Learning Ecosystem for Empowering Futures (LEEF)

A new model in higher education that provides expertise, support and community to faculty, staff and students in pursuit of a better campus.

“We aim to enact meaningful and lasting improvements that significantly enhance students' college experiences and trajectories after graduation, as well educators' wellbeing and growth within the system. Ultimately, LEEF envisions a thriving university community that is empowered, agentic, and nimble in the face of changing educational and societal landscapes.” — LEEF Vision Statement

Areas of focus

To achieve this mission, LEEF works to empower people and support projects that have the potential to change the following areas at UNT.

A teacher stands to the left, speaking to students standing next to him and sitting down in front of him.

Teaching

Support and community for campus educators
Design and test new curriculum and pedagogical models

Rows of students sit in a large, tiered room.

Research

Organize and fund interdisciplinary learning science research
Translate this research into usable guidelines

Curricular alignment

Shape course and degree design to include career preparation
Collaborate with industry partners to better inform curriculum

Ecosystem of Units

LEEF is a coordinated support system across teaching, research, and curricular alignment. The ecosystem is made up of interconnected units.

The Curriculum Connector	Designing Learning	Educator Formation
Ensures every student's academic pathway is intentionally connected and coherent to the skills, experiences, and credentials that translate into meaningful work. Explore our work.	Advances teaching excellence and educational innovation by helping educators develop skills in course design, evidence-based teaching, and emerging instructional practices. Explore our programs and workshops.	Supports the evolution of educator identities that are responsive to the changing demands of the profession.
The Learning Institute	Research & Evidence	The Teaching Hub
Advances learning science research to inform evidence-based teaching and curricular decision-making across UNT. Explore our research opportunities.	Tracks, supports and analyzes the impact of LEEF's initiatives, generating data that informs all units. Explore our findings and services.	Supports faculty and staff in their ongoing growth as educators through programs, consultation and community. Explore our programs and services.
	Instructional Design
	Offers a wide range of free instructional development and production services to UNT faculty for online and blended course creation and enhancement. Explore our course development services.