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38th University-Wide Teaching Conference

Meaning, Purpose, and Relevance in Online and In-Person Teaching

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Grafton Campus & Online

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026UWTC
Time: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton and online

Tufts' annual University-Wide Teaching Conference brings faculty together to reflect on and celebrate teaching excellence across disciplines and learning environments.

About the Conference

The University-Wide Teaching Conference brings Tufts faculty together for a day of ideas, inspiration, and practical strategies for teaching in a rapidly changing higher education landscape. As developments such as artificial intelligence and shifting public perceptions reshape how students engage with learning, the conference offers a space to reflect on what matters most in our work as educators and to explore approaches that make learning meaningful and relevant for students. 

Join colleagues from across the university on the campus of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton for a day of conversation and connection. The conference will feature a keynote address by Sarah Rose Cavanagh, whose research on emotion and motivation has influenced teaching practices nationwide, followed by faculty-led sessions highlighting innovative and experiential approaches to teaching. 

The day will conclude with the presentation of the Teaching with Technology Award and the Online Teaching Excellence Award, celebrating outstanding and innovative teaching at Tufts. 

Conference Schedule

Please click the highlighted sections to learn more.
8:30 – 9:00
Arrival & Breakfast
9:00 – 9:10
Welcome & Opening
9:10 – 9:55
Keynote
9:55 – 10:05
Break
10:50 – 11:00
Break
11:45 – 12:30
Lunch + Optional Campus Tour
1:15 – 1:35
Break
3:15 – 3:30
Closing
The conference schedule is subject to change.
The full schedule and session description will be published on April 13.

“The Spark of Learning” Book Group

Tuesday, May 19, 2026Book "The Spark of Learning"

10:00–11:30 AM in person | 3:00–4:00 PM online

What is the role of emotions in learning? Join CELT’s book group on The Spark of Learning by Sarah Rose Cavanagh to learn how emotions don't detract from meaningful learning — they are instead essential motivation for it. Drawing on research from education, neuroscience, and psychology, this book offers practical strategies for harnessing emotion to transform students' learning experiences.

The first 10 participants to sign up will receive a free copy of the book. An e-version of the book is available here.

Sign up to join the book group in person or online

 

“Sparks” Community Board

What recent classroom moment reminded you of why you teach?"Sparks" Community Board

Add your spark — a word, phrase, or short story — and see what inspires colleagues across Tufts.  

The Sparks Community Board is a simple way to reflect on meaningful teaching moments, celebrate the experiences that energize your work with students, and connect with faculty across disciplines. Browse others’ sparks, add your own, and help create a shared space for inspiration and reflection.

Add your spark and discover what moves your colleagues 

We reserve the right to monitor the board.