September Message from the CTE Director

By Dea Follmer, CTE Director and Professor of Psychology

As we settle into the rhythm of another semester, this fall seems particularly energized. Parking lots are full, campus traffic is jammed, and early reports from our CTE ambassadors confirm strong class attendance! Instructors of first-year students are reporting exceptional engagement, with similar observations coming from student affairs colleagues working in the extracurricular space. For me, the positive energy faculty are finding in teaching and engaging with students is a reminder that focusing on the core work of education, and activities that bring us meaning and purpose, can help steady us during the uncertain times that higher education is facing.

The value of finding meaning through educational work is not unique to faculty. An excellent university education empowers students to find a sense of purpose and direction in their learning and their future endeavors. Creating transformative educational experiences where students can explore their potential and ultimately get prepared for meaningful and impactful lives is at the heart of student success and where faculty contributions become essential.

Student success remains a central priority at KU, and numerous initiatives have supported this objective, such as enhanced academic support services, reimagined first-year courses, and comprehensive assessment processes. Faculty contributions have been essential to achieving progress: improving foundational courses to support student success without lowering standards, realigning curricula with student needs and workforce skills, emphasizing active learning and real-world application, providing thoughtful mentorship, and more.

The evidence suggests these collective efforts are working. First-year retention rates are at historic highs, completion rates are improving, and our assessment and continuous improvement processes, which were reviewed positively in our recent HLC reaffirmation, ensure we're regularly using evidence to enhance educational outcomes.

Recognizing the critical importance of this work, our programming this year supports instructors as they navigate key challenges in contemporary higher education: implementing evidence-based practices that support academic success for every student, creating AI-ready education, reframing grading and assessment practices to emphasize growth, invigorating online course teaching, building global perspectives into courses, and fostering interdisciplinary approaches essential to addressing tomorrow's grand challenges.

Our goal is to create an environment where instructors feel supported in their pedagogical growth and innovation, and where students experience transformative learning that prepares them for meaningful contributions to the world. When faculty thrive in their teaching, students can thrive in their learning, and this strengthens our entire educational community.