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Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning Benefits

For Graduate Students and Postdocs, and Faculty Participants

  • The certificate curriculum provides an organized, well-defined professional development curriculum culminating in a tangible credential documenting accomplishments.
  • Many of the courses in the certificate curriculum require participants to develop, and get feedback on, materials for their job search process in higher education and the courses they will teach once employed.
  • Participants in the Certificate curriculum have the information to enable them to better prepare for a faculty position that is a good match with their goals and values.
  • Course work and experiences in the certificate curriculum help participants develop skills that can lower their stress in teaching and provide more time for other activities of faculty life — and life as a graduate student or postdoc.

For Faculty and Departments

The Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning can:

  • assist recruitment efforts. Scores of universities, including eighteen of UK 's benchmark institutions, have certificates in college teaching (or equivalent funded fellowships). Lack of a credential certificate could negatively effect efforts to attract the best and brightest graduate students.
  • improve job placement for graduates. A Certificate adds additional credentialing that can prove critical in obtaining a first faculty position, thus enhancing the long-term reputation of graduate faculty.
  • provide recognition for graduate student professional development and teaching-related efforts. A Certificate also provides recognition to faculty for the work they do in providing professional development opportunities for graduate students.
  • provide additional resources and avenues for TA Development and PFF efforts. While many of the courses for the Certificate are in place now, the addition of a structured mentored practicum experience and the possibility of independent R&D work add additional options for departmental efforts.
  • provide incentives to graduate students for enhancing their teaching skills now. Enhancing the teaching skills of graduate students now enhances the experiences of their undergraduate students at UK .
  • provide opportunities for increased dialogue among students and faculty around issues of academic life and college teaching.

For the University of Kentucky

Indirectly, this Certificate can lead to:

  • improved undergraduate instruction .
  • recognition as an institution that values graduate student development.
  • enhanced reputation as major university .
  • a stronger graduate student/postdoc body .
  • stronger recognition of UK 's role as an institution that fosters quality instruction .

For Kentucky

Many faculty at Kentucky 's community colleges, colleges, and universities received their doctoral or terminal degrees at UK. These graduates, who teach our K-12 teachers, our future state legislators, and others who have an impact on culture and educational quality in the state, are central improving the range of educational experience in Kentucky . Improving their success is a long-term investment in the future of the Commonwealth.

For more information, contact the Certificate Coordinator, Dr. Morris Grubbs, at morris.grubbs@uky.edu or (859) 257-9725.

The 2024 Annual Safety and Security Report includes the latest statistics for 2023, as well as statistics from 2022 and 2021 concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by UK; and on public property immediately adjacent to campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security. You can access the report at police.uky.edu/get-informed/annual-safety-security-reports. Paper copies will be provided upon request.

The 2024 Annual Fire Safety Report includes statistics for the three previous calendar years concerning reported fires in on-campus student housing facilities, such as residence halls, Greek housing, graduate housing, or at any facility designated as a place of residence for students. The report also includes a description of fire safety systems; yearly fire drills; policies on portable electrical appliances, furniture, decorations, bicycles/motorized scooters, and open flames; evacuation procedures; policies on fire safety education and training; and contact information. You can access the report at ehs.uky.edu/docs/pdf/fs_annual_fire_safety_report_2024_01.pdf. Paper copies will be provided upon request.

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) requires co-educational institutions of higher education that participate in federal student aid and have intercollegiate athletic programs to prepare an annual EADA report. The Report on Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Data includes athletic participation, staffing, revenues and expenses for men's and women's teams. You can access the report at uknow.uky.edu/files/report-athletic-program-participation-rates-and-financial-support-data-fy24pdf. Paper copies will be provided upon request.

University of Kentucky Graduate School
Ezra Gillis Building
502 Administration Drive
Lexington, KY 40506-0033
859-257-4613

For contact information organized by function, please visit our "Who Does What" page.  For a comprehensive staff listing, please visit our Staff Directory.

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