201: From Draft to Done: Syllabus Finalization Workshop by the Course Design Institute

Session Location: Hall of Science (HoS) Room 113 | Google Map

Date: Wednesday, August 19

Time: 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Presenters: Lilian Baeza-Mendoza (CFE Faculty Associate and Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer, CAS | World Languages and Cultures), Samantha Cohen (CFE Faculty Associate and Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer, Baker School of Education) & Katherine Mahajan (Instructional Technology and AI Manager, Center for Faculty Excellence)

Session Description:

You have a syllabus draft. You have a deadline. And you have a room full of people ready to help you cross the finish line. This hands-on working session, hosted by the Course Design Institute, gives faculty dedicated time to assess, revise, and strengthen their fall syllabus before the semester begins. You will use a structured self-assessment tool to identify gaps, work through revisions with facilitator support, and exchange focused peer feedback with a colleague. Whether you are a returning CDI participant or joining us for the first time, you will leave with a syllabus that is clearer, stronger, and closer to done.

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Identify gaps or areas for improvement in their syllabus using a structured self-assessment tool grounded in course design best practices.
2. Apply at least one course design principle — such as alignment, clarity, or equity — to strengthen the language, structure, or content of their syllabus.
3. Give and receive focused peer feedback on a section of their syllabus using a structured protocol.