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. Those participating in the Community of Practice collaborate with peers on campus to implement evidence-based teaching practices designed to improve the student experience in the classroom.
The first cohort will include faculty teaching courses in Fall 2025, 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, faculty will be able to implement the strategies and skills they learn during the semester.
Schedule for Fall 2025 Student Experience Project (SEP) Program
What is the commitment? Fall semester (approx 5 hours per month)
| When | Time Commitment (approx.) | Title | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6 9:30-11:30 am | 2 hours | Orientation & Workshop | Virtual/In-Person Walter 101 |
| Summer | 5 hours | Module: Your Syllabus as a Tool to Promote Student Equity, Belonging, and Growth & Revise one Syllabus | Asynchronous/ On your own |
| Late August | 2 hours (TBD) | Kick Off Event | Virtual/In-person |
| September | 2 hour | Module: Effective Growth Mindset Culture Messages | Asynchronous/ On your own |
| September | 1.5 hours | Workshop - 9/18/25 | Zoom |
| September | 1 hour | Community of Practice (CoP) small group (week 3 or 4) | Virtual/In-Person |
| October | 2 hour | Module: Wise Feedback to Foster Academic Engagement and Growth | Asynchronous/ On your own |
| October | 1.5 hours | Workshop - 10/16/25 | Zoom |
| October | 1 hour | CoP small group (week 3 or 4) | Virtual/In-Person |
| November | 2 hours | Module: Cultivating an Inclusive Learning Environment | Asynchronous/ On your own |
| November | 1.5 hours | Workshop - 11/13/25 | Zoom |
| November | 1 hour | CoP small group (week 3 or 4) | Virtual/In-Person |
| December | 1 hour | CoP small group (week 2) | 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.
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]