Course Design Institute
January 12-16, 2026 | 9am - 4pm
Fully Remote | Zoom
Elevate your teaching with the TILT’s Course Design Institute. This intensive, week-long experience equips instructors with the tools, strategies, and peer support needed to design or reimagine courses with purpose. Join us to create meaningful learning experiences that inspire students and strengthen your teaching impact.
What Is The Course Design Institute?
The Course Design Institute is a comprehensive online professional development experience for CSU instructors committed to creating impactful learning experiences. This intensive 5-day program combines synchronous workshops, hands-on activities, and peer collaboration to guide participants through the systematic process of course design and revision.
Whether you’re developing a brand new course, reimagining one you’ve taught for years, or creating a Core Curriculum proposal, our expert facilitators will support you through the iterative, research-informed process of learner-centered course design.
Key Dates
Application Deadline
October 31, 11:59 PM
Apply Here
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Mid November
Decisions Made, Applicants Notified
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Review our Oct. 20 Information Session
What Types of Outcomes Should I Expect?
By completing the Course Design Institute, you will:
- Develop a Coherent Course Framework: Walk away with a comprehensive course design including clear learning outcomes, aligned assessments, engaging learning activities, and other elements. Your course will reflect evidence-based practices in teaching and learning.
- Gain Practical Tools and Resources: Access templates, rubrics, and digital resources you can immediately apply to your teaching. These materials will serve you beyond the institute as you continue developing courses throughout your career.
- Build Confidence in Your Teaching Practice: Understand the “why” behind effective course design decisions. You’ll be equipped to transparently articulate your pedagogical choices, adapt to different teaching contexts, and troubleshoot challenges with research-informed strategies.
- Connect with a Community of Teaching Scholars: Join a network of CSU colleagues committed to teaching excellence. The relationships built during the institute often extend into ongoing collaborations, peer observations, and mutual support throughout the academic year.
- Receive Personalized Feedback and Support: Benefit from expert facilitator guidance and constructive peer feedback. Multiple feedback opportunities ensure your course design is aligned, refined, and ready for implementation.
- Earn Recognition for Your Professional Development: Receive a certificate of completion and documentation of 35+ professional development hours, supporting your teaching portfolio and advancement dossier.
Who Can Apply?
- All CSU instructors (tenure-line, clinical teaching track, visiting, adjunct, and instructors)
- Graduate teaching assistants with demonstrated teaching responsibilities
- Postdoctoral researchers with teaching duties
- Faculty teams are welcome (each member must submit individual application)
Application Requirements
- Current CSU affiliation and active teaching role
- Commitment to participate in all synchronous sessions and complete hands-on activities
- Technology requirements: Reliable internet, webcam, and access to Microsoft Teams
- Course focus: Identified course for development (new, revision, or Core Curriculum proposal)
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't attend every day?
Full participation in all five days is required to complete the Course Design Institute. The program builds progressively, with each day’s concepts and activities informing the next. If you have a scheduling conflict, we encourage you to pursue other professional development opportunities at TILT or request a consultation.
Can I apply if I'm team-teaching?
Absolutely! Team-taught courses are welcome, and we encourage collaborative applications. Each team member must submit an individual application, but you’ll work together throughout the week on your shared course. This collaborative approach often leads to particularly rich discussions and well-integrated course designs. We encourage teams that include both instructors and GTAs to apply together, as this strengthens course coherence and provides valuable professional development for graduate students.
What would a typical day look like during the week of the institute?
Each day runs from 9am-4pm and includes a mix of synchronous workshops, independent work time, and small group collaboration. Mornings typically feature interactive presentations on course design principles and strategies, while afternoons provide dedicated time to apply these concepts to your course with facilitator support and peer feedback. Expect a balance of learning, doing, and connecting with colleagues.
How much time outside of each session should I plan for?
The synchronous sessions (9am-4pm) are designed to accommodate most of your course design work. We recommend blocking your calendar for the full week and minimizing other commitments to get the most from the experience.
How will participants be selected be partake in the Course Design Institute?
Selection is based on several factors: completion of the application, demonstrated commitment to the full program, readiness of the proposed course project, and creating a cross-disciplinary cohort that enhances peer learning. We aim to include participants from various disciplines, career stages, and course types. Priority is given to faculty who can implement their designed course right away.
Do I need any prior experience with course design?
No prior experience is necessary! The institute is designed for instructors at all levels, from those creating their first course to experienced faculty seeking to refresh their approach. Our facilitators will meet you where you are and provide scaffolded support throughout the week.
Will I have a finished course by the end of the week?
You’ll leave with a solid framework for your course, including refined learning outcomes, an assessment plan, key activities, and some artifacts like a course calendar or a syllabus. While you may not have every assignment fully developed, you’ll have the essential architecture and a clear roadmap for completion.
Can I work on an online, hybrid, or in-person course?
The Course Design Institute is designed for instructors developing hybrid or in-person courses. You’ll learn design principles and strategies that apply to both modalities. If you’re developing a fully online course, we recommend connecting with CSU Online, where dedicated instructional designers offer specialized support and tools tailored specifically for online learning environments.
Contact Information
Anastasia Williams
Director of Teaching Excellence
Instructional Innovation and Engagement
Contact
Email: [email protected]
