News
Current and past news and announcements from or about the Teaching and Learning Commons or related to the Commons' work may be found below.
UC San Diego Today: Faculty and Students Sharpen Skills in Teaching and Learning
February 14, 2023
Since its creation in 2015, the Teaching and Learning Commons has served a unique purpose—to help students master the best ways to learn, and to assist faculty and graduate students in enhancing learning outcomes and student experiences in the classroom. With a new faculty director, David Ruiter, at the helm, a revitalization is underway as services evolve to meet the needs of a diverse student population. Read More»
Commons Graduate Teaching Consultant Chosen for inaugural UC-HSI Research Apprenticeship Program
May 23, 2022
Congratulations to TLC Graduate Teaching Consultant Jesse Enriquez, who has been chosen for the inaugural UC-Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP). UC-HSI RAP aims to support junior scholars at UC who focus their dissertation research on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The program's goal is to support and strengthen future generations of UC scholars, leaders, and administrators who focus on equity issues in the context of HSIs.
Commons Employee Recognized for Outstanding Graduate /Professional Student Support Staff
May 18, 2022
Congratulations to Erilynn Heinrichsen for receiving this year’s award for Outstanding Graduate/Professional Student Support Staff. Erilynn has been with the Commons since 2016 when she was hired as an Educational Specialist, and during her tenure with the Commons, she has provided teaching professional development to countless graduate students. Over the years she has hired, supported, and mentored our Graduate Teaching Consultants (GTCs) and has created a professional learning environment grounded in compassion and community. I commonly hear from our graduate student colleagues that the space Erilynn helps to create is a sanctuary of sorts, where they thrive and feel safe bringing their whole selves to work. View the full announcement.
Assessment for Advancing Equity Grants
April 22, 2022
As part of UC San Diego's Assessment for Advancing Equity Initiative, the EVC would like to announce the Assessment for Advancing Equity Grants. Units are encouraged to apply for this funding opportunity to support learning outcomes assessment efforts. Selected faculty will receive:
- Up to $10,000 to support program assessment
- Recognition as an Equity Assessment Fellow
- Opportunity to contribute to a culture of assessment
This opportunity is sponsored by the Executive Vice Chancellor and the Dean of Undergraduate Education. The Teaching and Learning Commons hosted informational workshops to support any faculty interested in applying and is available for 1:1 support. To request a link to the recording, click here.
More information about the application process can also be found on the Assessment for Advancing Equity Portal. Email assessment@ucsd.edu with any questions.
Posing The Grading of Writing As A Racist Problem: A Keynote Talk with Dr. Asao B. Inoue
Apr 11, 2022, 2:30 PM via Zoom
This keynote explores the ways grading in writing classrooms participates in larger projects of White language supremacy in education and society. It centers on two questions: How is conventional grading of the languaging of college students racist? What terms and biases in conventional grading cause such racist outcomes in classrooms? To answer such questions, Inoue explores the history of grading in colleges and public schools in the U.S. and considers several biases that are baked into grading that come out of this history. The lecture will end by considering the ways labor-based grading addresses many of the racist problems in conventional grading systems that most writing courses inherit. The session will also have a Q&A period. Sponsored by the Teaching and Learning Commons and Thurgood Marshall College DOC Writing Program. Register for Inoue's talk here.
Meet UC San Diego’s New Cohort of Changemaker Faculty Fellows
November 12, 2021
The Changemaker Institute announced its 2021-2023 cohort of seven Changemaker Faculty Fellows who have been selected to participate in the two-year faculty development program designed to cultivate a robust learning community and campus network of changemakers committed to addressing real-world challenges through their teaching. Launched in 2019, the program is a partnership between the Teaching and Learning Commons and the Center for Student Involvement, with the support of the Changemaker Steering Committee. Learn more about the Changemaker Faculty Fellows.
Supplemental Instruction Leader Named 2021 Goldwater Scholar
April 5, 2021
Mara Casebeer, who has been a Supplemental Instruction Leader with the Teaching and Learning Commons for six quarters, was recently named a 2021 Goldwater Scholar! Mara was one of three UC San Diego students to win the award, renowned as the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering in America. Learn more about the Goldwater Scholarship.
