Kent State Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Learning Community

Are you interested in improving the academic performance of all your students? Do you have a passion for teaching in new and creative ways? Do you want to meet with like-minded faculty as part of a learning community? Are you committed to the mission of Kent State University “to offer a broad array of academic programs to engage students in diverse learning environments that educate them to think critically and to expand their intellectual horizons?”

Then, the Kent State Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Learning Community is for you. Come and join us for monthly meetings where you will have the opportunity to see demonstrations of universal design for learning, discuss important student learning and teaching issues, and share your expertise and passion with others in a supportive and enjoyable setting. 

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? As defined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), UDL ” is an evidenced-based framework for guiding educational practice that … provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged” (20 U.S.C. § 1003(24)). The Universal Design Learning Community at Kent State is organized around these ideals and a commitment to leadership in Universal Design. The framework is used to to ensure that all members of KSU (students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and other visitors), including individuals with disabilities, are able to benefit from all instructional and technological resources that Kent State has available to offer.

The UDL framework rests on three design principles: 

1. Multiple means of representation
2. Multiple means of student action and expression
3. Multiple means of student engagement.

These three principles afford opportunities for learning that are flexible and considerate of the widest possible range of students pursuing higher education today.

Members of the Learning Community adopt the principles of universal design for learning (UDL) as an overarching framework to guide the design and selection of technological decisions, curricular resources, and instructional practices in order to promote a high-quality educational experience for all members of the Kent State University community. With its solid tradition of expanding the intellectual horizons of students while they attain the knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship and productive careers, KSU, with the UDL, is poised to become a model accessible learning environment.

This learning community is sponsored by the Faculty Professional Development Center and is being spearheaded by faculty who have been working with a variety of special populations. It will be limited to twelve members. All disciplines are welcome.

The meetings of this learning community will be held in Moulton Hall at Kent State University. The Faculty Professional Center will work with applicants to arrange a monthly meeting time that is amenable for all participants.

Click here to submit an application!

If you are interested in finding out more about this learning community, call Joanne Caniglia at (330) 672-0615 or Email at jcanigl1@kent.edu. Please inquire right away because space is limited and this learning community will begin in October. Those submitting applications by August 25 will have priority in selection process.

This Learning Community is sponsored by the Faculty Professional Development Center & the Center for Innovation in Transition and Employment.