Introduction

The purpose of teaching centers like Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) is faculty development. The development of teaching centers has been one way universities have responded to public criticism of higher education. From CRLT’s beginning, its staff regularly published research findings in national journals. In the years 1963–1993, the majority of professional staff were faculty or research scientists, so research and publishing were essential for their tenure and promotion, and they focused on it accordingly. CRLT reports to the senior vice provost, who has been a stalwart ally. The conclusion, “Responding to Challenges Faced by Teaching Centers at Research Universities,” is a compendium of advice from colleagues who are part of the CIC and Ivy League Plus teaching center directors groups and experienced practitioners who have a long history of involvement with faculty development. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.