UTDC Mission and History

Mission

UTDC will enhance teaching development and delivery at VUW to improve the quality and flexibility of learning.

Means

To do this, we will provide individuals and groups with comprehensive professional development and consultation, supported by research, evaluation and policy development.

History

The University Teaching Development Centre (UTDC) was established in 1973 as an autonomous academic unit with responsibility to the University Council through the Vice-Chancellor. The initial funding for the Centre was provided by the McKenzie Education Foundation, which also provided much of the encouragement for establishing the Centre (then named the University Teaching and Research Centre). Since 1979, the Centre has been fully funded by the University. The initial conception was that the Centre would provide both staff development and research support in relation to the teaching role of academic staff. These activities still remain at the core of the work of the Centre, although its functions have expanded to include responsibility for the development and administration of the student evaluation system.

The staffing of the UTDC has undergone a number of changes over the past 30+ years. It currently has an establishment of nine fulltime equivalent staff (including five part time positions) following the transfer of two staff from the Educational Technology Development Group of Information Technology Services at the beginning of 2000. In addition to strengthening the wider professional development capabilities of the UTDC, this amalgamation has improved the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching technology support.

The Centre remains independent of any faculty or group in the University and is responsible to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic) for its activities.