Getting Started with CTL
The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) supports faculty and staff with teaching strategies, course design, Canvas support, accessibility guidance, and instructional technology. We offer workshops, consultations, resources, and communities of practice.
You can email us at [email protected], attend a workshop, or request a one-on-one consultation. We’re happy to help with quick questions or longer projects.
Appointments are recommended for consultations. However, feel free to reach out via email with quick questions and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
Workshops & Professional Development
Many CTL workshops are eligible for Faculty Professional Growth (FPG). Check the workshop description or registration page for details.
Workshops are available through Cornerstone. Visit the CTL Calendar for links and registration details.
Please cancel your registration in Cornerstone if possible, or email the CTL so we can offer your spot to someone else.
CTL offers a mix of in-person, virtual, and hybrid workshops. Format is listed in each event description.
Workshop offerings vary from semester to semester. See the CTL Calendar.
Yes, if there are at least 5 employees interested in a specific workshop. The CTL will also offer custom workshops. To set this up, e-mail the CTL at [email protected] with your request.
Yes, the CTL will offer customized workshops requested by a department if at least 5 faculty / staff are interested in the same subject. Customized workshops will be scheduled according to CTL staff availability and room availability. To set this up, e-mail the CTL at [email protected] with your requests.
The CTL is open during the summer (June and July) Monday through Thursday and offers workshops according to staff / faculty demand and CTL staff availability. Check the CTL website and calendar for available workshops and current hours as summer semester approaches.
Support & Services
Yes! We offer one-on-one support for course design, assignment redesign, student engagement strategies, and more.
Yes. We support Canvas course setup, troubleshooting, grading tools, and best practices for course organization and student engagement.
Yes. We offer workshops, resources, and consultations on using generative AI in teaching, including assignment design and syllabus policies.
Accessibility & Course Quality
Yes. We provide guidance on creating accessible documents, videos, and Canvas content. You can also enroll in the CTL Accessibility Hub for on-demand support.
The Mesa+ Rubric is MCC’s course quality framework designed to support effective, inclusive, and engaging course design.
Yes. Courses are expected to meet accessibility requirements. The CTL can help you understand what this looks like and how to get there.
Communities of Practice (CoPs)
A Community of Practice (CoP) is a small group of faculty who meet regularly to explore a teaching topic through discussion and shared experiences.
No. All perspectives and experiences are welcome—CoPs are about learning together, not presenting as an expert.
Yes, many CoPs are FPG-eligible. Check the specific CoP details for participation requirements.
Logistics & Expectations
We aim to respond within two business days.
Yes. All MCC faculty and staff are welcome to participate in CTL offerings.
The CTL is located at Mesa Community College’s Southern & Dobson Campus. We are located in the AS building which is on the Northwest corner of campus by the library and the coffee shop.
The “Is It Just Me?” Corner
You’re not alone – many faculty are noticing changes in student engagement. Shifts in motivation, external pressures, and learning habits all play a role. The good news: small changes in structure, clarity, and interaction (like low-stakes activities or more frequent check-ins) can make a meaningful difference. The CTL can help you explore strategies that fit your teaching style.
Start small. We recommend choosing one area (e.g., improving a single assignment or organizing one module) and building from there. The CTL can help you prioritize.
Focus on clarity: clear instructions, aligned assignments, and consistent organization in Canvas. Small changes can have a big impact on student success.
This is one of the biggest shifts in teaching right now. Rather than trying to eliminate AI, many faculty are redesigning assignments to emphasize critical thinking, process, and application. The CTL offers support for creating AI-resilient assignments, clarifying expectations in your syllabus, and exploring ways AI can support learning rather than replace it.
It’s a valid concern in the age of AI and online tools. While no approach guarantees certainty, designing assignments that require personal reflection, applied thinking, or process-based work can help. The CTL can work with you to rethink assessments in ways that emphasize authentic learning.