Academic
Tuesday October 21
10 + 10 Pop-Up Series: How are Students Using AI?
Tue 10/21 • 10AM - 10:20AM PDT RSVP
Join us as we explore data from the 2025 Senior Survey on how students are using AI, and take part in a discussion on ways we, as educators, can help guide students on developing AI literacy. Presenters: Elena Peterson and Wonki Lee, Assessment of Student and Instructor Experience, TLC. #generativeai, #howarestudentsusingai, #aiinlearning Each academic quarter, the UCLA Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) hosts a weekly series of 10+10 Pop-Up sessions on Zoom. These brief, 10-minute presentations focus on specific topics related to course design, teaching, learning, and assessment, and are led by instructional designers and developers from TLC and campus partners. The “+10” refers to an optional 10-minute discussion following each presentation, where participants can ask questions and share insights. These sessions are open to all UCLA instructors—including faculty, lecturers, instructors of record, graduate student instructors, and postdoctoral scholars. Please direct any inquiries to edp@teaching.ucla.edu.
Thursday October 23
Preparing to Teach: Active Learning (In-person workshop)
Thu 10/23 • 2PM - 3PM PDT RSVP
Powell Library, Room 190
Please join us for a foundational pedagogical training on active learning, a tried-and-true approach to inclusively engaging students as agents in their learning. After reviewing the benefits and principles of active learning, we will explore classroom activities and active learning tools suitable for a range of disciplines, course sizes, and modalities. Following a demonstration of strategies such as in-class polling and think-pair-share, participants will complete an activity to discern active learning strategies suitable for their context and work to identify equity and accessibility considerations for classroom implementation. This workshop will be hosted in-person and facilitated by the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). Instructors, TAs, and postdocs are all welcome to attend. The event will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, 2pm-3pm in Powell 190. Light refreshments will be served. Please contact edp@teaching.ucla.edu if you have any questions.
Writing a Literature Review (Introduction and Overview)
Thu 10/23 • 5:15PM - 6:30PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will describe literature reviews across multiple contexts and genres. The workshop will also cover strategies and best practices for note-taking, preparatory steps, writing process issues, and organization.
Friday October 24
From Postdoc to Professor: Teaching Readiness Intensive
Fri 10/24 • 10AM - 2PM PDT RSVP
Join the Graduate Student & Postdoctoral Scholar Engagement unit of the TLC and colleagues from CIRTL@UCLA for this multi-session program that supports postdoctoral scholars preparing for teaching-focused academic careers. Participants will deepen their understanding of evidence-based, student-centered, and inclusive teaching practices; gain experience with core elements of course design; and develop materials such as a teaching philosophy. This program also creates opportunities to connect with peers and mentors committed to teaching excellence. Join us for one or both of the following workshops: Course Design Fundamentals (10-11:30am led by GSPSE and CIRTL) and Developing Your Teaching Philosophy (12:30-2:00pm led by GSPSE). GSPSE will host a networking lunch between sessions. View workshop descriptions and register using the link below.
Tuesday October 28
10 + 10 Pop-Up Series: Turning Teaching into Scholarship: An Introduction to SoTL
Tue 10/28 • 10AM - 10:20AM PDT RSVP
Curious about how to turn your teaching into meaningful inquiry? Join us for a practical introduction to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), where you’ll learn what SoTL is, why it matters, and how to take the first steps toward developing your own classroom-based research projects. Presenter: Assessment of Student and Instructor Experience, TLC #SoTL, #inquiryteaching, #classroomresearch Each academic quarter, the UCLA Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) hosts a weekly series of 10+10 Pop-Up sessions on Zoom. These brief, 10-minute presentations focus on specific topics related to course design, teaching, learning, and assessment, and are led by instructional designers and developers from TLC and campus partners. The “+10” refers to an optional 10-minute discussion following each presentation, where participants can ask questions and share insights. These sessions are open to all UCLA instructors—including faculty, lecturers, instructors of record, graduate student instructors, and postdoctoral scholars. Please direct any inquiries to edp@teaching.ucla.edu.
