Faculty vital to top-ranked academic programs

At the start of each academic year, the University of Kansas takes time to recognize top educators with its highest honor: the W.T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence and Advising.

These $7,500 awards are kept secret until a "surprise patrol" bursts into the classrooms of the unsuspecting professors. Nearly 300 faculty have had that mid-sentence, heart-stopping — yet joyful — experience.

While the Kemper awards are a nice way to start the academic year, other resources are available to support and strengthen the work of the all the faculty and staff throughout the year. These include practical technical training and advice for computer users; workshops, seminars and forums on teaching techniques; and guidance on developing international research projects, among other services.

The Center for Teaching Excellence organizes workshops, seminars, discussion forums and other opportunities that support teaching faculty in their efforts to enhance learning in their classrooms.

Instructional Development and Support staff can help design learning environments that take advantage of innovative teaching strategies and technologies.

Faculty members from all disciplines can get help from the Office of International Programs when they want to pursue international research projects, travel or collaborative work. The office also promotes international programming and cultural events at the university.

The university also boasts one of the 50 largest library systems along with multiple museums and academic centers that are focused on assisting faculty and creating cross-disciplinary opportunities.