Propelling Student Success Through ACUE Partnership: Buena Vista University’s Commitment to Teaching Excellence

September 20, 2024

This year, Buena Vista University (BVU) is launching a partnership with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), the leader in student success through high-quality instruction. The ACUE model equips faculty with evidence-based practices shown to boost persistence and completion for students, improve faculty confidence and engagement, and help institutions meet their strategic goals. Faculty who complete a comprehensive course will become certified in ACUE's Effective Teaching Practice Framework, the only nationally recognized collegiate teaching certification endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE).

"We are incredibly proud of our faculty's commitment to student learning at BVU. Their passion for education and dedication to growth inspire us all," BVU Assistant Dean for Academic Success, Beth Frankenstein, Ph.D., stated. "Over half of our full-time faculty made the decision to pursue this national certification, and it's just one of the many ways they are preparing themselves to provide the best possible education for our students. We celebrate their efforts and are confident this experience will be transformational on our campus."

Faculty will participate in a yearlong certification course to develop core competencies outlined in ACUE's Effective Teaching Practice Framework©. Based on more than three decades of research, this framework guides course-takers to gain foundational knowledge, implement evidence-based practices, reflect on their implementation, and refine their practice. Numerous independently validated impact studies show that students achieve higher levels of success when enrolled in courses led by faculty certified in ACUE's Framework.

BVU is excited to announce that over 30 faculty members have enrolled in the ACUE certification process, thanks to the institution's Title III grant. "A key focus of the grant is supporting faculty professional development to enhance pedagogical practices and ensure student success," explained Anne Dahlhauser, BVU Title III Director. "We are thrilled to have a full ACUE cohort of faculty members eager to engage in this initiative. Our faculty are truly exceptional and dedicated to our students' futures, and we are proud of their commitment to providing impactful educational experiences for every student."

ACUE's courses address over 200 evidence-based practices, covering how to design an effective course, establish a productive learning environment, use active learning techniques, promote higher-order thinking, and create a stronger sense of belonging for students on campus.

"As faculty, when we genuinely reflect on our current practices and remain open to improvement-regardless of past effectiveness-we can discover new ways to become more effective, personal, and engaging in our roles as teachers and mentors," stated Steven Mills, Ph.D., BVU Professor of Spanish and Faculty Senate Chair. "The ACUE modules have already helped me rethink my practices, highlighting areas for improvement and reinforcing effective strategies in my classroom. I'm eager to continue learning and implementing new ideas and activities through this certification."

For more information about Buena Vista University's Title III grant please contact, Anne Dahlhauser at [email protected].