The Umoja University Faculty Institute is an experience designed to allow educators to inquire about and discover teaching and learning practices that impact the Black student experience. The experience allows educators to gain an understanding of African-centered praxis through critical examination, collective engagement, and identifying effective strategies to transform the teaching and learning experience into one that contributes to the illumination of Black students’ intellect. We will center Umoja's culturally responsive curriculum development and inclusive practices as a model for challenging and changing the student and faculty experience. We hope you will plan to attend and encourage other faculty members or teams on your campuses to do the same! Registering a team will help your campus begin the process of improving outcomes for all students.

Institute Goals: 

• Critical Examination of Theoretical Frameworks – Introduction and exploration of frameworks that explain current structures and experiences as well as a framework that provides the foundation for Umoja educational philosophy and practices
• Reflection of Current Values, Philosophies, and Practices – Self-paced and group activities that allow practitioners to identify, name, and gain a better understanding of how our current knowledge informs how we show up in the learning space. Activities based on discipline will guide practitioners through the reflection.
• Knowledge Construction and Community Building – Collective knowledge and wisdom are shared by advanced Umoja practitioners and community master-teachers that provide effective and promising strategies on developing inclusive curriculum, understanding cultural and transformative pedagogy, and constructing engaging on-campus and virtual learning environments.
• Engagement through Guided Practice – Relevant, current, and interactive activities that allow the practitioners to integrate theory, and new understandings into action and continue building communal intelligence with feedback and sharing.

Continued Learning and Development: 

In addition to the in-person institute, participants will have access to;

• Umoja Practitioner Development Resources including Upcoming Umoja Briefs, Curricular Resources, and Newsletters
• Discounted Pricing to Annual Umoja Conference and Umoja SLI
• Access to Umoja Community of Practice live and previously recorded webinars