Workshops and Events

The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) provides and coordinates professional development activities for our faculty and staff across our campus. Professional development happens in a variety of ways on our campus and beyond.

Our office provides several workshops for faculty and staff covering a variety of pedagogical and technological topics, including teaching and learning, teaching and learning with technology, faculty career support, global and civic engagement, the office of research, new faculty seminar series, and Department Chair series.

The CAE Fall 2020 Professional Development Schedule contains registration links, dates/times, and facilitator information for all of our workshops and special events.

Upcoming Events

Jan 27

Lunch & Learn: Using StoryCorps

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Online in Zoom

With the transition to remote teaching, learning, and working, we have all learned many lessons. In this Lunch and Learn session, we will learn how to capture the narrative of those lessons learned using StoryCorps DIY. Registration Link

Jan 28

Book Club- The Spark of Learning: Energizing the College Classroom with the Science of Emotion

Thursday, January 28, 2021 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Online in Zoom

This spring book club will focus on discussing the application of evidence-based practices related to the role of emotion in learning to engagement, motivation, and retention. Book club members will be given a copy of the book. This workshop will also occur from 2:00-3:00 on the following days: Thursday, February 18th & Thursday, March 11th. Registration Link

Jan 29

Effective Online Group Work

Friday, January 29, 2021 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Online in Zoom

This session will offer an opportunity for instructors to discuss how they have used group work across course modalities and the challenges and benefits they have experienced in incorporating cooperative learning groups. Key considerations when developing both successful teams and effective projects/assignments will be shared. Registration Link

Feb 3

Spring Virtual Book Club

Wednesday, February 3, 2021 - 9:00am to 10:00am
Online

This Spring 2021 Virtual Book Club will read and discuss, 99 Tips for Creating Simple and Sustainable Educational Videos: A Guide for Online Teachers and Flipped Classes by Karen Costa. Learn and discuss how you might use the tools you already have to create instructor-generated videos for your online classes that may boost course engagement levels. Book club members will be given a copy of the book. Register

Feb 3

Getting Comfortable with Interactive Digital Tools: Make and Take Session

Wednesday, February 3, 2021 - 11:30am to 12:30pm
Online

Are you overwhelmed by the digital resources available? Unsure how to use them? Come learn about how using hyperlinks can help make your hybrid classes more interactive and less lecture. We will explore options such as using Google Docs, Forms, and Slides to create digital escape rooms, quiz games, and interactive notes. Register

Feb 5

Instructional Strategies for Large Classes

Friday, February 5, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Online

Teaching large classesvpresents multiple challenges for instructors. Fostering student engagement, assessing student learning, facilitating discussion, and managing the logistics of large classes are just a few of these challenges. In this workshop, faculty experts will present effective tips and strategies for teaching large courses in multiple delivery formats. Register"

Feb 10

Small Teaching Book Club

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 - 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Online in Zoom

Are you interested in invigorating your teaching but don't have much time? Would you like to discuss some innovative ideas with your colleagues across campus? James Lang has plucked a multitude of options built on the science of learning to help anybody tune up their class, or the whole course, with a small, easy to use intervention. It could be a simple 5-minute in-class or online exercise, or a tweek in the course design, or a better way to communicate with students, but everyone is bound to find something that will improve their course for themselves and their students?

Feb 17

Promoting Student Engagement with Flipgrid and Padlet

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Online

Are you interested in trying new strategies to engage students in online learning? Have you heard of Flipgrid or Padlet, but you're not sure what they are or where to start? Join this session to explore how you can get students communicating and collaborating through these easy-to-use video- and text-based tools. Register"

Feb 18

Book Club: The Spark of Learning: Energizing the College Classroom with the Science of Emotion

Thursday, February 18, 2021 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Online in Zoom

This spring book club will focus on discussing the application of evidence-based practices related to the role of emotion in learning to engagement, motivation, and retention. Book club members will be given a copy of the book. This workshop will also occur from 2:00-3:00 on the following days: Thursday, January 28th, Thursday, February 18th & Thursday, March 11th. Registration Link

Feb 19

Reflection and Inclusive Teaching, Why You Matter

Friday, February 19, 2021 - 11:00am to 12:15pm
Online in Zoom

Inclusive teaching methods and technologies are within easy reach as we try to make sure all students have equitable educational experiences in our classrooms; faculty are trying to “get it right”. In our push to implement teaching styles, tools, and inclusive language, it is easy to forget that teaching begins with you and all that you bring to your students and colleagues. In this session, we will explore reflective practices and how they contribute to an inclusive environment. Registration Link