KU has a deep commitment to student learning and success. Beyond the classroom, we promote academic excellence through trainings, bootcamps, workshops, and partnerships. Two key resources for instruction at KU are the Center for Teaching Excellence and KU Libraries. 

The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) helps instructors find new ways to innovate and experiment in their classes, and increase visibility of their work to colleagues. CTE is dedicated to building a community where instructors can share their pedagogical concerns, successes, and research. They also provide guidance and mentorship to instructors at all stages of their careers and host numerous workshops and events for faculty members and GTAs. 

KU Libraries collaborate with faculty and instructors from all disciplines to design learning opportunities that develop critical thinking, awareness of information sources, and an understanding of the research process. KU Librarians are available to provide library instruction for courses and consult with faculty on scaffolding the research process for students in order to improve student learning and success. To learn more about how KU Librarians have partnered with KU faculty to enhance their course designs, visit the KU Libraries website and contact them to request a consultation with a library instructor.

Read on to learn more about CTE and other teaching resources! 

Celebrating Teaching at KU

Every fall, we celebrate excellence in teaching during the University Teaching Awards. The Office of Faculty Affairs administers many of the KU Lawrence teaching awards and we love celebrating our instructors' dedication and classroom innovation. Every spring, we kick off "award season" when our prize patrol awards the William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence to five unsuspecting faculty. The surprise recognition, often takes place during class, where colleagues, students, and even the Chancellor or Provost join in the celebration! Take a look below at some of our favorite prize patrol moments from last spring.

2025 Kemper Awardees:

What is CTE?

CTE (the Center for Teaching Excellence) sees teaching as an exciting intellectual journey worthy of sharing with peers. CTE hosts numerous workshops, working groups, seminars, and events throughout the year, beginning with the annual Teaching Summit on August 14.

Think of CTE as your hub for connecting with colleagues across the University and finding fresh ways to innovate and experiment in your classes. CTE also supports faculty in pedagogical research and scholarship. It's a place of calm and inspiration where you can recharge your teaching passion. Oh, and their legendary candy jar is always full.

Ready to get started? Check out CTE’s New Faculty Hub, or explore the CTE Quick Links for specific resources to help you prepare for teaching at KU. 

CTE Quick Links

Simple Syllabus is a centralized, template-driven platform that allows instructors to personalize and publish interactive class syllabi. When using the syllabus tool, syllabi are automatically populated with the language and components required by KU’s Syllabus Policy, and at the same time, provide accessible digital syllabi for students. Simple Syllabus can easily sync Canvas assignment information, such as due dates, into the syllabus and provides reporting functions to instructors. Learn more about Simple Syllabus and watch an introductory video as you begin to plan out your courses.

The Office of Faculty Affairs centers our work on three values: care, community, and equity.

We commit to ensuring all voices are heard when creating policy, planning programming, and recognizing faculty achievements. Because we recognize knowledge as a catalyst for equity, we share information and engage with faculty through a variety of channels, providing access as broadly as possible. We work collectively, in partnership with faculty and university leadership, to advance the success of each Jayhawk, while embracing our unique backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

Have questions before the semester begins? Get a head start with our Drop-In and "How to at KU" sessions.

All summer Drop-In and OFA "How to at KU" sessions are virtual and will feature an expert(s) on the topic who is available to answer any questions you might have and help you get started in planning for your fall semester.

Join us for out next Drop-In session later this month and meet some of the Office of Faculty Affairs team! Bring any questions you might have about your faculty role at KU. No registration is required for Drop-Ins; simply join from Zoom. Need to install Zoom on your device? Visit here. 

Upcoming Drop-In session:

Wednesday, July 30 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST) (come and go)

Drop In: The KU Faculty Experience

If you are interested in our upcoming "How to at KU" sessions, please register ahead of time, so we can prepare!

Upcoming "How to at KU" sessions:

Tuesday, July 22 from 12:00- 1:00 p.m. (CST)

Thursday, July 24 from 10:00- 11:00 a.m. (CST)

Thursday, Aug. 7 from 12-1:00 p.m. (CST) 

How to at KU: Setting up Your Course with Accessibility in Mind

How to at KU: Setting up Your Lab

How to at KU: Setting up Your KU Benefits

Register for New Faculty Orientation by August 1!

Our New Faculty Orientation takes place over two days and serves as an opportunity to hear from campus leaders; learn more about KU’s students; and become acquainted with key units that support teaching and research, provide course design resources, help with grant writing and funding, and foster professional development. Most importantly, New Faculty Orientation will provide you with a chance to connect with each other. 

Additionally, we are hosting a New Faculty Orientation campus tour on the Wednesday morning (Aug. 13). Join us for coffee and donuts, and a guided tour to learn more about our beautiful campus.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or online and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or online.

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