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Innovative Teaching & Learning Programs

CSU Innovative Teaching and Learning Programs (ITLP) is devoted to promoting the highest standards of university teaching and to fostering faculty professional growth and collaboration throughout the CSU's 22 universities. ITLP broadly defines faculty professional growth to encompass the multiple roles of faculty relating to teaching; research, scholarship and creative activity; and service.


Learning Innovation for Future-Forward Teaching (LIFT)

LIFT supports faculty in designing, testing, and sharing teaching innovations that intentionally embed durable skills into undergraduate courses and programs, helping students learn, adapt, and thrive in twenty-first century work and life.

The inaugural Call for Proposals sparked tremendous interest from faculty throughout the California State University. Award selections have been made, and funded projects are now launching during the 2026–27 academic year.

View the 2026–27 LIFT Awarded Projects

Making Durable Skills Visible in the Curriculum: Featuring Dr. Niesha Taylor of NACE, this webinar explores why durable skills matter for student success and how to embed them into disciplinary teaching, with practical examples from CSU faculty.



Teaching First Generation College Students

CSU faculty tap students’ cultural strengths to foster connection and belonging across learning environments. Apply now for this June’s online institute, Inclusive Teaching for First-Generation Student Success. Deadline: April 28, 2026.



Transparent Teaching

Educators across the CSU are using the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework to help students strengthen their sense of belonging and develop greater agency in their learning.



Educational Innovation with AI

CSU faculty are thoughtfully integrating generative AI into teaching and learning. Explore the Faculty section of the CSU AI Commons to find examples of faculty-led innovation, professional learning opportunities, and resources to support responsible, creative incorporation of AI into learning and thinking.



Mental Health First Aid

More than 1,200 CSU faculty have become certified in Mental Health First Aid, strengthening their ability to support the well-being of students and campus communities.


Connecting Educators, Inspiring Innovation

The CSU’s 22 campuses are home to a dynamic community of educators working together to reimagine teaching and learning. Explore how centers for teaching and learning, faculty developers, and campus partners collaborate to inspire innovation and support faculty and students alike.

Get to Know Us

Amplify

Share the contributions CSU faculty and faculty developers are making toward the continuous improvement of teaching and learning.

Discover Our Great Work

Participate

Find out about opportunities for ongoing improvement in teaching and learning at the CSU and beyond.

Join the Fun

CSU Symposia on Teaching and Learning

Periodically faculty from all 22 universities convene to celebrate innovative, equity-minded teaching and learning.

Learn about Past Symposia


Small Changes, Big Impact: TILT toward Student Success

Want to boost student success with minimal effort? TILT (Transparency in Learning and Teaching) is a simple framework that transforms how students experience courses and other interactions with educators. Research shows that making just two assignments more transparent supports learning while significantly increasing student belonging, confidence, and persistence and enhancing teaching satisfaction.

In this hands-on workshop, you'll:

  • Discover the research behind TILT's proven impact on student success
  • Practice applying the TILT framework to real assignment examples
  • Transform your own assignment or interaction protocol using practical TILT strategies
  • Leave with tools to immediately implement transparency in your teaching

Perfect for faculty and student support staff who want maximum impact from minimum effort. Come ready to TILT your teaching toward student success!

This interactive workshop was held on Friday, September 19, 2025.

View the Workshop


Mental Health First Aid Training for CSU Faculty

Join over 1,400 CSU faculty who have become certified in Mental Health First Aid to be prepared to support wellbeing for students and everyone in our communities. This training, facilitated by CSU faculty and offered online, teaches participants to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Registration for the Spring 2026 Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training cohorts is now full and closed. Please look out for more trainings offered in the future.