UNM Framework for Teaching and Learning Success
Introduction
The University of New Mexico is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, innovative, and impactful learning environment. This Framework for Teaching and Learning Success at UNM is a collaborative resource designed to enhance teaching, inspire growth, and provide structured guidance for professional development for educators, students, and staff.
Developed by the Faculty Senate Teaching Enhancement Committee,and endorsed by the full senate in April 2025, this framework highlights key teaching and learning principles at UNM. Rooted in educational research and informed by peer institutions, it offers evidence-based strategies and practical guidance aligned with UNM’s mission, values, and 2040 goals.
Purpose
This framework serves as a practical tool for strengthening and expanding educational experiences at UNM. By incorporating proven methodologies and best practices, it fosters active participation and continuous improvement in teaching and learning. It also reinforces UNM’s commitment to supporting and celebrating educators in their pursuit of teaching excellence. The Faculty Senate Teaching Enhancement Committee identified seven principles based on extensive research about teaching excellence and well-established teaching principles.
For a visual representation of these principles and their connections, we present them as a constellation shaped like a Lobo calling out to the pack. The Lobo constellation illustrates how the seven principles work together to support UNM educators and learners. No single star forms a constellation, and no single principle alone defines excellent teaching and learning. Each star is important, but together they form a larger picture that unites all Lobos in a shared mission. Wherever you are on your journey, we are all part of the same constellation shaping UNM’s learning community.
Shape the Future of Teaching and Learning at UNM: Educational excellence thrives through collaboration.
We are grateful to the Faculty Senate for endorsing this Framework and invite the entire UNM community to help advance it through these actions:
- Compile concrete examples that help educators and learners understand and apply the framework.
- Organize professional development opportunities so educators can easily identify offerings aligned with the framework and describe their own work in relation to it.
- Create clear, well-designed documents that make the framework accessible and highlight its value across campus.
Educator Actions
Engage in Active and Relevant Learning
Engage in learning that includes local, national, and international perspectives, enriching understanding and encouraging deeper participation. Connecting education to students’ real-life experiences and actively involving them in the learning process creates a more vibrant and meaningful environment for both students and teachers.
- Design interactive activities that engage students in applying concepts.
- Select resources that reflect students lived experiences to deepen relevance.
- Value and integrate knowledge students bring from their homes and communities.
Support and Opportunities
Undergraduate Research, Arts, and Design (URAD) Plug & Play Modules: Ready-to-use assignments introducing students to research and creative work.
Peer Learning Facilitator (PLF) Program: Trained undergraduate mentors embedded in courses to support learning.
Embedded Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (ECURE): Embeds course-based undergraduate research experiences across disciplines.
Academic Communities: Paired courses combining Gen Ed with transition skills for first-year students.
Examples
Coming soon!
Foster Open Communication and Assessment
Transparent communication and timely, thoughtful feedback clarify expectations, support learning, and provide opportunities for growth. A shared understanding between educators, learners, and administrators nurtures trust and academic success.
- Communicate expectations and grading criteria clearly.
- Select resources that reflect students lived experiences to deepen relevance.
- Hold regular, accessible drop-in or office hours.
Support and Opportunities
Office of Assessment & Academic Program Review (OAAPR): Oversees program assessment and supports continuous improvement across UNM.
Transparent Assignment Design: Guide for designing clear, student-centered assignments. Workshops also available.
Examples
Coming soon!
Embrace a Culture of Growth
A growth mindset, which includes adaptability and resilience, benefits students, educators, and administrators by encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, while fostering an environment where challenges can become opportunities.
- Communicate expectations and grading criteria clearly.
- Use growth-mindset language.
- Encourage curiosity and a willingness to explore.
Support and Opportunities
Peer Learning Facilitator (PLF) Program: Trained undergraduate mentors embedded in courses to support learning.
Student Experience Project (SEP): Builds belonging and engagement through evidence-based teaching practices.
Examples
Coming soon!
Cultivate Community
A sense of community enhances motivation, engagement, and collaboration. Students, educators, and administrators contribute to a supportive and welcoming learning environment by fostering connections.
- Build trust and mutual respect.
- Encourage student collaboration.
- Create classroom practices that support student and educator well-being.
Support and Opportunities
Faculty Communities of Practice (CoPs): Faculty cohorts sharing strategies for improving student success. Topics and schedule vary each semester.
Academic Communities: Paired courses combining Gen Ed with transition skills for first-year students.
Graduate Community Mentoring (GCM): Connects graduate students and faculty to foster effective mentoring.
Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color (PNMGC): Student-led program supporting graduate students of color through mentoring and community.
Examples
Coming soon!
