Course Design & Delivery
Developing Courses that Center Student Learning & Equity
Course Design & Delivery supports Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) in designing and delivering equity-minded courses that center student learning. Grounded in research-based teaching frameworks, the program primarily supports Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) who teach classes during the Summer Sessions.
Throughout the program, GSIs build course materials — including learning outcomes, assessment plans, weekly course structures, and syllabi — informed by research-based pedagogy. TLC’s Peer Support Team attends Spring class sessions alongside participants and offers ongoing, personalized feedback and mentorship throughout Spring and Summer. Members of the Peer Support Team are graduate students who have completed professional development programs with the TLC and are dedicated to accessible and equity-minded teaching.
Program Structure & Expectations
The program includes two components:
- GRAD 215: Equitable Course Design — a 2-credit Spring course taught by TLC staff.
- Personalized Peer Support — structured feedback, consultations, and teaching observations provided by the Summer GSI Peer Support Team in Spring and Summer.
Together, these components foster an interdisciplinary learning community that explores and applies the following pedagogical practices:
- Developing course outcomes for significant learning
- Creating effective, accessible assessments aligned with outcomes
- Enacting equity-minded course policies and syllabus design
- Utilizing active learning techniques for student engagement in any modality
- Selecting accessibility-aware and trauma-informed instructional strategies
- Exploring educational technologies to enhance inclusive student learning
By joining the program, participants agree to:
- Attend all 5 class sessions of GRAD 215
- Create and refine course materials (as assigned in GRAD 215)
- Complete a peer review of a colleague’s syllabus
- Meet with their Peer Support mentor at least twice during the Summer
Upon completion, participants will receive a professional development certificate from the TLC.
How to Participate
Enrollment for the 2026 program will open toward the end of Winter 2026. The program accommodates up to 30 graduate students and welcomes students from all disciplines. Priority enrollment is given to graduate students teaching as GSIs in the upcoming Summer Sessions.
Spring Course Participation
If you are a graduate student scheduled to teach in Summer 2026, please plan to enroll in:
GRAD 215: Equitable Course Design for GSIs
2 credits | Online | Spring 2026 | Friday, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM PT
Synchronous class sessions on Zoom:
- April 10 (Week 2)
- April 24 (Week 4)
- May 8 (Week 6)
- May 22 (Week 8)
- June 5 (Week 10)
Summer Session Participation
During Summer 2026, participants will:
- Meet at least twice with their Peer Support mentor (or complete equivalent activities like peer observations)
- Access consultations and mentoring as they teach.
- Note: Participants can access individualized support in person or remotely.
Please reach out to us if you have questions about the program.