Christopher Haufler KU Core Innovation Award

Named in honor of Dr. Christopher Haufler, a longtime champion of academic excellence at KU, this award celebrates forward-thinking approaches to curriculum design, pedagogy, and student learning. Eligible courses should showcase exemplary models of teaching through innovative instructional methods, the development of compelling signature assignments, the integration of high-impact practices (such as research and service learning), and/or effective assessment strategies. The award may also recognize well-designed plans for assessing and improving student learning in innovative ways. 

A $3,000 award, funded by the Office of the Provost, is granted to the recipient’s academic department to support initiatives in teaching, learning, and assessment. Recipient(s) are also recognized by the Provost at the Center for Teaching Excellence's Teaching Summit in August.

Nomination Process:

To nominate a course, individuals should submit: 

• A 1-2 page description outlining inventive strategies that enhance student achievement of KU Core 34 or capstone learning outcomes and demonstrating how assessment data informs the continuous improvement of the course and/or student learning. 

• A course syllabus and relevant assignments that showcase the achievement of student learning outcomes. 

Please send all nominations to kucore@ku.edu by April 11, 2025.

Selection Criteria:

UCCC reviews nominates and selects the award winners. Nominations will be evaluated based on the following: 

• Innovation in Course & Assignment Design: Use of creative and engaging teaching methods. 
• Alignment of Learning Outcomes: Demonstrated student success in achieving KU Core 34 or capstone course learning goals. 
• Student Engagement & Active Learning: Incorporation of interactive and participatory learning strategies including high impact practices (e.g. undergraduate research, service learning). 

• Assessment & Documentation: Evidence of student learning outcomes and a process for continuous course improvement.