Certificate in University Teaching
The Certificate in University Teaching (CUT) supports instructors, teaching assistants, and staff in developing their educational practice and enhancing the learning experiences they create for students.
The program explores evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning, including principles of adult education and learner-centred pedagogy, while providing opportunities to reflect on and apply these ideas within participants' own contexts.
The program runs annually from September to April. Registration for the 2026-2027 offering is now open!
Sign up for the 2026-2027 Certificate in University Teaching program!
Registration for both streams is open until September 15, 2026.
This program is open to instructors, postdoctoral fellows, graduate teaching assistants, doctoral and master's students, and staff at Ontario Tech.
Two program streams are available: an Instructor Stream and a TA + Staff Stream.
Instructor Stream
Open to full-time and sessional instructors, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral students.
This stream includes six (6) asynchronous modules and three (3) synchronous workshops.
Upon completion of the instructor CUT stream, participants will:
- Design a course, including learning outcomes, assessments, and course learning activities, based on principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
- Select instructional strategies that best support learning in specific contexts.
- Deliver content that is accessible, engaging, and inclusive for diverse learners.
- Apply best practices for integrating technology in various modes of instruction.
TA + Staff Stream
Open to master's students, graduate teaching assistants, and staff members.
This stream includes five (5) asynchronous modules and three (3) synchronous workshops.
Upon completion of the TA + staff CUT stream, participants will:
- Design a learning experience, including learning outcomes, assessments, and learning activities, based on principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
- Deliver content that is accessible, engaging, and inclusive for diverse audiences.
- Apply best practices for effective, professional, and inclusive communication.
To successfully obtain the Certificate in University Teaching, participants in both streams must also complete:
- The associated assessment for each module with a minimum score of 70% in each.
- A final assessment with a minimum score of 70%.
- A final teaching presentation, in April 2027, with a minimum score of 70%.
Participants will also be required to:
- Attend one (1) TLC workshop from the Educational Technology category
- Attend one (1) TLC workshop from the Inclusive Teaching category
- Attend one (1) TLC workshop from the Special Topics category
You’ll receive information about the workshop categories and available sessions at the start of the semester.
Important Notes
- Modules and content will be delivered through a Canvas Catalog course. Participants will be added to the course upon enrolment in the program.
- The mandatory synchronous workshops are not delivered via the Canvas course, and must be registered for separately. More information will be provided once the program starts.
When will CUT be offered for 2026-2027?
The 2026–2027 Certificate in University Teaching (CUT) program will run from September 2026 to April 2027.
When does the registration period open/close?
Registration for both CUT streams is open until September 15, 2026.
Which stream should I enroll in?
- Instructor Stream: Open to full-time and sessional instructors, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral students.
- TA + Staff Stream: Open to master's students, graduate teaching assistants, and staff members.
If you are unsure which stream is right for you, please contact instructionalsupport@ontariotechu.ca for guidance.
Is there a cost to enroll in CUT?
No. There is no cost to participate in the Certificate in University Teaching program for members of the Ontario Tech community.
Is this program open to external participants?
At this time, the Certificate in University Teaching (CUT) program is available only to current members of the Ontario Tech community.
When will CUT modules be released?
One CUT module will be released per month.
- Instructor Stream: September 2026 to February 2027
- TA + Staff Stream: September 2026 to March 2027
No modules will be released in December to accommodate the final examination period and university closure.
How long do I have to complete each module?
Each module will require approximately 3-5 hours to complete. Participants will have approximately two weeks to complete each module and its associated assessment after it is released.
Requests for extensions can be sent to the module instructor.
How long do I have to complete the CUT program requirements and earn the certificate?
While most participants complete the program within a single offering (September to April), the Certificate in University Teaching may be completed within two (2) years of initial registration.
Participants interested in an extended completion pathway are encouraged to connect with the CUT facilitators at instructionalsupport@ontariotechu.ca to discuss their options.
Is there a final or culminating assessment?
Yes. As part of the Certificate in University Teaching program, participants are required to complete a culminating assessment. Depending on their stream, participants will submit either an annotated lesson plan or a course map and present a portion of their work during a final presentation held in April 2027.
Additional details and guidelines will be shared throughout the program.
Are there mandatory workshops?
Yes. In addition to completing the self-paced modules, participants are required to attend a three synchronous workshops as part of the Certificate in University Teaching program.
Where can I register for mandatory workshops?
Workshop registration will open in August through the Instructional Support Workshops page.
While you may attend as many workshops as you wish, only certain sessions are eligible for the mandatory workshop attendance requirement. Please review the guidelines carefully once the program starts.
Will I receive a certificate and/or digital badges?
Participants will receive digital badges as they complete individual program modules.
The Certificate in University Teaching is awarded upon successful completion of all program requirements, including the modules, mandatory workshops, and culminating assessment.