The Teaching Table

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Compliance may open the door, but culture invites students in. This episode closes the mini-series by examining how accessibility and inclusion work together and how small, consistent practices can turn compliance into belonging.We outline practical steps faculty can use now: open with a clear commitment to access, strengthen syllabus language, gather feedback through brief check-ins and midsemester surveys, and act on what students share. Empathy and flexibility expand access to high standards.If you enjoyed the discussion, subscribe and leave a review. Connect with us  at buffalo.edu/catt or email [email protected].

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Deadlines are approaching, but accessibility is about more than compliance. We speak with Sarah Guglielmi, instructional consultant for accessible and inclusive pedagogy, about linking ADA Title II updates with Universal Design for Learning to create more effective courses.The episode covers UDL as a planning mindset for learner variability and offers practical fixes—clear headings, accessible slides, strong color contrast, meaningful alt text, and captions and transcripts. We also share how to pace the work by focusing on one Spring 2026 course and building small, sustainable improvements.These strategies meet ADA Title II requirements while helping students engage, persist, and show what they know.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!In this episode, we share practical, approachable ways to make digital content more usable for everyone—going beyond technical checkboxes to focus on real-world accessibility. We discuss how usability connects to Universal Design for Learning, simple improvements like clear headings, white space, and strong color contrast, and why it’s important to avoid using color alone to communicate meaning. You’ll also hear tips for offering content in multiple formats, including polished captions and transcripts for audio and video, plus how built-in tools can help you catch and fix common issues.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!In this episode, we share a practical, step-by-step approach to creating digitally accessible course content using a simple workflow—remove barriers, replace inaccessible elements, and remediate what remains. We talk about how to start small (one document, one slide deck, or one LMS page), use built-in accessibility checkers and quick fixes, and address common issues like headings, alt text, color contrast, and tables. We also cover strategies for handling PDFs and specialized formats, plus easy ways to track progress with short work blocks and checklists. If you enjoyed today’s discussion, please subscribe and leave a review, and connect with us at buffalo.edu/catt or email [email protected].

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!New ADA Title II regulations require public universities to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards for digital content by 2026. In this episode, instructional consultant, Sarah Guglielmi, explains what that means for faculty and course materials, from Word documents and PDFs to LMS modules and recorded lectures. She shares why accessible design benefits all learners and offers a simple starter plan: focus on one high-impact course, start with one document and one slide deck, and use accessibility checkers to catch quick wins. Plus, learn about campus resources to help you stay on track and make accessibility a habit that improves learning for every student.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Curiosity becomes a catalyst when a university treats innovation as a shared language, not a side path. We sit down with Hadar Borden, Director of the Startup and Innovation Collaboratory at the University at Buffalo, to unpack how a campus-wide ecosystem helps students and faculty turn ideas into impact. Hadar takes us inside a model that blends master classes, innovation sprints, and design challenges with hands-on mentorship from venture coaches, experts and entrepreneurs-in-residence. 

