January

Wed. Jan. 8 - Professional Development Day

Mon. Jan. 13 - Faculty/Staff lounge hours, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Rothwell 455

Mon. Jan. 27 - Monthly Book Club on Happiness: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (ISBN 9780062888747), 2:30-3:30 pm, Brown 435

Mon. Jan. 27 - CETL Seminar Series: The Future is (Almost) Here: Virtual Dissection in the Human Anatomy Laboratory - 3:00-4:00 pm, Brown 436, Ms. Jennifer Lewter, Senior Instructor of Biology

Wed. Jan. 29 - Support Group for New Parents: Interest Meeting, 12:00 pm, Brown Lobby, led by Jessica Mongeon

Fri. Jan. 31 - Water Aerobics, 3:00-4:00 pm, Russellville Aquatics Center, taught by Robin Dalton

 

February

Wed. Feb. 5 - Parenting Support Group, 12:00-1:00 pm, Baz-Tech 202

Thurs. Feb. 6 - Faculty/Staff lounge hours, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Rothwell 455

Thurs. Feb. 6 - Online Professional Development Series: Lights, Camera, Interaction: Using Arkansas Tech's Kaltura Video Tools to Improve Communication and Evaluation in the Classroom - 3:00-4:00 pm, RPL 332, Ken Teutsch, Multimedia Coordinator
This presentation will explore the capabilities of the new Kaltura Media system, including how (and why) to create and deliver video content through Blackboard; how to use analytics and video quizzes to determine your video's effectiveness, and ways to use student-centered videos in your classes.

Mon. Feb. 10 - Unbound Learning: A conversation with CAST author Chelsea Miro (Live Webcast), 2:30-3:30 pm, Location TBD
Author Chelsea Miro invites us to “Imagine a classroom that empowers every student to pursue their interests, to travel the paths of their curiosity, to allow learning to be a natural process.” What does this look like, sound like, and feel like? How can we design our classrooms and lessons so that they bring this vision to reality?
Join us on February 10th from 3:30-4:30pm EST for a discussion about The Unbound Classroom, where Miro will share with us the inspiration behind her book, her own experiences working to create an unbound classroom, and practical steps to get started in your classroom.
Email cetl@atu.edu if you would like to attend this live webcast.

Wed. Feb. 12 - LivePolls for Education. Engage and Inspire! (Webinar), 12:00 pm
At QuestionPro, it’s been our mission to enhance the experience of the surveyors, and more importantly, the surveyees. Good user experience is directly proportional to the quality of data. Our new Online Poll feature is bound to change the way traditional polls are conducted. We’ve managed to take the element of ‘boredom’ out to ensure you capture the highest quality data, in real-time. What more? Poll takers can view the results in real-time after answering each question, keeping them focused, interested, and on their toes during the poll. We’d love to walk you through our new Live Polls feature. Come join Vivek Bhaskaran, Founder, QuestionPro, and Harshad Deshpande, Director, QuestionPro, disclose some secrets around Live Polls.
Register in advance for the webinar by clicking on the title above.
This webinar is available for you to sign up on your own. We will not be having a public showing at ATU.

Thurs. Feb. 13 - Understanding Open Educational Resources (OER): A Powerful Solution for Both Faculty and Students (Magna Online Seminar), 1:00-2:00 pm, Location TBD
In this live online seminar, we'll examine the research on Open Educational Resources (OER) usage in collegiate classes and their impact on student retention and success.
Email cetl@atu.edu if you would like to attend this live online seminar.

Mon. Feb. 17 - Faculty/Staff lounge hours, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Rothwell 455

Thurs. Feb. 20 - Teaching Underprepared Students to Take Control of Their Learning by Developing Metacognitive Skills (Magna Online Seminar), 1:00-2:00 pm, Location TBD
Metacognition has been strongly linked with improved GPAs, college readiness, and retention; however, faculty are often unaware of how to purposefully instill and foster these abilities in students. This live seminar will provide specific strategies to build these necessary competencies.
Email cetl@atu.edu if you would like to attend this live online seminar.

