Center for Academic Innovation Logo

Supporting Faculty Excellence

The Center for Academic Innovation supports faculty in the development and delivery of high-quality, engaging learning across various modalities. We understand that faculty are at the forefront of helping the University adapt to a rapidly changing higher education landscape, and we seek to equip faculty with the tools and resources to support innovation.

Core elements of our work include the following:

  • Cultivate a community of teaching and learning: Providing opportunities for faculty to learn in community, develop relationships, and share expertise
  • Provide Instructional Design Support: Offering expertise in instructional design, project management, educational technology support, and data analytics.
  • Adapt to Change: Providing tools and resources to help faculty and staff navigate a rapidly evolving teaching and learning environment.
  • Support Diverse Modalities: Our Learning Design team supports faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality.
  • Expand Credential Offerings: Consulting on the development of alternative credentials.

Featured Faculty Development Programs

computer monitor displaying a certificate with a graduation cap

Facilitating Engaged Learning Online (FELO)

Facilitating Engaged Learning Online (FELO) is a self-paced, online course to help faculty new to online teaching feel prepared to facilitate at high-quality, online course.

SAALT Logo

Summer Academy of Adult Learning and Teaching (SAALT)

Academic Innovation hosts an annual professional development experience designed to build the relationships and expertise necessary to develop and implement teaching and learning best practices for the adult non-traditional learner.


What do USM faculty say about the Center for Academic Innovation?

“I want to express my deepest thanks and gratitude … I could never have gotten to the light were it not for the grace, kindness, patience and presence of each one of these wonderful, deeply compassionate and highly skilled Academic Innovation people.”