Established in 2010, the Center for 21st Century Universities (C21U) is Georgia Tech's living laboratory for fundamental educational change.
Serving as a research arm of the College of Lifetime Learning, C21U's technologists and researchers support the Institute's innovation mission by pushing the boundaries of what is already done in higher education to bring learners the most impactful resources and technologies.
We serve as a nexus of collaboration and communication and a catalyst for innovation, bringing together an array of internal and external partners across various disciplines.
Through a sustained and systemic program of research, experimentation, design, prototyping, and implementation, C21U serves the Institute in thought leadership, educational technology design, community building, and support of Georgia Tech stakeholders of all ages.
Recent News
Webinar: A Discussion on the Future of Higher Ed
C21U Executive Director Steve Harmon recently participated in the University of Tennessee's College of Collaborative and Emerging Studies webinar panel discussion. Participants shared insights on the state of higher education, its future direction, and the need for institutions to adapt to modern student needs.
How to Create a Higher Education AI Policy
In the evolving landscape of higher education, C21U Director of Digital Learning Technologies Eric Sembrat emphasizes the critical need for institutions to develop comprehensive AI policies that address ethical considerations and bias mitigation while integrating these technologies into academic frameworks.
Thank the Backstreet Boys: A Teacher’s Journey to Education Research
Follow Jeonghyun “Jonna” Lee’s path from English language educator in Seoul to leading C21U's research team.
Cracking the Code on Financial Aid Opportunities at Georgia Tech
Tech will use machine learning and artificial intelligence to predict applicants' eligibility for different financial aid categories. Led by C21U, this collaborative effort aims to increase educational opportunities and improve the accessibility of financial aid.
Why Transfer Student Programs are Key to Expanding Access
Transfer student programs provide pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their academic goals. In this article Provost Steve McLaughlin and Executive Director of Strategic Student Access Rick Clark emphasize their importance in removing barriers and supporting student success.
Featured Research
Seeking Faculty to Participate in an XR Technologies Survey
The Georgia Tech XR Cross-functional team, formed in 2024, aims to promote XR technologies on campus and enhance learning and research. For the 2025 spring semester, they will collect data through a 15-minute online survey to understand how faculty use XR technologies in teaching and research.
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