The divisions of Student Success, Undergraduate Studies and Academic Innovation are proud to be part of the Student Experience Project (SEP), a national, multi-institution effort that brings together university leaders, faculty, researchers, and education organizations. 

Our commitment lies in implementing innovative, research-based practices to foster personalized learning environments, increase degree attainment, and enhance student success. Through SEP, participants collaborate with peers to apply the science of learning mindsets to changes in the classroom that increase social connectedness, convey a growth mindset, encourage broad participation and institutional trust, and reduce social identity threat. 

Through fostering community and a sense of belonging on campus, SEP aims to create a future of higher education where all students, especially those who face barriers, feel supported to overcome academic challenges and graduate successfully.  

Purpose 

The SEP aims to cultivate a sense of community and promote a growth mindset to improve classroom performance and persistence to degree completion. Through the SEP, UTSA faculty collaborate with their peers to apply SEP principles to our academic programs in order to help students overcome academic challenges and graduate successfully. 

Faculty participants reported that the SEP enhanced collaboration and connections and fomented a deeper understanding of student needs. 

Course Objectives/Outcomes Upon Completion  

• Enhance faculty engagement and development through collaborative practices
• Foster welcoming classroom environments that promote student growth
• Support faculty in using data-driven strategies for teaching and learning
• Build a sustainable community of practice focused on student success
• Key outcomes for faculty participants
• Applying strategies to enhance the student experience
• Using data to inform classroom practices
• Reflecting on their mindset and its impact on students' classroom experiences
• Providing students with feedback focused on growth mindset 

Learn more about the Student Experience Project Community of Practice at UTSA.  

The course consists of a combination of live sessions and asynchronous activities. During our live sessions, you will be able to share and discuss your work in the classroom. In addition to this, you will be able to explore successful strategies for accessible student-centered design, classroom interaction, and pedagogically sound use of educational practices through a series of video testimonials made by your colleagues.  

• Weeks of August 11th and 18th:
  • SEP Program Orientation / Kickoff (August 14th at 2:30 pm)
  • Syllabus and Course Policy Review Module (asynchronous)
• Week of August 25th:
  • Mindset and Syllabus Revision Reflection Assignment due August 31st
• Week of September 1st:
  • PERTS Ascend* Survey 1: Administer the first survey to students
• Week of September 8th:
  • Census Day: 9/10/25
• Week of September 15th:
  • Small Group Discussions 1
• Week of September 22nd:
  • SEP Practices Workshop
• Week of September 29th: TBD
• Week of October 6th:
  • PERTS Ascend Survey 2: Administer the second survey to students
• Week of October 13th:
  • Fall Break: 13th and 14th
  • Midterm grades post October 14th
  • Small Group Discussions 2
• Week of October 20th:
  • SEP Practices Workshop
• Week of October 27th: TBD
• Week of November 3rd: TBD
• Week of November 10th:
  • PERTS Ascend Survey 3: Administer the third survey to students
• Week of November 17th:
  • Small Group Discussions 3
• Week of November 24th:
  • Thanksgiving Break: November 26th, 27th, and 28th
• Week of December 1st:
  • OPTIONAL: PERTS Ascend* Survey 4
• Week of December 8th:
  • SEP Celebration Final Implementation / Action Plan and Reflection due December 14th

*PERTS is a non-profit institute that partners with UTSA in this initiative to improve student outcomes by applying research-based practices. Surveys will be administered through their portal. 

Participants are expected to:

• Attend Semester Kickoff Meeting
• Attend minimum of 2 Small Group Discussion Sessions
• Administer Ascend Survey 3 times
• Syllabus Revision Reflection (fall) / Goal Setting (spring) Final Action Plan / Reflection 

Upon completion, participants will:

• Receive a $500 stipend each semester if you're a new participant, or $375 if you're returning.
• Gain valuable skills for enhancing student learning
• Foster deeper connections within the UTSA teaching community
• Positively impact students by applying evidence-based teaching strategies  

Contact [email protected], if you have any questions.   

Submit your application by Sunday, July 27th at 11:59 pm Central.