Campus and the bridge at night.

Essential Education Symposium

Advancing student learning takes shared commitment. The Essential Education Symposium brings our campus community together to exchange ideas, elevate effective practices, and build momentum around the Essential Abilities that define a Michigan Tech education.

Through interactive sessions, faculty panels, and collaborative workshops, participants explore practical strategies for supporting student learning, strengthening Essential Abilities, enhancing reflection and documentation practices, and deepening community engagement. The Symposium highlights innovative teaching approaches and provides space to develop assignments, share effective practices, and consider emerging tools that support student growth.

More than a professional development event, the Symposium is a campus-wide commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and academic excellence. It is an opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate progress, and help shape the future of undergraduate education at Michigan Tech.

Save the Date: April 29, 2026

Essential Education Symposium 2026

Why Attend?

Connect with Colleagues

Engage with instructors across disciplines who are navigating similar questions, opportunities, and challenges.

Gain Practical Strategies

Leave with ideas you can immediately apply—whether that’s refining assignments, strengthening student reflection, integrating AI thoughtfully, or improving group work practices.

Explore Student Learning Tools

Discover approaches that support documentation, reflection, and growth, including digital portfolios and emerging technologies.

Celebrate Progress

Recognize innovation, share successes, and highlight the collective impact of Essential Education across campus.

participants sitting and listening to the closing speaker

participants sitting and listening to the closing speaker

What You’ll Experience

The Symposium features a dynamic mix of:

      • Panels, facilitated discussions, hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions
      • Course and assignment ideation aligned with Essential Abilities
      • Best practices for community engagement and partnership
      • Sessions focused on student reflection and meaningful feedback
      • Opportunities to explore tools that support student learning and documentation
      • Dedicated time for collaboration and cross-disciplinary conversation

Throughout the day, participants engage not just as attendees, but as contributors—sharing insights, testing ideas, and shaping the future of Essential Education together.

Past Symposiums

Faculty, staff, and community members have already contributed meaningful ideas and innovations through last year's Symposium. Learn more about those sessions and speakers below.

Essential Education Symposium 2025


Questions?  Please email essentialed@mtu.edu for more information.

Essential Ed symposium panel discussion