Welcome to "Faculty Rhode to Success!"

December 2025

The Office for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (ATL) is excited to bring you our monthly newsletter, "Faculty Rhode to Success." The purpose of our newsletter is to highlight the great work of URI faculty and graduate student instructors and share relevant information about professional development opportunities designed to support and equip all members of the university's instructional community.

Spotlights

Faculty Spotlight:
Brittany Martin

Brittany Martin is ATL’s Faculty Spotlight for December 2025. Her research explores how criminal law and policy impact social inequity, focusing on punishment, collateral sanctions, and legal financial obligations. Read Brittany's full interview and nominate an instructor for our next spotlight.

Graduate Spotlight:
Joseph Candia

With a passion for sharks and marine conservation, Joe's research work dives into migratory patterns of whale sharks and blue whales, uncovering how these giants forage and move across the oceans. Read Joseph's full interview and nominate a graduate teaching assistant for our next spotlight.

Final ATL Programs for Fall 2025

ATL Walk and Talk

10–10:45 a.m.

Looking for something you can put in your calendar to connect with colleagues or meet new people? The walk and talk is for you! Meet at the flagpole on the Quad, every Wednesday. Our last session will be on Dec. 12. Express interest or visit the website for more information.

Join the Innovative Grading Community

All are welcome to join the Innovative Grading Community of Practice listserv! This group is for anyone who currently practices or is interested in learning more about innovative/ alternative grading practices including ungrading, contract grading, labor based grading, and specifications grading.

Our community of practice is a place to build community, learn from each other, and share resources. To join the listserv, please email teach@uri.edu.

Writing Across URI

Beginning this year, Writing Across URI is now a part of ATL. We value the opportunities it has historically provided to the campus and our office also recognizes that you may wish to see different or additional opportunities.

Our Writing Across URI Listening Session Survey is available here for your input. We want to know your thoughts on how we can support faculty writing through this initiative.

Innovative Education Conference 2026

Call For Proposals

Deadline: December 18, 2025

ATL is looking forward to hosting its third annual (virtual) Innovative Education Conference on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Our theme for 2026 is “Flourishing Together: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Today.”

We will accept proposals through Thursday, December 18, 2025. Learn more about the conference and submit your proposal here.

January and Spring 2026 Programming

Spring 2026 Part-time Faculty Consultation

Jan. 5–23, 2026

Virtual

Need to ask a quick teaching-related question? Maybe brainstorm an idea or work through an assignment while prepping or teaching your course?

Visit a virtual consultation session just for part-time faculty!

Sign up here for virtual 1:1 part-time faculty consultations for spring course planning. If you are a part-time faculty member and interested in additional programs or resources, please see our Part-Time Faculty Support Page.

Spring Programming

ATL offers programs open to all instructors, as well as those geared towards particular groups of teachers.

Visit our website to see the full spring 2026 programming schedule.

Campus Partners

Say it Smart: 3MT Communication Skills

December 12, 2025

10–11 a.m.

This session provides practical strategies for clearly and effectively presenting complex research within the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) format. You’ll gain insights into storytelling, engaging your audience, and enhancing visual clarity. Register

Mindfulness Meditation

December 17, 2025

12:15–12:45 p.m.

Join us during the academic year for a mindful meditation led by a rotating group of volunteer facilitators. All are welcome. No experience needed. Meditation is open to all student, faculty, staff, and community members. Register.

Accessibility in LMS

December 18, 2025

10–11 a.m.

In this session, you’ll learn WCAG 2.1 AA standards and their application to LMS content. Explore URI-specific ADA tools to match accessibility needs, and use the Brightspace Accessibility Checker to identify and fix common issues in course materials. Register.

2026 Academic Summit

Please join us on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. for the 2026 URI Academic Summit: Cultivating Resilience During Times of Change in the Memorial Union. This open dialogue will foster a collaborative space for sharing ideas and best practices that support resilience during times of professional and personal challenge. Registration and breakfast will begin at 8:15 a.m.

RSVP.

URI Student Success

Starting fall 2026, undergraduate students may exercise a second grade option by repeating a course in which the student earned a C-, D+, D, or F. When a student exercises this, only the grade earned when the course is repeated will be used in the calculation of a student’s QPA and only the credits earned for the repeated course will apply toward the graduation requirements. All grades earned for a given course shall remain on a student’s permanent academic record. It may be used only once per course.

Appreciation and Recognition

December Celebrations

December is a season of joy, gratitude, and connection. ATL celebrates the traditions and stories that bring light and warmth to our community. May this month inspire unity, kindness, and hope. Happy Holidays from ATL!

Hanukkah: Dec.14–22
Christmas: Dec. 25
Kwanzaa: Dec. 26–Jan.1