August 31, 2026

This message is distributed to Senate Faculty and Unit 18 Faculty. (Click here to view description of distribution groups.)

The following is being sent on behalf of Madeleine Sorapure, Teaching Professor, Writing Program and Associate Dean, Undergraduate Education sorapure@ucsb.edu

Dear Faculty Colleagues,

We’re now accepting proposals for First Year and Transfer Discovery Seminars for Winter 2027.

The final deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, September 25. Proposals submitted after September 25 will be considered if funding allows.

About Discovery Seminars

Discovery Seminars are small, 1- or 2-unit, P/NP courses designed to:

  • Foster student-faculty interaction and intellectual discussion;
  • Introduce students to subjects and research that UCSB faculty care about;
  • Help students navigate UCSB disciplines and courses;
  • Connect students with campus and their peers.

Who can teach: Senate faculty, Unit 18 faculty, and emeriti faculty. Seminars are taught above regular workload and include research/professional development funding and course support.

Seminar Options

  • First-Year Discovery Seminars — INT 86AA-ZZ: 1 unit, 1 hour/week, up to 20 students (11 with a field trip).
  • Transfer Discovery Seminars — INT 186AA-ZZ: 1 unit, 1 hour/week, up to 20 students (11 with a field trip).
  • Discovery+ Seminars — INT 87AA-ZZ or 187AA-ZZ: 2 units, 2 hours/week, co-taught by two faculty, typically with 30–35 students. These seminars explore a theme from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

Funding

  • $1,800 — 1-unit First-Year or Transfer Seminar
  • $2,150 — 2-unit Discovery+ Seminar with 30 students
  • $2,650 — 2-unit Discovery+ Seminar with 35 students


Submit a proposal: Discovery Proposal Form
More information: Discovery Information for Faculty

If you have questions or would like to brainstorm seminar ideas, I’d be happy to talk!

Best,
Madeleine
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Madeleine Sorapure
Teaching Professor, Writing Program
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Education
UC Santa Barbara
pronouns: she/her/hers

I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land upon which the University of California, Santa Barbara is located and pay my respect to the Chumash Elders past, present and future.