Mission

The Center for Instructional Innovation (CII) is dedicated to the enhancement of teaching and learning on the campus of Western Washington University. The Center promotes discussion and debate about teaching and learning, provides support to faculty in instructional innovation and course development, and helps nurture a culture of educational innovation and instructional excellence across disciplines.

Under the direction of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the CII is involved in the implementation of programs that directly affect undergraduate education at Western. Among these are the First-year Interest Group Program, and the General Education Program.

History

The Center for Instructional Innovation was started in 1997-98. A faculty and student task force shaped the vision for the CII as they recognized the need for institutional support in curricular transformation integrating sound pedagogy with new technologies. This vision is taking shape at a time of rapid change in the environment of higher education, and the Center will assist faculty in meeting the changes they will face in the teaching/learning environment of tomorrow.

Crossing the boundaries of discipline and college, the CII works with the entire campus community to insure that the best instructional practices are promoted and supported. Working closely with the Office of Institutional Assessment, Research, and Testing, Wilson Library, the colleges, departments, and the Office of the Provost, the CII provides leadership, resources, and assistance to Western’s most critical mission—teaching and learning.