September Symposium on Teaching

At the beginning of the academic year, new and returning faculty and instructors are invited to this orientation to teaching at UChicago. Sessions address getting started with teaching at the University, preparing yourself and your students for a nine-week quarter, lightning talks on innovative pedagogical approaches, and a panel featuring undergraduate students. Lunch will be provided and will include opportunities to learn from experienced faculty and instructors who teach in a variety of disciplines at the University as well as a resource fair made up of campus offices that support faculty members and instructors in their teaching.

Attendees are invited to join the CCTL for all of the sessions or drop in for individual sessions.

2026 September Symposium on Teaching

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 9:00AM - 3:15PM | Regenstein Library, Room 122

Register here

TIME	SESSION TITLE
8:30AM	Check-In Opens Coffee, tea, and pastries will be served.
9:00AM	Welcome and Introduction: Emily Lynn Osborn Associate Professor of History & Master of the New Collegiate Division
9:15AM	Teaching at UChicago: Getting Started
10:00AM	Break
10:15AM	Lightning Talks on Teaching Innovations
11:15AM	Break
11:30AM	Resource Fair & Lunch Discussion with CCTL Associate Pedagogy Fellows Lunch will be provided. Fellows are experienced faculty & instructors affiliated with the CCTL.
12:30PM	Faculty Panel: Perspectives on Teaching at UChicago
1:15PM	Break
1:30PM	Student Panel: Perspectives on Learning at UChicago
2:30PM	Workshop: Making the Most of the Nine-Week Quarter
3:15PM	Conclusion

Welcome and Introductions | 9:00AM – 9:15AM

Emily Lynn Osborn, Associate Professor of History & Master of the New Collegiate Division, and Joe Lampert, Executive Director of the Chicago Center for Teaching and Learning, welcome new and returning faculty and instructors to the University.

Teaching at UChicago: Getting Started | 9:15AM – 10AM

What are the key logistical issues and resources to be aware of as a new academic year begins? As you put the finishing touches on your syllabi and teaching plans for the upcoming academic year, come learn about the culture and logistics of teaching at the University and the support that is available for members of the teaching community. 

Lightning Talks on Teaching Innovations | 10:15AM – 11:15AM

Join members of the UChicago teaching community as they present innovative approaches to teaching developed in collaboration with partner offices on campus.

Offices include: Academic Technology Solutions, Chicago Studies, Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry (Smart Museum), and The Library

Faculty Panel: Perspectives on Teaching at UChicago | 12:30PM – 1:15PM

Join a panel of faculty and instructors from various disciplines as they share their perspectives on teaching at UChicago and answer audience questions.

Student Panel: Perspectives on Learning at UChicago | 1:30PM – 2:15PM

Join a panel of undergraduate students as they share their perspectives and experiences as learners at UChicago and answer audience questions.

Workshop: Making the Most of the Nine-Week Quarter | 2:30PM – 3:15PM

One of the unique aspects of teaching at UChicago is the nine-week quarter structure of the academic year. This session will offer strategies to get the most from a shorter term by bringing in students’ prior knowledge, emphasizing active learning, and building in flexibility for your students and yourself. 