UC San Diego Names 2020-2022 Changemaker Faculty Fellows
Dec. 17, 2020
Now in its second year, the Changemaker Faculty Fellows Program has named 16 faculty members in its 2020-2022 cohort. This two-year-long faculty development program enables faculty members to build a robust learning community and campus network of changemakers committed to addressing real world challenges through their teaching. Read the full thisweek@ucsandiego article about the Changemaker Faculty Fellows.
Election 2020 Resources for UC San Diego Educators
Oct. 31, 2020
The Teaching and Learning Commons gathered resources from across UC San Diego to support educators with tools and resources to navigate the 2020 national election. Access the election resources here.
UC San Diego Customer Satisfaction Survey includes Teaching and Learning Commons
October 20, 2020
The Teaching and Learning Commons is participating in the UC San Diego Customer Satisfaction Survey for this first time in fall 2020. We ask that all UCSD faculty, instructors, and staff who have interacted with us in the past year to provide feedback on their experiences with us. The survey is available until Nov. 20, 2020. Take the UC San Diego Customer Satisfaction Survey.
We expect to have a survey for student feedback later this academic year.
UC San Diego Keep Teaching Website Redesigned
September 30, 2020
The Teaching and Learning Commons partnered with Educational Technology Services (ETS) to redesign the keepteaching.ucsd.edu website. The teams incorporated feedback from faculty who asked that remote instructional resources be aggregated and easily accessible from one website. The website was first launched in March 2020. Visit keepteaching.ucsd.edu.
2020 Virtual EdTech Showcase
September 21-25, 2020
UC San Diego’s Educational Technology Services (ETS) and Teaching and Learning Commons are excited to bring you the annual EdTech Showcase virtually this year! Join us as we discuss timely topics for the 2020 fall quarter, including discussions on how to build community and engage with your students in a remote setting, how to build great course videos at home, and tips to best prepare your students for success. See the EdTech Showcase Schedule.
Engaged Teaching Hub Launches Anti-Racist Learning Community for Educators
September 17, 2020
The inaugural "Unpacking Anti-Blackness and Dismantling Systemic Racism in Educational Practices" learning community for UC San Diego educators will be grounded in the established literature on anti-racist pedagogy informed by the work of scholars of color. We will engage in readings, reflection exercises, and discussions designed to deepen our understanding and take action. Learn more about the anti-racist pedagogy learning community.
Writing Hub Associate Director Receives GSA Award
September 11, 2020
Congrats to Dr. Erica Bender, Associate Director of the Writing Hub! Dr. Bender received an Honorable Mention for Outstanding Support Staff from the Graduate Student Association (GSA) because “nominators cited not only your success in supporting grads and the greater UCSD community in such a challenging time but the compassion and empathy you employ when doing so.”
Summer Bridge Goes Virtual in 2020!
August 13, 2020Due to COVID-19, the UC San Diego Summer Bridge program was conducted remotely this year with a record number of 440 students enrolled! Read the full article in ThisWeek@UCSanDiego.
QI Launches Research Internship Program for Undergraduates
July 30, 2020
The Qualcomm Institute (QI) Learning Academy trains students to apply their education to complex, real-world issues by pairing them with mentors in wireless systems, data science, engineering and other fields. The initiative is accredited through the university’s Academic Internship Program. Reach more about the QI Learning Academy.
Appointment of a Faculty Director, Teaching and Learning Commons
June 22, 2020
Dr. David Ruiter has been appointed Faculty Director of the Teaching and Learning Commons, effective August 1, 2020. Read the full Faculty Director announcement.
Changemaker Faculty Fellows Program - Applications Due July 24, 2020
June 9, 2020
The Changemaker Faculty Fellows program is open to all full-time UC San Diego Senate faculty members with an interest in community-engaged learning (CEL). Awards are in the amount of $10,000 over two academic years to support the development and implementation of a CEL project. Learn more about the Changemaker Faculty Fellows Program.
Academic Senate Announcement: Support for Students During Finals
June 4, 2020
The UCSD Academic Senate sent an announcement to all instructors encouraging them "to demonstrate compassion and understanding to our students during these unprecedented times." This included a reminder that "instructors do have significant flexibility regarding finals, as long as changes are applied consistently and if they are communicated clearly to students." Read the full letter at Support for Students During Finals.
