Sunshine State Teaching & Learning Conference
The Sunshine State Teaching and Learning Conference (SSTLC) is a public-facing academic conference hosted by the Faculty Center at UCF. It has been welcoming scholars from Florida and beyond since 2017 to our teaching-focused, interdisciplinary event. The conference brings together higher-education scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share research, to discuss critical issues, and to promote opportunities for collaboration. The two-day event features a variety of session formats designed to encourage interaction and engagement. Sessions raise awareness of emerging challenges, offer overviews of best practices, highlight research findings, and promote strategies for improving student and faculty success.
Conference Details
Dates
: The 2026 Conference was held during UCF Spring Break: March 16-17, 2026.
Keynote
: TBA
Location
: Orlando, FL. The
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
. The UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management is Located at
9907 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32819
It is conveniently situated near the hospitality and tourism corridor, International Drive, the Orange County Convention Center, Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, and hundreds of hotels and attractions.
Meals
: Conference registration includes buffet breakfasts and lunches on both days.
Registration
: Presenters and early bird registration will be $(TBD). Late registration will be $(TBD).
Note
: every presenter who plans to attend the conference in person must register (and pay), including those presenting as part of a group.
Registration is now closed. Early bird attendee and all presenters at the 2027 Conference will enjoy a special rate; once the Early bird registration period ends, rates rise.
UCF attendees have different rates and options to register; email fctl@ucf.edu to inquire.
Agenda
: 2027 Sunshine State Learning Conference
Check back in Fall 2026!
Registration includes two breakfasts and two lunches.
Call for Papers
Participants from all sectors of higher education are encouraged to submit proposals for presentations, workshops, and posters related to contemporary challenges in college teaching. Topics may include:
Scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL)
Active-learning strategies
Technologies to support student learning
Artificial intelligence, Generative AI and AI tools (Ex: ChatGPT, MidJourney, Murf.ai, etc.)
Big data in higher education
Universal Design for Learning
Engaging students in online environments
High-impact learning experiences
Ensuring fairness for all students
Designing and assessing learning spaces
Student success / transfer student success
Reflection and mindfulness
Teaching in politically and socially complicated moments
Teaching in Florida and local legislative mandates
Exploring the role/s of faculty in promoting and assessing student success
New frontiers in teaching and learning
Future of higher education
Note
: because this is primarily a sharing conference, priority will be given to proposals that have clear ideas for take-aways that participants can use in their own teaching.
Group proposals are allowed. Presenters can be part of a maximum of two presentations but can be the lead author on only one.
The event features two presentation formats:
25-minute application/sharing sessions
will include short presentations and conversations on programming and class activities. These may include sharing teaching practices without research components.
Poster sessions
will feature visual presentations on both research and programming topics. Posters should be printed at 36″ x 48″
The submission deadline for proposals was January 16, 2026.
Accommodations
/Conference Hotels
Our preferred hotel partner for the conference is
Hampton Inn Orlando International Drive/Convention Center
They are located a few miles from the hotel near Universal Blvd. and International Drive, just 2.1 miles (6 mins) from Rosen College of Hospitality.
Location
: 8900 Universal Boulevard Orlando, FL 32819
Free hot breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary Self-Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Outdoor pool
Fitness center
Pet-friendly rooms
Business center
Additional Hotel Options:
Although we do not have courtesy blocks reserved at these properties, you are welcome to make your reservations there, if you prefer.
The
Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel
is a five-minute walk from the conference venue at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
Location
: 9939 Universal Blvd. We do not have a group rate with Rosen Shingle Creek, but booking directly with them is an option if you’d like to walk to the conference.
Homewood Suites.
2.3 miles from Rosen College of Hospitality (7mins)
Location
: 8745 International Drive
Transportation from the airport to the hotels
: There are no direct shuttles from the airport (MCO), which is 17 miles away. Non-peak rideshare options may be as low as $32, and there are numerous car rental options at the airport.
Archive
2026:
March 16-17. Rosen College of Hospitality Management, UCF. 61 participants.
Agenda
2025
: Event postponed until 2026.
2024
: March 18-20. Rosen College of Hospitality Management, UCF. 104 Participants.
Agenda
2023
: May 15-17. Holiday Inn–Disney Springs Area. 109 Participants.
Agenda.
2021:
Jan. 29. Online. 117 participants.
Agenda
2020:
Jan 29-31. The Shores Resort, Daytona Beach Shores. 137 participants.
Agenda
201:
Jan 30-Feb 1. The Shores Resort, Daytona Beach Shores. 185 participants.
Agenda
2018:
Jan 31-Feb 2. Sirata Resort, St. Petersburg. 171 participants.
Agenda
2017:
Feb. 15-17. Sirata Resort, St. Petersburg. 184 participants.
Agenda
Programs
Summer Institute
New Faculty Orientation
Winter Conference Archive
Teaching and Learning Days
Knighted Faculty
Adjunct Programs
Faculty Cohorts
Teaching Squares
GTA Programs
Sunshine State Teaching & Learning Conference
Learning Assistants
AI Fundamentals
Winter Symposium