Thurs. Feb. 20 - Online Professional Development Series: Small Steps Make a Big Difference - Students' Learning Efficiency and Improvement in Online Environments - 3:00-4:00 pm, RPL 300A, Weiwei Ji, Instructional Designer, College of eTech
This presentation will provide you with various methods to expand your student-to-student interaction. Interaction is a key factor in contributing to student's online learning success as it helps them gain a deeper understanding of course material and increases their confidence in learning.

Thurs. Feb. 20 - Intro to Enneagram, 5:00-6:30 pm, Brown 147, led by Beth Gray

Mon. Feb. 24 - Monthly Book Club on Happiness: Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner (ISBN 9780446698894), 2:30-3:30 pm, Brown 435

Mon. Feb. 24 - CETL Seminar Series: How to Begin and Continue Your Research Agenda - 3:00-4:00 pm, Brown 436, Dr. Nate Chapman, Director, Center for Undergraduate Research and Dr. Jason Warnick, Director, Office of Distinguished Scholarships

Thurs. Feb. 27 - Focus on Student Belonging to Boost Student Retention and Success (Live Webcast), 12:00-1:00 pm, Brown 355
You know that a sense of belonging is an important factor for student success and retention. But it is also difficult to measure. Because this conversation is so new, there are few models to follow. How do you start gathering data and using it to promote a greater sense of student belonging on campus?
Join us online and learn how St. Cloud State University is leading the way in measuring student belonging. They’ve designed a survey for all first-year students that assesses social and academic belonging, and they’ve been able to identify how belonging (along with factors like GPA or demographic data) predicts retention.
You’ll receive a copy of the survey, and you’ll get advice on how to use survey results to design more targeted interventions involving students, faculty, residence hall directors, and student advisors.

Thurs. Feb. 27 - Online Professional Development Series - 3:00-4:00 pm, RPL 300A, Session highlighting courses and their various forms of interactivity by Dr. Jeff Aulgur and Jennifer Saxton

Fri. Feb. 28 - Black Sabbatical performance, 8:00 pm, Old Bank Sports Bar & Grill (This rock band is comprised of ATU faculty members David Blanks, Nate Chapman, Neal Harrington, and Gregory Michna)

 

March

Thurs. Mar. 5 - CETL Advisory Board Meeting - 8:30-9:15 am, McEVer 121

Thurs. Mar. 5 - Faculty/Staff lounge hours, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Rothwell 455

Thurs. Mar. 5 - Practical Ways to Support First-Generation College Students in the College Classroom (Magna Online Seminar), 1:00-2:00 pm, Location RCB 449
In this live seminar, you will learn about the challenges that exist for first-generation college students and the support structures that can help them succeed.
Email cetl@atu.edu if you would like to attend this live online seminar.

Wed. Mar. 11 - Shift Your Mindset to Build Resilience (Live Webcast), 12:00-1:00 pm, Location TBD
Learn the ABC Model, so you can take back control when difficult situations arise.
When encountering professional adversity, you can easily slip into “auto pilot” — behaving in ways that are comfortable but not necessarily constructive. Do you ever find yourself repeating the same behaviors, hoping for different outcomes? Do you find yourself growing discouraged, maybe even resentful, that things aren’t going the way you’re hoping?
Join us online and discover how to break those patterns of behavior and reset the way you respond to roadblocks. Our expert will introduce you to the 3-step ABC Model, which will invite you to reflect on how you can approach adversity more constructively. Resilience is not something you’re born with. It’s a skill you can build.
Email cetl@atu.edu if you would like to attend this live webcast.

Wed. Mar. 11 - Assessment Strategies for Mastery Learning in Large Session Classes (Magna Online Seminar), 1:00-2:00 pm, Location TBD
For educators teaching large-session classes who are interested in implementing mastery learning but feel restricted by the instructor/student ratio, this online seminar offers strategies to implement mastery learning assessments in large enrollment classes.
Email cetl@atu.edu if you would like to attend this live online seminar.