Integrate Research-Centered and Experiential Learning
Integrating research-centered, community-engaged, inquiry-based, or experiential learning in coursework deepens understanding and cultivates skills that translate to real-world contexts. These practices help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and engagement with the world beyond the classroom.
- Promote inquiry and critical thinking.
- Use experiential strategies aligned to students’ goals.
- Integrate research and real-world problems into assignments.
Support and Opportunities
Leadership Innovation for Faculty Transformation (LIFT): Cohort experience to develop leadership in team research.
Undergraduate Research, Arts, and Design (URAD) Plug & Play Modules: Ready-to-use assignments introducing students to research and creative work.
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (UROC): Undergraduate conference for presenting research and creative projects.
Embedded Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (ECURE): Embeds course-based undergraduate research experiences across disciplines.
Arts & Sciences Support for Undergraduate Research Experience (ASSURE): Supports for undergraduate research in A&S.
Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE): Research training and support to prepare undergraduates for graduate school
Lobo GROW: Connects student employment to academic and career learning outcomes.
Office of Community Engagement and the Community Engagement Center: Support partnerships between UNM and local communities.
Education Abroad(GEO): Provides global education opportunities through study abroad and exchanges.
El Puente Research Fellowship and Ubuntu Research Fellowship: Provide cohorts and mentoring for undergraduate students preparing for graduate school.
Examples
Coming soon!
Support the Potential of All Learners
Understanding the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico helps students, faculty, and administrators advance UNM’s mission to serve both local and global communities. Supporting the potential of all learners encourages us to value different experiences and perspectives, leading to deeper discussions and increased knowledge.
- Include a range of perspectives so students both understand others’ experiences and reflect on their own.
- Design learning experiences that are accessible to all students.
- Select classroom resources that are accessible and affordable.
Support and Opportunities
Pedagogies of CARE: Workshop on compassionate and inclusive teaching.
Design Justice Matters: Workshop promoting equity-focused approaches to online learning design.
Conversations about Disability and Academia: Community of practices dialogue on accessibility and inclusive pedagogy.
Graduate Community Mentoring (GCM): Connects graduate students and faculty to foster effective mentoring.
Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color (PNMGC): Student-led program supporting graduate students of color through mentoring and community.
New Mexico Open Educational Resources (NMOER) Consortium: A UNM grown, statewide consortium that helps faculty adopt and create no-cost, high-quality learning materials.
Examples
Coming soon!
Practice Reflection and Continuous Improvement
Reflection supports learning and growth by helping individuals and institutions understand impact and adjust strategies. Ongoing self-reflection and making changes to support improvement enhance teaching, learning, and organizational excellence.
- Reflect on pedagogy and use assessment results to guide instructional improvement.
- Seek and act on student and peer feedback.
- Build structured opportunities for student reflection into coursework.
Support and Opportunities
Feedback that Counts: Workshop to support gathering and applying mid-semester student feedback.
Student Experience Project (SEP): Builds belonging and engagement through evidence-based teaching practices.
Examples
Coming soon!
Learner Actions
Engage in Active and Relevant Learning
Engage in learning that includes local, national, and international perspectives, enriching understanding and encouraging deeper participation. Connecting education to students’ real-life experiences and actively involving them in the learning process creates a more vibrant and meaningful environment for both students and teachers.
Participate actively with peers and instructor.
Engage with perspectives from local, national, and global contexts.
Share personal knowledge and experiences.
Foster Open Communication and Assessment
Transparent communication and timely, thoughtful feedback clarify expectations, support learning, and provide opportunities for growth. A shared understanding between educators, learners, and administrators nurtures trust and academic success.
Align work with course expectations.
Ask questions and seek clarification when needed.
Reflect on and apply feedback to improve.
Embrace a Culture of Growth
A growth mindset, which includes adaptability and resilience, benefits students, educators, and administrators by encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, while fostering an environment where challenges can become opportunities.
Embrace challenges.
Try varied strategies to discover what works.
Approach learning with curiosity and cultivate lifelong learning habits.
Cultivate Community
A sense of community enhances motivation, engagement, and collaboration. Students, educators, and administrators contribute to a supportive and welcoming learning environment by fostering connections.
Foster a positive classroom culture.
Work respectfully with peers.
Contribute to a respectful class environment that provides dignity to all learners.
Integrate Research-Centered and Experiential Learning
Integrating research-centered, community-engaged, inquiry-based, or experiential learning in coursework deepens understanding and cultivates skills that translate to real-world contexts. These practices help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and engagement with the world beyond the classroom.
Engage in inquiry and problem solving.
Connect coursework to real-world goals through internships, research, or community engagement.
Reflect on experiences and articulate the skills gained.
