Welcome to Boston University! Teaching at a new institution is both exciting and challenging — new students, new systems, and a new campus culture to learn.

The Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning exists to make that work easier and more effective. Whether you’re stepping into a classroom for the first time or bringing years of experience to a new setting, we’re here to partner with you to support your teaching at BU.

We provide practical resources, hands-on workshops, and community convenings with faculty colleagues eager to share their insights and experiences from your first semester through every stage of your teaching career.

Teaching at BU

A Start-of-Semester Checklist for Faculty

Not sure where to begin? Check out our Start-of-Semester Checklist to help you navigate the early stages of teaching a new course, or just a new semester.

From developing your syllabus through planning the first day of class, this checklist can help start the new semester with confidence.

Learn More

Resources to Support New Faculty

Faculty Development

Faculty Development advances the intellectual growth and professional development of faculty by offering impactful educational opportunities across rank, discipline, and college.

Learning Design & Production
June 10th, 2026

Giving Poetry a Voice

In this post in Arts & Sciences Magazine, Mike De Socio highlights a new undergraduate course in the College of Arts & Sciences' English department, “The Voice of Poetry," and highlights the collaboration with the Institute's David Charpentier, Senior Instructional Multimedia Producer, who helped bring student work to life on camera.

Thought Leadership
February 12th, 2026

How a Startup Mindset Inspires Innovation in Higher Education

In this conversation with Higher Education Digest, Vice President and Associate Provost of the Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning and BU Virtual Wendy Colby shares her perspectives on the evolving landscape of higher education and the leadership principles that drive her work.

A group of five colleagues engage in thoughtful ideation in a start up office.
Technology Tools
February 6th, 2026

BU Transitions to Blackboard Ultra

The Daily Free Press reports on BU's transition from Blackboard Original to the latest platform, Blackboard Ultra, and how the Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning is working to support faculty along the way.

A faculty member sits at the front desk with a laptop in front of her, actively listening and smiling at a conversation in the room.
AI
February 6th, 2026

BU Establishes New AI at BU Course

The Daily Free Press explores BU’s new AI at BU certificate course, designed to help every student to feel confident and informed in using AI technology responsibly and effectively.

Close-up of hands using a laptop with the AI at BU certificate course visible on the screen.
Thought Leadership
January 6th, 2026

Academic Innovation Q&A

In this Inside Higher Ed article, Vice President and Associate Provost of the Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning and BU Virtual Wendy Colby discusses the role of academic innovation centers for teaching and learning (CTLs) within the university ecosystem.

Students gather around a table, actively participating in a discussion led by their teacher.