A faculty learning community is a specifically structured learning community of faculty, instructors, and staff in higher education with a curriculum that enhances teaching and learning and includes the goals of building community, engaging in scholarly practice, and developing the scholarship of teaching and learning. (Cox, 2019)
Fall 2026 Learning Communities
Learning communities are open to all UMD instructors and graduate instructors unless otherwise specified in the description.
AI Playground Learning Community
Do you want to learn more about how artificial intelligence is shaping teaching and learning? This beginner-friendly learning community will introduce several AI-based tools, including TerpAI. You will have the opportunity to try out tools, ask questions, and consider the possibilities and challenges they create.
We will explore practical ways AI can support your course planning and assignment design, and consider questions that many instructors are raising about student learning, critical thinking, ethical concerns, and environmental impacts. No prior experience with AI is needed. This is a space for curiosity, reflection, discussion, and skill building.
By actively participating in this learning community, you will earn the GenAI-Informed Pedagogy Practitioner meta-credential from the TLTC Teaching Academy. All UMD instructors are welcome.
We will meet 6 times on Wednesdays (9/9, 9/23, 10/7, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18) from 2:00-3:15pm in ESJ 1103. Meetings will be in-person with the option to join virtually occasionally as needed.
Coordinated by Mona Thompson, TLTC
Register here for the AI Playground Learning Community.
Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Mona at mona1@umd.edu.
Grad Student Teaching and Learning Book Club
Are you a graduate student or postdoc who is teaching or preparing to teach? Connect with your peers in this informal book club! In this community, we will read "Teaching Matters: A Guide for Graduate Students'' by Aeron Haynie and Stephanie Spong and have informal conversations about topics from the book. We will discuss designing courses, creating a welcoming classroom community, navigating classroom challenges, cultivating well-being, and more!
You will receive a free copy of the book as part of your participation in this learning community. Please register as early as you can to guarantee your spot.
This book club will meet on Wednesdays every other week (9/16, 9/30, 10/14, 10/28, 11/11, and 12/2) from 2:00-3:30pm in ESJ 1103. Meetings will be in person with the option to call in virtually as needed.
Coordinated by Ginny Hutcheson, TLTC
Register here for the Grad Student Book Club.
Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Ginny Hutcheson at ghutches@umd.edu.
Rethinking Grading Learning Community
What do your grading practices communicate about what you value? Join colleagues from across campus for a faculty learning community exploring how we can better align grading with learning. Together, we'll examine alternative grading philosophies and practical strategies for alternative assessment to reflect on what it really means for students to learn in our disciplines. Whether you're interested in making one small change or rethinking your entire grading system, this community will provide a supportive space to clarify your values, learn from others' experiences, and develop a realistic plan that fits your teaching context. Through discussion, reflection, and shared classroom experiences, we'll explore ways to make grading more meaningful for both our students and ourselves.
This learning will meet on 6 Thursdays (9/17, 10/1, 10/8, 10/29, 11/12, and 12/3) from 12:30-1:30pm in ESJ 1103. Meetings will be in person with the option to call in virtually as needed.
Coordinated by Emily Berman, TLTC
Register here for the Rethinking Grading Learning Community.
Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Emily at eberman4@umd.edu
Need help registering for learning communities in Workday?
Watch this short video, read the job aid, or ask the UMD Virtual Agent (chatbot).
If you have trouble registering, please email tltc@umd.edu.