Presented by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Call for Proposals
The Office of Academic Affairs and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning invite faculty and staff to submit proposals for Colleague Development Days 2026 (CDD) as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the University of Detroit Mercy. Colleague Development Days is the annual Detroit Mercy professional development series designed to celebrate best practices, highlight innovative approaches, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
We invite all colleagues to share their ideas and best practices as we collectively shape our community and advance our vision for the future. The proposal submission portal for this event is open now through May 2, 2026. If you have questions about proposal submission or CDD, please email us at cetl@udmercy.edu.
CDD is scheduled for August 2026
Above: Panelists discuss the role of AI during the Fall 2025 CDD opening session.
Above: Naureen Haroon engages participants in a CDD session titled Eye Wellness and Ergonomics.
Suggested Presentation Topic Categories
- Pedagogy (engagement, experiential learning, assessment, outcomes, scaffolding, feedback)
- Faculty Development and Growth (outlining the tenure process, research, publishing, and professional statements)
- Staff Professional Development (job satisfaction, productivity, best practices, new technology)
- Health and Wellness (meditation, service, mindfulness, fitness, hobbies)
- Assisting our Students (international students, first-generation students, non-traditional students, reviewing data and trends)
- Community (external speakers and their ties to Detroit Mercy, environmental concerns, community leaders)
- University Climate (trends in higher education, data points from Detroit Mercy, the community at large)
- Mission Driven Education (promoting civility in the classroom and/or workplace, teaching compassionately, topics relating to the mission, spirituality, belonging)
Above: Marion Tate and Phillip Olla present on the benefits of AI Chatbots for simulating real-world challenges in the classroom.
Above: College of Health Professions colleagues share their innovative approach to competency-based learning during The Integrated Learning Encounter session.
Our goal is to engage faculty, staff, and administrators in the event, providing the means for continued development and positive transformation. In addition to sharing expertise on professional/academic topics, the conference committee is also interested in presentations that highlight presenters’ focus on areas beyond the academy, such as gardening, genealogy, photography, and other pursuits. Let us explore how our focus on personal interests and travel can enrich our professional practices.
Note: Sessions that highlight and commemorate the University’s history or explore the future of Detroit Mercy are highly encouraged as part of this anniversary year. If you have an innovative idea or special format worthy of consideration, please email us at cetl@udmercy.edu.
Session Formats
Colleague Development Days may include virtual sessions. To assist in planning, we are asking that you indicate in your proposal which mode you would prefer.
Sessions are 60 minutes and should include time for active learning (such as short activities and group discussions) for all participants.
All faculty, staff, and administrators are invited to select the format that best represents their proposal:
- Solo Presenter (one speaker presents a session).
- Partner/Group Presentation (multiple speakers co-facilitate a session; the maximum number of suggested speakers per session is three).
- Roundtable Discussion (approximately 5-6 speakers discuss one topic for approximately 10 minutes each, leaving time for questions and answers at the end).
- Workshop (facilitator/s assist participants in hands-on activities such as creating, planning, or revising a specific project).
Have Questions?
Please address your questions about Colleague Development Days to the CETL staff at cetl@udmercy.edu. We look forward to collaborating with you!