Center for Advancing Teaching Excellence
The Center for Advancing Teaching Excellence (CATE) champions student-centered teaching and learning at the Moody College of Communication.
We work with faculty, instructors, and graduate students to support course design and develop teaching expertise. By fostering innovative and collaborative teaching practices, CATE aims to ensure Moody College students experience authentic and memorable learning to prepare for success in life and career.
Why PBL?
A cohort of 5 Moody College faculty members explored the why of project-based learning as an effective approach for authentic, discipline-specific curriculum development.
The culmination of their year-long journeys are showcased in this collection.
We hope each unique adoption of project-based learning design across a variety of courses inspires you!
What might PBL look like in your courses?
Featured Announcements
Simple Syllabus
Streamline your syllabus development by utilizing the newly updated Moody College template in Simple Syllabus! Look for "UT Simple Syllabus" in the left navigation of your Canvas Course. Email Shelly Furness if you need assistance.
Student Engagement for Summer
Need ideas to keep students engaged and motivated during summer courses? Check out CATE's Active Discussion series on the Active Teaching tab for guidelines on activities like 4 As, Thinking Hats, and more!
AI Across Moody
Curious about using AI in your course? Check out CATE's AI Across Moody feature to get inspiration from Moody instructors' various approaches to teaching and learning with AI! (Image credit: Jun Wang, 2025)
Important Resources for Teaching
Click here for resources to support effective teaching at Moody College!
CATE has complied this reference document with links to essential teaching resources for new and returning faculty. Access and bookmark this in your browser for handy reference when designing a new course, at the beginning of new semesters, or throughout an on-going semester. Updates are made periodically, so check back often to refresh your memory and stay up-to-date with the instructional practices that make Moody College an excellent place to learn!
Connect with CATE
Please email our Coordinator for Teaching Excellence, Rachelle (Shelly) Furness, with questions, to request a training, or to make a consulting appointment! rachelle.furness@austin.utexas.edu
If you're not finding everything you need on the CATE website, please schedule a CATE consultation for personal and direct assistance. You can also check out The Center for Teaching and Learning or UT Austin's Faculty Central hub for teaching guidance, as well as information on important topics for faculty members, such as campus facilities and employee resources.