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Office for Faculty Excellence

Faculty Conversation Series

The Office for Faculty Excellence’s Faculty Conversation Series is designed to engage faculty in conversation around relevant topics that will be helpful as they teach. 

For each session, faculty will read a relevant article/paper about the topic (optional), receive question prompts, engage in conversation around the topic with other faculty members, and reflect on how the conversation may have changed thinking on the topic. All sessions will be facilitated by Maria Gallardo-Williams.

By participating, faculty will:

  • Have the opportunity to listen to others, share their experiences, receive insights and feedback from peers, engage in important, timely, and relevant conversations with other faculty who are interested in these topics
  • Be provided with readings to learn more about the issues that are the focus of the conversations, and
  • Build professional and social connections with other faculty.

Space in each conversation is limited, so register now.

Register in REPORTER

Spring 2024 Sessions

  • How to Support a Student in Crisis with Laura Castro and Laura Nelson 
    • Wednesday, January 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
    • This session is designed to equip educators with the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively support students facing crisis situations. Focused on cultivating a compassionate and informed approach, participants will explore strategies for identifying signs of distress, initiating empathetic conversations, and connecting students with appropriate resources.
  • Theatrical Techniques for Teaching with Amy Sawyers-Williams 
    • Wednesday, February 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
    • This session invites educators to explore the dynamic world of theatrical techniques and discover their transformative potential in the classroom. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and discussions to unlock the power of performance-based teaching methods, including improvisation, role-playing, and storytelling. The session will delve into how these techniques can enhance communication, foster student engagement, and create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
  • Writing Assessment, Feedback, and AI with Kirsti Cole
    • Wednesday, March 27 from 2 to 3 p.m. (special time) via Zoom
    • Faculty will read a relevant article about writing assessment best practices (optional), receive question and activity prompts on AI and feedback on student writing, engage in conversation around the topic with other faculty members, and reflect on how the conversation may have changed thinking on the topic. The conversation will include some hands-on work on a variety of writing assignments and how they intersect with assessment practices, student initiative in using feedback, and the role that AI plays in writing instruction.
  • Building Consultative Mentoring Networks for You and Your Students with Katharine Stewart
    • Wednesday, April 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
    • This session is dedicated to guiding participants in the establishment of robust consultative mentoring networks. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will gain insights into building dynamic mentoring networks that not only enrich their own professional growth but also contribute significantly to the success and well-being of their students.
Register in REPORTER