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Teaching-Line Faculty Mini-Retreats

Quarterly Mini-Retreats for teaching-line faculty to share innovative teaching practices, build community, and discuss timely topics.

The next Mini-Retreat will take place from 11 am to 1 pm Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Register now.

Overview

Join colleagues from across Northwestern at Teaching-Line Faculty Mini-Retreats, a new quarterly gathering created in response to what teaching-line faculty told us they value most: community, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to learn from colleagues and experts on topics that directly impact their work. This mini-retreat was intentionally designed with teaching-line faculty feedback and experiences at the center.

Inaugural Gathering: March 10, 2026 | 11:00 am –1:00 pm | Ver Steeg Faculty Lounge

Our first topic is grading, one of the most complex aspects of teaching. This two-hour mini-retreat offers two interactive 45-minute sessions: Searle Center Distinguished Fellows—recipients of the University Teaching Awards—will share practices they use in their courses, and featured Northwestern instructors will discuss how they have implemented alternative assessment across a range of disciplines. Between sessions, continue the conversation and share your own on-the-ground grading expertise with colleagues over a seasonal lunch. 

Eligibility

All teaching-line, clinical, and NTE track faculty.

Time Commitment

Participants are welcome to attend any or all portions of the two-hour retreat. 

  • 11:00–11:45 AM—Session 1: Grading Practices with Distinguished Fellows 
  • 11:45 AM–12:15 PM—Lunch & informal discussion 
  • 12:15–1:00 PM—Session 2: Alternative Assessment with featured instructors 

Registration

Please register by end of day, March 2, 2026.

REgister here

Contact Us

Laura Ferdinand, Assistant Director of Content and Communications
laura.ferdinand@northwestern.edu