Who We Are
Since 1992 the Searle Center’s mission has been to advance learning.
We are committed to deepening reflective, evidence-informed, and innovative pedagogical practices; bolstering student success and instructor vitality; and stimulating assessment to drive substantive course and curricular change.
Aligned with the University priority of delivering an outstanding educational experience, we lead initiatives to enhance teaching and learning so all students can thrive at Northwestern. We partner to build a robust educational development infrastructure and expand capacity for strategic institutional change.
Strategic Plan 2025–2030
Explore innovative ideas for lasting impact.
Learn more.Featured Programs & Events
Friday, December 5, 2025 | 9 AM–1:30 PM
Co-hosted with the Office of the Provost, this dynamic half-day experience equips new and early career faculty to thrive at Northwestern. Explore strategies to support student achievement, become familiar with key University resources, and connect with colleagues over lunch.
Monday, December 15, 2025 | 10 AM–4 PM
Experiment with dynamic, evidence-informed instruction in this lab designed for instructors at any career stage. Invigorate courses with fresh ideas for active, collaborative, and experiential learning, and apply easy-to-implement formative assessment techniques.
Featured Guides & Resources
As generative AI (GAI) becomes increasingly integrated into learning and teaching in higher education, instructors are navigating complex questions around academic integrity and student learning. While many emerging policies emphasize detection and sanctions, the Searle Center has created a three-part series on pedagogy and GAI, which offers a proactive alternative by centering trust, transparency, reflection, and student agency.
See the Series
Classroom environments have felt the impacts of a world faced with crises. Worry and fear can influence how students show up in classrooms and their ability to focus on learning. This Learning & Teaching Guide offers ten strategies for instructors to support students during turbulent times while also being attentive to their own professional and personal well-being.
EXPLORE THE GUIDE
National expert on student engagement Jillian Kinzie discusses the connection between enhanced academic rigor and students' sense of belonging in her keynote address, "Transforming Institutional Cultures: Holistic Approaches to Student Success," presented for Northwestern University, January 2025. Video is available to Northwestern community members with University credentials.
WATCH THE VIDEONews
Upcoming Events
12:00 PM
A Talk with Mesmin Destin
moderated by Veronica Womack
This virtual event (open to Northwestern University faculty, staf...
All Day
Selected by the campus community, this year’s University Practicum focuses on the science of how students learn. Partici...
12:00 PM
A Talk with Mesmin Destin
moderated by Veronica Womack
This virtual event (open to Northwestern University faculty, staf...
All Day
Selected by the campus community, this year’s University Practicum focuses on the science of how students learn. Partici...
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