As a Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher learning, Canisius College is committed to fostering the pursuit of excellence in the academic, moral, spiritual, and social activities of all members of the college community. In the spirit of noblesse oblige, the college also strives to promote a philosophy of life that places great value on service to others, modeling exemplary behavior, and the common good to be obtained by making positive contributions to human progress.
The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), as the primary instrument of the college for faculty development, espouses this spirit and seeks to infuse it into all faculty endeavors in the classroom, on campus, in the community, or in the world beyond.
The CTE views its mission as a holistic enterprise encompassing three areas of faculty activity: first, and primary, the academic sphere of teaching, learning, and professional practice; second, the personal sphere of physical, mental and moral "wellness;" and third, the interactive sphere of positive role modeling and service to others.
In the academic realm, the CTE seeks to foster an educational environment where teaching and learning are highly valued and highly effective. To accomplish this the Center maintains a library of print and media resources related to all aspects of teaching and learning. In addition, the CTE conducts or co-sponsors a wide range of development activities and services such as workshops, symposia, mentoring, discussion groups, classroom observations, confidential consultations, etc. to enhance excellence in teaching and learning. Through its state-of-the-art multimedia training lab, the CTE also provides faculty with the hardware, software, and technical training needed to bring the full potential of new media to bear on teaching and learning.
In the personal realm, the CTE promotes the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis whereby faculty members are encouraged to pursue personal physical, moral, and spiritual "wellness" through events conducted or co-sponsored by the Center. This is deemed important because the energy, stamina, will power, and values needed to achieve true excellence in teaching begin with self-respect.
In the interpersonal realm, the CTE sponsors social and educational group activities to stimulate active minds and to enhance friendships and morale among faculty, administrators, staff, students, families, and friends. The Center also promotes outreach activities where, in the Jesuit tradition of being "a person for others," a faculty member seeking to go beyond professional excellence can volunteer time, expertise, and skills to the betterment of the community and those in need.
In conclusion, the Center for Teaching Excellence seeks to assist all members of the faculty in attaining the gratifications of high professional achievement, and the fullness of life and sense of personal worth to be derived from combining academic pursuits with love and respect for one's self and for others.