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Artificial Intelligence has dramatically transformed the educational landscape, leaving both students and educators navigating uncharted territory. Dr. Kelly Ahuna, Director of Academic Integrity at the University at Buffalo, discusses this complex issue in our thought-provoking episode about AI tools, academic honesty, and the future of assessment.Join us for this insightful conversation that balances practical advice with thoughtful reflection on preserving educational integrity in the AI era. Have you encountered AI challenges in your teaching or learning? We'd love to hear your experiences and strategies for navigating this new frontier.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Burnout is a challenge many educators face, but how do you recognize it and navigate through it? In our latest episode of The Teaching Table podcast, we talk with Dr. Aisha O'Mally, a professor at the School of Management, about her experience with burnout. She shares how the demands of teaching and workload took a toll on her well-being and how she found ways to regain balance and reconnect with her passion for education. Tune in to hear her insights and reflections on maintaining well-being in academia.Join us as we explore the powerful role of self-reflection, empathy, and open communication in overcoming burnout. Dr. O'Mally reveals the game-changing strategies that helped her reconnect with her students and foster an engaging classroom atmosphere. From fostering meaningful dialogues on crucial topics like diversity and integrity to gradually building a supportive learning environment, we uncover actionable insights that are not just about surviving but thriving in the teaching profession. Tune in for a wealth of inspiration and practical advice that aims to help educators manage their workload effectively while preparing students for the broader challenges of life.This is part two of a two-part series.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Burnout is a challenge many educators face, but how do you recognize it and navigate through it? In our latest episode of The Teaching Table podcast, we talk with Dr. Aisha O'Mally, a professor at the School of Management, about her experience with burnout. She shares how the demands of teaching and workload took a toll on her well-being and how she found ways to regain balance and reconnect with her passion for education. Tune in to hear her insights and reflections on maintaining well-being in academia.Join us as we explore the powerful role of self-reflection, empathy, and open communication in overcoming burnout. Dr. O'Mally reveals the game-changing strategies that helped her reconnect with her students and foster an engaging classroom atmosphere. From fostering meaningful dialogues on crucial topics like diversity and integrity to gradually building a supportive learning environment, we uncover actionable insights that are not just about surviving but thriving in the teaching profession. Tune in for a wealth of inspiration and practical advice that aims to help educators manage their workload effectively while preparing students for the broader challenges of life.This is part one of a two-part series.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Unlock effective teaching strategies that resonate with today’s students in a post-pandemic world. Kathleen D'Alfonso, adjunct instructor in UB’s Education Opportunity Program, shares innovative techniques for creating accessible, engaging learning experiences—like daily planners, color-coded assignments, and personalized communication. Drawing from hands-on experience, Kathleen tackles modern challenges, from time management to writing conventions, while balancing empathy and firmness.Educators today are not just teachers but authentic guides and learners themselves. Kathleen explores the essential qualities—trust, adaptability, and professionalism—that inspire student engagement across formats. From practical course design tips to ethical AI use in academia, this episode is filled with actionable insights to help you meet the evolving needs of your students.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Dr. Seval Yildirim, UB's Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence, joins us on the Teaching Table podcast to tackle a pressing question: How can we foster an inclusive environment that excites and engages everyone on campus? Discover her strategies for managing change and progress in equity, diversity, justice, and inclusion as she shares her personal journey and the importance of understanding a campus's unique culture. Dr. Yildirim talks about building collaborative alliances, addressing resistance, and the critical role of listening in understanding the diverse identities and needs within our communities.Throughout the conversation, we explore what diversity, equity, and inclusion truly mean and how these concepts can be effectively implemented in educational settings. Dr. Yildirim emphasizes the importance of equitable outcomes for students and the need for faculty and staff to equip themselves with the right tools to create inclusive classrooms. With valuable insights into creating meaningful change from the ground up, this episode is essential for anyone committed to advancing educational excellence and social justice. Join us as we unpack the complexities of building a more inclusive university environment, one step at a time.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Can experiential learning be the key to unlocking students' career potential? This episode, featuring Dr. Mara Huber, the newly appointed Senior Director for Instructional Innovation and Transformation at the University of Buffalo's Office of Curriculum Assessment and Teaching Transformation (CATT), aims to answer that question with a resounding yes. Dr. Huber brings a wealth of knowledge from her previous role with the UB Experiential Learning Network (ELN), underscoring the importance of hands-on learning in making students standout candidates for jobs, internships, and graduate programs. We explore the synergy between CATT and ELN, and introduce the PEARL framework—Prepare, Engage and Add Value, Reflect, and Leverage—to show how it enhances both student and faculty experiences through effective assessment and structured mentoring.Wondering how these concepts translate into real-world impact? Tune in as we spotlight how UB's experiential learning projects are transforming education. From a technical writing course tackling environmental issues to an architectural study abroad program in Tanzania, we discuss how these hands-on projects enrich student learning and benefit partner organizations. Dr. Huber also highlights exciting cross-departmental initiatives at UB and offers insights into how the PEARL model can ensure students are comprehensively guided without overwhelming faculty. This episode is a must-listen for educators and students alike, poised to revolutionize your understanding of high-impact learning.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!What if artificial intelligence could revolutionize dental education? Join us as we uncover the groundbreaking initiatives spearheaded by Dr. Nathalia Andrade from the UB Dental School. In this episode, Dr. Andrade shares her journey of securing an AI Seed Fund for her transformative project, "Transforming Periodontal and Dental Care Powered by Artificial Intelligence." She unveils her innovative course, Periodontal and Dental Technologies, which seamlessly integrates AI, digital planning, and microsurgery into dental training. Dr. Andrade discusses her structured teaching approach, emphasizing the importance of a solid knowledge foundation and her dedication to making learning engaging and efficient for her students.Dr. Andrade's commitment to educational excellence is evident as she explains her strategies for accommodating different learning styles and connecting theoretical knowledge with clinical applications. She incorporates diverse learning activities, personalized sessions, and innovative tools like AI and hands-on simulations to enhance dental education. Through group case presentations and debates, she fosters collaborative learning and critical thinking. The episode also highlights the invaluable support from the academic community, showcasing the collective effort required to create a successful course. Listen in to discover how Dr. Andrade's passion and innovative approach are shaping the future of dental education.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Ever wondered how to make math not just understandable but also exciting? Join us as we uncover innovative teaching techniques with Corey Placito, a dynamic lecturer in the University at Buffalo's math department. Since 2012, Corey has honed his methods through trial and error, becoming a master at connecting with diverse learning styles and fostering a student-centric environment. Discover how he uses multimodal learning and exciting Python projects to transform his differential equations classes, making math more approachable and engaging. Corey's public speaking skills and his knack for student engagement are just the tip of the iceberg in this enlightening conversation.In this episode, Corey also reveals the secrets to building student confidence in math by balancing real-world applications with pure mathematical theory. Learn his strategies for reducing math anxiety, such as flexible syllabi and grading transparency. Corey also shares the powerful impact of exit slips on student understanding and retention, and how these simple tools can enhance learning experiences. Get inspired by Corey's commitment to creating a supportive classroom environment where students can thrive and see math as an exciting and accessible subject. Whether you're an educator looking to revamp your teaching approach or a student wanting to conquer math anxiety, this episode is packed with practical insights and strategies you won't want to miss!