Thurs. Mar. 12 - Star-Gazing Talk, 8:00 pm, Sunset Point, Mt. Nebo, led by Jeff Robertson - cancelled due to weather

Mon. Mar. 16 - Faculty/Staff lounge hours, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Rothwell 455 - cancelled

Mon. Mar. 30 - Monthly Book Club on Happiness: Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert (ISBN 9781400077427), 2:30-3:30 pm, Brown 435 - postponed

Mon. Mar. 30 - CETL Seminar Series: Build You Own Class Mobile App Without Coding! - 3:00-4:00 pm, Crabaugh 310, Dr. Rebecca Callaway, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction - postponed

 

April

Thurs. Apr. 2 - Faculty/Staff lounge hours, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Rothwell 455 - cancelled

Mon. Apr. 6 - Emotional Intelligence Workshop, 1:00-2:00 pm, Brown 134, led by Delton Gordon - postponed

Wed. Apr. 8 - ATU Bike Ride, 5:30 pm, meet in front of Doc Bryan (the side facing Tucker Coliseum), led by Craig Witcher - cancelled

Thurs. April 9 - Hidden Disabilities: Navigating the Need for Disability Support on Campus (Magna Online Seminar), 1:00-2:00 pm, Location TBD
Cognitive disabilities are often "hidden" - if not disclosed by the student, then an educator may not be aware of the barriers to learning that exist. This online seminar addresses some of the most common eligible accommodations to assist students with disabilities and how to use these accommodations in the classroom.
The recording of this online seminar will be available on the CETL Blackboard shell about 1 week after April 9.

Fri. Apr. 10 - Water Aerobics, 3:00-4:00 pm, Russellville Aquatics Center, taught by Robin Dalton - cancelled

Thurs. Apr. 16 - CETL Advisory Board Meeting - 8:30-9:15 am, McEver 121 - cancelled

Thurs. Apr. 16 - Using Humor to Engage Students in the Classroom (Magna Online Seminar), 1:00-2:00 pm, Location TBD
Low student engagement is a lament that can be heard from both students and instructors. It's crucial that you, as an educator, are able to connect with your students to foster the most effective teaching and learning environment possible. Here's something not a lot of people really know...You can do this using humor. Yes, humor! Humor is one of the most underappreciated teaching tools and can easily and effectively boost engagement and satisfaction in your classroom. Using Humor to Engage Students in the Classroom will cover the evidence that supports the effectiveness of humor in the classroom as well as provide practical applications to help you begin using humor in low-risk ways. You'll be able to take away what humor is, how it works in a classroom setting, and how to apply it to improve a variety of class goals, like recall, retention, and engagement.
The recording of this online seminar will be available on the CETL Blackboard shell about 1 week after April 16.

Thurs. Apr. 16 - Cooking Class, 5:00 pm, Location TBA, taught by Susan West (There will be a $10 fee for this event to cover costs.) - cancelled

Mon. Apr. 20 - Faculty/Staff lounge hours, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Rothwell 455 - cancelled

Wed. Apr. 22 - Virtual Yoga Class (Sun Salutations), 6:00 pm
Join Erin Clair for yoga. We'll go through the different types of sun salutations. Modifications will be given to meet you where you are at in your practice. Contact eclair@atu.edu with questions.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/9632139086?pwd=MVVsU0NHcHBmT2ZjL295eml3SUZNdz09
Meeting ID: 963 213 9086
Password: 311745

Mon. Apr. 27 - Monthly Book Club on Happiness: The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams (ISBN 9780399185045), 2:30 pm
We'll meet on WebEx to discuss. Drop in whether or not you get a chance to read the book by then. Contact eclair@atu.edu with questions.
https://atu.webex.com/atu/j.php?MTID=m2ecbda2c1d7f6d9ab82b83a3b0352028

