The University of Nevada, Reno has joined a growing national initiative to dramatically expand the use of evidence-based teaching practices shown to promote college student completion and success.

University educators have launched a new, national certificate program in Effective College Instruction offered through the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) and endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE). ACUE announced the partnership on the heels of a State of the University address in which University leaders emphasized the institution's deepening commitment to campus diversity and student achievement.

"Preparing students for global citizenship starts with instructional excellence," Kevin Carman, executive vice president and provost at the University, said. "This partnership with ACUE recognizes and supports the role that effective instruction plays in student success and is central to our University's mission."

The University's new faculty development program includes a course in Effective Teaching Practices, which develops research-based teaching techniques shown to make classrooms more engaging, civil and embracing of diversity. Research shows that students learn more, persist in their studies, and complete their degrees with access to evidence-based instructional practices.

The University will implement a customized faculty development program in collaboration with ACUE. ACE, as part of its nearly century-old mission to improve access to postsecondary education and help institutions enhance student outcomes, is working with ACUE to dramatically expand the use of effective teaching practices in higher education.

"ACUE offers higher education institutions a scalable, extensive opportunity to support instructors through tools and techniques proven to help students succeed," Molly Corbett Broad, President of ACE, said. "ACE and ACUE have an important shared goal to expand dramatically the use of effective teaching practices to benefit students, faculty and institutions."

ACUE's comprehensive services include exclusive access to an online Community of Professional Practice designed to sustain development and connect educators from around the country. Faculty members who complete the program also earn a Certificate in Effective College Instruction endorsed by ACE.

ACUE's program was developed with colleges and universities nationwide. Course modules feature videos of classroom demonstrations with award-winning college faculty and interviews with the nation's leading subject matter experts. Since ACUE and ACE announced the collaboration in March, institutions across the country have recognized the value of providing this support and are making effective instruction central to student success. To date, more than 1,800 faculty members have learned about and are implementing evidence-based approaches.

"The research is clear: High quality instruction helps students learn more and complete their degrees," Penny MacCormack, chief academic officer at ACUE, said. "We are honored to partner with the University of Nevada, Reno as they work to provide the highest quality learning experiences for students."