Teaching Awards & Grants

SMU's emphasis on great teaching is reflected in numerous School and University-wide teaching awards. Some of the university-wide teaching recognitions are listed below; for information about these, contact the Office of the Provost.

• The Altshuler Distinguished Teacher Award, administered by the CTE, recognizes four outstanding teachers from across the University each year. Each award recipient serves a two year term as a member of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers.
• Distinguished University Citizen Award
• The Golden Mustang Outstanding Faculty Award
• United Methodist Church University Scholar-Teacher of the Year
• President's Associates Outstanding Faculty Award

Course development grants

Faculty members may obtain financial support for developing new courses or courses addressing certain areas. For example, course development grants are available from the Human Rights Program and the Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility.

Support for national awards

The Office of National Fellowships and Awards supports faculty in seeking competitive teaching and/or research awards and fellowships. Click Here to learn more.

Teaching technology grants

The Office of the Provost supports innovating use of technology in teaching by awarding Instructional Technology Grants. All full-time faculty are eligible to apply.

Instructional technology, including podcasting and coursecasting

SMU's Academic Computing Services provides university-wide information and support for instructional technology. ACS's areas of focus include: classroom technology support; course management systems (such as Blackboard); multimedia and web support; software training for faculty and staff; and assistance for mathematical and statistical software. Click Here to learn more.

Student Technology Assistants in Residence (STAR)

SMU's STAR program allows faculty to request a student assistant for short-term teaching technology assistance.

President's Partners Grants

These grants are drawn from a fund created by direct contributions from SMU faculty and staff members to support the work of their colleagues and enhance the student experience. Past grant recipients received funds to purchase four Geiger Counters for physics laboratories, financial support for the Second Annual SMU Civil Rights Pilgrimage, and a variety of instructional technology devices. Click Here to learn more.