UC San Diego Faculty Unite to Master Remote Instruction: University’s Teaching and Learning Commons plays central role in supporting faculty
May 28, 2020Faculty members across UC San Diego quickly mobilized to redesign their courses to remotely engage students in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Many of them turned to the Teaching and Learning Commons for support in transitioning into the virtual realm of instruction.
Educator Professional Development Opportunity: Become a Certified VALUE Scorer
March 11, 2020AAC&U is seeking volunteers to participate in the VALUE Institute 2020 Calibration Training. This is a great faculty development opportunity, as individuals who complete the training and meet our calibration standards will be certified as VALUE Institute scorers and may be invited to score student work over the summer. In 2020, there is no charge to participate in the training, which begins in late spring and is done completely online. Indicate your interest here.
UC San Diego CDIIP Faculty Awards Available for 2020-2021
February 19, 2020
The EVC has announced the 2020-21 Course Development and Instructional Improvement Program (CDIIP), which provides funding to support faculty projects that enhance undergraduate instruction and to encourage faculty experimenting with new instructional technologies including the creation of digital resources and the development of hybrid or flipped courses. Funding is available for Small Projects (<$7.5K) and Other Projects (<$50K). Faculty members are encouraged to develop projects in collaboration with the Teaching and Learning Commons. More information available here.
UC San Diego Opens Transfer Triton Hub
February 5, 2020
UC San Diego's Transfer Triton Hub will open on Monday, February 10, 2020. The Transfer Triton Hub was created as an outcome of a UC San Diego listening campaign where transfer students were asked what services and resources they wanted at a transfer student center. Results included academic support. So the Teaching and Learning Commons will begin offering drop-in tutoring at the new space in the Biomedical Library Building next week. Learn more at https://transferstudents.ucsd.edu/.
UC San Diego First-Generation Career Conference
February 4, 2020
UC San Diego held its inaugural First-Generation Career Conference on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020. The Teaching and Learning Commons staff led sessions on experiential learning, cover letter and resume writing and review, internships, and the UCSD competencies. The Career Center and the Student Success Coaches also offered sessions. First-generation UCSD alumni were invited to share dinner with the students, which was the highlight of the program according to Engaged Learning Tools Specialist, Shawna Hook-Held. Held remarked, “The vast experiences of the alumni and the casual but meaningful conversations were exactly what we were hoping to achieve - to make sure that the first generation students knew that there was a network of support for them and that they weren’t alone.”
The conference was a collective effort between the Teaching and Learning Commons, the Student Retention and Success, and the Career Center, and was attended by 35-40 first-generation undergraduate students. The organizing team was thrilled by the success and is already planning to expand the conference next year!
UC San Diego’s EdTech Showcase a Success!
December 18, 2019
Over 70 UC San Diego faculty, teaching assistants, and department coordinators attended the UC San Diego Fall 2019 EdTech Showcase on September 20, which highlighted numerous instructional tools and instructional design support available to faculty at the start of the academic year. This was the first year the showcase was co-sponsored by Educational Technology Services (ETS) in IT Services at UC San Diego with The Teaching and Learning Commons.
The Commons Featured in UC San Diego Video
December 13, 2019
The Teaching and Learning Commons is featured in a new UC San Diego video promoting student success. Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwrmnY_QZNs&feature=youtu.be.
The Commons Partners with the Career Center to Highlight Students' Competencies for Post Graduate Success
November 7, 2019
The UCSD Career Center emphasizes the need for current students to develop 21st-century workforce skills and competencies while engaged in school, and they are working with the Teaching and Learning Commons to promote the twelve UC San Diego Competencies and the use of the Co-Curricular Record as an important reflection tool toward post-graduate success.
UC San Diego Names Inaugural Changemaker Faculty Fellows
October 31, 2019
Eight UC San Diego faculty members have been named inaugural 2019-2020 Changemaker Faculty Fellows, a program created in partnership between the Teaching and Learning Commons and the Center for Student Involvement, with the support of the Changemaker Steering Committee. This yearlong faculty development program provides an opportunity for selected faculty members to integrate community-engaged service-learning (CESL) into their teaching, research and public service, while being recognized as campus leaders in CESL pedagogy.