Speaking Across Conflict (for Graduate Students & Postdocs)
Tue 10/28 • 12PM - 3PM PDT RSVP
Young Research Library 21570
The UCLA Dialogue across Difference Initiative (DaD) is offering this interactive workshop to provide graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with practical strategies to communicate across charged political differences in and out of the classroom. These skills are based on the methodology of Resetting the Table, a nationally-renowned organization dedicated to building honest and open communication. Lunch will be served.
Preparing to Teach: Efficient Grading (In-person workshop)
Tue 10/28 • 1PM - 2PM PDT RSVP
Powell Library, Room 190
Worried about your grading load this quarter? Join us for a workshop centered on time-saving strategies for grading many students. Along with a walkthrough of how to leverage tools such as comment libraries, rubrics, and automated grading, we will discuss the differences between assessment and grading, as well as how you can establish feedback loops with your class without having to give detailed comments on every piece of student work. Participants will leave this session prepared to integrate a new strategy or tool into their course and having had the opportunity to troubleshoot and brainstorm with colleagues. This in-person workshop will be facilitated by the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). All instructors, including TAs and postdocs, are welcome. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 1pm-2pm in Powell 190. Light refreshments will be served. Please contact edp@teaching.ucla.edu if you have any questions.
Writing the Personal Statement
Tue 10/28 • 6PM - 7PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will cover strategies for writing personal statements for fellowship applications, residencies, and PhD programs. Among other topics, we will discuss organization, introductions and conclusions, and use of examples. Students from all schools and departments are welcome to attend. If you are currently working on a personal statement, we encourage you to bring your draft to the workshop.
Wednesday October 29
CAAC Winter Enrollment Workshop
Wed 10/29 • 12PM - 1PM PDT
Need help selecting courses for winter quarter? Have questions about the two pass enrollment process? This 60-minute workshop will answer these questions and more about the enrollment process. We will also review where to find options for your winter quarter GE and major courses. After a short presentation, our College Academic Mentors will be available to assist you individually in planning your study list for next quarter. To preview the presentation and review enrollment resources please visit this website: https://tinyurl.com/caacenroll You must register using the Zoom link provided. Registration is limited!
Zotero & Scrivener: Tools for Managing Research and Writing
Wed 10/29 • 5:15PM - 6:30PM PDT RSVP
In this workshop, we will show the basic functions of Zotero and Scrivener and demonstrate how these tools can significantly improve organizational systems for research and writing. We will also explain how Zotero integrates with Microsoft Word and Scrivener programs.
Thursday October 30
Botany Brown Bag with Dr. Pam Soltis
Thu 10/30 • 12PM - 1PM PDT
La Kretz Garden Pavilion
Looking for a way to spend your lunch? Join the UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden for a new installment of our Botany Brown Bag Public Lecture Series! On Thursday, October 30 at 12 pm, Dr. Pam Soltis will give a talk titled "Using Natural History Collections to Address 21st Century Societal Problems" at La Kretz Garden Pavilion. This event is free and open to the public, no RSVP required! Make sure to bring your lunch!
CAAC Winter Enrollment Workshop
Thu 10/30 • 4PM - 5PM PDT
Need help selecting courses for winter quarter? Have questions about the two pass enrollment process? This 60-minute workshop will answer these questions and more about the enrollment process. We will also review where to find options for your winter quarter GE and major courses. After a short presentation, our College Academic Mentors will be available to assist you individually in planning your study list for next quarter. To preview the presentation and review enrollment resources please visit this website: https://tinyurl.com/caacenroll You must register using the Zoom link provided. Registration is limited!
Tuesday November 4
CAAC Winter Enrollment Workshop
Tue 11/4 • 5PM - 6PM PST
Need help selecting courses for winter quarter? Have questions about the two pass enrollment process? This 60-minute workshop will answer these questions and more about the enrollment process. We will also review where to find options for your winter quarter GE and major courses. After a short presentation, our College Academic Mentors will be available to assist you individually in planning your study list for next quarter. To preview the presentation and review enrollment resources please visit this website: https://tinyurl.com/caacenroll You must register using the Zoom link provided. Registration is limited!
2025 Major Blast
Tue 11/4 • 6PM - 8PM PST
Carnesale Palisades
Your future starts NOW. Explore the vast array of academic offerings at UCLA. Meet with counselors and explore over 100 majors and minors!
