Postsecondary: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (Spring 2027)
January 29, 2027 - September 30, 2027
In today’s diverse classrooms, postsecondary educators have more responsibility than ever. The practical Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, developed by CAST and supported by learning-science evidence, helps instructors address the challenges of teaching students with different abilities and backgrounds. CAST offers this online, facilitated course to prepare higher education faculty, instructional designers, and administrators to apply the UDL framework in their courses and programs.
This instructor-led course introduces strategies to revamp Postsecondary learning goals, materials, methods, and assessments to remove barriers to learning. The course emphasizes creating and procuring accessible educational materials and technologies as a critical part of UDL implementation.
Upon course completion, participants are eligible to submit a portfolio to receive the Postsecondary UDL Credential.
What you will learn:
- An overview of the UDL framework and its applications to postsecondary learning environments
- The skills required to create and vet accessible educational materials
- An understanding of how to support self-regulation and executive function for learners
- Strategies for assessing student learning that incorporate flexibility in how students respond
Who should enroll?
This course is designed for instructors (faculty, adjuncts, lecturers), instructional designers, and administrators at postsecondary institutions such as colleges, universities, technical schools, and job training programs.
Course access opens on January 29, 2027, with group live sessions scheduled between February 2, 2027, and March 30, 2027. Participation closes after the final assignment due date on April 30, 2027. You will continue to have access to the course material for reference and review until September 30, 2027.
Course Live Session Dates
- Module 1: Getting Started with UDL, February 2, 2027
- Module 2: Accessibility in the Context of UDL, February 16, 2027
- Module 3: Addressing self-regulation through UDL, March 2, 2027
- Module 4: Re-envisioning assessment with a UDL lens, March 16, 2027
- Module 5: Culmination, March 30, 2027
All presentations will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm ET. Live sessions will be recorded and posted on the website for those who may need to miss a session, though participation and engagement are encouraged.
This eight-week course consists of four modules, each lasting two weeks in length. Each module will have one 90-minute, large-group, live Zoom session; one 60-minute, facilitated, small group meeting, and self-paced learning.
Sample Module Schedule
- Week 1: 90-minute live Zoom session; remainder of the week self-paced learning
- Week 2: 60-minute small group facilitated meeting; remainder of the week self-paced learning
Self-paced learning includes a website with online content from our trainers and a virtual workbook with writing prompts to use for note-taking as you work through each module.
For individual and group registration using a Purchase Order and invoice, submit the PO before completing registration. To pay with a purchase order, please email Monica Pascoa, Operations & Project Manager, at mpascoa@cast.org.
For individual and group registration using a Purchase Order and invoice, the PO must be submitted before registration can be completed. To pay with a purchase order, please upload your PO to our PO Upload Form and we will follow up with instruction for enrollment, or email our team at onlineofferings@cast.org for assistance.
Please see CAST’s Course Withdrawal Policy. Withdrawals for this course must be submitted via email to Monica Pascoa, Operations & Project Manager, at mpascoa@cast.org.
For additional information about our Postsecondary courses, classes, or customized learning opportunities, please contact our Postsecondary team or explore the different ways CAST’s Postsecondary Professional Development can help support your professional development.
Find More Courses
