Workshops & Events

Workshops and Discussions

Faculty and staff sitting around a rectangular table talking over lunch at an FDC workshop

The Faculty Development Center organizes frequent workshops and discussions for faculty on specific teaching topics and other areas of professional development. We frequently collaborate with other departments on campus to provide sessions around teaching topics of interest and to share best research-based pedagogical practices. We also hold discussions around recently-released books and journal articles related to best practices in teaching and learning. The center also supports departmental Teaching Circles.

Visit our Events page or our myUMBC group for a list of upcoming events. Please note that registration via the myUMBC group is required for all FDC events to receive the WebEx link or ensure adequate seating and lunch.

Fall 2026 Programming

We are launching a robust and newly redesigned suite of opportunities with a “Thematic Month” structure, where we dive deep into a single, highly relevant pedagogical topic each month through three distinct lenses:

  • FDC Workshops: Facilitated by FDC staff, these interactive workshops provide an opportunity to learn about specific teaching strategies and apply evidence-based practices from the latest research on teaching and learning directly to your courses.
  • Faculty Roundtables: These candid, faculty-led panel discussions provide an opportunity to share success, troubleshoot challenges, and discuss practical approaches to specific teaching topics with your colleagues.
  • Collaboratory Series: Designed and facilitated in partnership with units across the university, these sessions provide an opportunity to learn about broader teaching and learning innovations at UMBC and discuss current issues with local experts.

Our Fall 2026 themes include:

  • September: Rethinking Assessment in the Age of AI. As generative AI continues to reshape the higher education landscape, traditional methods of evaluating student learning are being fundamentally challenged. Aligning with UMBC’s commitment to inclusive excellence and academic innovation, this month’s programming empowers faculty to proactively adapt their assessment strategies. We will explore how to maintain academic rigor, ensure equitable evaluation, and foster meaningful student learning in a world where AI tools are readily accessible.
  • October: Engaging Students in Your Courses. As we approach midterm, you may notice that some of your students are becoming overwhelmed by their workload and the many demands on their time. This month’s programming emphasizes ways to engage students in the classroom to promote their metacognition, through incorporating simulations and role playing, facilitating respectful political discussions, and incorporating active learning activities into any course.
  • November: Looking Ahead to the New Year. As the fall semester winds down, November offers a critical moment to reflect on our teaching practices and thoughtfully prepare for the spring. Aligned with UMBC’s mission to support innovative and inclusive education, this month’s programming focuses on adapting to our evolving student demographics, integrating experiential learning, and redesigning courses for deeper impact. We invite you to step back from the daily grind to reimagine how we connect with, challenge, and support our students in the coming year.

Teaching and Technology

FDC works closely with the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) to help faculty members incorporate technology into their courses, including assisting faculty in creating online or hybrid course sites using the Blackboard course tool. For more information visit our Technology at UMBC page, contact the Instructional Technology Team in DoIT, or contact the Faculty Development Center.

Lists of Past Programs

Lists of past FDC programs by year are currently being transferred to the Albin O. Kuhn Library Special Collections archives and are available upon request by contacting the FDC.

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