SHU's SEED initiative pairs students with non-teaching faculty to reshape classroom dynamics

Sacred Heart University has launched a new program that pairs students with faculty members who do not teach their classes. The initiative, known as Students Engaging in Educational Dialogue, or SEED, operates out of the Center for Teaching and Learning. The goal is to create a space for shared reflection between students and instructors. Both parties aim to gain a fresh perspective on how classes function.

The university describes SEED as a pedagogical partnership. This is a relationship where students and faculty exchange ideas about teaching and learning. The program falls under a wider field called Student Voice Work. This field seeks to use student experiences to improve educational settings. The stated aim is to move students from being passive recipients of instruction to active contributors. Their insights are intended to help shape the academic environment.

A key feature of the program is its approach to power dynamics. SEED pairs students with faculty partners who have never taught them in an academic course. This structure is designed to dismantle the traditional hierarchy between teacher and student. The university says this allows for equitable dialogue. Partners collaborate on decisions and reflections without the pressure of grades or past interactions.

Participants in the program have specific objectives. They engage in constructive dialogue about teaching and learning. They reflect on their respective experiences in the classroom. The program seeks to recognize student voices as valuable contributions. Partners exchange perspectives to build shared understanding. They also analyze what works well in current teaching practices.

The program operates on several core concepts. These concepts assert that expertise takes many forms. Students bring unique insights into the classroom experience. Faculty bring expertise in their specific content areas. Both groups contribute valuable perspectives on how learning environments function. The partnership is collaborative rather than hierarchical. Power is shared, but contributions are not identical.

Partners are not expected to fix problems. Instead, the relationship creates opportunities for dialogue. It allows individuals to understand different viewpoints. The process reinforces strengths and builds relationships. Partners exchange ideas to improve the educational experience for everyone involved.

The work involves specific activities. Student partners visit their faculty partner's class. They take notes based on shared goals. They bring their insights and questions to weekly debrief conversations. Together, the partners create meaning from these observations. They reflect on how the student's experience relates to the faculty member's goals.

The SEED program was developed in spring 2026. An Advisory Team made up of SHU students, faculty, and staff created the initiative. The team studied the book Pedagogical Partnerships: A How-To Guide for Faculty, Students, and Academic Developers in Higher Education. They also reviewed scholarly work in the student voice field. The university expressed gratitude to the Advisory Team members for their input.

The Advisory Team included undergraduate student Nana Belmonte and graduate student Michael Costigan. Faculty members on the team included Lauren Bryant from Psychology, Christine Coletta from Undergraduate Nursing, and Linda Farber from Chemistry. Kimberly Hellerich from Educational Leadership, Caitlin Ross from Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and Claudio Schapsis from Marketing also served on the team. Stefanie Seanor from Occupational Therapy and Michael Vale from Psychology completed the faculty group. Staff members Irina Ellison from Health Sciences and Lisa Henderson from the Center for Teaching and Learning also contributed.

Amy Simolo, Associate Director of Teaching Development at the Center for Teaching and Learning, facilitates the program. Lauren Bryant and Jessica Bogucki, a graduate assistant at the Center for Teaching and Learning, also serve as facilitators. The program is currently active at Sacred Heart University.