Special Interest Groups (SIG's)

In a Special Interest Group (SIG), lecturers meet regularly around a shared interest. SIGs focus on a defined topic that is close to faculty members' hearts and relevant to academic teaching at Utrecht University. SIGs form a platform where lecturers can exchange, develop and apply knowledge and experience. In this way, lecturers build education together as a community. SIGs are for all lecturers who feel involved in a subject. Lecturers can join as experts, but lecturers who want to increase their expertise in the defined area are also welcome. In SIGs, faculty boundaries are transcended.

Becoming a participant of a SIG is open to all interested teachers at Utrecht University. Participation is entirely without obligation. Teachers can join as experts, but also teachers who want to increase their expertise in the defined field are welcome. In the overview above you will find all current SIGs. Click on the links to let us know that you want to stay informed about a particular SIG. You can also sign up directly for a scheduled meeting - you can find it at the bottom of this page. 

Want to start a SIG yourself? Then read more in the block below.

All faculty at UU are welcome with their idea of starting a SIG. The initiative and ownership of SIGs lies with faculty members. Each SIG designates one or more leaders. The initiators are the regular contacts with the Center for Academic Teaching and Learning and ensure that the SIG meets regularly. To this end, the leaders usually gather a number of teachers around them at the outset to think together about the form and content of SIG activities. A brief description of the SIG is needed to publicize it. Would you like to start a SIG? Then contact us (at cat@uu.nl). Then together we'll see how the Center for Academic Teaching and Learning can support you in making your plans a reality!

What can you expect from the Center for Academic Teaching and Learning?

The CAT can support SIGs in organization through venue reservations and communication. Each SIG can claim up to 500 euros per year from the CAT for the organization of meetings for the purpose of catering or room rental at external locations. In addition, for larger and incidental activities that are open to all teachers at Utrecht University, a concise plan with an itemized budget request can be submitted to the CAT Board. Incidentally, this possibility is not exclusive to SIGs but applies to all teachers of Utrecht University with an idea for educational innovation.