Higher Education Teaching Citation

When applying for jobs, it’s important to find ways for applicants to distinguish themselves from other applicants. In addition to research and academic work, having credentials that show commitment to teaching in higher education can help with this.

The Higher Education Teaching Citation program allows graduate students to earn a transcript citation and documentation of completion. Postdoctoral fellows can earn documentation of completion.

This program gives graduate students and postdoctoral fellows a structured, self-study, professional development opportunity about teaching. Participants will learn about:

  • Course design
  • Classroom pedagogy
  • Learner-centered teaching practices

Participants will also research effective teaching practices and apply their learning, then reflect on the process by creating a portfolio.

This program offers two levels:

Students can earn a transcript citation/documentation of completion for each level.

All graduate students and postdoctoral fellows can complete Level One, regardless of prior teaching experience. However, to complete Level Two, participants need experience working with undergraduate or graduate students in an educational setting.

All University of Rochester graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are eligible to participate.

Program Details

Level One: Foundations of Teaching

Level one is designed for all graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, regardless of teaching background or experience, and meant to provide a foundation in undergraduate- and graduate-level teaching.

To successfully complete level one, participants complete a set of learning activities related to teaching in higher education, complete a project to demonstrate learning, and submit a portfolio for review. Level one is designed to take approximately 36-40 hours to complete.

Level Two: Advanced Teaching

Level two requires participants to have experience working with undergraduate or graduate students in an educational setting, and can only be started after level one has been completed.

For level two, participants complete additional learning activities and assemble a teaching portfolio that includes a teaching statement and evidence of effective teaching. Level two is designed to take approximately 15 hours to complete.

Participation Logistics

Participants interested in the Higher Education Teaching Citation must first register online.

The Teaching Center will notify participants of eligibility and add eligible participants to the Higher Education Teaching Citation Blackboard organization.

Participants move through the requirements of the program at their own pace, compiling and submitting a portfolio to document completion. Any questions that come up during this process can be addressed to the Teaching Center, who will answer logistical questions and forward any school-specific questions to the appropriate representative on the Higher Education Teaching Citation Committee.

Individual schools review and certify completion, and, for graduate students, the Teaching Center submits a transcript citation request to the Registrar. Both graduate students and postdoctoral fellows will receive a documentation of completion.

Submitting Your Work

Requirements for the final portfolio are outlined in Blackboard.

Portfolios must be submitted at least three months prior to participants’ degree conferral date or completion of postdoctoral fellowship. This allows schools to review and approve the portfolios and allows time for revisions if necessary. Permission for submissions on a shorter timeframe must be approved by the school.

Transcript citations and documentation of completion cannot be earned after degree conferral date or completion date of postdoctoral fellowship.

Participants are encouraged to add this citation to their CV, LinkedIn, and other professional profiles for greater visibility as transcript citations may not be visible in all job search processes.

Once Level One is complete, Level Two requirements can be completed in Blackboard. The deadlines and approval processes for Level Two are the same as Level One.

Questions and Contact Information

Please contact the Teaching Center with any questions. They will be able to answer any logistical questions and can forward any school-specific questions to the appropriate representative on the Higher Education Teaching Citation Committee.

Higher Education Teaching Citation Committee

Committee members by school: