Offices
Center for Academic Innovation Transformation
Offices
Contact And Location
Academic Calendar
Welcome to The Center for Academic Innovation & Transformation (CAIT)
Excellence in Teaching & Learning!!
Huston-Tillotson University has a mission to provide its increasingly diverse student body with an exemplary education that is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, balanced with professional development. Our vision is preparing leaders in a connected world where diversity of thought matters.
Through innovative & transformative initiatives, HT transforms lives through a dynamic educational experience that values academic EXCELLENCE!
Help us welcome our new CAIT Director: Dr. Carla Liau
Dr. Liau has joined the Huston-Tillotson University family as the Director of the Center for Academic Innovation & Transformation. She holds a Virtual Instructor Certificate from Texas A&M University & a Peer Reviewer Course Certificate from Quality Matter. Dr. Liau has a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Lima University, Peru; a Master’s degree in Education from McNeese State University, Lake Charles, LA; and a Doctoral degree in Educational Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University.
Carla is truly excited to join the Huston-Tillotson University family, and she looks forward to collaborating with you all to advance innovative teaching and learning experiences. Her email is cliauhing@htu.edu and you can also reach her at cait@htu.edu
Visit her LinkedIn to learn more about her or see some Samples to get some inspiration.
Apple - Golden Apple Teacher: Cohort 4 - Spring 2026
Interested in Apple Teacher Resources. Teaching Innovation, Service, Research and Engagement?
You will receive $1000 incentive and Apple device (MacBook or iPad) and priority use of Apple iMac Lab classroom instruction.
TIMELINE
Proposal Deadline and Review Process: Jan 15, 2026
Acceptance Reception: Jan 30, 2026
Professional Learning Plan: Spring – Summer & Course Implementation during Fall 2026
SXSW free badge & $500 incentive
FULL-TIME FACULTY & STAFF:
Are you interested in a FREE SXSW EDU Badge and an additional $500 incentive for sharing the knowledge you gain?
Get inspired by the powerful conversations and thought leaders at SXSW EDU. Connect with passionate educators from around the world and share your experiences with colleagues during April–May and August–December 2026!
Learn more about SXSW EDU 2026 . Explore the conference schedule, featured sessions, mentoring programs, and more. Each participant will receive a $500 incentive after presenting their key takeaways at an upcoming CAIT-sponsored event.
Register here to tell us why you should be selected!
Enjoy SXSW EDU and represent HT in EXCELLENCE!
Interested in getting your Canvas Basics Course Completion Certificate?
Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to get it today.
It’s an On-Demand Training provided directly by Instructure Canvas on their Canvas Training Portal with additional links for more in-depth knowledge. Even if you have taken it before, you can benefit from a refresher session.
Canvas also offers a Fundamentals of Accessible Digital Content in Canvas course.
Canvas LMS questions?
Any questions can be directed to the CAIT Director by email. If you prefer, feel free to schedule an appointment by sending an email with 3 available date(s)/time(s):
Check the Essential ★ (1-star) rating and standard design component to online learning (including the top 10 Foundational items) from Instructure Course Evaluation Checklist v3.0
Quality Matters (QM) next Training Opportunity: Feb 6-24, 2026
If you are interested on being APPQMR Certified, email cait@htu.edu or cliauhing@htu.edu
- Do not register yourself at QM, HT coordinator must register you.
- Review the HT Overview – Applying the QM Rubric (APPQMR)
- Check the APPQMR Schedule and Checklist
In the meantime, feel free to review the Specific Review Standards from the QM – Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition
2026 AiCon - March 10-11
Register Today!Design Plus
DesignPLUS is a time-saving, easy-to-use Canvas plug-in that helps you rapidly build and style high-quality courses that make learning engaging and accessible for all students.
HT has procured a site-wide license for DesignPlus to make it available to all faculty on campus. It is already available!
To receive access, please contact cliauhing@htu.edu for guidance.
