The College of Computing Threads curriculum for undergraduate computer science majors was recognized this month as one of the most effective courses of study throughout the entire University System of Georgia, as the Board of Regents honored the College with its 2014 Teaching Excellence Award for Departments and Programs.

“We received several outstanding nomination portfolios this year, and each portfolio was thoroughly reviewed by a panel of faculty and administrators from across the University System,” wrote Houston Davis, executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer, in a letter announcing the award. “When the review committee met to discuss the nominations and finalize their recommendations, they voted unanimously to recommend this department as one of this year’s winners.

The College of Computing adopted the Threads curriculum in Fall 2006. In a traditional course of study, students can be forced into a one-size-fits-all experience with little room for specialization and application of their studies toward real-world situations. Through Threads, students experience a cohesive, coordinated set of contexts for understanding computing skills thereby spending their entire four years of study engrossed in real-world computing.

“Our faculty adopted Threads to more accurately and effectively reflect what our students will experience in the actual world of today,” said Charles Isbell, senior associate dean for the College. “We are humbled by the receipt of this prestigious award from the Board of Regents recognizing the leadership role the College has played and continues to play in computing education. Our students also share in this award, as they have been the ones to validate through their success the value of Threads in preparing them for computing careers.”