What could the two diverse fields of architecture and college teaching have in common? Both employ design principles to ensure accessibility. Whether it's a wheelchair ramp or a well-constructed syllabus for a college course, the design principles that promote accessibility for each "product" are surprisingly similar. Read about the University of Connecticut's approach to developing Universal Design for Instruction and how related features will be showcased in upcoming issues of the newsletter. (Complete Article) (Printable .PDF Version)

Universal Design for Instruction: A New Approach to Academic Access

Dr. Joan McGuire addressed the "Bridge to the New Millennium" Conference celebrating the 30th year of the Program for Advancement of Learning at Curry College, a participating school in the Universal Design for Instruction Project. In her address, Dr. McGuire outlined nine principles of Universal Design for Instruction and gave examples of their application in diverse college classrooms.(Complete Article) (Printable .PDF Version)

Dr. Joan McGuire, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Educational Psychology; Co-Director, Center on Postsecondary Education and Disability, NEAG School of Education, University of Connecticut

Dr. Dayle Upham, a member of the Universal Design for Instruction Advisory Board and a Special Education Professor at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, shares her experience with a diverse population in a student-oriented classroom. (Complete Article) (Printable .PDF Version)

Think about the best college course you ever had. What did the professor do to make the course such a positive experience for you? We asked a focus group of students at the University of Connecticut to talk with us about their best professors. They shared some useful insights about things University of Connecticut professors do that turn an ordinary college course into a memorable learning experience. Read on and find out about a powerful classroom practice. (Complete Article) (Printable .PDF Version)