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Explore innovative teaching practices in higher education with Dr. David Emmanuel Gray, an Associate Teaching Professor of Philosophy at the University at Buffalo. Discover how Dr. Gray elevates academic integrity and career competencies through unique methods like having students sign an academic integrity code. His emphasis on teamwork and writing skills prepares students for future careers, while his approach to experiential learning and community engagement enriches their academic experience. Gain insights into how diverse perspectives can shape discussions in your courses, fostering a vibrant learning environment.Listen in as we spotlight the new Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program at UB and its powerful community engagement projects. Learn about the Social Impact Fellows Program, where graduate students collaborate with local nonprofits to tackle organizational challenges, resulting in personal and professional growth. We'll also explore the evolution of education through the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle, alongside modern technological advancements and innovative teaching methods like specification (specs) grading. This episode delves into how these elements are reshaping the higher education landscape, ensuring students are well-equipped for the future.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Have you ever sat in a classroom, eyes glazed over, wondering if there's a better way to learn? Dr. Swathi Karamcheti, with her vibrant storytelling and rich experiences, is transforming the educational landscape, one engaging lecture at a time. In this episode, we welcome this passionate educator who reveals how she captures the imagination of her students in the realm of environment and sustainability at the University of Buffalo. Swathi's journey is a testament to her commitment to adapting and evolving her teaching craft, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard and inspired.By sharing strategies to break the classroom silence and turn tentative voices into confident discussions, she illustrates the importance of experiential learning. Imagine stepping out of the textbook and into the real world, where field visits to businesses illuminate the abstract concepts of sustainability. Join us, and become part of a conversation that's not just about learning but about experiencing a more mindful way of living and educating.

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Send us a text message!Embark on a transformative journey with Dr. Jeffrey Kohler as we tackle the mid-semester crescendo of higher education. Our enlightening discussion promises to arm you with the strategies you need to navigate midterm assessments while keeping your students engaged and on track. We're breaking down the walls between achieving learning outcomes and the daily grind of exams, providing you with the tools to weave formative feedback into the fabric of your teaching. As the pressure of midterms mounts, we open up about the shared stress pervading classrooms and the significance of cultivating a supportive atmosphere that taps into the wealth of campus resources dedicated to mental health.In the thick of academic challenges, we tackle the ever-present issue of academic integrity head-on, shedding light on the sophisticated arsenal at our disposal. From lockdown browsers to the nuanced AI detection capabilities of Turnitin, we're guiding you through the intricacies of these tools to keep honesty at the forefront of student assessments. Dr. Kohler offers a wealth of knowledge on deciphering Turnitin reports and the importance of keeping an open dialogue with students, ensuring that the pursuit of integrity doesn't overshadow the pursuit of understanding. As the semester's gears shift into their final phase, we underscore the symbiotic relationship between faculty support and student success, sharing nuggets of wisdom on harnessing available resources and the necessity of maintaining the momentum as the academic year's finish line approaches.