GradCDI provides graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with the opportunity to design a course plan and draft syllabus using evidence-based frameworks. In GradCDI, you will explore course design approaches that foster inclusion and support students from diverse backgrounds in higher education.

There is no prerequisite for this intensive learning experience. GradCDI participants will reflect diverse levels of skill and knowledge in course design.

Applications are due Friday, February 20, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.

GradCDI will take place over spring break 2026. Required in-person meetings will be held March 24–27, 9:30am–4pm at Lathrop Library.

Here’s what past participants have to say:

• This is an incredible opportunity to travel into the world of re-imaging how classes in higher education can be taught. You will learn about several big-picture concepts and also lots of practical tips that can be incorporated into the classroom. Well worth your time.
• I WILL tell my peers that if they are vaguely interested in teaching, or if they are planning for an academic career, they HAVE to take this course. Really. It's so important, I feel it should be basically a requirement for anyone planning to teach.
• I made a lot of progress on developing my course, left with many more questions and topics I wanted to explore, and got renewed excitement about teaching and course design because going on this journey with a community makes it much less overwhelming.

Contact Nakisha Whittington at nakishaw@stanford.edu for more information or to request accommodations.