Universal Design for Learning Institute

UDLi March 2023 - Representation

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Institute: Representation will be held hybrid (in-person and on Zoom), March 21-23, 2023. Participants will have the opportunity to work independently, in groups, and one-on-one with UDL coaches from the Accessible Dartmouth Initiative (ADI) to design interventions in one or more courses.

The national organization CAST defines UDL as "a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn."

ADI aims to help faculty integrate UDL into their courses to better meet the needs of all students, including neurodiverse students – those who learn differently due to conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia – as well as first-generation college students, international students, English language learners, and students of other marginalized identities. 

Institute participants will receive individual coaching to reach their UDL goals, an opportunity to apply for a UDL course grant, invitations to Institute reunion events, recognition of participation on the DCAL website (if desired), and a certificate of completion. In-person attendees will receive lunch. 

During the institute, you will:

  • Design and develop 2 or more course interventions based in the "Multiple Means of Representation" principle of UDL. 
  • Identify opportunities to connect culturally responsive/sustaining pedagogies and practices with UDL.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to refine instructional practices and documents.
  • Prepare for the Accessible Dartmouth Initiative Course Grant application process and apply, if interested. (Note: Completion of the institute is part of grant requirements, therefore we highly encourage eligible participants to apply.)

The UDL Institute follows a flipped format, in which you work through asynchronous content (short videos, readings, exercises) independently before attending the 3-day institute. We estimate this pre-work will take 2-4 hours.

The institute is designed for anyone teaching a course at Dartmouth. You don't need to have any prior knowledge of UDL, although you can learn more about possible UDL course interventions on the ADI website. Faculty participants will be given priority, but we encourage other educators (i.e. staff, postdocs, and graduate teaching assistants) to apply and we will accommodate these as space allows. 

Key dates: 

  • February 2, 2023 - Applications open and will be reviewed regularly. 
  • February 28, 2023 - Institute Canvas site available to participants with pre-work.
  • March 8, 2023 at noon - Applications for the March 2023 institute are due. 
  • March 21-23, 2023 - UDL Institute sessions (in person in DCAL and on Zoom). 
    • 10am-2:30 pm with a lunch break from noon-1pm

Preview the application (DOCX) then submit your answers to the March 2023 UDL Institute Application form

Thank you for your interest in the UDL Institute. If you have any questions before applying, please contact, dcal@dartmouth.edu.

We're looking forward to working with you!