CDI: Semester helps you design, redesign, or improve your course with the guidance of expert GW facilitators, and will take place virtually over 6 weeks during the Spring Semester. For more information about the Course Design Institute (CDI), including benefits, testimonials, and frequently asked questions, please visit the CDI main page.
Dates, location, and schedule
Dates: 14 meetings between January–March, 2027
- Kickoff: Tuesday, January 5, 12–1 p.m.
- Full-group sessions: Tuesdays from 12–1 p.m. on January 26, February 2, February 9, February 16, February 23, March 2, and March 16
- Learning team sessions: choose between options on Thursdays and Fridays between January 28–March 5 (Options are listed in the application form.)
Location: CDI: Semester will take place fully online, via Zoom.
How to apply
The CDI: Semester application is available as a Google form. Any GW faculty member who has a new course to design or an existing course to redesign is welcome. All undergraduate and graduate courses are eligible. CDI frequently receives more applicants than we can admit. We strive for a balanced cohort that is interdisciplinary, includes instructors with a variety of experiences, and impacts as many GW students as possible.
Applications for CDI: May will open in October.
Considerations for acceptance include:
- Evidence of faculty interest in improving course design
- Expected enrollment for the course being designed
- Whether the course is a required or gateway course
- Specific support from a department chair or dean
We will inform applicants of our decision approximately one week after the application closes. If you have applied in the past, feel free to apply again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same CDI that my colleagues have known and loved over the years?
Yes! This new format allows us to reach people who cannot take a week out of their schedule, or cannot do so during the week in May when we hold CDI. We hope part-time faculty , especially, will be more able to attend in this format. We’ve worked hard to make the two CDIs equivalent, parallel experiences by looking at the objectives, programming, and assignments using the same design process we’ll be discussing in CDI.
How does CDI: Semester work? How is it structured?
Like our May iteration, CDI:Semester is led by a team of GW faculty and Center for Teaching Excellence staff. We guide a multi-disciplinary group of instructors from across all of GW’s disciplines and schools. Together we spend about 18 synchronous and 18 asynchronous hours designing or substantially redesigning courses to promote significant, long-term learning. To make this a valuable cohort experience, everyone is expected to attend sessions and participate fully.
We will first explore learning-centered design principles in a large-group kickoff. Then, you will be broken out into small teams to work on your course with peer faculty. Teams provide brainstorming, individualized feedback, and ongoing support opportunities and are led by an experienced facilitator who provides feedback on your work.
CDI: Semester will be fully online. After the kickoff with all participants, we’ll meet as a full group for Tuesday sessions. You’ll also meet with your learning team on Thursdays or Fridays. In-between, you’ll draft components of your syllabus and exchange feedback with members of your learning team.
I have a commitment during a scheduled session. How much can I miss?
CDI is an intensive experience. We ask that people clear their schedule to the extent possible so they can attend all sessions. If something comes up, or if you need to miss one or two sessions, we will likely be able to accommodate you. If you anticipate missing a larger block of time, please apply in a future year.
Reach out for more information and questions
If you have additional questions about CDI, please don’t hesitate to email the Center for Teaching Excellence.
