University Teaching & Learning Commons
in the Office For Faculty Excellence
- UTLC newsletterRead our latest Teaching Tips and UTLC updates
- Consultations & WorkshopsMeet with our team or request a course observation or workshop
- FALL 2026 SYLLABUS & COURSE POLICY INFORMATIONResources and information regarding the UNCG Syllabus process
- Course AccessibilityResources for digital course accessibility
Updates from the UTLC
Teaching Excellence Awards
The Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching and Alumni Teaching Excellence Awards are given to four faculty members each year in recognition of their outstanding teaching efforts. Three awards are presented by UNCG, and a fourth is presented by the UNC system.
Student Experience Project
UNCG was selected by the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities to join the 2026 Cohort of the Student Experience Project (SEP), a multiyear, multi-institution project to enhance student outcomes through partnership between faculty, staff, and administration. The SEP is a partnership between the UTLC and the Division of Student Success.
Course Accessibility
Changes to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 will go into effect April 2027. Updates to Title II and Section 504 provide new expectations and guidance for colleges and universities related to public facing websites and course content. The changes require training for faculty and staff related to accessibility awareness, digital accessibility, and compliance. Additionally, we will be accountable for ensuring that all digital content (public facing websites, digital course materials, digital campus resources – including campus trainings) meet the WCAG 2.1 (level A and level AA) standards.
Part of Term Resources
Part of Term, or accelerated-format, courses are a popular option for many learners and instructors. Accelerated format courses allow learners to engage in content deeply for a concentrated time, while progressing through their coursework in 3 or 7 week segments.
While accelerated format courses offer a great deal of benefits, they are not ideal for every course and discipline. Accelerated courses come with unique challenges, such as balancing pace and rigor, but have many benefits, such as degree efficiency and student satisfaction.
Teaching Effectiveness
The UNC System Teaching Effectiveness Policy (400.3.1) articulates a strong commitment to teaching in alignment with the Board of Governors’ expectation that teaching should be the first consideration of all UNC institutions. It establishes a central obligation to provide undergraduate and graduate education of the highest quality and requires UNC institutions to “ensure, recognize, and reward teaching effectiveness.” UNCG is likewise committed to building high-quality learning environments and, with the UNCG Teaching Effectiveness Policy, provides a framework for the assessment and continuous improvement of teaching effectiveness, including guidelines that emphasize measurable outcomes where appropriate.