Building What Comes Next

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Purposeful Preparation

Hi all, 

Like many of you, at least some of my summer is spent prepping my class in the fall.  Teaching SI 110: Introduction to Information Studies has always required frequent refreshing, but this year I have been thinking a lot about the challenges AI tools create and how to best support student well-being. In particular, I keep returning to questions about assessment and how to design grading that is fair, honest, and rigorous in an evolving learning environment.

Teaching is not just a process. It is an experience. And like any experience, it can be intentionally designed. When we teach with energy, empathy, and purpose, we create experiences that inspire students to push boundaries and pursue growth. I like to think of crafting SI 110 as a User Experience exercise. As part of that, I try to recognize that there are many types of “users” in the course, with many different journeys through it. 

I’m sure many of you preparing to teach this fall are in your own version of this process. I wish you the best as you shape your courses and explore new approaches. I’m always excited to hear about the innovations you are bringing to both new and updated classes, and I’m delighted to share a few examples from your colleagues in this month’s newsletter. If you are working on something you are especially excited about and would like to see highlighted, please let me know.

For me, the fall semester always arrives more quickly than I think. I hope this season provides you with space to reflect, recharge, and return with a renewed sense of purpose. I look forward to the energy, innovation, and impact your efforts will bring in the months ahead.

Best,

Cliff Lampe, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs