2024 August Faculty Workshops Session Descriptions Archive
Session Dates
Wednesday, August 14
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM – Session One
SESSION 101: THE AU LIBRARY’S HOLISTIC SUPPORT FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
Presenters: Natasha Griffin (Resident Librarian, University Library) & Amelia Costello (Resident Librarian, University Library)
The American University Library applies a holistic approach to supporting student success, from providing specific academic research support to developing many initiatives to support the broader well-being of our students. In this session, we will cover some of the ways in which we not only support student success, but also support staff and faculty who are engaged in the work of supporting graduate and undergraduate students.
Watch the recording of Session 101
SESSION 102: RIGOR AS A TOOL FOR EQUITY
Presenter: Mary Catherine Stoumbos (Teaching and Learning Specialist, CTRL) and Ayah Morsy (Graduate Assistant for Teaching and Learning, CTRL)
This workshop aims to challenge and expand your understanding of academic rigor while also focusing on creating equitable learning environments. Join us to learn more about the tools needed to uphold rigorous academic standards while simultaneously supporting all students in their educational journey by balancing structure and flexibility.
SESSION 103: FROM CLASS TO CAREER: ENHANCING YOUR SYLLABUS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
Presenters: Emily Lelandais (Assistant Director for Career Education, Career Center), Anna Litman (Assistant Director for Curriculum Integration, Career Center) and Liz Romig (Director, Career Education & Outreach, Career Center)
This workshop will highlight the Career Center consulting services that can help faculty align their syllabi with students’ career readiness goals. Career readiness involves equipping students with essential workplace skills such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and professionalism that employers highly value. A key focus of the workshop will be the importance of translating academic experiences into workplace skills. Additionally, we will cover how to integrate Career Center resources into your curriculum. Join us to learn how to effectively leverage the Career Center’s resources to help your students succeed.
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM – Session Two
SESSION 201: ELEVATING STUDENT VOICES TO SUPPORT INCLUSIVE CLASSROOMS AND SENSE OF BELONGING
Presenters: Melissa Hawkins (Senior Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Health Studies) and Alison Chrisler (Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Health Studies)
Over 100 student comments were grouped into key themes by Department of Health Studies faculty leaders. This information was then shared at the departmental annual retreat for discussion with the full faculty in small groups. Specifically, faculty discussed how the positive practices could be operationalized, and the detrimental practices minimized, or managed, in the classroom environment. This activity elevated student voices for faculty discussion and self-reflection in supporting classroom practices to build a more inclusive classroom environment and support student retention efforts. This interactive session will be of interest to undergraduate faculty and staff.
SESSION 202: NAVIGATING GIVEPULSE: ENHANCING CLASSROOM AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Presenters: Melanie Bullock (Director for the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement), Saagar Gupta (Assistant Director of Community-Based Learning and Special Programs) & Amanda Choutka (Senior Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Writing Studies Program and Faculty Fellow in the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement)
Join the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement to explore GivePulse, a comprehensive online platform for integrating community-based learning into your curriculum. This session will guide faculty members through navigation and effective use of GivePulse, enhancing student engagement with community experiences and maximizing classroom impact.
SESSION 203: DISCOVER THE DIGITAL RESEARCH & INQUIRY LAB: DIGITAL RESEARCH AT THE AU LIBRARY
Presenters: Jessica Breen (Program Director, Geospatial Research Support, University Library), Ben Choi (Manager, Academic Multimedia Services, University Library), Shilpa Das Gupta (E-Learning Support Services Manager and Interim Head of the Digital Research and Inquiry Lab, University Library) and Lacey Wootton (Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Writing Studies Program)
Meet the new Digital Research and Inquiry Lab! The DRI Lab serves as a one-stop-shop for faculty wanting to expand their research or learn about incorporating digital research into the classroom. Join us to learn about library support for digital research, view exciting past projects, and tour the lab space with expert staff.
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM – Lunch Session
Lunch Session – Who are our AU Undergraduate Students? Implications for Teaching and Learning
Presenters: Jeremy Lowe (Assistant Vice Provost of Undergraduate Admissions, Enrollment Services Administration), Ashlie Prioleau (Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Retention), Michael Brown (Associate Director, Student Success Operations), Reba Mathews (Class of 2025 and Lead CTRL Student Partner) & Caroline Vuckovich (Class of 2025)
Moderated by Michael Brown (Associate Director for Student Success Operations)
Join us for a thought-provoking lunch session showcasing the latest student data and exploring the diverse experiences of American University’s undergraduate and graduate population. This luncheon also features a dynamic lineup of student presenters delivering captivating “lightning talks” inspired by TED Talks. Hear directly from your fellow Eagles as they:
– Share their unique journeys and aspirations.
– Shed light on the challenges and opportunities they face.
– Spark discussions about how we can best support student success.
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM – Session Three
SESSION 301: FOSTERING A CULTURE OF COLLABORATION
Presenters: Bridget Trogden (Dean of Undergraduate Education and Academic Student Services)
Research institutions like American University are celebrated for their tripartite mission of teaching, research, and service, which offers distinctive advantages and poses unique challenges in elevating undergraduate student success. By embracing a culture of innovation and collaboration, we see that institutions like ours can develop approaches that address the evolving needs of students and society. We all have a role to play. In this session, we will not only wrap up what we’ve learned from each other over the past two days, but we will reflect, interact, and ideate on ways we want to move the needle collectively and individually in supporting our students and our American University.
SESSION 302: BRING YOUR SYLLABUS! THE PEER REVIEW WORKSHOP
Presenter: Mac Crite (Teaching and Learning Specialist, CTRL) and Sahil Mathur (Graduate Assistant for Teaching and Learning, CTRL)
Join us for an interactive workshop where you can learn about syllabus best practices and refine your syllabus for the upcoming fall semester using peer feedback! Bring a draft syllabus to the session and choose one or two aspects of your syllabus that you would like feedback on, such as course policies (e.g., late work, artificial intelligence) or specific assignments.
Watch the recording of session 302.
SESSION 303: AU CORE COMPLEX PROBLEMS: TRAUMA INFORMED APPROACHES TO NAVIGATE ELECTION SEASON
Presenter: Rebecca Comfort (Assistant Director of AU Core, UEAS) and Brigid Maher (Faculty Director, Complex Problems and University College, UEAS / Professor, SOC | Film and Media Arts)
This session shares strategies for navigating challenges that will arise in class during the Fall 2024 election season. Participants will explore trauma-informed classroom approaches, including how to establish ground rules for respectful dialogue and hold space during moments of tension. Additionally, we discuss ideas for adjusting course schedules and deadlines around the time of the election in anticipation of student/faculty needs. To explore more a specific strategy, check out CTRL’s “Using ‘Calling in’ to Address Challenging Student Comments” session.
3:00 PM – 3:50 PM – Session Four
SESSION 401: RETHINKING THE CITATION MACHINE: PRACTICAL STRATEGIES AND CONCEPTUAL PROBLEM-AREAS FOR ACKNOWLEDGING GENERATIVE AI
Presenters: Alison Thomas (Assistant Dean for Academic Integrity and Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Literature)
This session offers practical and conceptual tools for thinking about citation and acknowledgement of generative AI tools. We’ll focus on articulating clear guidance for students and also pose questions for faculty researchers who might consider using AI tools in their own work.
SESSION 402: DESIGNING DIGITAL RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR STUDENTS
Presenters: Sean Casey (Media Services Manager, University Library), Shilpa Das Gupta (Manager of E-Learning Support Services and Interim Head of the Digital Research and Inquiry Lab, University Library) and Donna Femenella (Course Reserves Manager, University Library)
Are you considering incorporating digital assignments into your course? Discover best practices for digital and multimodal assessment design in this workshop and uncover essential resources and strategies to boost success for you and your students. Learn about the ways in which Makerspace, Media Services, and the Digital Research and Inquiry Lab in the Library can support your assignments.
