It was a joy to spend last week with our newest colleagues during New Faculty Orientation. This energizing start aligned beautifully with the arrival of the Class of 2029 to our campus community. That convergence of new ideas, fresh perspectives, and shared curiosity is a powerful reminder of the distinctive teaching and learning we pursue together on the Block Plan.

While the block structure offers a familiar rhythm, we know the what and when of our needs as educators often vary. With that in mind, the Crown Center team has spent the summer creating clearer, more flexible points of access to our offerings.

Our newly redesigned newsletter will now arrive every block with brief, timely updates and opportunities. Below, you’ll find highlights from our refreshed Crown Center website, our Crown Canvas page of CC-specific teaching resources, and a new Block teaching guide designed for those new to our campus, but of value to the rest of us as well.

We’re also excited to debut a new format for our Crown Lunch Workshops: each session will now include pre-circulated materials, an option to join via Zoom, and asynchronous resources for those who can’t attend in real time.

Keep an eye on your campus mailbox—a poster featuring all our events for the year is headed your way.

Sincerely,

Ryan Raul Bañagale

Director of the Crown Center for Teaching

We are excited to announce a new and improved Crown website. This remains the best place to find information about our eight formal Crown programs, hopefully now in a more streamlined way. Return regularly to see our “Happening this Block” feature as well as to find information and registration for our workshops. We’ll also continue to add to the Teaching Resources page which now includes our partner resources.

We have created a resource for new-to-the-Block instructors in mind. The Guide offers tips for constructing and running an engaged and successful Block class, including information on course design and suggestions for classroom strategies. It is also a valuable refresher for those of us who have been here a while: a touchpoint for (re)thinking routines, (re)discovering resources, or simply finding inspiration as we do what we do best. Review the Block Teaching Guide or visit the Teaching Resources page on the Crown website.

CC classes have special access to all three programming areas of the FAC: Museum, Theatre, and Art School. Curious how a visual, performing, or hands-on art experience could support your teaching? FAC staff can help identify meaningful connections to your course content. Contact Blair Huff, FAC Academic Engagement Manager, to explore the possibilities. 

The distinctive structure of the Block Plan continues to attract international interest and attention. Our colleagues at Victoria University are conducting a research study to explore its pedagogical impact, specifically considering how block teaching enhances learning in ways that differ from traditional semester models. By contributing, you can help articulate the unique benefits of our approach and ensure that CC’s experiences inform the global conversation about innovative teaching. Please complete the questionnaire by Friday, Sept. 6, 2025.

The full schedule of workshops is available on the Crown website and the C&I website. Paper copies of the combined schedule have been distributed to all campus departments. If you did not receive a paper copy and would like one, please contact Crown and C&I Program Coordinator Evelina Fisher.

Tuesday, Sep. 2, noon – 1:30 p.m. Crown Center workshop: “Inclusive Participation,” by Ryan Bañagale and Jessica Hunter. Workshop information and registration

Thursday, Sep. 11, noon – 1:45 p.m. C&I workshop: “Responding Creatively to our Surroundings,” by Jessica Hunter. Workshop information and registration.

PEAK (Publicly Engaged Actionable Knowledge) Project

Faculty are invited to partner with a community organization to co-create a project for your Spring 2026 course. Read for more information.

Liberal Arts in Correctional Facilities (LACF) Initiative

The LACF Initiative is currently seeking educators to teach courses in the 2026-27 Academic Year and beyond. Read for more information.