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38th University-Wide Teaching Conference

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

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026UWTC
Time: 9 am – 3:30 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 also include 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
Check-In, Coffee & Pastries
10:45 – 11:00
Break
11:45 – 12:45
Lunch, Campus Tours, Paws for People
Teaching Tips 3 & 4
12:15 – 1:45
Session 2
1:30 – 1:45
Break
2:30 – 2:45
Break

Conference Details

The conference program features workshops, roundtables, panels, teaching tips, tech playgrounds, lightning talks, awards, and a stress-relief experience, all led by Tufts faculty and staff, showcasing the breadth of creativity and expertise within our community.

Explore the full program and view the schedule for online participation.

The conference address is: 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536. View on Google Maps. Please see the conference map for parking and conference buildings.

“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.

Bonus: The author will attend both book groups.

Sign up to join the book group in person or online

An e-version of the book is available here.

“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 offers a space to reflect on meaningful teaching moments, celebrate what energizes 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 

Share anonymously or under your name. We reserve the right to monitor the board.

Conference Teams

We are grateful to the teams who made this conference possible.