Dear Colleagues,

As we wrap up another semester, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your dedication to our students and their learning journeys. Your efforts are integral to the transformative Duke undergraduate experience.

This year’s OUE Annual Report highlights the remarkable strides we’ve made together and provides insights to guide our priorities as we prepare for the spring semester. I encourage you to review the resources highlighted in this message. I hope the information is helpful and, perhaps even, inspires your teaching and mentorship.

We are committed to fostering even deeper connections among faculty, students, and the broader university in the year to come. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. I look forward to working alongside you in 2025.

Sincerely,
Candis Watts Smith, Ph.D. 
Interim Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education
Professor, Political Science

I am pleased to present OUE’s first annual report. This year has been marked by significant achievements and progress toward our mission to support and enhance the undergraduate experience at Duke University.

As you prepare for the spring semester, we wanted to share some helpful tools, templates, and resources for syllabus development and classroom management.  

A national survey sponsored by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) and the Society for Experiential Education (SEE) seeks faculty and staff feedback on their experiences incorporating high-impact practices and experiential learning that help students prepare for future careers.

Please consider completing this 8-minute survey by December 31, 2024.

As you prepare for any Duke-supported international travel this Winter Break or upcoming semester, remember:

Bass Society Seminar

The Bass Society Seminar on Teaching Excellence highlights successful teaching strategies through expert-led, interactive sessions. Spring 2025 sessions topics include:

Bass Teaching Triangles

The Bass Teaching Triangles program connects three faculty members to discuss and reflect on teaching experiences and methodologies without the pressure of evaluation. The main goal of Bass Teaching Triangles is to promote collaborative learning by sharing teaching practices and gaining inspiration from colleagues, emphasizing a supportive environment focused on professional development. Each Bass Teaching Triangle includes a Bass Fellow to highlight exceptional teaching strategies of individuals that have been recognized by the university. Priority deadline to complete the interest form is Friday, January 24.

Global Education Program Development

Have a great idea for a study abroad or U.S.-based study away program? The Global Education Office (GEO) is currently seeking proposals for three different programs for summer 2026 and beyond: GEO Study Away, Duke in New York, and Duke in Venice.

Proposals should be prepared for review by January 10, 2025 for consideration for summer 2026.

Office of Global Health and Safety

The Duke Office of Global Health and Safety (OGHS) assists faculty and staff with the planning and organization of academic enrichment travel (AET) away from Duke’s campus. AET consists of a trip to a domestic or international location away from Duke’s Durham campus for 1-10 days.

This is the time to be planning for Spring semester, Spring break, and Summer trips! 

Pints with Profs

Mark your calendars. Join Duke seniors to reflect on their time at Duke and celebrate what's to come next.

Participants will receive two free drink tickets for this event, which is co-sponsored by Student Affairs and OUE.

Date: Friday, February 7
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Devil's Krafthouse