This handbook provides a global overview of the design, implementation and assessment of academic development centers within higher education institutions. The current nature of our complex, rapidly changing world makes it imperative that colleges and universities worldwide find ways to educate their students in new and better ways: this is reflected in a change in focus from teaching and testing to maximizing student learning in line with the core mission of ADCs to ensure students achieve the best possible learning outcomes. This handbook builds on this transformation, as well as the foundational ADC structure and programming guidelines established by the Professional and Organizational Development Network, to offer a comprehensive exploration of professional development in the sector.

This handbook is global in scale and comprehensive in scope, addressing various key topics such as organizational structure and leadership, funding, and program design. It calls for professors and academics to reflect on and adapt their methods of teaching independent to their research, and provides helpful frameworks and case studies for researchers designing centers or seeking models for additional programs.