SESSION 403: CULTURALLY INCLUSIVE PEDAGOGY FOR CLASSROOM ACHIEVEMENT
Presenters: Martinique Sealy (Postdoctoral Researcher, CTRL)
This session examines integrating students’ funds of knowledge (FoK) into curricula, highlighting examples from qualitative and mixed methods studies on Hybrid Discourse Spaces in Science classrooms. We explore recognizing marginalized students’ diverse FoK, relationships between teacher and student FoK, and integrating FoK into teaching methods (Moll et al., 1992; Bae et al., 2022).
Thursday, August 15
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM – Session One
SESSION 501: UNLEASH CREATIVITY: SUPERCHARGING LEARNING EXPERIENCES WITH TECH AND MEDIA
Presenters: Luis Alvarado (Director of Learning Design, OGPS) & Rachel Hudish (Senior Instructional Designer, OGPS)
This session will focus on tools and technologies that help create dynamic learning experiences that cater to diverse learning needs and preferences. By utilizing integrated Canvas tools, such as Kaltura, YellowDig, and PlayPosit, and incorporating multimedia elements, we will present a systematic and effective approach to attain pedagogical excellence. Whether you’re an educator eager to revitalize your course materials or starting from scratch, this session will provide insights and practical strategies leveraging the resources and tools available at American University.
SESSION 502: RESEARCH, DATA, AND METHODOLOGY SUPPORT AND RESOURCES FROM CTRL AND THE LIBRARY
Presenters: Jessica Breen (Program Director for Geospatial Research Support, University Library), Eric R. Schuler (Senior Quantitative/Computational Research Methodologist, CTRL), and Tiffany Monique Quash (Qualitative/Survey Research Methodologist, CTRL)
Come learn about the various research, data, and methodological support and resources that are available to you from both CTRL and the Library. We will discuss what resources are offered and what support we can provide, and we will have time for a Q&A session
SESSION 503: CANVAS OVERVIEW
Presenters: Zac Schiffman (Senior E-Learning Systems Administrator, University Library)
This workshop is designed to introduce Canvas to those who have never used it before. From navigating Canvas to developing your assignments, this workshop provides a high-level overview of basic functionality within Canvas and will prepare you to publish your first Canvas Course.
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM – Session Two
SESSION 603: KALTURA WITHIN CANVAS
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM – Lunch Session
Reconceptualizing Equity Based Teaching in Higher Education-Keynote and Q&A
Presenters: Brian McGowan (Professor, School of Education)
This session discusses the findings from a Gates Foundation grant that explored the organizational and systemic levers that support equity-based teaching in higher education. Based on results from our landscape analysis, participants will learn about promising practices, initiatives, and policies that advance equity-based teaching.
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM – Session Three
SESSION 701: GETTING STARTED WITH R FOR TEACHING QUANTITATIVE METHODS: AN INTRO TO R-MARKDOWN
Presenters: Eric R. Schuler (Senior Quantitative/Computational Research Methodologist, CTRL)
Teaching a syntax based statistical language can be a challenge. In this workshop we will discuss some tricks to make that easier for you and your students. We will cover the benefits to using R-Markdown for teaching quantitative methods and go over how to set up class examples and homework assignments.
SESSION 702: THE “NEW WISDOM” OF AI-POWER: PURDUE OWL & THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF POPULAR GENERATIVE AI TOOLS
Presenters: Alison Thomas (Assistant Dean for Academic Integrity and Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Literature)
This session charts some of the changing capabilities of the tools we most often recommend to students – the Purdue OWL, Grammarly, and other “help” resources. We’ll look at how these tools have changed thanks to AI-power, and we’ll consider how this should inform the guidelines we give for responsible use.
Watch the recording of Session 702.
SESSION 703: NEW CANVAS TOOLS TO ENHANCE YOUR TEACHING
Presenters: Shilpa Das Gupta (Manager, E-Learning Support Services, University LIbrary)
This workshop is designed to introduce you to some of the newly integrated tools of Canvas that will help in enhancing the overall learning experience. These tools are Photo Roster, NameCoach, Course Reserve, and LibGuides. Photo Roster provides instructors access to the photos of their enrolled students with many other key information. NameCoach is a great tool to learn how to correctly pronounce your students’ name. On the other hand, with the integration of Course Reserve you can easily add items on the library’s course reserve system. And with LibGuide, you can seamlessly integrate A-Z library database and other key library resources into your Canvas courses.
