Upper Peninsula Teaching and Learning Conference
UPTLC 2026
We’re excited to announce that the Call for Proposals is now open for the 2026 Upper Peninsula Teaching and Learning Conference (UPTLC)!
This year’s conference will be hosted at Northern Michigan University on May 28–29, 2026.
The UPTLC brings together educators from across the Upper Peninsula to share effective teaching practices, innovative ideas, and strategies that enhance student learning.
If you’re interested in presenting, please complete the proposal submission form.
- Priority submission deadline: December 19, 2025
- Late-breaking submission deadline: March 8, 2026
(Proposals received by December 19 will have priority and are more likely to receive their preferred format.)
Conference Tracks
- Teaching with Technology - Explore innovative technologies that enhance teaching and learning. Topics in this track may include the use of generative AI, digital tools that improve engagement and learning, or technologies that transform instruction and support student success. Presenters will showcase creative applications of generative AI, simulation, virtual or augmented reality, and other technologies that foster collaboration and skill development.
- High-Impact Practices and Experiences - Examine how High-Impact Practices (HIPs) create meaningful learning experiences for students. Sessions in this track will highlight HIPs as defined by AAC&U, such as undergraduate research, service learning, internships, learning communities, ePortfolios, capstone projects, and writing-intensive courses. Presenters are encouraged to share their approaches, case studies, or research on the implementation and effectiveness of HIPs in their courses or programs.
- Supporting Accessibility and Belonging - Learn about strategies for creating equitable, accessible, and inclusive learning environments. Topics will include Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessible course materials, culturally responsive teaching, and approaches that promote belonging and academic success. Presenters will share methods to reduce barriers, celebrate diversity, and strengthen student support.
- Innovations in Teaching and Learning - Discover creative and novel teaching practices that elevate student learning and performance. Sessions may feature new approaches to course design, assessment, gamification, mastery-based learning, or interdisciplinary instruction that boost engagement, skill development, or workplace readiness. Presenters are encouraged to share emerging ideas and classroom-tested strategies that push the boundaries of traditional teaching.
Presentation Formats
- 50-Minute Presentations - These sessions offer 40 minutes to explore a topic or teaching strategy through presentation or interactive activities, followed by 10 minutes for participant discussion and questions.
- 20-Minute Presentations - These sessions highlight a specific idea, strategy, or project in a concise and engaging format. Presenters will have 15 minutes to share their work, followed by 5 minutes for questions and discussion.
- 5-Minute Buzz Sessions - Each track will include a Buzz Session, where presenters deliver quick, 5-minute presentations on a shared theme. After all presenters have shared, attendees will have time for informal conversations and individual questions with presenters.
Stay tuned to the UPTLC Website as details continue to be posted.
We look forward to seeing you and hearing your ideas!
