Adler University announces its inaugural Faculty Institute — a free, one-day virtual event on June 12, 2026, shaped by the spirit of Gemeinschaftsgefühl: it is a space for all Adler faculty to gather, exchange, and invest in one another and in the institution we share.
The Faculty Institute represents a collective investment in one another and in Adler’s mission. By sharing knowledge, fostering dialogue, and strengthening relationships across programs, faculty help advance a culture rooted in these shared values.
A day built for and by faculty
This free, one-day virtual event on June 12 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT / 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. PDT) will bring together all faculty for a keynote and concurrent sessions. The focus for the day is exploring how faculty bring Adler’s mission to life.
Participants will have opportunities to share innovative teaching practices, engage with research and scholarship, and connect with colleagues across programs and disciplines.
Call for proposals: share your expertise
All Adler faculty are invited to help shape this inaugural event by submitting session proposals by April 17. Presentation formats include workshops, panel discussions, Birds of a Feather conversations, and “quick hits” spotlight sessions.
Some example themes could include, but are not limited to:
- Strategies that move students from individual achievement to social impact
- Classroom practices that build trust, relational accountability, and care
- AI as a tool in service of equity, social interest, and/or community engaged learning
- Community-engaged and participatory research models
- Pedagogies that center humanity or the interests of societies
- Advising and mentoring through a social interest lens
- New models for student success and engagement
- The value and use of public scholarship
Submissions may represent one of the following formats:
- 50 minute interactive workshop: a combination of presentation and high/medium engagement of all participants
- 50 minute panel presentation with Q & A: a session with formal presentations and some time for questions. This has low engagement of audience.
- 50 minute Birds of a Feather: a place for informal, but guided, conversations about a timely topic. Faculty might come together to share strategies, develop frameworks, or consider big questions in the field. If this session is proposed, provide a topic and plan to facilitate the discussion for equitable participation. This is a high engagement session.
- Quick Hits: 10 minute tips and tricks. These will be included with other 10 minute, brief presentations. Very little engagement from audience, possibly in the form of polls or chatterfalls.
- Other: propose another interactive or immersive experience for a 50 minute time slot.
Example proposal questions are available to guide submissions.
Session leaders will receive a small honorarium in recognition of their time, expertise, and contributions to the broader faculty community. Leading a session is also an opportunity to extend the impact of your expertise beyond your classroom, contribute to a practical and peer-driven learning experience, and connect with colleagues who are navigating similar challenges in their teaching.
Faculty interested in contributing to the program are invited to submit a proposal by April 17 and participate in shaping the first Faculty Institute on June 12.