3:00 PM – 3:50 PM – Session Four
SESSION 801: TOOLS FOR EVERYONE: INCORPORATING MAPPING INTO TEACHING & RESEARCH
Presenters: Jessica Breen (Program Director for Geospatial Research Support, University Library)
This session will introduce you to powerful mapping tools available through our new university-wide Esri license, demonstrating how you can integrate mapping and GIS into your courses and research regardless of discipline. Discover the extensive support available through the University Library to help you get started.
SESSION 802: QUALTRICS AND DESIGNING VARIOUS QUESTION TYPES
Presenter: Tiffany Monique Quash (Qualitative/Survey Research Methodologist, CTRL)
This presentation is an introduction to Qualtrics. It will cover the procedure for creating a sample survey. Participants will gain access to Qualtrics and learn about the various question types and their functions within the survey.
Wednesday, August 21
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM – Session One
SESSION 901: ADDRESSING IDEAS ABOUT ACCESS, DISABILITY, TECHNOLOGY, AND PROGRESS IN THIS YEAR’S WRITER AS WITNESS TEXT
Presenters: Kelly Joyner (Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer, Director, CAS | Writing Studies Program), Daisy Levy (Senior Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Writing Studies Program and Chair of the Writer as Witness Committee) and Adam Tamashasky (Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Writing Studies Program)
Share, discuss, and create ways to engage this year’s Writer as Witness text in your class. We’ll highlight many of the ideas that Shew treats, including, but not limited to, academic and popular discourse regarding disability and access, technology as a pathway to “improvement”, and intersections across Crip Culture, Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation, and other identity markers. Participants will collaborate on class activity development and learn from faculty across academic contexts.
SESSION 902: FIRST DAY OF CLASS: SETTING THE STAGE FOR STUDENTS TO THRIVE
Presenters: Hannah Jardine (Teaching and Learning Specialist, CTRL) and Sahil Mathur (Graduate Assistant for Teaching and Learning, CTRL)
The first day of class lays the foundation for student learning throughout the semester. In this interactive workshop, we will explore ways in which you can make the classroom a welcoming space from day one. Learn about specific approaches to build community, foster positive interactions, and center equity, to build motivation and get students excited about the semester!
11:00 AM – 11:50 PM – Session Two
SESSION 1001: DIGGING DEEPER IN TEACHING & LEARNING: SPECULATIVE PEDAGOGY
Presenters: Mary Catherine Stoumbos (Teaching and Learning Specialist, CTRL) and Shed Siliman (Teaching and Learning Specialist, CTRL)
Speculative pedagogy explores how change is possible outside the classroom by envisioning and practicing changemaking within the microsociety of the course. This session will introduce speculative pedagogy as a tool for creating innovative classrooms that help students imagine the possibilities that our fields can support.
SESSION 1002: USING AU’S CAMPUS AS A TEACHING TOOL FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Presenters: Megan Litke (Director, Office of Sustainability) and Kristine Beran (Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Environmental Science
Join us to learn about opportunities to use AU’s campus in your classrooms. From addressing real world challenges that exist right here to analyzing data related to sustainability, your class can play a role in connecting AU’s students with their campus in a more meaningful way by using sustainability. We will share examples and provide access to tools that will allow students to go beyond AU’s campus as well.
Watch the recording of session 1002.
SESSION 1003: AU CORE COURSE PROPOSAL WORKSHOP
Presenters: Brad Knight (Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education, AU Core) and Martyn Oliver (AU Core Faculty Chair)
Join us for an informational workshop on developing courses for the AU Core Curriculum. Whether you’re a first-time proposer or refining your submission, this session will provide insights into the course proposal process, including creating alignment with the Core learning outcomes and practical tips for building effective course descriptions, learning goals, and assessments.
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM – Luncheon
CTRL Faculty Award Presentations
Moderated by: Anna Olsson (Assistant Vice Provost, CTRL).
