Summer Conference
Engaging Students through Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Summer Conference Keynote Speaker and Workshop Leader: Lillian Nave
Lillian Nave is the Faculty and Educational Development Specialist for Appalachian State’s Hickory campus in North Carolina. A former art historian, Lillian now teaches First Year Seminar courses in Intercultural Competence and has connected her AppState students virtually with students in Europe and Asia. She is the creator and host of the Think UDL podcast which has over 100,000 global downloads. Through the podcast, she interviews practitioners around the world who create more equitable, accessible, and engaging learning environments for their students. She enjoys spreading the word about UDL through her scholarly articles on faculty development, inclusive pedagogy and UDL, and through speaking engagements at international conferences and invited talks at universities all throughout the USA.
Keynote Address
UDL-Informed Teaching Impacts the Whole Student
Keynote Workshop
UDL Strategies to Support Neurodivergent Learners
What is UDL?
Starting with Universal Design for Learning (UDL): How Can You Reach More Learners in Less Time?
What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
UDL is based on principles that empower everyone to have agency over their own learning. It allows educators and learners to set clear goals, anticipate environmental barriers, create meaningful options, and fully embrace human variability. (CAST)
UDL goes beyond accessibility and assistive technology—it’s a framework for creating learning environments that support all learners. By emphasizing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action, UDL fosters inclusive, student-centered learning experiences that benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities.
The UDL Guidelines provided by CAST helps educators address the diversity in learning in three main categories:
- Engagement (the why of learning): recruiting interest, sustaining effort and persistence, and self-regulation.
- Representation (the what of learning): perception, language and symbols, and comprehension.
- Action & Expression (the how of learning): physical action, expression and communication, and executive function.
Conference Schedule & Registration
Wednesday, May 21
Sessions In-Person and Virtual
Most sessions will be available in-person and online. Please bring your device and headphones so that if rooms are full, you can find a quiet spot to listen to sessions.
Breakfast Day 1
8:00 – 8:30 am | LSC Theater
If you plan to attend breakfast, please be sure to register for this session.
Welcome
8:30 – 8:45 am | LSC Theater
Join us for a conference introduction, welcome and opening remarks.
Keynote Address: UDL-Informed Teaching Impacts the Whole Student
9:00 – 10:30 am | LSC Theater and Zoom
Presenter: Lillian Nave, Faculty and Educational Development Specialist, Appalachian State University’s Hickory Campus
- How can we transform lofty ideas about equity and inclusion into practical, workable solutions? How can we ensure all students at Colorado State University can fully engage in their learning? Together, we will explore how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can create richer, more nuanced educational experiences using a strength-based, talent-focused approach. Using the lens of learner variability, we will meet the needs of the whole student and in so doing, align with Colorado State’s mission “to advance an inclusive university culture that prioritizes equity at individual, organizational, and structural levels.”
TEF Alignment: Inclusive Pedagogy
Elevate and Educate: Hands-On Workshop for Designing Your Online Course
10:45 – 11:45 am | LSC 304-306 and Teams
Morning Session A
Presenters: Learning Production and Training Team, CSU Online
- Join the Learning Production and Training Team for an immersive workshop where you’ll collaborate with our experienced instructional designers and media team members to design dynamic and engaging online learning experiences. This hands-on, highly participatory session is for those who are passionate about crafting impactful learning opportunities. Leave with a concrete strategy for executing a memorable learning experience, complete with actionable next steps.
TEF Alignment: Classroom Climate
Accessible Active Learning through Canvas
10:45 – 11:45 am | LSC 308-310 and Teams
Morning Session B
Presenter: Dr. Shari Lanning, Assistant Professor and Director of Veterinary Clinical Care Graduate Program
- Session attendees will be able to review accessible active learning techniques that can be fully housed within Canvas. Attendees can utilize or modify these techniques for their own use to apply to online or face-to-face courses. Attendees are asked to bring their own active learning techniques and assessment objectives to the session.
TEF Alignment: Instructional Strategies
Enhancing Faculty Success and Wellbeing through UDL
10:45 – 11:45 am | LSC 312 and Teams
Morning Session C
Presenter: Jen Dawrs, Faculty Success Program Manager
- Along with the significant benefits Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can offer students, UDL principles and practices can also enhance faculty success and wellbeing. This interactive session will highlight faculty-supportive UDL practices and invite faculty and academic leaders to exchange strategies for implementing UDL in their units.
From Principles to Practice: Universal Design in Action in a CSU Classroom
10:45 – 11:45 am | Teams Only
Morning Session D
Presenter: Jodi Boyd, Associate Director of Shelter Medicine and Surgical Skills Education
- Discover how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles can transform student engagement and accessibility in the CSU classroom. This interactive session will explore the integration of a flipped classroom model, inclusive digital content, and interactive polling to create more equitable learning experiences, using lessons learned from a CVMBS skills lab. Participants will leave with practical strategies to apply UDL in their own courses, fostering deeper student participation and success.
