Center for Teaching Excellence

Center for Teaching Excellence News

CircleIn Supports Student Engagement and Reduces DFW Rates

CircleIn is a peer-driven app that supports student success in high DFW courses by encouraging collaboration, organization, and consistent study habits. The platform includes note sharing, flashcards, chat, and anonymous Q&A in a familiar, easy-to-use format. Since USC's pilot launched in 2023, students have logged over 1.1 million study actions, with higher engagement linked to better grades and lower DFW rates. Faculty can introduce CircleIn on day one and use it as part of participation.

CTE Launches Comprehensive Resources to Support Online Course Design, Development, and Delivery

New resources are available in the Online Teaching Faculty Toolbox to support faculty in designing, developing, and delivering high-quality online courses. The guides focus on three key areas: course design, course development, and delivery strategies that support student engagement and teaching presence. Each resource offers practical steps, examples, and tools to help faculty create organized, interactive, and student-centered online learning experiences. Instructional consultations are also available to support course planning for upcoming semesters.

Faculty Awarded Grants to Develop Winter Session Online Courses for 2025-2026

Seven faculty members have received the 2025-2026 Winter Session Online Course Development Grant to design or revise fully online, asynchronous undergraduate courses. Supported by the Graduation and Retention Network (GARNET) and the CTE, the grant includes funding, instructional design support, and a quality review. Courses will be offered during Winter Session, December 29, 2025 - January 18, 2026.

Faculty Recognition Continues Through Thank-A-Teacher Program

Each semester, the Thank-A-Teacher program highlights the meaningful impact faculty have on their students. In Fall 2024, 268 instructors were recognized through personalized notes of appreciation - many of which speak to the power of encouragement, mentorship, and transformative teaching.

Faculty Complete Universal Design for Learning in Practice Short Course to Strengthen Inclusive Curriculum Design

Twenty-three faculty members recently completed the UDL in Practice short course. Through peer collaboration, reflective practice, and practical application, participants developed course frameworks grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to support course accessibility and student engagement.

Educators Gather to Strengthen Support for First-Generation College Students

The First-Generation Symposium, held on March 28, welcomed over 200 educators from USC and several other institutions for a day of dialogue focused on supporting first-generation college students. The event featured a keynote by Kem Saichaie, USC-specific data shared by LaNaé Budden, and a student panel that emphasized the importance of relationships, belonging, and asset-based approaches. With practical insights and strategies, the symposium continues to serve as a valuable learning experience for educators committed to student success.

Faculty Advance AI Integration Through Provost's Teaching Fellowship

Twelve faculty members have been selected for the 2025-2026 Provost's AI Teaching Fellowship, a yearlong program focused on integrating generative AI into teaching to support student engagement and learning.

Faculty Showcase Explores the Transformative Potential of Generative AI in Teaching

On February 21, faculty from across the university gathered for the Generative AI Showcase: Practical Applications Across Disciplines. The event highlighted practical ways instructors are using tools like ChatGPT, Udio, and NotebookLM to support student learning, streamline grading, and promote ethical reflection. Ten Provost's AI Teaching Fellows shared examples from courses in public health, social work, business, the arts, and more, showing how GenAI is shaping student engagement across disciplines.

Six Faculty Members Receive 2025 Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation

Six faculty members have been selected for the 2025 Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation, which recognizes exemplary teaching that advances student learning through creative, impactful approaches.

What You Need to Know About the ADA Final Rule for Digital Accessibility

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has introduced the ADA Final Rule for Digital Accessibility. These new guidelines set important standards for creating inclusive digital content under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Introducing the EXCITE Initiative

The CTE's new EXCITE Initiative offers a unique blend of resources and events focused on integrating emerging technologies into student-centered pedagogy.

Explore Our Comprehensive Spring 2025 Professional Development Opportunities

The CTE provides a variety of programs designed to enhance pedagogy, promote inclusion, and support student success.

