Western Carolina University logo with Coulter Faculty Commons

Attend Elon University’s Free Teaching and Learning Hybrid Conference

by | Mar 3, 2026 | Blog, Pedagogy, Professional Development, Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Elon University invites educators from around the world to participate in the 22nd Annual Teaching & Learning Conference, taking place August 11, 2026. This event is completely free to attend, with both in‑person and virtual registration options available. The theme is “Teaching for Tomorrow: Building Transferable Skills and Lifelong Learners,” encouraging attendees to reflect on how our teaching practices today shape students’ abilities to adapt, think critically, and thrive tomorrow.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Susannah McGowan, Director for Curriculum Transformation Initiatives at The Red House at Georgetown University where she leads institution-wide initiatives that bring educational transformation at scale in the form of student co-creation, curriculum and program design, and inclusive pedagogies.
The conference is currently accepting proposals for presentations and we would love to see a big WCU presence! If you need help with your proposal, please email April Tallant at atallant@wcu.edu.
Submit your proposal by March 22, 2026!

Supporting Faculty Facing Occupational Intimidation

by | Feb 19, 2026 | Blog, Campus Community Connections, Event, Professional Development, Research

Dr. Katie Searles, Olin Johnson Professor of Political Science at the University of South Carolina, will be holding an open session for interested faculty on “Supporting Faculty Facing Occupational Intimidation.” The larger project has been featured in Inside High Ed. Lunch will be served for participants. The event will be held in Hunter Library 101A on April 6th from 10:30am-2:00pm. Please email Chris Cooper at ccooper@wcu.edu to reserve a space.

Everyday Academic Integrity: Virtual Events for Educators

by | Sep 29, 2025 | AI, Blog, Professional Development

The International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI) seeks to cultivate cultures of integrity in academic communities throughout the world. If you are interested in connecting and learning about academic integrity from other higher education professionals and institutions, the center is offering the following virtual events.

  • October 1: The International Day of Action for Academic Integrity Pre-Event is “designed to spark ideas and showcase global perspectives.”
  • October 15: The International Day of Action for Academic Integrity is a full-day of programming focused on academic integrity across institutions and cultures. Please note time zone differences.

Find more information and registration links to both events on the International Day of Action for Academic Integrity website.

  • October 24: The Southeastern ICAI Fall Virtual Conference is themed It Takes a Village: Holistic Education in the Era of AI. Join practitioners, students, and administrators to explore how AI is shaping education.

Find more information and registration link to the Southeastern Conference on the International Day of Action for Academic Integrity Regional Conference website.

CFC Announces New Universal Design for Learning Course

by | Sep 29, 2025 | Accessibility, Blog, Canvas, Faculty Development Workshop, Learning Community, Professional Development, UDL

We’re excited to introduce our upcoming course on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), an approach that expands how we think about creating a barrier-free classroom and beyond. 

Universal Design (UD) centers on a simple yet powerful concept: creating products and environments that work for the widest possible range of users, regardless of age, ability, or background. Originally developed by a collaborative team of architects, product designers, and engineers, UD is built on seven foundational principles that guide accessible design thinking. 

What is UDL? 

In educational settings, these principles evolved into Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a comprehensive framework for developing course materials and courses that serve every learner. UDL recognizes that students bring diverse backgrounds and abilities, to the classroom. By designing with this diversity of learners in mind from the outset through its three principles engagement, representation, and action and expression, instructors can create more effective learning experiences for everyone. 

This proactive approach doesn’t replace the need for individual accommodations when students require them; rather, it operates on a fundamental principle: when instructors design inclusively from the beginning, this design naturally addresses many accessibility needs while enhancing the experience for all learners. 

Join us in exploring how UDL principles can transform your approach to creating truly equitable learning environments. 

Announcing Our New Universal Design for Learning Course 

We will kick off our first cohort for our new 4-week asynchronous Canvas course on UDL on Monday, November 3. This course is ideal for instructors who want to learn more about the fundamentals of UDL and want to learn together and from colleagues on campus.  

Register for the UDL course

Upcoming Fulbright Specialist Panel

by | Aug 29, 2025 | Blog, Professional Development, Research, Teaching and Learning, University Support

Want to Learn More About Fubright Opportunities?

Flyer for Fulbright Specialist Panel on Friday, September 12, 2025.

Friday, September 12 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Hunter Library 186 or Zoom

Panelists:

  • Wes Milner, Director of Global Engagement, WCU Fulbright Liaison
  • Chuck Thomas, Dean of Library Services
  • Marie-Line Germain, Professor of HR and Leadership

Drop-ins welcome, pre-registration preferred
Pre-Register at http://bit.ly/4oQ7ci3

Finding the Right Fulbright Program for You

By Yanjun Yan, Ph.D., Professor of Electrical Engineering, UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching Winner 2023, Fulbright U.S. Scholar 2021 

It is with mixed feelings that I write about this as the funding for Fulbright has been turbulent this year. The good news is that as of August 22, 2025, several Fulbright programs are among 28 programs at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to get their FY25 budget released and Congress has a 15-day period to fully approve them by early September. Meanwhile, a budget of $287.8 million was proposed for Fulbright programs in FY26. Unfortunately, 22 other programs at ECA may get their FY25 budget cut. The Fulbright-Hays Program was funded through the Department of Education and was cancelled in FY25. 

