Coulter Faculty Commons is pleased to offer a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Design Institute in May 2025. The SoTL Institute is a key component of the SoTL Academy, designed to strengthen WCU’s ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. At the Institute, SoTL Scholars will develop research questions, design studies, and identify dissemination outlets. Participants will leave with a SoTL project plan to enhance teaching and learning in their courses.
What:
A 2-day intensive SoTL professional development institute led by SoTL expert, Dr. Laura Cruz, from Penn State University. Accepted participants will enjoy full coverage of program costs, meals, and overnight stay. Seats are limited.
When:
May 19, 12:00 - 6:30 PM & May 20 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where:
Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, Waynesville, NC
Topics: 
Identifying SoTL research questions
Designing SoTL project/study
SoTL methodology
Institutional Review Board (IRB) application
Dissemination venues and plan
Deliverable:
Designed SoTL Study
Notification:
Selected participants will be notified by April 11th
SoTL faculty learning community participants receive priority consideration. 

What is your current level of engagement with SoTL?

SoTL Design Institute participants are encouraged to fully engage in the enriching 2-day program. With the option of an overnight stay and all meals provided, we're committed to making your experience as meaningful as possible. Are you able to join us for the entire institute? Tentative schedule below.
May 19
12 noon – Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 PM Session 1
3:00 – 3:15 PM Break
 3:15 – 4:30 PM Session 2 
4:30 – 5:30 PM Session 3
5:30 – 6:30 PM Dinner 

May 20
8:00 – 8:45 AM Breakfast (free for overnight guests)
8:45 – 9:00 AM Break
9:00 – 10:00 AM Session 1
10:00 – 10:10 Break
10:10 – 11:45 AM Session 2
11:45 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 2:00 Session 3 
2:00 – 2:15 Break
2:15 – 3:00 Session 4
3:00 – 4:00 PM Action plan, summer and fall support (Learn & Write Collaborative) 4:00 PM Adjourn

SoTL Design Institute participants will have the support of the CFC and the Office of Research Administration to successfully submit their Institutional Review Board (IRB) application before beginning data collection. We're here to help ensure the process goes smoothly! Do you anticipate any challenges in submitting an IRB applications?

SoTL Design Institute participants will have the exciting opportunity to engage in a Learn & Write Collaborative during Fall 2025. Participants will have the freedom to shape this experience, whether working in pairs, small groups, online, in-person, or any combination, with self-determined accountability benchmarks. Are there any potential challenges that might make it difficult for you to fully participate in this enriching collaboration?

After completing the Learn & Write Collaborative, how excited are you to informally serve as a SoTL resource for other faculty on campus? This could include sharing your project, offering advice on data collection, collaborating on new projects, and more!

If accepted for the SoTL Design Institute, may we add your name, research, and bio to the CFC website? This will not impact our decision-making process.