TEF Alignment: Instructional Strategies
Lunch Day 1
11:45 am – 12:30 pm | LSC Theater
If you plan to attend lunch, please be sure to register for this session.
Playful Pedagogy
12:35 – 12:55 pm | LSC Theater
Studies have found that play and playfulness increase student motivation and engagement (Forbes, 2021). Join TILT in a fun activity and learn a little bit about playful pedagogy.
Engagement Stations
1:00 – 2:00 pm | LSC Theater
Visit stations to learn about the creative approaches to teaching that your peers have implemented in their classrooms. These short presentations will ignite brief, meaningful discussions on novel course design, the integration of new instructional technologies, inventive methods to engage students, and removing student barriers to learning.
Anthology Ally, a UDL Tool for Canvas
2:15 – 3:15 pm | LSC 304-306 and Teams
Afternoon Session A
Presenter: Allison Swanson, Assistive Technology Resource Center
- Canvas has a new tool for creating accessible course materials. Anthology Ally helps faculty make their courses universally designed. Learn how to use Ally to improve your content for all learners and to help you achieve the base level of accessibility needed by most students with accommodations.
TEF Alignment: Curriculum/Curricular Alignment
UDL in Action: Considering Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression in the College Classroom
2:15 – 3:15 pm | LSC 308-310 and Teams
Afternoon Session B
Presenter: Andrea Glaws, Assistant Professor, School of Education
- This session will provide examples of ways that the three UDL guidelines (engagement, representation, and action & expression) can be applied to college level courses. This session will begin with an overview and framing of the three UDL guidelines. Following, the presenters will provide examples of ways they have utilized these guidelines within their courses. Time will be given to participants to collaborate, brainstorm, and consider their own courses in relation to the UDL guidelines.
TEF Alignment: Instructional Strategies
Using Universal Design to Make Math Safe and Accessible
2:15 – 3:15 pm | LSC 312 and Teams
Afternoon Session C
Presenter: Dr. Jason DeMoulpied and Will Bromley
- We will be discussing our experiences in addressing anxiety and inequity in math through educational technology and classroom solutions based on UDL principles. Specifically, we will discuss the use of the PreTeXt markup language to decode mathematical notation and embed multimedia into universally accessible textbooks and classroom materials. Additionally, we will explore classroom climate solutions for any subject rooted in UDL principles including engagement and action/expression. Participants will leave with a better understanding of concepts of UDL, a starting guide to PreTeXt, as well as easy-to-implement classroom strategies.
TEF Alignment: Instructional Strategies
Networking at the Ramskeller
3:30 – 4:30 pm | Ramskeller
Join us for a drink and some food at our networking event at the Ramskeller in the Lory Student Center to end our great first day of Summer Conference! Unwind by connecting with friends and meeting new colleagues from across campus. Open to all conference attendees. TILT will provide refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages, and the full beer menu will be available. If you plan to attend, please be sure to register for this session.
Thursday, May 22
Sessions In-Person and Virtual
Most sessions will be available in-person and online. Please bring your device and headphones so that if rooms are full, you can find a quiet spot to listen to sessions.
Breakfast Day 2
8:00 – 8:45 am | LSC Theater
If you plan to attend breakfast, please be sure to register for this session.
Keynote Workshop: UDL Strategies to Support Neurodivergent Learners
9:00 – 10:00 am | LSC Theater and Zoom
Presenter: Lillian Nave, Faculty and Educational Development Specialist, Appalachian State University’s Hickory Campus
- This interactive workshop will clarify who our neurodivergent students really are along with what strengths and challenges they bring to the learning environment. We will discover UDL aligned strategies that support a wide variety of neurodivergent learners. These strategies will lessen the friction in learning without reducing the rigor and can be applied across all disciplines.
TEF Alignment: Inclusive Pedagogy
Technology Tools for All: Readspeaker Overview
10:15 – 10:45 am | LSC 304-306 and Teams
Morning Session A
Presenter: Melanie Eddington, Assistive Technology Resource Center
- ReadSpeaker is a set of text-to-speech learning tools embedded in Canvas which enables documents to be easily read aloud. Learn how to make this tool available to all Canvas users at CSU and gain insight into the importance of accessible texts in fostering an inclusive learning environment.
TEF Alignment: Inclusive Pedagogy
Implementing Accommodations: A Case Study of Faculty and Instructional Staff Responsibilities in Business Education
10:15 – 10:45 am | LSC 308-310 and Teams
Morning Session B
Presenter: Dr. Patrice M Palmer, Assistant Dean, Management Faculty, College of Business
- This session provides an overview of the faculty and instructional staff responsibilities and best practices for implementing accommodations for students with disabilities, using the College of Business Accommodations Handbook as a model. We will cover the accommodation request process, faculty rights and responsibilities, communication with students, and course adjustments related to assessments, instructional materials, and classroom accessibility. The session will also highlight university policies, confidentiality considerations, and available resources to support faculty in ensuring compliance with accommodation requirements. Participants will better understand how to implement accommodations while maintaining academic integrity effectively.
