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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 Teaching and Learning Topics

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Midsemester Student Feedback

As we approach the halfway point of the semester, students can provide valuable feedback to monitor and adjust the learning pathway toward successful semester outcomes. Now is the time to create a meaningful course survey! Whether you are new at creating student surveys or need a thought partner to update an existing one, CATE can help.

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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). Using accessibility checkers in common content creation platforms and embedded Canvas tools, the checklist provides clear, comprehensive guidance to ensure your course materials available to all students.
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UT-Licensed GenAI Tools

As AI tools continue to expand across teaching, learning, research, and administrative work, Moody College faculty are invited to explore the University's growing portfolio of licensed AI tools.

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.