Despite the recent funding turmoil, Fulbright has been the flagship international exchange initiative since 1946. Every U.S. dollar invested in Fulbright leverages an additional 60 cents in funding from private sectors or other countries. People may not realize that there are various Fulbright programs for different stages in their careers. Fulbright programs in the FY26 budget proposal include: 

Fulbright programs require U.S. citizenship to be eligible. The most suitable programs for faculty are the U.S. Scholar (2-12 months) and/or the Specialist (2-6 weeks). I will provide some tips on the U.S. Scholar program below, and we will offer a panel on the Specialist program on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Hunter Library 186, 1:00-2:00 p.m. with Zoom option (pre-register at http://bit.ly/4oQ7ci3 but walk-ins are welcome).

Explore Fulbright Opportunities

For Fulbright U.S. Scholar program:  

  • The programs can be research, teaching, teaching/research, or professional. Some programs are set in one of the types, but other programs may allow you to choose the type. A Research-only grant is treated as a non-taxable fellowship, but if the grant is used to support teaching, even partially, it becomes taxable income. The monetary amount of the grant can vary depending on location and the number of awards. As reviewers, we have seen applications from community college faculty who identified an equivalent host abroad, or researchers who pioneered a research field. All applications were reviewed by the suitability of the project and the preparedness of the applicants, and none of them were at a disadvantage.  
  • The programs may last from 2 months to 12 months. Some programs are set in their durations, while others may allow you to choose the number of months. The FLEX option may allow one to split their stay into two segments, but not all programs have the FLEX feature. 
  • Many programs require an invitation letter from the host institution, but some are optional, and some prohibit you from submitting an invitation letter. If you do not have a connection beforehand, you may still find a program that suits you. 
  • For a country with sizable Fulbright programs, there is often a Fulbright Commission with dedicated staff to manage the programs. Or else, the U.S. embassy in that country is the contact and manager of the programs. They often organize cultural and academic events while you are there. During the application process, you can also reach out to IIE (the platform for Fulbright applications) staff or alums if you have a question. 
  • About 60% of the grants provide dependent support. While on-site, there can be mini grants for projects or travel grants for presentations. Every family’s situation is different. You may need to consider children’s education, spouse’s work relocation, and renting out your house or finding a house sitter and/or pet sitter. Most programs expect you to find a rental room locally and pay for it, although some programs may provide some lodging support, or the hosts may provide lodging. It’s okay to ask the local staff if there may be English schools for your children. 
  • Most programs are in a single country, but there may be programs involving two or more countries.  
  • There are two rounds of reviews, and some countries may call for an interview. The first round of reviews is in the U.S. based on merit and the decision may be released in late November. The second round of reviews is in the host country to make the match. The final decision can be awarded, rejected, being an alternative (if the awardee declines the offer, you will be awarded), or switched to a nearby country (if you agree). 
  • At WCU, you could sync up your Fulbright U.S. Scholar application (due around September 15) with the WCU Scholarly Development Assignment Program (SDAP) application (due around October 1), with approval from your Department Head and Dean, or reach out to the Provost’s Office for more guidance on the timing. 

As a Fulbright alum or a supporter of Fulbright, you are welcome to join the Fulbright Association (FBA). I have been on the NC FBA board since summer 2023, and we have organized several events such as a panel in Fall 2023 “Meet WCU Fulbrighters”, a panel in Spring 2024 on U.S. Scholar, and the upcoming panel on Specialist on Sep 12, 2025. If you’d like to encourage your students to consider Fulbright, please contact WCU ONIA (Office of National and International Awards) and watch out for the third annual WCU Fulbright Week events, expected in Spring 2026. 

UNC System Equality Policy

by | Aug 19, 2025 | Blog, Faculty Development Workshop, Professional Development, Teaching and Learning, University Support

UNC System Equality Policy: Overview and Its Application to Faculty and Instructional Staff

The University of North Carolina System has adopted a revised policy on equality that emphasizes academic freedom, equal opportunity, and institutional neutrality. The Coulter Faculty Commons is hosting two separate information sessions with Shea Browning and Heather Baker from the Legal Counsel team. They will provide an overview of the policy and practical implications for faculty as well as staff who have a teaching role at WCU. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion to better understand how these changes impact their roles and responsibilities.

We are offering the following two sessions, one designed for faculty and one for instructional staff.

Faculty

 

Tuesday, September 9, 2:00-3:15 pm
Location: Hunter Library Flex Room (1st Floor)

Staff (SHRA and EHRA-non-faculty) who serve as the instructor of record for a course

Tuesday, September 9, 3:30-4:45 pm
Location: Hunter Library Flex Room (1st Floor)

Register for Equality Policy Session