Support the Potential of All Learners
Understanding the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico helps students, faculty, and administrators advance UNM’s mission to serve both local and global communities. Supporting the potential of all learners encourages us to value different experiences and perspectives, leading to deeper discussions and increased knowledge.
Respect others’ experiences and perspectives.
Challenge differing ideas with civility and openness.
Acknowledge and value everyone’s contributions.
Practice Reflection and Continuous Improvement
Reflection supports learning and growth by helping individuals and institutions understand impact and adjust strategies. Ongoing self-reflection and making changes to support improvement enhance teaching, learning, and organizational excellence.
Think about your own learning process. What works and what could be improved?
Ask for and use feedback to improve.
Adjust your approaches as needed to improve your learning and strengthen your self-awareness.
Administrative Actions
Engage in Active and Relevant Learning
Engage in learning that includes local, national, and international perspectives, enriching understanding and encouraging deeper participation. Connecting education to students’ real-life experiences and actively involving them in the learning process creates a more vibrant and meaningful environment for both students and teachers.
Provide sustained professional development in active and participatory teaching methods.
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration to broaden perspectives and enrich curriculum.
Acknowledge and support multiple knowledge systems as integral to teaching and learning.
Foster Open Communication and Assessment
Transparent communication and timely, thoughtful feedback clarify expectations, support learning, and provide opportunities for growth. A shared understanding between educators, learners, and administrators nurtures trust and academic success.
Encourage adoption and use of clear syllabi, regular grading feedback, and LMS use.
Foster open communication across the learning community.
Promote trust-building through active listening and clear feedback channels.
Embrace a Culture of Growth
A growth mindset, which includes adaptability and resilience, benefits students, educators, and administrators by encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, while fostering an environment where challenges can become opportunities.
Champion formal and informal professional development in curriculum and instruction.
Welcome innovation, experimentation, and reflection.
Model a culture of growth and foster continuous improvement. Support processes, such as program assessment and review, that contribute to this culture.
Cultivate Community
A sense of community enhances motivation, engagement, and collaboration. Students, educators, and administrators contribute to a supportive and welcoming learning environment by fostering connections.
Encourage communities of practice around teaching.
Advocate for the engagement and participation of all students.
Promote connection and belonging across learning communities.
Integrate Research-Centered and Experiential Learning
Integrating research-centered, community-engaged, inquiry-based, or experiential learning in coursework deepens understanding and cultivates skills that translate to real-world contexts. These practices help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and engagement with the world beyond the classroom.
Support and scale experiential learning.
Support the recognition of faculty who integrate research and other high-impact practices.
Build community and industry partnerships.
Support the Potential of All Learners
Understanding the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico helps students, faculty, and administrators advance UNM’s mission to serve both local and global communities. Supporting the potential of all learners encourages us to value different experiences and perspectives, leading to deeper discussions and increased knowledge.
Champion actions that advance UNM’s mission to serve local and global communities.
Provide faculty with professional development to help all learners reach their potential.
Support curriculum design that broadens access and promotes student success.
Practice Reflection and Continuous Improvement
Reflection supports learning and growth by helping individuals and institutions understand impact and adjust strategies. Ongoing self-reflection and making changes to support improvement enhance teaching, learning, and organizational excellence.
Assure continuous improvement processes of program assessment, academic program review, and affirmation of accreditation.
Include student and faculty voices in reflective processes.
Promote meaningful feedback and celebrate improvement.
Quick Links
UNM Framework for Teaching and Learning Success Co-authors
Justine Andrews, Associate Professor, Art and Art History, College of Fine Arts • Cheryl Bryan, Associate Professor, Chair of Social Sciences, Psychology, UNM-Valencia • Eva Y. Chi, Professor, Associate Dean, Chemical and Biological Engineering, School of Engineering • Magdalena Vazquez Dathe, Assistant Director for Teaching Support at CTL • Caitlin Lippitt, Senior Lecturer III, Geography & Environmental Studies, College of Arts and Sciences • Colin Olson, Principal Lecturer III, Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences • Jennifer Pollard, Assistant Director for Teaching Support at CTL • Cristina Reiser, Senior Lecturer III, Economics, College of Arts and Sciences • Heidi H Rogers, Clinician Educator, Associate Professor, College of Nursing • Steven Romero, Assistant Professor, English, UNM-Valencia • Jessica C Rowland, Senior Lecturer II, Sustainability Studies Program, College of Arts and Sciences • Stephanie Spong, Senior Operations Manager, Center for Teaching and Learning • Rose M Vallejo, Clinician Educator, Assistant Professor, Orthopedics Physical Therapy, School of Medicine • Shannon Withycombe, Associate Professor, History, College of Arts and Sciences
