Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning FCTL

Advancing Educational Excellence at UMB

The Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is dedicated to advancing evidence-based teaching, learning, and evaluation practices across the University community. As a central resource for all UMB schools, the center provides support and resources for faculty to enhance their teaching and improve student learning outcomes.

Our Mission

Established in 2019 as part of the UMB strategic planning process, the FCTL's mission is to support and empower current and aspiring faculty through comprehensive development programs, innovative teaching practices, and a collaborative community of practice. We aim to enhance teaching excellence, foster professional growth, and contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning, ultimately improving student learning outcomes and promoting an inclusive and engaging educational environment. 

What We Offer

The FCTL is a hub of teaching excellence, offering a wide range of programs, services, and resources, and actively contributing to the scholarship of teaching and learning. Here are some of the ways we support faculty at UMB.

What's Happening

Check out some of our latest news along with upcoming programs and events.

Digital Accessibility Spring Cleaning Workshops

Join the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning for our Digital Accessibility Spring Cleaning workshops—two hands‑on sessions designed to help you make your course materials more accessible.

• January 8, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM | Add to calendar
• January 9, 2026 | 1:30 – 3:00 PM | Add to calendar

Why these workshops matter: your Blackboard ALLY score is a useful starting point, but with new accessibility rulings the goal is now full compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. ALLY is helpful but not perfect, so these sessions will give you practical techniques for Word, PowerPoint, PDFs, Blackboard, and media to build accessibility into your workflow from the start. As courses evolve, faculty play a key role in maintaining accessibility, and partnering together ensures students consistently have equitable access to materials.