Drexel University’s Teaching and Learning Center and Universidad del Sagrado Corazón’s Pedagogical Innovation Unit have received a DEI grant from the Professional and Organizational Developers Network (POD). Grant funds will support the incorporation of equitable and inclusive teaching practices at Sagrado and expand Drexel’s Teaching and Learning Center’s impact by drawing on its experience and expertise building new teaching centers and programs.

Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (Sagrado) is a private, non-profit, higher education institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sagrado is a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), with 100% of students identifying as Hispanic and a significant proportion qualifying as low-income. Sagrado offers Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and professional certificates in five academic units. Sagrado is the oldest private continuing educational institution in Puerto Rico.

In the 2021-22 academic year, the Teaching and Learning Center collaborated with the Graduate College, Online Learning Council, and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to pilot a Certificate in College Teaching. This non-credit program provides Drexel University graduate students and postdocs with the experience and key materials to help them become more effective instructors in higher education. The flexible asynchronous online structure of the program helps participants to develop pedagogical skills, learn best practices, and formally document their professional development. The completion of the program recognizes participants' commitment to effective teaching and culminates in the development of teaching philosophy or teaching portfolio.