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

In search of expert resources as you prepare your syllabus, design your course, or advance your teaching scholarship this semester? The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) supports instructors throughout the course design and development process with extensive online resources and a variety of programs to help you meet your teaching goals. 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.

Ready to design your Canvas course? The Center for Online and Distance Learning (CODL) partners with faculty to help produce online and hybrid courses utilizing innovative teaching & learning technologies. CODL's services support instructors in delivering high-quality learning experiences in their courses. Check out CODL's YouTube channel to learn about the variety of tools available to help you design your Canvas course!

Looking to partner with experts to deliver 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 teaching resources at KU! 

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. 

2026 Kemper Awardees:

What is CTE and CODL?

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 20 (save the date!)

CODL (Center for Online & Distance Learning) partners with faculty to produce online and hybrid courses that utilize innovative pedagogy and advances in teaching and learning technologies.

Ready to get started? Check out CTE’s New Faculty Hub, or CODL's Course Design 101 tutorial to help you prepare for teaching at KU. 

CTE + CODL 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.

No registration is required for Drop-Ins; simply join any of these meetings from Zoom! Need to connect to Zoom through your KU account? Visit here. 

Upcoming Drop-In sessions:

Monday, July 20 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST) (come and go)

Drop In: International Affairs

If you are interested in our upcoming "How to at KU" sessions, please register ahead of time so we can prepare! Our summer How to series will help you become an expert at Canvas, our online learning management system, and make sure your courses are set up with accessibility in mind.

Upcoming "How to at KU" sessions:

*TOMORROW* Thursday, July 16 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST)

How to at KU: Accessibility in Microsoft Products

 Thursday, July 23 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST) 

How to at KU: Accessibility in Adobe, LaTex, and Unique Software

 Wednesday, July 29 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (CST) 

How to at KU: Setting up Your Benefits

 Thursday, July 30 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST)

How to at KU: Building Canvas Courses Designed for Learning

featuring the Center for Teaching Excellence

Thursday, August 6 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST)

How to at KU: Accessibility from a Professional Lens

Register for New Faculty Orientation by August 3!

Our New Faculty Orientation for full-time faculty 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 Wednesday morning (Aug. 19). 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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