ACUE November Newsletter
Association of College and University Educators (ACUE)
ACUE equips faculty and staff with the evidence-based practices proven to advance student success and equity.
Celebrating 10 Years of Teaching Excellence
This month, ACUE celebrates our 10th anniversary: a decade of building a movement and transforming higher education with evidence-based teaching practices proven to boost student engagement, retention, and success and empower our partner institutions to thrive.
Founded with a singular goal—to ensure students succeed through great teaching—ACUE collaborated closely with scholars in teaching and learning to develop the Effective Teaching Practice Framework. This Framework serves as our north star, guiding the structure of our courses, pathways, and certifications, resulting in the only nationally recognized teaching certification endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE).
Since our inception, we’ve been proud to partner with over 560 colleges, universities, and system partners. Faculty certified in ACUE’s Framework now reach more than three million students each year—and growing. This milestone belongs not only to us but to each of you: our partners, faculty, students, and everyone who has championed teaching excellence. Because when we work together, we change lives. Here’s to a great first decade and many more to come.
New and Upcoming
Now Available in ACUEs AI Quick Study Series: Introduction to Generative AI
ACUE’s latest Quick Study course, Introduction to Generative AI, is designed as a foundational introduction to accompany our suite of four AI Quick Study courses. This course provides faculty with essential background knowledge, including key context, terminology, challenges, and benefits of generative AI.
It's an ideal starting point for educators who are new to AI and want to plan their approach to integrating these tools into teaching and learning.
In Introduction to Generative AI, course-takers will explore the basics of this emerging field, with real-world applications and strategies that help keep them at the forefront of digital innovation in higher education. The course includes self-checks to reinforce understanding of key concepts, as well as a timeline of AI development, key terminology, and a list of featured tools.
Learn more to gain practical insights and a solid foundation in generative AI as you embark on your AI journey.
Effective Teaching 101: Starting the Semester Strong
This January, we’re excited to roll out our new self-paced course, Effective Teaching 101: Starting the Semester Strong. In less than 8 hours, your faculty can equip themselves with a set of powerful, evidence-based teaching practices that actively engage students and help your faculty, and their students, get off to a strong start this spring semester!
Completing this course kickstarts or continues the journey to achieving certification in ACUE’s Framework. Contact us today or reach out to your Customer Success Director to learn more!
New Study Shows College Students Want Great Teaching, Not Just Easy A’s
ACUE’s recent study, supported by the Lumina Foundation , reveals that students value instructors who communicate clearly, engage them meaningfully, and genuinely support their success—countering the assumption that students only seek “an easy grade.”
“This study makes clear that students value high-quality instruction and the support they receive from their professors,” said ACUE CEO Paul S. “When institutions provide the training and support for faculty to be better teachers in the classroom, students are more likely to excel—and they know it.”
If you’re interested in learning how to engage students more effectively and receive positive student feedback, we invite you to explore our latest resources and watch our on-demand webinar, “Student Perceptions of Teaching: What Really Matters to Students."
ACUE in the News
?? BustED Pencils Podcast: Great College Teaching: It’s worth it!
?? Higher Ed Dive: Study Finds Students Value Quality Teaching, Not Just Easy Grades
?? Washington Post: Jonathan Zimmerman Op-Ed: College Rankings are Leaving Out the Most Important Factor
Tools You Can Use
Partner Highlights
CCCAOE Career Education Fall Conference
ACUE’s George Yang (National Director, Customer Success), Aaron M. Bolton (Regional Customer Success Director), and Kim McBroom (Regional Customer Success Director) had a great time connecting with everyone at the CCCAOE Career Education Fall 2024 Conference in Palm Spring/Rancho Mirage, CA.
NC Community College System
ACUE Partnership Director Manuela Ubago represented ACUE at the North Carolina Community College System Conference, sharing that she had an inspiring time connecting with educators dedicated to advancing student success across North Carolina.
In our session, “Empowering Educators: Enhancing Teaching Through Professional Development,” Manuela and Dr. LaRonda Lowery , Assistant VP at Robeson Community College , highlighted the value of evidence-based teaching practices. Dr. Lowery shared how Robeson CC supports teaching excellence through ACUE’s comprehensive professional development, fostering student engagement and a strong faculty community.
Rally Call for Teaching Excellence Colleges and Universities
Earlier this month, President and Co-Founder Jonathan Gyurko, PhD and Regional Customer Success Director Megan Maxwell were among the many who joined teaching champions for Corbin Campbell of American University ’s presentation of her article “A Rally Call for Teaching Excellence Colleges and Universities: Your Role in the Movement,” which was published in Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning.
CIC 2024 Institute for Chief Academic Officers
Megan Maxwell, Regional Customer Success Director, had a fantastic time representing ACUE at the Council of Independent Colleges 2024 Institute for Chief Academic Officers in Portland, Oregon!
It was a great opportunity to connect with academic leaders during sponsor networking sessions and share how ACUE’s programs can help equip faculty with effective teaching skills to boost student retention.
We also hosted a Belong Two-Year Toast and Information Session on Sunday, November 3, where CIC’s Vice President for Networks and Strategic Partnerships, Matt Trent Trainum , joined us in celebrating this impactful community and discussing new opportunities for members.