Over a decade of research in social psychology indicates that learning mindsets play a role in students’ persistence and achievement; these mindsets are not fixed, but are shaped by messages students receive from society, from daily interactions and observations, and from their experiences in school. The Student Experience Project (SEP) is a national effort to foster a positive learning environment in the classroom and increase a student’s likelihood of persevering through academic challenges to graduation. Data from the SEP collected in 2020 - 2021 demonstrates that when student experiences in the classroom improve over the course of the term, their likelihood of earning an A or B in the course increased, and their likelihood of earning a D, F, or W (formally withdrawing from the course) decreased.
The Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) and the Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) launched the Student Experience Project (SEP) Communities of Practice centered on student belonging and engagement as a tool to boost student success and learning for Fall 2025 and are thrilled to make the cohort experience available again in Fall 2026. This community of practice empowers educators with evidence-based teaching practices designed to improve the student experience in the classroom and peer support. Hear directly from past SEP Participants.
The cohort will include instructors teaching courses in Fall 2026, with an initial meeting in May, an August kick-off, and regular connection throughout Fall semester totaling approximately 5 hours per month and an option to continue through Spring semester
SEP asks cohort members to attend two meetings per month, one workshop and one small group communities of practice meeting during the fall with fellow faculty, to share ideas, learn from one another, and discuss the challenges they encounter in the classroom. Paired with real-time feedback from students through structured surveys, faculty will be able to implement the strategies and skills they learn during the semester.
Schedule for Fall 2026 U of M Twin Cities Student Experience Project (SEP) Program
What is the commitment? Fall semester (approx 5 hours per month)
| When | Time Commitment (approx.) | Title | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 | 2 hours | Orientation & Introductory Workshop: 9:30-11:30 | Virtual/In-Person Bruininks 432 |
| Summer | 5 hours | Module: Your Syllabus as a Tool to Promote Student Equity, Belonging, and Growth & Revise one Syllabus | Asynchronous/ On your own |
| August 25 | 2 hours (select one) | Kick-Off Event: 9:00 - 11:00 OR 1:00 - 3:00 | Virtual/In-person |
| September | 2 hour | Module: Effective Growth Mindset Culture Messages | Asynchronous/ On your own |
| September 18 | 1.5 hours | Workshop: Growth Mindset: 12:30 - 2:00 pm | Zoom |
| September | 1 hour | Community of Practice (CoP) small group (See Canvas for specific dates) | Virtual/In-Person |
| October | 2 hour | Module: Wise Feedback to Foster Academic Engagement and Growth | Asynchronous/ On your own |
| October 16 | 1.5 hours | Workshop: Wise Feedback: 12:30 - 2:00 pm | Zoom |
| October | 1 hour | CoP small group (See Canvas for specific dates) | Virtual/In-Person |
| November | 2 hours | Module: Cultivating an Inclusive Learning Environment | Asynchronous/ On your own |
| November 13 | 1.5 hours | Workshop: Inclusive Learning: 12:30 - 2:00 pm | Zoom |
| November | 1 hour | CoP small group (See Canvas for specific dates) | Virtual/In-Person |
| December | 1 hour | CoP small group (See Canvas for specific dates) | Virtual/In-Person |
Spring semester: 1 hour per month
Attend monthly (1 hour) in-person Community of Practice small group gatherings to discuss successes and challenges in class.
Communities of Practice (look for calendar invites)
Wednesday, September 23 1:00 - 2:00 pm Hybrid
Facilitators: Amanda Woodward (CLA) and Jennifer Trost (OUE)
Other dates: October 21, November 18, December 9
Thursday, September 24 2:00 - 3:00 pm Online
Facilitators: Alyssa Bonnac (CEI), and Ken Bartlett (CEHD - TBD)
Other dates: October 22, November 12, December 10
Friday, September 25 9:30 - 10:30 am In-person (STEM focused)
Facilitators: Jessie Dockter Tierney (CEI) and Mike Weimerskirch (CSE)
Other dates: October 23, November 20, December 11
Monthly Workshops
Wednesday, September 18, 2026 12:30 - 2:00pm (Zoom)
Workshop Topic: Growth Mindsets revisited
Wednesday, October 16, 2026 12:30 - 2:00pm (Zoom)
Workshop Topic: Wise Feedback
Wednesday, November 13, 2026 12:30 - 2:00pm (Zoom)
Workshop Topic: Inclusive Classrooms
What are the benefits of participating in the Student Experience Project?
- Students find a stronger sense of connection, community, and intention within the course which leads to better academic performance and outcomes. Data from the SEP collected in 2020 - 2021 demonstrates that when student experiences in the classroom improve over the course of the term, their likelihood of earning an A or B in the course increased, and their likelihood of earning a D, F, or W (formally withdrawing from the course) decreased.
- As a university, fewer students with DFNW grades in our courses, specifically from historically marginalized groups, increases our retention and students’ ability to achieve their academic and career goals.
- Participants build a community of individuals to share experiences, ideas, and grow their pedagogy.
Participants who attend at least 75% of the programming receive a letter from the Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education for their academic file and acknowledgement of participation to their college. In addition, participants receive a certificate from the Student Experience Project at the conclusion of each module.
Questions? Contact Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE): [email protected]