Dr. Iris Ruiz: Decolonizing Pedagogical Praxis within Composition and Literacy Studies
October 28, 2019
Thurgood Marshall College and the Teaching and Learning Commons have the honor to present a talk with alumni and visiting scholar Dr. Iris D. Ruiz. Please join us for what will be an intriguing and invigorating discussion on Monday, October 28th from 9:00 am - 10:30 am.
UC San Diego Holistic Teaching Evaluation Final Report Recommendations
August 28, 2019
A UC San Diego Senate - Administration workgroup was convened in January 2019 to provide recommendations to the Academic Senate based on literature, best practices, and existing UC San Diego resources. The workgroup submitted its report in August 2019 with recommendations in four categories. The full report can be read online here.
UC San Diego's EdTech Showcase Slated for Sept. 20, 2019
August 25, 2019
Attend UC San Diego's 2019 EdTech Showcase on September 20, from 9 am - 3 pm. The event is organized by ETS and the Teaching and Learning Commons. You must use the password 2019 to RSVP.
New Platforms for UC San Diego Online Courses and Programs
August 19, 2019
UC San Diego recently launched its own branded instance of Open edX, titled LearnX, tailored for the learning needs of our community, to offer fully online courses to non-matriculated students world-wide. Concurrently, our campus is undergoing a full transition to Canvas, a learning management system that will replace TritonEd by the end of Spring quarter 2020.
UC San Diego Offers Admission to More Diverse California Residents
July 22, 2019
When the new class of students arrive on campus this fall, they will find a robust network of student-centered, high-impact resources designed for academic, personal and professional success. These range from the Student Success Coaching Program, to the Colleges’ First-Year Experience courses, to numerous campus community centers. Spaces for academic support and tutoring include the Teaching and Learning Commons and the Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS).
California Summer Institute on Scientific Teaching Hosted by the Teaching and Learning Commons
June 17, 2019
The Teaching and Learning Commons and the Division of Biological Sciences are hosting the Summer Institutes on Scientific Teaching at UC San Diego from June 17-21, 2019. Led by UCSD assistant teaching professors Lisa McDonnell and Stanley Lo, the Institute pulls together university and community college STEM educators to introduce them to the principles and practices in evidence-based teaching.
UC San Diego Accepting Applications for 2019-2020 Changemaker Faculty Fellows Program
May 3, 2019
The Changemaker Faculty Fellows Program is a year-long faculty development program that provides an opportunity for selected faculty members to integrate community-engaged service-learning (CESL) into their teaching, research, and public service while becoming recognized campus leaders in CESL pedagogy and community engagement. The inaugural Changemaker Faculty Fellows will be selected for the 2019-2020 class in a competitive review process and will be awarded a $10,000 faculty development award. More information about Changemaker Faculty Fellow available here.
UC San Diego Updates edX Platform to Improve Online Learning Experience
March 26, 2019
UC San Diego’s Teaching and Learning Commons, which manages the university’s Digital Learning Hub, will use the Open edX Caliper Feed with the goal of revolutionizing its online learning experience and ensuring student success.
UC San Diego Kicks Off the New Year with Changemaker Week
January 20-26, 2019
The New Year is a time of fresh starts and positive change. At UC San Diego, students, faculty and staff are celebrating this time with Changemaker Week from Jan. 20–26. The weeklong series of events will feature an array of free activities focused on making positive change, from the exploration of change-making research and a discussion about women disrupting for good, to an alumni film screening and the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Parade.
Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program Earns International Certification
January 7, 2019
The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program at the University of California San Diego has just become one of a handful of programs in the country accredited by the International Center of Supplemental Instruction. The certification standards ensure initial training, performance, and ongoing professional development meet international standards for excellence. It is the gold standard for SI programs at the international level.
SAPD Fall Proposal Development Workshops
November 7, 2018
In preparation for the next Strategic Academic Program Development (SAPD) Request for Proposals (RFP) coming up in January 2019, the SAPD Support Team led by Director Williams
Visiting Faculty Program: Summer 2019 Applications
November 7, 2018
The U.S. Department of Energy Visiting Faculty Program (VFP) seeks to increase the research competitiveness of faculty members and their students at institutions historically underrepresented in the research community in order to expand the workforce vital to the Department of Energy (DOE) mission areas. As part of the program, selected faculty members collaborate with DOE laboratory research staff on a research project of mutual interest. Faculty member participants may invite up to two students (one of which may be a graduate student) to participate in the research project. Applications for Summer 2019 term are due January 10, 2019.
