UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Faculty can now register for Teaching in Shared Programs and Courses, a new Provost Endorsement Program designed to address the unique demands of teaching shared courses in various modes across multiple campuses and on the University’s Digital Learning Cooperative (DLC).
With the aim of supporting multi-campus teaching quality and promoting faculty professional growth, the program features a blend of required and elective components, including live workshops, asynchronous learning modules, peer discussions, and opportunities to present or reflect on remote, synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid teaching practices.
“Faculty teaching in shared programs or through the DLC face challenges that go beyond a traditional classroom,” said Glenn Kuntz, instructional designer and Provost Endorsement leader. “This program recognizes the additional planning, collaboration and creativity required to build community and deliver equitable learning experiences to students across campuses.”
A pathway for multi-campus teaching success
Required components of Teaching in Shared Programs and DLC Courses include:
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Teaching on the DLC Orientation (Parts 1 and 2): These interactive, one-hour workshops guide participants through the logistics and pedagogical strategies necessary for teaching students across multiple campuses. Faculty will explore topics such as modifying syllabi for cross-campus audiences, managing Zoom logistics, assessing students remotely, and promoting student engagement.
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Online Synchronous Modules of the Teaching Online Program (TOP): These modules are designed to help faculty strengthen online pedagogy with practical tools and strategies.
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Reflective Statement: Participants will articulate their key takeaways and changes made to their teaching as a result of the endorsement.
Participants in the program also will select one elective component intended to deepen engagement:
- Participate in a Hybrid/Online Cross-Campus Teaching Circle.
- Join Shared Courses Teaching Shapes, a collaborative faculty dialogue series.
- Present at Commonwealth Connections: Instructor Days, an event showcasing shared teaching innovation.
The purpose of each component is to aid faculty as they adapt lessons, integrate interactive technologies such as polling and annotation tools and redesign course activities to ensure student engagement across campuses.
Recognition and impact
“The Provost Endorsement culminates with a reflective statement that not only highlights the professional development journey but also positions faculty for recognition in promotion and tenure processes,” Kuntz said. “This reflection invites participants to articulate the tools, practices and mindset shifts that have contributed to more effective cross-campus instruction.”
To learn more about the Teaching in Shared Programs and DLC Courses and register for upcoming workshops, complete the indication-of-interest form, visit the program website or contact Kuntz at ghk20@psu.edu. The program is open to all instructors teaching in shared academic programs or offering courses through the DLC.