Tues. Apr. 28 - Trauma-Informed Pedagogy: Teaching in Uncertain Times (Magna Online Seminar), 1:00 pm Central
As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the world, many higher education institutions have suspended classes, converted to virtual formats, and even have closed facilities. These situations have not only affected students’ education, but their mental and emotional health as well. This online seminar will examine the impact of traumatic experiences on students’ learning and discuss strategies that can be used to mitigate this impact and improve education outcomes.
Enter coupon code 428MOS in the cart prior to checkout to receive this live seminar for free. Coupon code and registration for the live seminar both expire at 8:00 AM Central on Monday, April 27, 2020.
The recording of this online seminar will be available on the CETL Blackboard shell about 1 week after April 28.

Tues. Apr. 28 - Total Body Workout Fitness Class, 5:00 pm
Get a workout from the comfort of your own home. This virtual class will be a circuit of 8 exercises for a total body workout suited for men and women at all levels of fitness. You will need a chair, a mat or rug to lie on, and either a set of dumbbells suitable for biceps curl of a couple of milk jugs. The instructor will show modifications for each exercise so you can adapt it to your needs. Duration: 45 minutes
Dr. Paola Gemme holds a Group Fitness Instructor Certification with AFAA (The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America). Contact pgemme@atu.edu with any questions
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/9632139086?pwd=MVVsU0NHcHBmT2ZjL295eml3SUZNdz09
Meeting ID: 963 213 9086
Password: 311745

Wed. Apr. 29 - Drawing Demo & Lesson with Neal Harrington, 6:00 pm
Neal Harrington, ATU Professor of Art, is a phenomenal artist, and he's offered to do a drawing demo and lesson to all faculty and staff. Just hop on Zoom and have some paper, a pencil, and an eraser handy. Contact nharrington@atu.edu with any questions.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/9632139086?pwd=MVVsU0NHcHBmT2ZjL295eml3SUZNdz09
Meeting ID: 963 213 9086
Password: 311745

May

Tues. May 5 - Using UDL to Create Effective Educational Assessments (Magna Online Seminar), 1:00-2:00 pm
Do you sometimes use traditional assessment methods despite having some students who may not do well with them? This Magna Online Seminar offers alternatives based on the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework that are acceptable even in cases where instructors do not believe they have flexibility to change assessments.
The recording of this online seminar will be available on the CETL Blackboard shell about 1 week after May 5.

Tues. May 5 - Cooking Class, 5:00 pm
Dr. Paola Gemme, a native of Italy, is widely known for her culinary skills. She has offered to teach faculty and staff to learn how to prepare two of Italy's iconic desserts, crostata di mandorle (almond tart) and panna cotta (cooked cream) with a raspberry sauce. Join her on Zoom. The ingredient list is on the Well-Being Series Blackboard site. Email pgemme@atu.edu with any questions.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/9632139086?pwd=MVVsU0NHcHBmT2ZjL295eml3SUZNdz09
Meeting ID: 963 213 9086
Password: 311745

Thurs. May 7 - Tech Talks, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Rothwell - cancelled

Thurs. May 7 - Faculty/Staff lounge hours, 11:45 am - 1:00 pm, Rothwell 455 - cancelled

Mon. May 11 - Spring 2020 Academic Affairs Farewell, 1:30-2:30 pm, link will be posted later
Dr. Johnson will say farewell to Spring 2020 and in doing so recognize faculty and staff, provide an overview of summer professional development workshops, discuss how we are approaching planning for Fall 2020, and respond to any questions you may have.

Mon. May 11 - Promotion & Tenure Workshop, 3:00-4:00 pm, link will be posted later
Dr. Johnson will host a Promotion & Tenure Workshop to provide a general overview of the promotion and tenure process, discuss submission deadlines and the role of the DPTC and UPTC, review the expectations of the ePortfolio, and share helpful tips. If you plan on applyling for promotion and/or tenure in fall 2020 or even fall 2021, we strongly encourage you to attend this workshop so you are clear on the expectations and the deadlines.