University Seminars

For more than three decades, the University Seminar (USEM) program has provided an opportunity for undergraduate students to take unique seminar style courses in a variety of topics taught by faculty from any of the University’s twelve schools. University Seminar instructors engage students in discussion, hands-on experiential learning, research, and critical self-reflection that helps students shape the direction of their studies at UVA.

USEM courses are offered during both the fall and spring semesters, are capped at 18 students, and are offered on an open enrollment basis to students interested in the topic of the course. There are two models for the USEM program: one offers two-credit courses (USEMs 1570 and 1580) and the other offers one-credit courses (USEM 2570 and 2580).

Some reasons why you should apply to teach a University Seminar...

• These are not required classes. Every student enrolled in a University Seminar has chosen to be there. Students value USEMs as opportunities to work directly with instructors in a small and intellectually engaging setting.
• The intimate and focused setting of a University Seminar provides a unique opportunity to meet and mentor engaged students.
• The flexible nature of a USEM provides faculty members the opportunity to innovate with both course topics and instructional techniques.

Each fall, proposals can be submitted for the following academic year. The submission deadline for fall semester USEMs is typically early January and the submission deadline for spring semester USEMs is typically early August.

What Topic Should a University Seminar Address?

Any topic! Student participation in a USEM should foster a love of learning with the goal of igniting enthusiasm for a particular subject. It is expected that these courses will help students develop critical thinking skills and explore new ideas in an environment that encourages interactive learning and intensive discussion. Enrollment in a University Seminar should provide undergraduate students the opportunity to work closely with instructors and to develop an intellectual community with other students around a shared area of interest.

While any topic of interest may be proposed, preference will be given to courses on topics that would not easily fit into a single academic department or major or topics that are not readily available to undergraduates. Courses with an experiential learning component are especially welcome.

Who is Eligible to Teach a University Seminar?

Tenure/Tenure-Track and Academic General Faculty members are eligible to propose courses to the USEM program. Administrative or Professional General Faculty Members and University Staff may submit proposals, but their teaching activity must comply with policy PROV-008: Teaching Courses for Academic Credit. Preference will be given to applications from faculty and staff who do not otherwise have an opportunity to teach undergraduate students.

What Funding is Available for University Seminars?

A $4,000 award will be provided for each one-credit USEM course (USEMs 2570 and 2580) and a $6,000 award will be provided for each two-credit USEM course (USEMs 1570 and 1580). Nine-month faculty members may choose to receive this award as either summer wage or in a research account; summer wage payments are made in the summer after the USEM is taught and may have implications for a faculty member’s ability to take on additional summer wage assignments. Twelve-month faculty, A& P Faculty, and University Staff are only eligible to receive the award funds as OTPS/research account only. All disbursements are subject to University, state, and federal guidelines, policies, and procedures. Teaching a USEM course is not an eligible cause for approval of faculty overload.

What Should I Include in My University Seminar Proposal?

Your proposal must include the following components:

1. Overview and Justification: Please provide a summary of the proposed course, including a justification for how your proposal aligns with the goals of the University Seminar program.
2. A syllabus: Please provide a syllabus that includes student learning objectives and how the final grade will be determined in the course. Syllabi should appropriately reflect the credit load for the course, depending on whether you are proposing a one- or two-credit USEM. A draft is acceptable, but please ensure your draft syllabus includes an overview of student learning objectives, assignments, and assessment plan. (PDF only). 
   1. As described in PROV-022, a one-credit course must reasonably approximate three hours of academic work per week for approximately 15 weeks, including classroom and out-of-class student work. A two-credit course must reasonably approximate six hours of academic work per week for approximately 15 weeks.
3. Curriculum Vita or Resume for each instructor. (Two page max for each – PDF only)
4. Letter of Support: Your proposal must also include a letter of support from your department chair/unit supervisor. For A&P Faculty Members and non-faculty employees, the letter needs to note the approval of release time and state how this teaching has been accommodated in accordance with policy PROV-008: Teaching Courses for Academic Credit. The letter of support will be solicited through the application system and should be uploaded directly by the letter writer. Proposals that involve co-instructors will be required to include a letter of support for each prospective instructor (one letter is acceptable if the supervisor is the same for both individuals).

When are Proposals Submitted?

Proposals for the Fall 2026 semester are due on January 16, 2026 and proposals for the Spring 2027 semester are due on August 10, 2026.

How are Proposals Submitted?

All proposals must be submitted online via InfoReady. All proposals must be submitted online via InfoReady. Should your proposal be selected, you will be contacted separately regarding course scheduling.

Questions?

Any questions about the University Seminar program should be directed to:

We are committed to ensuring that the University Seminars proposal submission process is accessible to all applicants. If you experience any difficulty using the InfoReady platform or require assistance to complete your submission, please contact Meaghan Green for support. Alternative submission options are available upon request.