Mission
The mission of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is to promote exemplary teaching and effective learning at the University of Mississippi. The Center serves the University by being a resource; providing a forum for the discussion of research; implementing ideas for practices central to the teaching and learning processes; and facilitating professional development for faculty to empower students for lifelong learning.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is to improve student learning on the campus of The University of Mississippi by continually improving teaching. The Center serves all teaching faculty including tenure-track faculty, visiting faculty, adjunct faculty, and graduate teaching assistants and instructors.
The Center provides services and performs functions in three areas: support services, program coordination, and interdisciplinary facilitation.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Non-evaluative support to faculty and graduate instructors on a voluntary basis
- Portfolio Support – guidance and resources to faculty and graduate instructors interested in assembling and maintaining teaching portfolios;
- Individual, Confidential Consultations – advice from the Center's director and staff regarding course plans, classroom management, presentation content and style, and the effective use of technology in the classroom;
- Classroom Observations – observations, either personal or videotaped, for teacher self-evaluation and improvement;
- Assistance to Departments – support for classroom applications of technology, course redesigns, pedagogical policy and philosophy statements, assessment strategies, and strategic planning initiatives related to teaching;
PROGRAM COORDINATION
Expansion and regularization of programming at The University of Mississippi
- Orientation and Support Programs for Faculty and Graduate Instructors –programs and resources that address needs of teaching assistants, graduate instructors, and faculty members
- Conferences, Workshops, Panels, and Lecture Programs – sponsorship and arrangement of various programs designed to inform and refresh the instructional methods of faculty and graduate instructors;
- Coordination and Management of Peer Mentoring – organized, non-evaluative peer-mentoring program for teaching assistants, graduate instructors, and faculty;
- Certification Programs – recognition of faculty and graduate students who participate regularly in its programs and activities;
- Distribution of Teaching Awards – support the distribution of existent teaching awards on campus and create new teaching awards;
PARTNERING AND RESOURCE SHARING
Creative encouragement of connectivity between departments and pedagogical support across disciplines
- Facilitation of Faculty Working Groups – discuss pedagogical issues, conduct microteaching sessions, or discuss peer-to-peer classroom visits;
- Bridging the Gap Between Research and Teaching – help for faculty to translate research into viable and effective course proposals or lesson plans;
- Linking Campus Initiatives – coordinate existing instructional support units and activities across campus;
- Support for Excellence in Classroom Design and Maintenance – consult the University Architect, Designer, and Facilities Manager regarding environmental and material conditions in classrooms across campus;
- Improvements to the Online Teaching and Learning Environment – offer online support services.