New center opens the doors to academic innovation and exploration

Students, faculty & staff explore the AIC during grand opening

The Academic Innovation Center (AIC) officially opened its doors on January 25, 2023. The division of Academic Innovation welcomed faculty, students and special guests to explore new academic technologies like virtual reality, participate in Adobe Creative Campus activities, and tour the collaborative workspace. 

"Facilitating innovative, impactful faculty pedagogy advances student learning and vice vera, which is at the heart of academic success," said Kimberly Andrews Espy, UTSA’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "We have made the resources for student and faculty success visible and accessible by locating the AIC in the heart of the Academic Success District and near the Tomás Rivera Center for Academic Excellence."

The AIC is home to Academic Innovation's Office of Teaching, Learning & Digital Transformation (TLDT). The office supports faculty in course enhancement and design, professional development activities, and numerous other functions at the intersection of teaching and learning, innovative pedagogy, and educational technology. 

"The AIC is a place for faculty, students and staff to imagine and create ways to transform pedagogy and student engagement," said Melissa Vito, vice provost of academic innovation. "TLDT helps faculty find and implement the latest resources and best practices to meet the evolving needs of students."

The AIC anchors TLDT's development, training and support programs. Faculty can participate in professional development programs and peer networking events, attend coffee and teaching support hours, and take advantage of partnerships, grants, and microcredential learning sessions. TLDT staff also provide personalized faculty consultation sessions on integrating pedagogical best practices and universal design into courses. 

Since 2021, TLDT has assisted in redesigning and enhancing more than 8,000 courses. In 2022 alone, more than 1,000 faculty took part in over 60 development and curricula enhancement programs. 

Students also have access to Academic Innovation pop-up events focused on exploring academic technologies and expanding their skills and knowledge through classroom-to-career readiness workshops. For example, Adobe is holding a special event in the AIC in late February that allows students to use Adobe tools to design and create laser-engraved items. 

To learn more about upcoming AIC events, follow Academic Innovation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

Visit the AIC in MS240 across from the Tomás Rivera Center for Academic Excellence. 

Watch now: Faculty, staff and students explore the Academic Innovation Center