TEF Alignment: Inclusive Pedagogy
Applying UDL (Universal Design for Learning) Principles in Your Canvas Course
10:15 – 10:45 am | LSC 312 and Teams
Morning Session C
Presenters: Aaron Bauer, Instructional Designer; Gregory Wells, Senior Instructional Designer; Thomas Viney, Course Developer; Danielle Patterson, Instructional Designer (all from CSU Online)
- In this workshop, we will discuss best practices for applying UDL (Universal Design for Learning) principles in your course. UDL is a framework to “improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn” (UDL Guidelines). We will discuss simple and effective ways to increase engagement, representation, and—most importantly—learner agency. We will include discussion of Canvas-specific tools, such as the new DesignPLUS Sidebar, and provide examples from courses taught at CSU. We will discuss common issues that get in the way of student’s ability to get the most out of online courses.
TEF Alignment: Student Motivation
UDL and Accommodations: Understanding the Line Between Legal Compliance and Universal Design
10:15 – 10:45 am | Teams Only
Morning Session D
Presenter: Joe Tiner, Assistant Director for Access and Accommodations
- This session will explore how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) intersects with ADA accommodations. Participants will gain an understanding of when UDL practices meet the need for accommodations, and when accommodations may still need to be provided in addition. Additionally, this session will provide an overview of UDL practices that not only meet the need for accommodations but enhance access for everyone.
TEF Alignment: Inclusive Pedagogy
Wellbeing in Learning Environments: Strategies and Insights
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | LSC 304-306 and Teams
Morning Session E
Presenters: Viviane Ephraimson-Abt, MS.ED, Manager of Wellbeing Initiatives and Janelle Patrias, MSW, Manager of Mental Health Initiatives from the CSU Health Network
- In this session, participants will explore the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create educational environments to support well-being for students and faculty. The session will cover trauma and wellbeing informed practices, including an evidence-based tool kit, and easy strategies to foster well-being in your work or teaching. A brief overview of supporting students in distress will be provided, along with key learnings from A Light in the Tower by Katie Rose Guest Pryal, such as eliminating ableist practices and supporting mental health without compromising academic rigor.
TEF Alignment: Classroom Climate
Rethinking Grading: Alternative Approaches to Support Student Growth
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | LSC 308-310 and Teams
Morning Session F
Presenters: Alyson Huff & Molly Gutilla
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Traditional grading in higher education often prioritizes point accumulation over transformational learning, leaving both students and instructors frustrated by the transactional nature of assessment. But what if grading could foster meaningful engagement, growth, and motivation? Alternative grading methods—such as specifications grading, contract grading, and standards-based assessment—shift the focus from earning points to mastering concepts, aligning with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) by emphasizing flexibility, accessibility, and student agency.
This session will introduce attendees to alternative grading strategies that can be integrated into their courses without requiring an institutional overhaul of final grading policies. Participants will explore practical ways to implement alternative grading approaches, reduce grading-related stress, and create a learning environment that supports all students. Attendees will leave with ideas for making grading a more meaningful and fulfilling part of their teaching practice. Join us to reimagine grading as a tool for growth, rather than a game of points.
TEF Alignment: Feedback and Assessment
UDL & the LA Model: Partnering with Undergraduates to Design & Implement Active Learning in the Classroom
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | LSC 312 and Teams
Morning Session G
Presenter: Dr. Annie Krieg, Instructor of Art History & Stacey Clark, Learning Assistant Program Coordinator
- This presentation will focus on student-centered and student-informed active learning and engagement. Utilizing an approach that integrates the insights and experiences of undergraduate peer educators (Learning Assistants), elevates the student voice in meeting the three components of UDL – Multiple means of engagement, Multiple means of representation, and Multiple means of action and expression. Together, we will explore ways to do this!
TEF Alignment: Instructional Strategies
Celebration of Teaching Lunch
12:00 – 1:15 pm | LSC Theater
Teaching Effectiveness Initiative Celebration and presentation of N. Preston Davis and Community-engaged Learning Awards. If you plan to attend lunch, please be sure to register for this session.
Inside the College Experience: Student Perspectives
1:30 – 2:30 pm | LSC Theater and Zoom
Presenters: CSU Students
- Join our panel of students who will be sharing their insights and perspectives on the opportunities and challenges they face here at CSU both inside and outside the classroom. Audience members will be invited to submit questions for the panelists ahead of time if there are any specific questions you’d like to ask.
