FAQs

When either designing a new course or redesigning an existing one, the two most important questions you can ask are: “What do I want and hope my students will be able to do 3-5 years after taking my course?” and “Why is this important to me?” Spending time in advance of the Institute contemplating these questions will greatly facilitate the design process. We will send you a few key resources 1-2 weeks prior to the Institute, including the book Creating Significant Learning Experiences and some specific exercises to help you more fully address these questions. We recommend that you read as much of the book as possible prior to the Institute.

Yes, there is a registration fee for the Course Design Institute ($900). The fee covers all programming costs, including one-on-one consultation services during CDI. The CTE will provide participants with print resources, including a program binder with worksheets and handouts, a copy of Dee Fink’s bestselling book, Creating Significant Learning Experiences, and lunch and refreshments each day of the Institute. Please refer to the Registration & Payment page for full details.  

Some UVA postdoc classifications are eligible for the Education Benefit. You can visit the University Human Resources (UHR) website to verify your status. If you are ineligible, you may apply under graduate student status, meaning that if accepted, the CTE will cover your registration fees.  

In order to give more individualized attention, the Institute is limited to approximately 40 instructors per session.  

Throughout the Institute, you’ll work in a small, interdisciplinary group comprised of fellow instructors. This learning community will provide you with thoughtful, constructive feedback, alternative perspectives, and general support and encouragement. As such, we ask that you plan to attend each meeting and come with your “homework” completed.