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The mission of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) is to foster a culture of teaching excellence by championing high-impact practices and evidence-based active learning. CELT is dedicated to supporting faculty and staff professional development, advancing equity and student engagement, and promoting transformative educational experiences across all disciplines—aligned with the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Quality Enhancement Plan and the university’s strategic vision for academic excellence and student success.
The vision of CELT is for ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ to be recognized as a regional and national leader in transformative teaching and learning, where high-impact practices and active learning are seamlessly integrated across all disciplines. CELT aspires to foster an inclusive educational environment in which equitable and exceptional learning experiences empower every student to achieve their highest potential, drive academic innovation, and set new standards of excellence in higher education.
Contact CELT at CELT@lsus.edu
I. Name
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) Advisory Committee
II. Mission Statement
The mission of the CELT Advisory Committee is to champion a culture of teaching excellence at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ by advancing the use of high-impact practices (HIPs) and promoting professional development in active learning best practices. The committee supports faculty and staff in implementing evidence-based strategies that foster student engagement, equity, and deep learning across all disciplines, in direct alignment with the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and the university’s strategic plan.
III. Vision Statement
The vision of the CELT Advisory Committee is for ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ to be recognized as a leader in transformative teaching and learning, where high-impact practices and active learning are embedded throughout the curriculum, ensuring equitable and exceptional educational experiences for all students. The committee seeks to advance institutional goals of student success, academic excellence, and faculty development as outlined in the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ strategic plan.
IV. Purpose and Responsibilities
The Advisory Committee is established to:
- Advise CELT leadership on strategic priorities related to the integration and assessment of high-impact practices and active learning, ensuring alignment with the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ QEP and strategic plan2.
- Guide the development and delivery of professional development opportunities focused on HIPs and evidence-based active learning strategies for faculty and instructional staff, supporting the QEP’s emphasis on faculty training and continuous improvement.
- Facilitate collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and administration to promote and share best practices in high-impact and active learning.
- Review and assess the effectiveness of CELT initiatives, including HIPs and active learning programs, and recommend improvements based on data and stakeholder feedback, as called for in the QEP’s data-driven assessment cycle.
- Advocate for the professional development needs of faculty and instructional staff, with an emphasis on inclusive and innovative teaching practices.
- Support efforts to create student-centered learning environments that leverage HIPs to close equity gaps and improve student retention, engagement, and achievement, in accordance with institutional strategic priorities.
V. Membership
To ensure broad representation and effective guidance, the Advisory Committee should include:
- Faculty representatives from each college or major academic unit (including tenured, tenure-track, and non-tenure-track faculty), with preference for those experienced in HIPs and active learning.
- At least one representative from the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ administration (such as the Provost’s Office or Academic Affairs).
- A representative from the Student Success Center or similar student support unit.
- One or more student representatives, preferably from both undergraduate and graduate levels, with experience in HIPs.
- A representative from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (if applicable).
- A staff member involved in academic technology or instructional design, with expertise in supporting HIPs and active learning.
- Optional: Community or alumni member with an interest in higher education and teaching excellence.
VI. Organizational Structure
- The committee will elect a Chair and Secretary annually from among its members.
- Subcommittees may be formed as needed to address specific initiatives or projects related to HIPs and active learning.
VII. Meetings
- The committee will meet at least once per semester, with additional meetings scheduled as necessary to address ongoing projects or urgent matters.
VIII. Reporting
- The Advisory Committee will provide an annual report to CELT leadership and the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ administration, summarizing activities, outcomes, and recommendations for the coming year, with a focus on the advancement of HIPs, active learning, and alignment with the QEP and strategic plan.
This charter is a living document and may be revised by majority vote of the committee in consultation with CELT leadership to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
Helen Wise, Associate Provost, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Scott Hardwick, Associate Vice Chancellor , Information Technology
Lonnie McCray, Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Joyce Farrow, Director of CELT
Rhonda Failey, Director of Online Learning
Adrienne Davis, Meauxmentum Scholar, Instructor Kinesiology and Health Science
Melinda Cassel,Meauxmentum Scholar, Instructor Mathematics
Rogers Martin, Instructor Mathematics
Laura Meiki, Assistant Professor History and Social Sciences
Yang Xaun, Assistant Professor Economics and Finance
Vonny Salim, Assistant Professor, Biology
Celeste Leeds-Laliberte, First-Year Experience Librarian
Patrick Butler, Director of Research & Instruction Services
Michael Anderson, Director of Academic Advising
FS Instructors: Juanita Paul, Wenqi Zeng
Students: to be named