January 24, 2017

Dear Graduate and Postdoctoral Scholars:

On behalf of the Graduate College and Center for the Advancement of STEM Teaching and Learning (CASTLE), we are proud to announce Drexel’s new partnership with the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL), a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded center dedicated to advancing the teaching of STEM disciplines in higher education. In particular, we are thrilled to be joining elite research universities, such as Columbia, UCLA and Yale, in the CIRTL Network. 

CIRTL engages with graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in their mission of developing STEM faculty committed to implementing and advancing effective teaching practices for diverse student audiences. The center focuses on evidence-based practices of STEM teaching and learning, and inclusive classroom and laboratory practices. We are also pleased to introduce you to some of the benefits that come with Drexel being a member of CIRTL’s national consortium of universities. As a graduate student or postdoc you now have access to CIRTL programs including:

• High quality courses and workshops on STEM teaching, job searches, academic careers
• Flexible professional development opportunities, both in-person and online
• Ability to earn certifications at different levels of commitment
• Access to CIRTL resources including job postings, publications, syllabi, guidebooks

We encourage you to visit the CIRTL Network website to explore the opportunities and to create a CIRTL account, which allows you to register for online courses and workshops hosted by partnering universities. For more information on the Drexel CIRTL partnership please visit the Graduate College’s website. 

We hope that you share our excitement about this transformative academic network, and take part in these online CIRTL offerings, as well as future programs to be held here at Drexel. If you have any questions regarding the Drexel CIRTL partnership, please contact Marisa Dietrich, CASTLE Program Coordinator, at mad467@drexel.edu. 

Sincerely, 

James Herbert, PhD
Dean of the Graduate College
Executive Vice Provost 

Adam Fontecchio, PhD
Vice Dean of the Graduate College
Director of the Center for the Advancement of STEM Teaching and Learning Excellence (CASTLE)