Provost
What Topic Should a University Seminar Address?
Any topic! Student participation in a USEM should foster a love of learning with the goal of igniting a spark of enthusiasm for a particular subject. It is expected that these courses will help students develop critical thinking skills and explore new ideas in an environment that encourages interactive learning and intensive discussion. Enrollment in a University Seminar should provide second- and first-year students the opportunity to work closely with faculty and to develop an intellectual community with other students around a shared area of interest.
While any topic of interest may be proposed, it is highly encouraged that proposers think outside the box and consider courses that students may not otherwise find at UVA. Furthermore, special consideration will be given to proposals that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Proposals that equip students with the skills to interact in an increasingly pluralistic society by connecting to emerging issues at the University and our greater communities, such as topics related to diversity, equity, and belonging.
- Proposals that include a hands-on learning component, such as opportunities for students to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for the results, or designed learning experiences that include the possibility to learn from natural consequences, mistakes, and successes.
- Proposals that are interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary, which may include proposals that are team-taught classes, topics that would not easily fit into a single academic department or major, course design that allows for the synthesis of ideas across disciplines, and the development of important, transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication and analysis.
Please note that special consideration will be given to course proposals that have not been offered as part of the University Seminar program in any of the last three consecutive semesters.
Who is Eligible to Teach a University Seminar?
Tenure/Tenure-Track and Academic General Faculty members are eligible to propose courses to the USEM program, and preference will be given to their submissions. On an exceptional basis, A&P Faculty Members and University Staff may submit proposals, but their teaching activity must comply with policy PROV-008: Teaching Courses for Academic Credit.
What Funding is Available for University Seminars?
A $4,000 award will be provided for each one-credit USEM course (USEMs 2570 and 2580) and a $6,000 award will be provided for each two-credit USEM course (USEMs 1570 and 1580). Nine-month faculty members may choose to receive this award as either summer wage or in a research account. Twelve-month faculty, A&P Faculty, and University Staff are only eligible to receive the award funds as OTPS. All disbursements are subject to University, state, and federal guidelines, policies, and procedures. Teaching a USEM course is not an eligible cause for approval of faculty overload.
What Should I Include in My University Seminar Proposal?
Your proposal must include the following components:
- Overview and Justification: Please provide a summary of your proposed course, including a justification for how your proposal aligns with the goals of the University Seminar program. If you are proposing a USEM that you previously taught, you must also provide information about how the course has evolved over time and the steps you will take to improve the course going forward. (One page max – PDF only)
- A syllabus Please provide a syllabus that includes student learning objectives and how the final grade will be determined in the course. Syllabi should appropriately reflect the credit load for the course, depending on whether you propose a one- or two-credit USEM. A draft form is acceptable, but please ensure your draft syllabus includes an overview of student learning objectives, assignments, and assessment plan.(PDF only).
- Curriculum Vita or Resume for each instructor. (Two page max for each – PDF only)
- Letter of Support: Your proposal must also include a letter of support from your department chair/unit supervisor. For A&P Faculty Members and University Staff, the letter needs to note the approval of release time and state how this teaching has been accommodated in accordance with policy PROV-008: Teaching Courses for Academic Credit. The letter of support will be solicited through the application system and should be uploaded directly by the letter writer. Proposals that involve co-instructors will be required to include a letter of support for each prospective instructor (one letter is acceptable if the supervisor is the same for both individuals).
When are Proposals Submitted?
Proposals for the Fall 2024 semester are due on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 and proposals for the Spring 2025 semester are due on Monday, August 12, 2024.