A Scholarship to Help You Change the World
November 7, 2018
Global TIES, UC San Diego’s award-winning humanitarian engineering, social innovation, and sustainable development program is hosting an information session on Nov. 7, 2018, to learn about the Donald A. Strauss Scholarship, which awards $7000 in scholarship AND up to $8000 in project support to sophomore and junior changemakers.
Encouragement to Seek Support for Research Experiences for Undergraduates Research
November 5, 2018
UC San Diego encourages investigators to submit proposals and requests for supplementary funding to support
Commons' Director Invited to be NCLCA Mentor
October 17, 2018
Susan Rinaldi, Director of the Academic Achievement Hub in the Teaching and Learning Commons, has been invited to be a mentor for national learning center professionals at the annual National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA) Institute in July 2019.
Call for Social Good Research Submissions for Ashoka Conference in San Diego
October 15, 2018
The University of California, San Diego welcomes paper, panel, and poster submissions for a one-day symposium on Feb. 20, 2019, focused on disciplinary and interdisciplinary research related to creating sustained social good. Submissions are welcome from all fields, including but not limited to social sciences, physical sciences, environmental sciences, engineering, public policy, education, arts and humanities, business, and medicine and health sciences. Students are encouraged to submit abstracts. Submission deadline Nov. 15, 2018.
UC San Diego receives Lumina Grant for a Comprehensive Learner Record
August 2018
The Teaching and Learning Commons partnered with the Registrar's Office to apply for a Lumina grant through AACRO to create a Comprehensive Learner Record. Representatives from the Commons and the Registrar's Office will collaborate with universities across the nation on best practices and share lessons learned during semi-annual conference retreats while the records are being developed.
Teaching and Learning Commons Reorganization
April 2018
To fulfill its mission, the Teaching and Learning Commons is adjusting its organizational base exclusively to one of “hubs,” whose leaders and staff will routinely work together. There will be four hubs – the Academic Achievement Hub and the Writing Hub, already in place, and the newly created Engaged Teaching Hub and Digital Learning Hub.
Coursera Offers Free Certificate Courses for Faculty, Staff, and Students
May 24, 2018
Online courses have since evolved at UC San Diego, with Karen Flammer now director of Digital Learning, an initiative under the Teaching and Learning Commons.
Improving How Instructors Teach and Students Learn
October 20, 2016
It’s year two, and not only does the Teaching and Learning Commons have a full suite of programs and services in place to support UC San Diego undergraduates, graduate students and instructors—it also has a new home in Geisel Library.
UC San Diego Goes Beyond the Classroom to Create Futures for its Students
January 7, 2016
UC San Diego enables students to move from their dream college into dream careers through transformative resources that range from excellent career centers to undergraduate research programs, as well as civic engagement opportunities and a strong alumni network.
Students Teach Students Under Pilot Program to Improve Student Success Rates
November 12, 2015
This isn’t a UC San Diego classroom or even a traditional tutoring session; it is a Supplemental Instruction pilot program where students teach students, launched this fall under the Teaching and Learning Commons.
Gabriele Wienhausen Appointed Inaugural Faculty Director of the Teaching and Learning Commons
April 2, 2015
UC San Diego’s Gabriele Wienhausen has always enjoyed the challenge of a start-up. Since becoming a faculty member in 1987, she has provided leadership and innovation for a variety of new programs and initiatives, including serving as founding provost of Sixth College. Now, Wienhausen has accepted her latest entrepreneurial appointment: inaugural faculty director responsible for the launch of UC San Diego’s Teaching and Learning Commons.
UC San Diego Accepts the Education Initiative Proposal to Establish a Teaching and Learning Commons
September 2014
The Education Initiative was formally launched in fall 2012 as a complement to UC San Diego’s research initiatives to explore and leverage current best global thinking about educational strategies, and was incorporated into UC San Diego’s Strategic Plan. The proposal to establish a Teaching and Learning Commons was the result of discussion and planning, by more than 400 faculty and educators, for a cultural transformation on campus.