Mission and Vision Statement
The SUNY Poly Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) is dedicated to fostering a culture of teaching excellence, innovation, and inclusive learning. We support faculty in designing effective, engaging, and equitable learning experiences that empower students to succeed in a dynamic academic environment. Through collaboration, professional development, and evidence-based practices, we advance the scholarship and practice of teaching across all disciplines.
All faculty are automatically enrolled in the Teaching and Learning Center Brightspace organization. The organization contains all of the information and activities offered by the TLC.
What We Do / Services Overview
Mission and Scope
The TLC supports instructional excellence, innovation, and inclusive teaching practices across all academic programs. It serves faculty, instructional staff, and teaching assistants through consultations, workshops, funding, and resource development.
Access and Eligibility
TLC services are available to all faculty, instructors, adjuncts, graduate teaching assistants, and staff involved in teaching. Some programs or funds may be limited to specific groups and will be clearly noted in associated materials.
Workshop and Event Participation
Participation in TLC workshops and events is free and open to eligible users. Advance registration is encouraged and sometimes required due to space limitations for some events. Attendees are expected to engage respectfully and contribute to a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Individual Consultations
One-on-one or small-group consultations are available by appointment. Topics include syllabus design, teaching strategies, assessment development, technology integration, and course accessibility, among others. Individual consultations are always confidential.
Faculty Development Funds
TLC offers limited funding for workshops, training courses, instructional innovation, online course development, and scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL).
Resource Sharing and Copyright
All TLC-created resources (e.g., guides, handouts, videos) are created under the Creative Commons license.
Technology Support
TLC provides guidance on instructional technologies (e.g., LMS tools, lecture capture, academic integrity tools). Technical troubleshooting or equipment support may be referred to IT services when necessary.
Signature Programs or Initiatives
TLC Offers:
TLC offers limited funding for workshops, training courses, instructional innovation, online course development, and scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL).
The SUNY Poly Teaching and Learning Center Book Club Series invites faculty and staff to engage in thoughtful conversations around books that explore teaching, learning, and academic experience. This informal, collegial series offers a space for reflection on new ideas, sharing diverse perspectives, and connecting with colleagues across disciplines. Whether you're a frequent reader or simply curious, everyone is welcome to join the discussion and be part of a community dedicated to continuous growth and discovery.
The SUNY Poly Teaching and Learning Center’s Lunch and Learn Series offers informal, interactive sessions where faculty and staff can explore timely teaching topics, share best practices, and connect over lunch. These hour-long gatherings foster a supportive community of educators while providing practical strategies to enhance teaching and student learning in a relaxed, conversational setting. All are welcome—bring your lunch and your curiosity!
The SUNY Poly Teaching and Learning Center’s Coffee Talk Series offers a casual, open space for faculty and staff to discuss teaching experiences, challenges, and ideas over a cup of coffee. These informal conversations encourage connection, reflection, and peer support, with no set agenda—just meaningful dialogue about what matters most in the classroom. Whether you're seeking advice, sharing a success, or just looking to connect, Coffee Talk is a welcoming place to be part of the teaching community.
One-on-one or small-group consultations are available by appointment. Topics include syllabus design, teaching strategies, assessment development, technology integration, and course accessibility, among others. Consultations are always confidential.
A Faculty Learning Community (FLC) is a group of faculty members who collaborate over a set period, typically a semester or year, to enhance their teaching practices and foster professional growth. These communities provide a supportive environment for faculty to engage in discussions, share ideas, and develop new pedagogical approaches.
From time to time the TLC will offer guest lecture sessions of interest to the SUNY Poly faculty.
Meet the Team
TLC Co-Directors
- Rick Shelton: sheltor@sunypoly.edu
- Sarah Elacqua: elacqusj1@sunypoly.edu
Teaching Resources
- The TLC offers a curated list of popular handouts, guides, or toolkits is available for faculty in the Teaching and Learning Center Brightspace organization.
- Topics like syllabus design, active learning, inclusive teaching, substantive interaction, or using LMS tools effectively.
- OSCQR rubric information
- Since the TLC is collocated with the Office of Distance Learning there are several audio/video production studios available for use in developing course materials. The studios are designed for podcasting and streaming as well as presentation production. Additionally, there is a lightboard studio for producing vibrant eye-catching videos and a small classroom. For anyone needing to create or modify documents to meet accessibility requirements the computers have Adobe Acrobat to edit PDFs and there is a scanner for books to help improve readability. All computers will be linked to a small printer/scanner with OCR software for production of accessible documents. (Coming Soon) The center offers a kitchenette with a microwave, sink, small refrigerator, and coffee machine for patron use.
- All rooms can be reserved for use via LibCal
- The five production studios include:
- Professional microphones
- Headsets
- Greenscreens
- Computers with various editing software
- Ring lights
- Webcams
- Adjustable desks and chairs
- Whiteboards
- Document cameras
- Lightboard Studio
- Computer
- Editing software
- Professional camera and microphone
- Classroom
- Suitable for groups up to 15
- Can be booked after hours by faculty and club sponsors
- 86-inch smartboard
- Computer
- Speakers
- Webcams
- Microphones
- Adjustable seating and tables
- Additional seating includes a couch and two beanbag chairs
- Mood lighting lamps
- Tables with charging and power ports
- Whiteboard
- Suitable for groups up to 15
- The five production studios include:
