Modality: P (In Person)
The Faculty Center holds monthly professional development events during the semester. These events offer two or more concurrent sessions in each of three time slots, much like a mini-conference. They are held in person only, with remote options only available when the entire event is held online.
Each Teaching and Learning Day is announced several weeks before the event, and participants sign up to reserve a spot; participation is capped at 75. This event is for full-time faculty only, and we provide a casual lunch that typically includes salad and subs. Since participation is limited, we ask that faculty only sign up if they can attend at least two sessions.
We do not record these sessions since we prioritize the networking and sharing elements of the face-to-face experience. You are always welcome to contact presenters to see if they would be willing to share materials with you separately.
Fall Dates
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Thursday, November 19, 2026
Teaching and Learning Day, Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Session 1 — 9:00 a.m.
- From Belonging to Mattering: Centering Classroom Interactions and Connections — Kelly Lester, Faculty Excellence; CB1 205
This session provides evidence-based teaching practices to propel mattering through relationship building, interdependent team building, and support networks in the classroom. In Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic, Wallace (2023) states “A deep sense of mattering takes root in our interactions with others-that’s where we learn our value and grow as people” (p. 191). With an emphasis on group experiences and projects, the presenter will offer approaches to combat individual competition and build the skillsets of collaboration and collective achievement. The skills of group work connect directly to the workforce and career preparation, and yet, students are entering the college environment lacking an understanding of how to approach and succeed in group work. Through the lens of creative process, the evidence-based strategies offered will ignite productive and career-readiness experiences through group work.
Session 2 — 10:10 a.m.
- Include Critical Thinking in Your Course Design — Eric Main, Faculty Center; CB1 205
Teaching critical thinking is challenging, but students typically will not develop in this area on their own. Instructors must explicitly incorporate critical thinking outcomes and appropriate learning activities and assessments into their course design. This session will offer several frameworks for teaching, practicing, and assessing critical thinking. - Using Short Videos to Enhance Online Learning — Houman Sadri, Political Science; CB1 202
This talk explores how short, focused videos can enhance student engagement and learning in online courses. I will share practical strategies for designing effective videos, integrating them into course content, and using them to explain concepts, provide guidance, and create a more engaging online learning experience.
Session 3 — 11:20 a.m.
- Where We’re Going, We Still Need Teachers — Liz Giltner, Faculty Center; CB1 205
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping what it means to teach and learn, but the future of education still depends on distinctly human connection, creativity, and judgment. In this interactive session, participants will consider the desired and feared futures that AI presents for both learners and educators. Participants will explore how teachers help students develop voice, agency, belonging, and the confidence to communicate. Additionally, attendees will identify the human capacities that education must deliberately carry forward while reconsidering practices that no longer serve learners well. Together, we will imagine a future in which AI supports education without replacing the reciprocal relationships through which teachers and students learn, change, and become. - Best Practices in Administering Oral Assessments — Kevin Yee, Faculty Center; CB1 202
Thinking about switching to in-person (or synchronous online) exams to maximize rigor and accountability? There are many elements to consider, including both logistical (when, where, and how to schedule) and pedagogical (preparing students to do well; ideal types of questions to ask, balancing academic integrity when some students take the test before others) considerations. We’ll also discuss options or alternatives for medium- or large-sized classes, as well as workarounds for fully asynchronous courses. - “I Hope This Email Finds You Well”: How to Talk to Students About Voice in the Age of AI — Laurie Uttich, Faculty Center; CB1 207, Conference Room
From lab reports to discussion posts to job application emails, students (and faculty) are drowning in AI-generated prose that sounds “right” but is as substantial—and personal—as an autoreply. This interactive session gives faculty in any discipline concrete, low-stakes ways to teach students to recognize their own voice… and to see real value in skipping the cognitive offloading that occurs when AI does our drafting (and our brainstorming) for us.
Lunch will be served at 12:20 p.m.
Registration is capped at 75 participants. Please sign up to attend here.