Register to Participate in the Faculty Design Lab Pilot!

The Faculty Design Lab is a new pilot program for faculty who want to build something that matters, with the time, support, and resources to follow through. Over the past few years, many of you have brought ideas to the Learning Innovation team—course redesigns, assignment series, shared resources, AI experiments—that often stall due to limited time or structural support.

In response to those needs and inspired by the energy of the Faculty Learning Community (FLC) program, we’re piloting a funded, project-based version of the FLC model. The Design Lab offers space to develop your idea with dedicated consultation, peer accountability, and financial support.

• Participant and Project Eligibility
• What to Expect
• Commitments and Outcomes
• Learn More and Submit Interest

Participant and Project Eligibility

Who This Is For

This pilot is open to full-time and part-time faculty in both the Conservatory and Preparatory. Join if you’re ready to:

• Create or improve instructional materials with intention.
• Strengthen inclusive and impactful teaching.
• Build shared resources or collaborate across departments.
• Turn ideas into action with dedicated time and support.

Project Possibilities

You don’t need a fully formed plan to apply. Here are a few types of projects that faculty have expressed interest in:

• Redesigning an in-person course using backward design
• Developing a suite of assignments that build AI literacy
• Adopting or adapting open educational resources (OER) for Peabody students
• Designing department-level assessment tools for required courses
• Creating scaffolded writing or research sequences
• Building cross-disciplinary resources or program-level supports

What to Expect

Timeline and Format
The Design Lab runs from late September 2025 through April 2026. Cohorts meet every other week at a time they choose. Meetings will have on-campus and remote options.

Project Format
Work solo or with a partner from your department or another area. Projects must be approved by your department chair or another relevant stakeholder.

Stipend and Structure
Participants receive a stipend between $750 and $1,500 based on project scope, paid in January and May. You’ll work with the Learning Innovation team to set deliverables and a shared timeline.

Commitments and Outcomes

Your Commitment

As a Faculty Design Lab participant, you will complete the following:

• Submit a brief proposal outlining your project and stakeholder support.
• Join biweekly cohort meetings to share progress and gather feedback.
• Engage in professional development aligned with your project.
• Present a final reflection or short showcase to Peabody leadership.

What You’ll Gain

Beyond connecting with colleagues and participating in professional development, this experience can enrich your teaching in lasting ways. The Design Lab offers support, structure, and visibility that can help you carry forward new strategies, tools, and collaborations well beyond the scope of the project.

• A project stipend ($750–$1,500)
• Structured consultation and planning support
• Access to curated workshops and tools
• Peer support and a built-in accountability system
• Visibility for your work and direct connection to leadership
• A timeline and structure to bring your idea to completion

Learn More and Submit Interest

Information Session

Want to learn more before applying? Join us for a short info session on September 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM to learn more.

Submit Your Project Interest

Ready to take the next step? Use the Faculty Design Lab Interest form to share your idea and let us know how you’d like to be involved.

Questions?

Contact Valerie Hartman at [email protected] or stop by the Learning Innovation suite on the 1^st floor of the Arthur Friedheim Library.