Presenters (and Award winners): Amelia Tseng (Assistant Professor, CAS | World Languages and Cultures) and Sonya Grier (Professor, KSB | Marketing)
At this luncheon, come hear this year’s CTRL Faculty Award Winners talk about their work. Amelia Tseng and her colleagues in the Department of World Languages and Cultures (winners of the Ann Ferren Curriculum Design Award) will talk about creating CAS’s new Linguistics minor, which integrates social science and humanistic perspectives to provide students with linguistic knowledge and a lens through which to understand and critique language’s role in society and social justice. Sonya Grier (the winner of the Milton and Sonia Greenberg Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award) will discuss how we can empower students, who are the future societal leaders, to navigate complex racial issues in the marketplace. Her presentation describes research on teaching strategies to equip students with the skills to identify and dismantle racial bias, promoting equitable marketplaces for all.
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM – Session Three
SESSION 1101: AI, INFORMATION LITERACY, AND LIBRARIES
Presenters: Sarah Burns Gilchrist (Graduate International Studies and Political Science Librarian, University Library), Shane Hickey (Resource Sharing and Discovery Services Manager, University Library) and Gwendolyn Reece (Director of Research, Teaching, and Learning and Associate University Librarian, University Library)
The library’s AI Exploratory Working Group investigated the implications of AI in relation to Information Literacy, Equity, and Privacy. This session presents the findings of this group, including a framework for assessing risk in relation to AI and the ways in which considerations of AI fit into ACRL’s Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.
SESSION 1102: 60 DATABASES IN 60 MINUTES
Presenter: Katie Hut (Business & Econ Librarian, University Library), Clarissa Ihssen (Sciences Librarian, University Library, Kathryn Ray (Reference Librarian, University Library) & Olivia Ivey (Public Affairs Librarian, University Library)
This session will provide a fun, fast-paced overview of databases you may have overlooked, never heard of, or simply forgotten about. With a range of niche and interdisciplinary, primary, and secondary source databases presented, every attendee will discover new resources to enhance their research and teaching.
SESSION 1103: BUILDING CONNECTIONS: STUDENT FEEDBACK AND CO-CREATION FOR AN EQUITABLE CLASSROOM
Presenter: Hannah Jardine (Teaching and Learning Specialist, CTRL) and Ayah Morsy (Graduate Assistant for Teaching and Learning, CTRL)
In this workshop, we will explore various approaches to partnering with students, gathering their insights, feedback, and reflection to enhance the teaching and learning experience. Join us to learn more about designing inclusive teaching, promoting a collaborative classroom, and creating a plan to integrate the student voice into your teaching.
3:00 PM – 3:50 PM – Session Four
SESSION 1201: THE AU LIBRARY’S HOLISTIC SUPPORT FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
Presenters: Sarah Burns Gilchrist (Graduate International Studies and Political Science Librarian, University Library) Shane Hickey (Resource Sharing and Discovery Services Manager, University Library) & Clarissa Ihssen (Sciences Librarian, University Library)
The AU Library applies a holistic approach to supporting student well-being and research. In this session, we will cover some of the ways in which we support students, staff, and faculty who are engaged in the work of supporting graduate and undergraduate students.
SESSION 1202: USING “CALLING IN” TO ADDRESS CHALLENGING STUDENT COMMENTS
Presenter: Shed Siliman (Teaching and Learning Specialist, CTRL) and Mac Crite (Teaching and Learning Specialist, CTRL)
The “calling in” discussion technique allows instructors to compassionately and patiently invite students who make ignorant, uncomfortable, or hurtful comments into reflection and turn challenging moments into teachable ones. In this interactive workshop, we will explore the concept of calling in and develop concrete strategies for applying it in our classrooms, particularly as we approach a contentious election season. For more guidance around election season, check out the AU Core Complex Problems: Trauma Informed Approaches to Navigate Election Season session
Watch the recording of session 1202.
SESSION 1203: CANVAS OVERVIEW
Presenter: Zac Schiffman (Senior E-Learning Systems Administrator, University Library)
This workshop is designed to introduce Canvas to those who have never used it before. From navigating Canvas to developing your assignments, this workshop provides a high-level overview of basic functionality within Canvas and will prepare you to publish your first Canvas Course.
