Celebrating Teaching Innovation and Student-Centered Learning at SAU
The Excellence in Teaching Symposium is CETL’s annual one-day professional development conference designed to support, inspire, and connect Southern Arkansas University faculty ahead of the academic year. Held each August before classes begin, the symposium brings together educators from across disciplines to share ideas, explore teaching innovation, and engage in meaningful discussions about student-centered learning.
The symposium features faculty- and staff-led sessions focused on a wide range of topics, including practical classroom strategies, campus resources, experiential learning, open educational resources (OER), instructional support, and other initiatives that promote student success and academic excellence.
What to Expect
Participants can expect a collaborative and welcoming environment that encourages reflection, creativity, and professional growth. Sessions are designed to provide attendees with practical ideas, new perspectives, and strategies they can immediately apply in their teaching and professional practice.
In addition to professional development opportunities, the symposium provides opportunities to:
- Network with faculty and staff from across campus
- Learn about innovative teaching initiatives at SAU
- Exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues from other disciplines
- Enjoy refreshments and participate in gift raffles
Faculty and staff who attend and participate in the symposium will receive a digital badge and/or certificate documenting their professional development participation for professional documentation.
Call for Presenters
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning welcomes faculty and staff presenters from across the university community. We invite individuals and collaborative groups to share ideas, practices, and experiences that support teaching excellence and student success at SAU.
Presentation formats may include:
- 45-minute seminars
- Interactive workshops or demonstrations
- Multi-faculty or interdisciplinary panel discussions
We encourage proposals on a broad range of topics related to teaching, learning, student engagement, instructional innovation, classroom practice, experiential learning, accessibility, and faculty development. Those interested in presenting should submit a brief summary of their proposed session to CETL@saumag.edu. All proposals will be reviewed, and presenters will be notified once selections are finalized.
