Madison, Wis. – Over 300 University of Wisconsin System faculty and staff will share best practices in teaching and learning at a two-day “encore” event this week. The UW System is holding its second annual President’s Summit on Excellence in Teaching and Learning on April 14 and 15 at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club in Madison.

Last year’s inaugural Summit was a successful, energizing forum showcasing the UW System’s rich and diverse teaching expertise. This year, in addition to faculty and instructional staff presentations, student services professionals have been invited to share best-practice support services that enhance student success.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to re-emphasize the UW System’s commitment to our core mission of teaching and learning,” said UW System President Kevin P. Reilly. “Bringing together our talented faculty and staff to share their insights and foster collaborations, face-to-face, can only enhance our stellar educational offerings across the UW campuses. These dedicated faculty and staff are on the front lines of educating our 182,000 students – a record-high enrollment for the system – preparing them to succeed and thrive in the 21st-century knowledge economy.”

Thursday’s dinner (4/14) will feature a welcome from President Reilly and a keynote address byRandy Bass of Georgetown University on the intersections of teaching and technology across disciplines. Friday’s luncheon keynote will feature UCLA professor Sylvia Hurtado, who will address how diversity is linked with learning in the classroom.

The following is a brief sampling of the broad range of workshop sessions that will be presented:

  • “Development of a Comprehensive Pre-College Access Program” – UW-Eau Claire
  • “From Barracks to Classroom: Easing the Transition” – UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-River Falls, UW System Administration
  • “Achieving Advising Excellence through Collaboration” – UW-La Crosse
  • “Supporting Underrepresented Minority Student Expertise in Science and Math Learning” – UW‑Madison, UW-Waukesha
  • “Stereotypes/Expectations: Avoiding Student Underperformance” – UW-River Falls, UW-Barron County
  • “Inclusive Design: How Do We Make It Happen?” – UW-Stout

“This systemwide forum proved to be a resounding success last year,” said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Rebecca Martin. “We heard so much positive feedback from faculty and staff at the campuses. I am very pleased we could invite student affairs professionals this year, as they are essential to our students doing well in the classroom, giving them the academic counseling, tutoring, and other services that provide critical support.”

To learn more about the keynote presenters and program, visit: wisconsin.edu/vpacad/summit/.

The Summit is co-sponsored by the Office of Professional and Instructional Development (OPID); Women and Science; Learning Technology Development Council (LTDC); and the UW System Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, including Academic, Faculty & Global Programs; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and Student Affairs & Academic Support Services.

Media Contacts:

David Giroux
UW System
608-262-4464

Local UW Media Contacts:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/media-liaisons/