Center for Teaching and Learning

The Center for Teaching and Learning in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences helps support all instructors throughout the college in teaching innovation and student success. The Center seeks to help all ComArtSci instructors in implementing both innovative and evidence-based learning strategies in the classroom to improve students' experiences and successes. 

Research demonstrates that learning environments designed with students' life experiences in mind can lead to increases in students' academic engagement, improved well-being, and more equitable outcomes (e.g., Tinto, 1987; Hurtado et al., 1998; Murphy, Steele, & Gross, 2007; Walton & Cohen, 2011; Paunesku et al., 2015; McNair et al., 2016; Yeager et al., 2016; Brady et al., 2020; Canning et al., 2021). These supportive learning environments are particularly important for structurally disadvantaged students—such as Black, Latinx, and Native American students, first-generation college students, and students from low-income backgrounds—who are more likely to face obstacles to their education.

The Center is directed by Bree Holtz (Advertising and Public Relations) and an Advisory Board. The advisory board includes Ross Chowles (Advertising and Public Relations), Allison Eden (Communication), Jeff Searl (Communicative Sciences and Disorders), Judy Walgren (Journalism), Valeta Wensloff (Media and Information), and Kari Schueller (Advising).

There are several different initiatives and programs throughout the academic year. We'll be adding to this site as we grow.