TEF Alignment: Student Motivation
Design and Implementation of STEM Courses that Facilitate Learning by Integrating Science and Culture
2:45 – 3:15 pm | LSC 304-306 and Teams
Afternoon Session A
Presenter: Robyn Roberts, Assistant Professor
- In this session, we will discuss a teaching framework developed across multiple institutions and disciplines that integrates humanistic perspectives into STEM courses. We will examine how the framework supports better learning outcomes in science and prepares students to apply their knowledge to systems-based, complex problems and propose solutions that are scientifically sound, equitable, and just.
TEF Alignment: Inclusive Pedagogy
Grading without the Numbers: Standards-Based Grading for Project-Based Learning
2:45 – 3:15 pm | LSC 308-310 and Teams
Afternoon Session B
Presenter: Dr. Laura Cole, Associate Professor
- Alternative grading practices in education seek to re-center student curiosity and minimize the singular focus on achieving the grade. Alternative practices can elevate engagement and authentic learning while also providing more equitable grading schemes. Academics across disciplines are asking how alternative grading practices can enhance student experience. This presentation focuses on one upper-level interior design course where a strategy called “Standard-based Grading” (SBG) was implemented. The presentation will outline the grading scheme with the SBG outcome spreadsheets developed for this course, including the unique Canvas gradebook. The course was evaluated in a small-scale pilot study that yielded important insights about the student experience. These insights on both the perceived challenges and compelling benefits of SBG will be shared.
TEF Alignment: Feedback and Assessment
Operating System Built-ins and Apps for Academic Success
2:45 – 3:15 pm | LSC 312 and Teams
Afternoon Session C
Presenter: Rachel Gramig, Assistive Technology Resource Center
- Explore the built-in accessibility features of various operating systems and how they can support diverse work and learning needs. Learn about the Assistive Technology Resource Center’s selection of user-friendly apps designed to streamline students’ studies, boost productivity, and support their overall academic journey.
TEF Alignment: Instructional Strategies
Demystifying UDL: Practical Accessibility Strategies for the Classroom
2:45 – 3:15 pm | Teams Only
Afternoon Session D
Presenter: Andy Swanson, Accessibility Specialist
- This session outlines practical tools and strategies with a focus on accessibility to approach universal design for learning (UDL) in the classroom.
TEF Alignment: Inclusive Pedagogy
Conference Wrap Up and Giveaway
3:30 – 4:30 pm | LSC Theater
Bring your notes, plans, ideas, and questions to the conference wrapper. We’ll spend time reflecting on the conference and connecting with colleagues. Don’t forget your tickets!
Engagement Stations
Day 1 from 1:00-2:00pm | LSC Theater
Bolstering Self-Efficacy and Combatting Imposter Syndrome in Quantitative Coursework
Jessie Harney, Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Administration;
Department of Political Science
Instructional Strategies to Build Classroom Community and Motivate Students
DeeDee Wright, Assistant Professor of Experiential Learning;
Department of Biology
Increasing Transparency of the Unwritten Curriculum
Jennifer Coats, Senior Clinical Professor;
Department of Finance and Real Estate
Engaging Students with Science in a Large Lecture Format Course
Tanya Dewey, Associate Professor of Biology and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies;
Department of Biology
Amplifying Student Voice through Podcasting
Kara Coffino, Associate Professor;
School of Education
Active Learning Strategies to Promote Understanding of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
Kristin Mooney, Instructor;
School of Social Work
Removing Barriers With One Maker Activity At A Time
Pinar Omur-Ozbek, Associate Professor;
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
"Talk to your Neighbor" Class-Opening Discussion Prompts
Kerry MacFarland, Assistant Teaching Professor;
Department of Chemistry
Ditch the Discussion Board – The Transition to a Peer Mentoring Model
Alison Herman, Associate Professor, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator;
School of Occupational Therapy
Career Education Integration: Using Career Education CANVAS Modules in Your Class
Sara Istre, Career Education Manager;
College of Health & Human Sciences Career Center
Course Reserve - Making Your Teaching Life Easier
Matthew Diven and Dax Collazo, Digital Reserves Coordinator;
CSU Libraries
Information Literacy in Canvas
Heather Moon, Student Success Librarian
CSU Libraries
Building an Accessible Graduate Experience: Supporting Neurodiversity and Mental Health
Sara Anne Tompkins, Associate Dean of Student Services for the Graduate School;
The Graduate School
Graduate Teacher-Training Seminars on Fostering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Language Teaching
Tatiana Nekrasova-Beker, Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics and TEFL-TESL
Department of English
Empowering Student Learning Through Intentional Make-Up Assignments: Strategies for Academic Continuity and Engagement
Jennifer Neuwald, Associate Professor of Biology & Assistant Director of the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology
Department of Biology
Classroom Games for Inclusive Active Learning
James Fielder, Instructor
Department of Political Science