Enhancing Online Learning Through Winter Session Collaboration

Winter Session, led by the Graduation and Retention Network (GARNET), offers students an opportunity to accelerate their academic progress during the winter break.

CTE Puts Quality Standards at the Forefront of Online Education

The CTE is dedicated to enhancing online education by utilizing the Quality Standards for Online Courses (QSOC) as a comprehensive evaluation tool. This essential evaluation tool enables faculty to assess and elevate the quality of online courses.

CTE and the ODL Merge to Enhance Teaching and Learning at USC

The CTE and the Office of Distributed Learning (ODL) have taken an exciting step forward by consolidating to better support teaching and learning at USC.

Generative AI Offers New Transformative Possibilities for Teaching

Educators at USC have exciting opportunities to explore the transformative potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in teaching.

New First-Gen Module Empowers USC Faculty and Staff to Support First-Generation Students

The First-Generation Center (FGC) supports first-generation students' personal, academic, and professional growth. The FGC launched the First-Gen Module, "Supporting First-Generation College Students: Best Practices for Engaging Faculty & Staff" a self-paced, 60-minute module which offers a comprehensive overview of the first-generation student experience along with practical strategies for faculty and staff to support these students both individually and institutionally.

Virtual Reality Brings New Dimensions to USC Learning Environments

Virtual reality (VR) is transforming learning experiences at USC, as faculty integrate immersive tools to engage students in dynamic ways.

Oktoberbest 2024 Sparked Fresh Ideas

On Friday, October 25, Oktoberbest: A Symposium on Teaching brought educators together to explore innovations in teaching, share strategies, and support faculty well-being.

Enhance Your Teaching Practices at Oktoberbest 2024

Enhance your teaching practices at Oktoberbest: A Symposium on Teaching on Friday, October 25, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the University Conference Center, 1705 College St., Columbia, SC. Featuring a keynote by Dr. Sarah Rose Cavanagh from Simmons University, this event will offer insights on emotions, motivation, and learning, along with strategies to combat burnout and support mental health. Join us for professional development sessions, innovative teaching practices, meaningful connections, and a celebration of teaching excellence.

New Faculty Insights: New Faculty Orientation 2024

New Faculty Orientation (NFO) is an important opportunity for new full-time faculty to connect with colleagues and university leaders while gaining insights into resources for teaching, research, and professional development. NFO 2024 includes Benefits Day, which was held on August 19 and featured key benefits presentations, and Orientation Day on September 6, with a networking breakfast, resource overview, and interactive teaching workshop.

Ask USC: Answering Your Questions About Supporting Students

The Office of Student Advocacy is the primary resource for students, family members, and faculty needing help with university policies. Their Ask USC initiative, launched in March 2024, provides support through in-person, phone, email, and online chat. They assist with policy questions, conflict resolution, and verifying student absences. We collaborate with the Office of Student Advocacy to support faculty development and foster a positive learning environment across USC.

Empowering Inclusion and Accessibility with USC's Digital Accessibility Network

The USC Digital Accessibility Network, launched in spring 2024, is dedicated to improving digital accessibility for the USC community, especially those with disabilities. Key achievements include a Digital Accessibility listserv and training videos. Future plans include launching a Digital Accessibility certificate of completion, a mentorship program, and expanding membership. As one of our partners, the Network contributes to advancing digital inclusivity across USC.

University-wide Graduate Student Teaching Award Winners for 2023-2024

The CTE is excited to celebrate the recognition of teaching excellence awarded to 16 graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) and graduate instructional assistants (GIAs) from the past academic year. These graduate student instructors play a crucial role in student learning at the university, and their achievements have been acknowledged by the Graduate School and various departments and schools.

Elevate Your Teaching: Join Our Fall Foundations of Learning Webinar Series

Enhance your teaching by joining our Fall Foundations of Learning Webinar Series! This fall, we are offering four webinars focused on essential foundational skills for educators. Topics include creating equitable teaching environments, applying constructivist and connectivist theories, engaging students through active learning strategies, and leveraging motivation to enhance learning.

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