Teaching and Learning Innovations Conference 2026

May 21 - 22, 2026

At the University of Guelph’s 37th Teaching and Learning Innovations Conference, we will come together to explore the theme of Conditions for Learning and its influence on how we teach, learn, and work together.

On Thursday, May 21st, we will connect in person at the University Centre for speakers, interactive sessions, and presentations. On Friday, May 22nd, we will connect synchronously online with a different set of interactive sessions and presentations.

Conference Theme: Conditions for Learning

What makes learning possible, powerful and enduring?

As educators, researchers, students, staff, we each play a role in shaping the conditions that support learning. These conditions are both visible and invisible – found in pedagogical choices, learning environments, relationships, policies, and lived experiences and broader societal, cultural, and environmental contexts. These conditions all have a profound impact on the entire community.

The term “conditions” implies several things: the state of something’s functionality or quality; the circumstances in affecting the way in which people live or work; and a state of affairs that must exist or be brought about before something else is possible. In the context of education, these meanings converge, reminding us that learning is not just the result of what and how we teach, but of the environments, relationships, and systems we reinforce or reimagine.

Inspired in part by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, this year’s theme invites reflection on the full range of conditions that make meaningful learning possible, for everyone, from meeting basic needs and ensuring safety to fostering belonging, empowerment, and purpose. This year, we invite participants to explore the many factors that influence learning in higher education. From course design and assessment to mental health and campus culture, we seek proposals that examine the structural, interpersonal, and individual layers that contribute to the conditions for learning.

By examining these conditions together, we can identify what might foster deep, enduring learning – and what needs to change. The 2026 TLI Conference will provide a space to share evidence, stories, and innovations that help us imagine and strengthen the conditions in which learners and educators can thrive. Whether you're involved in teaching, student support, curriculum development, educational development, research, or leadership, we welcome your perspectives on creating and sustaining meaningful conditions for learning.