Universal Designs in Education
A review of the literature to inform higher education quality course development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59319/arete.v3i2.1001Keywords:
universal design, online learning, quality, higher educationAbstract
Background: The principles of Universal Design (UD) have been adopted and adapted in educational settings using various frameworks over the years, including Universal Design for Learning, Universal Design for Instruction, Quality Matters, Universal Instructional Design, and Integrated Multicultural Design. Each model has nuanced differences while simultaneously complementing each other in principle and purpose for continuous improvement in collegial environments. This article examines and compares the existing literature on universal design in higher education settings. Objectives: This article analyzes and synthesizes multiple universal design models used in education, identifies common themes, and assesses their relevance to the field of higher education. It examines their application in diverse instructional settings such as online classrooms, graduate programs, and globally diverse cultures. Approach: The review is guided by Universal Design as its theoretical framework. A thematic analysis of peer-reviewed articles, scholarly works, and professional resources using targeted keywords, including “Universal Design,” UD Models, and “Universal Design in Education,” were identified and reviewed. Results: Results of the research contrast elements of multiple models in the context of higher education and provide insight for future research globally. Conclusions: Universal Design principles continue to evolve as viable frameworks for improving student outcomes in higher education. The most prominent models share similar characteristics and continue to show promise in helping all learners in various ways.
Author Biographies
Meredith Williams, Associate Professor of Business & Leadership, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Meredith L. Williams is an Associate Professor of Business and Leadership at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a PhD candidate in global leadership. She has always been insatiably curious. Her passion for learning opened a world of challenging opportunities and experiences. She received an MBA from Indiana State University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Purdue University. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of leadership positions and worked in local, regional, and national marketing for television, banking, healthcare, food manufacturing, and higher education. At SMWC, Meredith teaches a variety of business and leadership courses, including Global Women Leading Change. She chaired the college's strategic committee on growth and community awareness and received the Sister Mary Joseph Pomeroy Award for Excellence in Teaching. She currently uses her research experience to study education, marketing, and leadership in small businesses. Curiosity is now Meredith's career. She strives to encourage, enable, and equip herself and others to aspire higher every day.
Rob Williford, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Based out of Indianapolis, Indiana but originally from Flint, Michigan, Rob Williford is a PhD student in Global Leadership at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College where he serves as the Pomeroy Graduate Assistant, Research and Cultural Immersions. He also serves as the Associate Dean for Students Affairs at the Founder’s College at Butler University and is on the Board of Directors at The Facing Project. Most recently, Rob completed a fellowship with the German Marshall Fund’s Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network (TILN) where he had the opportunity to work collaboratively with young leaders around the world to focus on strengthening democracy globally. His research interests include men and masculinities, intercultural competence, and conflict resolution. You can find him reading, collecting things, and spending time with his partner, Chloe, and two cats, Merry and Calliope.
Shelby Kuhlman, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Shelby Kuhlman (Barnett) is a PhD student in Global Leadership at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where her research explores intergenerational learning and executive development. She is the founder of Next-Gen MBA, a platform designed to help executives share age-appropriate leadership lessons with their children and families. Shelby previously served as a Graduate Assistant, supporting leadership education, cultural immersion, and faculty research. Her corporate experience includes over ten years at Stellantis, where she has held various finance and strategy roles. Shelby’s work has earned recognition, including a 40 Under 40 award for her leadership, innovation, and community engagement. She is passionate about bridging generational gaps through meaningful learning experiences. Outside of her academic and professional achievements, Shelby is a mother of three. Her drive to make a lasting impact is deeply rooted in family, values, and a lifelong love of learning.
Kimberly LaComba, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director of Ph.D. in Global Leadership, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Kimberly LaComba, Ph.D. is the Director of the Ph.D. in Global Leadership program and Associate Professor of Global Leadership at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Dr. LaComba is the PK Deputy Endowed Professor and currently leading a research project focused on The World as 100 People with the 100 People Foundation. Her additional research interests include responsible global leadership in the Galapagos Islands along with doctoral curriculum and program development. She earned her Ph.D. in Global Leadership from Indiana Institute of Technology and her MS in Human Resources for Higher Education and Industry, certificate in Public Administration, and a BS in Business Administration from Indiana State University. Dr. LaComba is certified in Quality Matters and has developed numerous graduate and undergraduate curricula and programs. Dr. LaComba is an award-winning educator and international speaker.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Meredith Williams, Rob Williford, Shelby Kuhlman, Dr. Kimberly LaComba
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