Wednesday November 5
Preparing to Teach: Active Learning (Online workshop)
Wed 11/5 • 3PM - 4PM PST RSVP
Please join us for a foundational pedagogical training on active learning, a tried-and-true approach to inclusively engaging students as agents in their learning. After reviewing the benefits and principles of active learning, we will explore classroom activities and active learning tools suitable for a range of disciplines, course sizes, and modalities. Following a demonstration of strategies such as in-class polling and think-pair-share, participants will complete an activity to discern active learning strategies suitable for their context and work to identify equity and accessibility considerations for classroom implementation. This online workshop will be facilitated by the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). Instructors, TAs, and postdocs are all welcome to attend. Register to receive the Zoom link. The event will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 3pm-4pm on Zoom. Please contact edp@teaching.ucla.edu if you have any questions.
Strategies for Writing Effective Scientific Papers
Wed 11/5 • 5:15PM - 6:30PM PST RSVP
This workshop will address basic principles for writing scientific papers and offer strategies for avoiding common pitfalls. We will also introduce key points from Joshua Schimel's book Writing Science on developing good narrative structure and clarity to make writing engaging and impactful.
Thursday November 6
GSPSE November Drop-In Hours
Thu 11/6 • 2PM - 4PM PST
Powell 190
Join us in person at Powell Library 190 to consult with the Graduate Student Postdoctoral Scholar Engagement team on teaching-related professional development topics over light snacks and refreshments. Topics include: course design, instructional technology, strategizing for the academic job market, and support with ongoing teaching commitments (TAships, etc.).
CAAC Winter Enrollment Workshop
Thu 11/6 • 3PM - 4PM PST
Need help selecting courses for winter quarter? Have questions about the two pass enrollment process? This 60-minute workshop will answer these questions and more about the enrollment process. We will also review where to find options for your winter quarter GE and major courses. After a short presentation, our College Academic Mentors will be available to assist you individually in planning your study list for next quarter. To preview the presentation and review enrollment resources please visit this website: https://tinyurl.com/caacenroll You must register using the Zoom link provided. Registration is limited!
Dissertation 101
Thu 11/6 • 5:15PM - 6:30PM PST RSVP
This workshop will give an overview of the dissertation requirement in terms of structure, process, and role in one's career trajectory. The workshop will address the dissertation from multiple angles to deepen attendees' understanding of decisions and choices around the planning and execution of the dissertation.
Monday November 10
CAAC Winter Enrollment Workshop
Mon 11/10 • 2PM - 3PM PST
Need help selecting courses for winter quarter? Have questions about the two pass enrollment process? This 60-minute workshop will answer these questions and more about the enrollment process. We will also review where to find options for your winter quarter GE and major courses. After a short presentation, our College Academic Mentors will be available to assist you individually in planning your study list for next quarter. To preview the presentation and review enrollment resources please visit this website: https://tinyurl.com/caacenroll You must register using the Zoom link provided. Registration is limited!
Thursday November 13
Wellbeing: Pedagogy of Unwellness: Mimi Khuc book discussion
Thu 11/13 • 3PM - 4PM PST RSVP
Powell Library, Room 190
Please join us on Thursday, November 13, 3-4pm in Powell Library room 190 for a TLC-facilitated book club for Dear Elia: letters from the Asian American abyss by Mimi Khúc, including discussion questions and reflective exercises. Participants will discuss what “wellness,” “wellbeing,” and “unwellness,” mean to them; reflect on their own sense of wellbeing or unwellness, as well as how that relates to their positionality within the university; and explore strategies for care-centered pedagogy to foster wellbeing for students and instructors. This event is open to all instructors, including graduate students and postdocs. The first ten registrants will receive a copy of the book. Please contact edp@teaching.ucla.edu if you have any questions.
Tuesday November 18
10 + 10 Pop-Up Series: Streamlining Course Resources: Utilizing Free Library Reserves with Leganto
Tue 11/18 • 10AM - 10:20AM PST RSVP
This session will introduce you to Leganto (the "Course Reading List" tool) in Bruin Learn to request course reserves from UCLA Library. Please join us to learn how the Library can support your class by providing free access to required and recommended course texts to your students. Presenter: Emilie Eshbaugh, Access Services Reserves Lead, UCLA Library. #bruinlearn, #leganto, #coursereadinglist, #freeaccess, #accessibletext Each academic quarter, the UCLA Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) hosts a weekly series of 10+10 Pop-Up sessions on Zoom. These brief, 10-minute presentations focus on specific topics related to course design, teaching, learning, and assessment, and are led by instructional designers and developers from TLC and campus partners. The “+10” refers to an optional 10-minute discussion following each presentation, where participants can ask questions and share insights. These sessions are open to all UCLA instructors—including faculty, lecturers, instructors of record, graduate student instructors, and postdoctoral scholars. Please direct any inquiries to edp@teaching.ucla.edu.
