Course Preparation Retreat Conversations
For over five years, the CTE has been organizing virtual “Course Prep Retreats” in the weeks leading up to each new semester. These virtual retreats were designed from the assumption that a little bit of added structure, accountability, and community would provide instructors meaningful support as they finalize their course plans.
Given the tighter timing of the 2026 winter break, we’re trying out a simpler approach that we’re calling “Course Prep Conversations.” Rather than virtual meetings twice a day, we’re going to offer a single virtual gathering each afternoon focused on giving participants a chance to think with each other and get feedback on their courses-in-progress.
You can sign up for as many (or few) conversations as you’d like. To help us with planning, please register by Wednesday, December 31.
Overall Structure
To allow for more focused conversation among participants, we’ve organized the program around a different course element each day. Come either with general questions to discuss or specific course artifacts you want feedback on. All sessions will meet on Zoom from 3:00 - 4:30 (the Zoom link will be shared after you register).
Afternoon gatherings will typically start with a general discussion of the day’s focus, then move to small group breakout conversations focused on sharing feedback on course elements, and conclude with a debrief to surface any final questions. Those who register will receive a link to resources intended as optional supports as you prepare for the conversation.
Please note that these will be conversations, not workshops, so participants who are ready to bring questions and artifacts to discuss will benefit most.
Daily Schedule
Monday, Jan 5: Refining course priorities
A chance to clarify the focus of your course and to think through what learning goals and outcomes you’re prioritizing. You might bring a draft course description, learning objectives, or other texts meant to communicate to students what the course is about and why it matters.
Tuesday, Jan 6: Designing major assessments & projects
Brainstorm with colleagues and troubleshoot the different assignments and other assessments you’re considering. Feel free to bring a draft assignment prompt you’d like feedback on.
Wednesday, Jan 7: Planning for the AI context
Today’s conversation will consider the range of options for navigating AI’s impact on your course. Bring a draft of your AI course policy, any AI guidance you’re providing for a particular assignment, or ideas for incorporating AI into your course.
Thursday, Jan 8: Course structure and scaffolding
We’ll consider all the decisions that go into course structure — whether around particular lessons or units or the semester as a whole — and how intentional structure can serve to scaffold student learning. You can bring the breakdown of a particular unit or your overall course calendar, or your plans for scaffolding a particular assignment or project.
Friday, Jan 9: Syllabus design and course policies
How do we set the stage for a successful semester and welcome students into a community of learners? Bring draft policies or other syllabus content you’d like colleagues to weigh in on.
Accommodation Requests
The Center for Teaching Excellence is committed to providing equal access to its events and programs. Individuals who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about access may contact centerforteaching@bc.edu.