News and Events
Universal Design in Instruction Award
On April 28, 2008, Paul Eshelman, Chair of the SDS Advisory Board presented the Award for Universal Design in Instruction to James Blankenship at the CALS Dean’s Award Reception. Mr. Blankenship was selected from an group of outstanding nominees in this inaugural year of the award. Mr. Blankenship is a senior lecturer in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics where he teaches BioBM 330, Autotutorial Principles of Biochemistry, and BioBM 334, Computer Graphics and Molecular Biology.
Mr. Blankenship has woven the principles of UDI into both of the classes he teaches. Universal Design, originally conceived as a set of building and design principles, emphasizes accessibility and ease of use for all individuals. Universal Design in Instruction is a teaching strategy which encourages the use of varied teaching materials and assessment techniques. Presenting information in many ways takes into consideration the potential differences in learning styles, personal backgrounds, and disability status of the students.
BioBM 330 is taken by more than 500 students per year as an autotutorial option to fulfill a Biology major requirement. Students receive a set of course expectations to work through at an individualized pace. To allow students to choose the method of instruction works best for them, there are two weekly lectures, a course textbook, and a team of highly qualified TAs who provide one-on-one tutoring. In addition to three traditional exams, students take unit exams given in both oral and written formats, allowing students many chances to display their progress and mastery of the course material in the course. The BioBM 330 website contains videos to supplement the information in the text, giving students yet another way to approach the material.
By his outstanding teaching, Jim Blankenship has won many fans from among his students, colleagues and student TAs. His extensive use of the principles of UDI make him an inspiring example of exceptional teaching in the classroom.
SDS Opens Lending Library
Location: 420 CCC
SDS has had the good fortune to receive a gift from Rhonda Carniol '79 to develop a lending library of materials on disability for the Cornell Community in the memory of her mother, Diane Carniol. This is a fitting tribute to a dedicated educator who helped her students recognize and reach their true potential.
The lending library is a growing collection of books and materials on disability topics. These resources have been chosen to expand our knowledge of how disability fits into the spectrum of the college experience. We welcome you to borrow from our library and hope you will continue to check back with us as our collection grows. Check out the list: Lending Library
Cornell's Minds Matters Student Organization Events
The student organization, Minds Matters, has many events scheduled throughout the semester. Check out their events web page at: http://www.rso.cornell.edu/mindsmatter/events.html (scroll down to see events).
Award for Universal Design in Instruction Announced
On October 18th, Paul Eschelman, Chair of the Student Disability Services Advisory Board, announced that a teaching award in the amount of $5,000 has been established to recognize Cornell University faculty who are exemplars in their implementation of Universal Instructional Design Principles. The award is sponsored by the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and the Vice President for Student and Academic Services. Further information can be found in the document: UDI Award