Pre-semester Teaching Institute
Start the semester with confidence and coordination
Returning August 26, 2026
The Pre-semester Teaching Institute is offered before the start of the spring and fall semesters. Whether you’re a seasoned instructor or new to teaching, the Institute will give you focused time and expert assistance to prepare for the start of class.
You’ll learn strategies for:
- Addressing the impacts of generative AI on assessments
- Engaging and motivating students
- Time-saving tips for Canvas
- And more!
What participants say
“The syllabus session helped me think about changes I can make to my syllabus to make it more clear and inclusive.”
“The group discussions facilitated learning in action … Great instructors, too!”
“I enjoyed interacting with the folks at my table. They shared a lot of experiences that enhanced my learning.”
Event schedule
Note: This schedule will be updated for the August 2026 Institute.
8:30 – 9 a.m. — Registration and light breakfast
Join us for a light breakfast after you register
9 – 9:30 a.m. — Welcome and introduction
Julie Hunt Johnson, Ph.D., Program Manager, Center for Teaching, Learning & Mentoring
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. — Foster learning and wellbeing with low-stakes writing
Abigail Letak, Ph.D., Associate Director, Writing Across the Curriculum
10:30 – 10:45 a.m. — Break
Take a brief break
10:45 – 11:45 a.m. — Leverage interactive assessments and playful pedagogy to deepen learning
Mary Thompson, Ph.D., Senior Assessment Manager, Student Learning Assessment
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Lunch
Join us for lunch
12:30 – 1 p.m. — Learn@UW show and share
Cliff Cunningham, M.S., Learning Technologies Consultant & Trainer, Division of Information Technology (DoIT) Academic Technology (AT) – Learn@UW-Madison
1 – 2 p.m. Motivate students to learn with *and without* AI
Amanda Leary, Ph.D., Teaching and Learning Developer, Center for Teaching, Learning & Mentoring
2 – 2:15 p.m. — Closing
Closing remarks and thoughts
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. — Optional work time with (or without) support
Join us after the event for an optional 1:1 conversation with a member of UW-Madison’s instructional support staff community.