About AUSSI

The Auburn University Summer STEM Institute (AUSSI 2026) supports faculty who want to strengthen their teaching through evidence‑based, student‑centered, and reflective approaches to scientific teaching. Open to Auburn instructors teaching in a STEM discipline, AUSSI helps participants build their teaching toolkit by exploring intentional course design, active learning, and research‑supported scientific teaching strategies for improving student engagement and learning.

Drawing on the foundations of Course (Re)Design (CRD) and the Mobile Science Institutes (MOSI), this week‑long program invites faculty, postdocs, lab coordinators, and GTAs to learn and practice a range of STEM‑teaching approaches tailored to Auburn’s instructional context. AUSSI is not a lecture series or one‑size‑fits‑all workshop; it is an immersive, hands‑on experience where participants gain confidence using methods beyond traditional lecture as they experiment, reflect, and grow alongside colleagues from across campus.

Participants Will
  • Explore how students learn in STEM contexts
  • Design courses using backward design and evidence-based teaching
    strategies
  • Practice approaches that support all students with motivation,
    belonging, and persistence
  • Use data, observation, and reflection to inform teaching decisions
  • Connect with a cross-disciplinary community of instructors committed to
    teaching excellence
  • Discuss applying ideas directly to their own courses and leaving with
    concrete plans they can implement
  • Faculty will move between short learning segments and actively applying
    to a teaching demo
Submit an Application
AUSSI Application

Eligibility

AUSSI is reserved for faculty, staff, and postdocs that are instructors of record. Graduate teaching assistants are also eligible if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • Have taught at least one course as instructor of record, not solely as a
    lab or discussion section instructor
  • Are assigned to teach a course as instructor of record and have
    completed the Engaged Teaching course
  • Are assigned to teach a course as instructor of record in the following
    academic year 

Selection Process

Priority will be given to faculty, postdocs, and staff who meet eligibility criteria and submit timely applications. Additional spots will be allocated to qualified GTAs as available.

Sessions: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST

  • Wednesday, June 24
  • Thursday, June 25
  • Friday, June 26th
  • Monday, June 29
  • Tuesday, June 30
Program Timeline

Applications Open

February 1 (*If you want to register after the deadline, email Biggio@auburn.edu)

Application Deadline

April 1

Notifications

April 15 (end of day)

AUSSI Orientation Session

Early May (Day & Time TBD) on Zoom

Team Orientation Meeting

Scheduled as per team availability

Requirements for $1,000 Professional Development Funds Award

These funds are offered to enhance participants professional development activities. They are not stipends or salary supplements. Faculty who have previously participated in a CRD/AUSSI seminar are eligible for the Professional Development Funds.

  • Attend the AUSSI Orientation session held at the end of the Spring semester
  • Attend the AUSSI seminar during the Summer semester
  • Upon successful completion of AUSSI, submit a brief proposal outlining
    how you plan to use the funds