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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. 

Featured Announcements

A collaborative classroom workshop at the University of Texas at Austin, showing several people seated around tables working together on laptops and notebooks. A presentation screen in the background displays “CATE Collaborative Course Prep,” while small groups engage in discussion throughout the room.

Collaborative Course Prep

This informal, collaborative planning session offers updates and supports workshop time for a quick start to a successful semester. In four hours, you will walk away with:

✔️ a foundational Canvas course build that frames effective curriculum development;
✔️ a course schedule that maps out aligned assessment with appropriate pacing for student success;
✔️ a syllabus draft with updated course policies tailored to your teaching and learning goals;
✔️ and digitally accessible instructional materials.

Date/Time:
Friday, August 21, from 9 am to 1 pm

Location:
CMB 2.112A

*AI-Generated Image

Two people seated at a table in a modern classroom or collaborative workspace review content on a laptop. One person points toward the laptop screen while the other looks at it. Large windows provide natural light, and several other people are visible in the background. The room features orange and neutral-colored accents, with notebooks and water bottles on nearby tables.

Digital Accessibility

The Digital Accessibility Checklist helps instructors quickly evaluate and improve course content to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Why Use the Checklist?

•Create accessible course materials to support every learner, including those with various abilities and learning needs.
• Enhance usability, readability, and navigation for all UT learners.
• Use the checklist regularly to ensure new and updated content remains accessible.

Make accessibility part of your course design process!

*AI-Generated Image

man types on computer in classroom.

Canvas Build Jumpstart!

Save time and get ahead of semester planning with the Moody College Canvas template. The template pre-populates elements of a high quality course design with coaching on best practices. Email Shelly Furness to request the template in your live course or a sandbox.

Important Resources for Teaching

Access the Important Resources for Teaching document here.

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! 

Learn more about graduate student Teaching Assistants! 

All departments, schools, and programs at Moody College employ Teaching Assistants (TAs) to help support faculty members and undergraduate students by crafting engaging learning environments and assisting with course materials and content.

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.