Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort. Please complete your application by Friday, April 10, 2026.
The Strategic Curriculum Development Program provides incentives and structured support for full time SAS faculty and instructors to develop courses that align with SAS strategic priorities.
The program currently supports the development or redevelopment of high-quality asynchronous online courses in SAS, partly in recognition of the significant benefits these offerings provide for non-traditional students.
The 2026 SCDP Program will specifically focus on supporting full-time faculty in using course design approaches and facilitation strategies that consider the challenges and possibilities presented by generative AI.
The Program
Teaching online poses different challenges than in-person teaching; it also comes with its own affordances and opportunities. This program is designed to provide the support you need to (re)develop an asynchronous online course that is rigorous, engaging for students, and rewarding to teach.
Program focus for 2026
The emergence and ubiquity of generative AI is having a substantial (and growing) impact on how we approach online courses. While it may not be possible to completely “AI proof” an online course, this program will draw on evidence-based practices in course design and facilitation that will help instructors promote student engagement and academic integrity.
Program Structure
Asynchronous Kickstart Course
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Running Monday, June 1st - Sunday, July 12th (with a break the week of June 29th - July 5th), this asynchronous course-build experience will provide guidance and feedback from a SAS instructional designer, input and feedback from your peers, and the experience of being a student in an asynchronous course. Expect to spend approximately 6 hours per week engaging in course activities.
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You’ll engage with humanizing asynchronous course design principles as you create and finalize your course learning goals, syllabus, Canvas module structure, student-student and student-faculty engagement plan, content delivery plan, and curriculum committee online course proposal form (if needed).
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You’ll (re)consider assignment design and assessment strategies with special consideration of the many challenges and possibilities presented by generative AI.
SAS Instructional Design Consultations
- During the remainder of the summer (and beyond, as needed), you’ll have the opportunity to consult regularly with a SAS instructional designer while you continue to build your course. Your SAS instructional designer will provide support that’s customized to your needs and goals as you develop a well-organized, humanized, and engaging asynchronous course.
Eligibility
Individual full-time instructors interested in developing or redeveloping an asynchronous course in response to the challenges and/or possibilities of AI are warmly welcomed to apply, but should consult with their department's undergraduate vice chair/undergraduate director before applying. All applications must be endorsed by the home department's chair and undergraduate chair/director, and all applicants must be able to commit asynchronously for the duration of the 5-week course.
Incentives
Upon completion of the Asynchronous Teaching Kickstart Course requirements, participants will receive:
- A letter of recognition from the SAS Vice Dean for Undergraduate Education emphasizing your expertise in course design, as demonstrated by completion of the program, suitable for inclusion in a teaching portfolio.
- $2000 in research/professional development funds.*
*You do not need to have a research account to receive research/professional development funds. These funds can be used for purchasing research or pedagogy-related books and resources; expenses related to research, including Scholarship of Teaching and Learning research; registration and attendance at conferences related to your Rutgers disciplinary appointment; and other forms of professional development.
Apply today! Applications are due Friday, April 10, 2026.