2026-2027 Calendar of Events

The Fundamentals of Effective University Teaching Series will provide approximately 60 minutes of content and 30 minutes of individual instruction and course development. The primary audience will be new(er) faculty, but all instructional faculty are welcome to attend. Each session will be a stand-alone topic within the larger context of the interconnected framework of the Planning, Instruction, and Assessment Cycle. Upon completion of the Fundamentals of Effective Teaching workshop series, faculty will be able to:

• Apply results-driven instructional planning techniques to design an effective course at Butler University.
• Implement appropriate active learning strategies that align with stated learning objectives.
• Design formative and summative assessments that effectively measure student achievement of learning outcomes and inform instruction.

If you would like to participate please RSVP to facultyexcellence@butler.edu so you can be added to the Canvas course. RSVPs for participation in the full series is encouraged, but attendance by topic is also welcome. 

• “Motivation: Yours and Theirs – Matching Your Teaching Philosophy to Classroom Expectations” Tuesday, September 8, 3:00-4:30 pm, Atherton Union 326
• “Managing and Encouraging Productive Classroom Conflict: Naming Types of Tension to Set Up a Good Discussion Climate” Monday, September 21, 3:00-4:30 pm, Atherton Union 326
• “Learning Theory for Maximizing Engagement: Zone of Proximal Development” Thursday, October 1, 3:00-4:30 pm, Jordan Hall 238
• “Teaching Strategies for Classroom Discussion Engagement” Monday, October 26, 3:00-4:30 pm, Atherton Union 326
• “Teaching Strategies for Deepening Reading Engagement” Thursday, November 5, 3:00-4:30 pm, Atherton Union 326
• “Assessment: Coaching vs. Judging” Monday, November 16, 3:00-4:30 pm, Atherton Union 326
• “Assessment: Effective Assignments as Steppingstones, not Islands” Thursday, December 3, 3:00-4:30 pm, Atherton Union 326
• “Reflective Teaching Practices: Syllabus Annotations for Reflection and Projection” Wednesday, December 16, 3:00-4:30, Atherton Union 326

Summer Course Planning Workshop
For anyone interested in getting to work on course development for the fall semester, Shelly Furuness (Director of the Center for Faculty Excellence) is offering a workshop aimed at helping faculty think about and develop their course syllabi, assignment descriptions, and course calendars. The format of the workshop will include 75 minutes of interactive, guided instruction on curriculum mapping and results-driven instructional planning with Butler syllabus templates. The remaining 45 minutes will be used for individual planning time and 1-on-1 support.

To best accommodate summer schedules, the same workshop will be offered at two different dates and times in Jordan Hall 238*:

• Wednesday, July 29, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
• Thursday, July 30, 1:00-3:00 p.m.* 

RSVP to facultyexcellence@butler.edu with the date of the workshop you would like to attend and any questions you may like assistance with during the workshop.

*For the July 30 workshop, synchronous online modality will be available upon request for those who are unable to participate in-person. Please contact facultyexcellence@butler.edu if you are interested in participating virtually.

High-Impact Practices – What are they, and how can they help me in the classroom?
Thursday, September 24, lunch noon-12:30 pm, presentation 12:30-1:30 pm, Atherton Union 326
High-impact practices play a key role in building a stronger learning environment while helping you manage your overall instructional workload. This workshop highlights research-based techniques proven to support all students, with a focus on helping underrepresented student populations succeed. Faculty will walk away with practical, evidence-based strategies to try in their own classrooms.
These concepts will also serve as a foundational base for the rest of this year’s professional development sessions.
Meal vouchers provided. Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@butler.edu required.
Can’t attend in person? Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to receive the listening link.

AI 101 – What are the benefits of an AI assistant, and how do I create one?
Tuesday, October 20, lunch noon-12:30 pm, presentation 12:30-1:30 pm,
Atherton Union 326
Educators spend a huge amount of time grading assignments, writing lesson plans, and keeping up with endless emails. Artificial intelligence can take on some of that heavy lifting by streamlining administrative tasks and simplifying processes. Beyond saving time, AI assistants can also help quickly generate real-world scenarios and debate topics for your students. This workshop covers practical ways to use AI to lighten your daily workload and enhance your teaching.
Meal vouchers provided. Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@butler.edu required.
Can’t attend in person? Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to receive the listening link.

Collaborative Classroom Projects – How do they help you and your students?
Wednesday, November 11, noon-12:30 pm, presentation 12:30-1:30 pm,
Atherton Union 326
Working effectively with others is a vital life skill, and group projects give students a safe space to practice navigating team dynamics and accountability. Collaborative assignments help students connect course content directly to real-world soft skills and practical problem-solving. For instructors, group work can also streamline grading and feedback, as there are fewer individual projects to evaluate. This workshop explores how to set up group projects that benefit both you and your students.
Meal vouchers provided. Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@butler.edu required.
Can’t attend in person? Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to receive the listening link.

Experiences with Diversity – Bring the world to the classroom by diversifying your curriculum and see how it helps prepare students for the real world.
Tuesday, January 26, noon-12:30 pm, presentation 12:30-1:30 pm, Atherton Union 326
Many students come to class with worldviews limited to their immediate surroundings and social media feeds. Intentionally diversifying your curriculum helps prepare them for a broader world by exposing them to different cultures, customs, and perspectives. Simple choices, such as incorporating readings from underrepresented authors or facilitating civil discourse on tough topics, can be truly transformative for learners. This workshop offers straightforward ways to broaden your course content and foster a more inclusive classroom.
Meal vouchers provided. Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@butler.edu required.
Can’t attend in person? Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to receive the listening link.

Open Educational Resources – How can ensuring students can access your course materials can lighten your load.
Thursday, February, 25,  noon-12:30 pm, presentation 12:30-1:30 pm, Atherton Union 326
Free course materials remove a major financial burden for students while ensuring everyone has what they need to succeed from day one. Using Open Educational Resources (OER) gives you peace of mind while opening the door to flexible, high-quality content. This workshop explores the world of open-access materials and shows you how to easily supplement or replace your current textbook. You will learn where to find these resources and how they can simplify your prep work.
Meal vouchers provided. Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@butler.edu required.
Can’t attend in person? Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to receive the listening link.

We See You & We Appreciate You – Why taking time for yourself is a high-impact practice.
Wednesday, March 31, noon-12:30, presentation 12:30-1:30, Atherton Union 326
Teaching requires a massive investment of time and energy, making personal well-being an essential part of your professional success. Taking time for yourself to step away from your desk is a high-impact practice in its own right. This gathering offers a dedicated, low-pressure space to disconnect from daily tasks and simply connect with colleagues. Join us to unwind, recharge, and enjoy being in community with your peers.
Meal vouchers provided. Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@butler.edu required.
Can’t attend in person? Email facultyexcellence@butler.edu to receive the listening link.

Additional 2026-2027 Center for Faculty Excellence opportunities will be available soon. Please check back for updates.

To request disability-related accommodations or inquire about accessibility at faculty development events, please contact facultydevelopment@butler.edu. Please allow two weeks’ advance notice in order to allow adequate time to make arrangements. Although attempts will be made to honor accommodation requests with less notice, it cannot be guaranteed that without two weeks notice a reasonable accommodation can be provided.