin@syr.edu.

Our Annual Report

Now available! The CTLE’s 2025-2026 Annual Report, which summarizes the Center’s achievements, programs, and community engagement this academic year. It’s posted on our website and available via this link: Annual Report.