Self-Care as a Journey: Mission-Driven Approaches to Navigating Mental Health
Tue 11/18 • 3PM - 4PM PST RSVP
Charles E. Young Research Library (YRL), Room 21570
Please join us for the "Self-Care as a Journey: Mission-Driven Approaches to Navigating Mental Health" workshop on Tuesday, November 18, 3pm-4pm in Charles E. Young Research Library (YRL), Room 21570. This workshop delivers evidence-based strategies from the field of psychology for deepening resilience, cultivating belongingness, and affirming purpose in one’s teaching and research. Rooted in frameworks of authentic storytelling, this training is designed for instructors seeking strategies to prevent burnout and restore their capacity for engaged, compassionate teaching. From improving interpersonal effectiveness to mitigating stressors, these skills will help instructors reflect on their unique journeys and lived experiences, with the aim of aligning their professional practices with their personal values and mission. Facilitated by Drea Letamendi, Ph.D., Director of UCLA CAPS Compassionate Response Program (CORE). This workshop is open to any faculty, including professors, lecturers, and adjunct instructors. Please contact edp@teaching.ucla.edu if you have any questions.
Wednesday November 19
Explaining Complex Concepts Effectively in Your Teaching
Wed 11/19 • 3PM - 4PM PST RSVP
Powell 190
This event is designed for international graduate students and postdocs as part of International Education Week. This interactive workshop will equip instructors with strategies to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively in their courses. Participants will address the unique challenges international instructors face, as well as learn practical techniques for breaking down difficult material. Leave with a concrete action plan and renewed confidence in your teaching. No prior teaching experience is required. Light refreshments will be served.
Creating Effective Figures and Visual Aids for Conference Presentations and Publications
Wed 11/19 • 4PM - 5PM PST RSVP
This workshop focuses on strategies for designing effective figures and visual materials for conference presentations, publications, and other contexts. The workshop will also introduce different software packages that can be used to create high-quality figures, and offer further resources for learning these programs.
Thursday November 20
Preparing to Teach: Efficient Grading (Online workshop)
Thu 11/20 • 3PM - 4PM PST RSVP
Worried about your grading load this quarter? Join us for a workshop centered on time-saving strategies for grading many students. Along with a walkthrough of how to leverage tools such as comment libraries, rubrics, and automated grading, we will discuss the differences between assessment and grading, as well as how you can establish feedback loops with your class without having to give detailed comments on every piece of student work. Participants will leave this session prepared to integrate a new strategy or tool into their course and having had the opportunity to troubleshoot and brainstorm with colleagues. This online workshop will be facilitated by the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). All instructors, including TAs and postdocs, are welcome. The event will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, 3pm-4pm. Please register to receive the Zoom link. Please contact edp@teaching.ucla.edu if you have any questions.
Wednesday December 3
Preparing to Teach: Bring Your Own Syllabus
Wed 12/3 • 2PM - 4PM PST RSVP
Powell Library, Room 190
Are you looking to refresh, rewrite, or rethink your syllabus? Are you designing a new course, and want to learn about best practices for syllabus design? Join the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) for a co-working session during which you will look at example syllabi, consider best practices for student-centered and inclusive syllabus design, and peer review each other’s materials. This session is open to all instructors, including TAs and postdocs. The event will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 2pm-4pm in Powell 190. Please contact edp@teaching.ucla.edu if you have any questions.
Thursday December 11
GSPSE December Drop-In Hours
Thu 12/11 • 2PM - 4PM PST
Powell 190
Join us in Powell Library 190 for TA and postdoc drop-in hours, social grading edition! Work through your end of quarter grading while enjoying refreshments and building community with your fellow TAs. TLC staff members from the Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Engagement (GSPSE) team will also be available to support you.