FLEX Week Fall 2021 (Aug 16–20)

TUE, AUG 10

10 am — 11 am

EE

OMNI 403(b)/457(b) Administration — What You Need to Know

This session will provide a general overview of OMNI's administrative services, including a walk-through of the website and a review of the most used features of Marin Community College District's Plan page. This will also be a great time for employees to ask any questions that they may have.

Note: OMNI is our new 403b 3rd Party Administrator effective July 1, 2021.

Session Outcomes

• Learn where they need to go in order to start, stop, or change 403(b) contribution amounts, as well as which providers are approved vendors for Marin Community College District.
• Learn where they need to go in order to ask questions or get assistance with their 403(b) account.
• Learn where to go in order to submit transaction requests such as loans, hardships, withdrawals, and more

Ryan Phillips
OMNI Business Development Manager

TUE, AUG 10

1 pm – 2 pm

EE

Benefits Overview: Building Blocks for Business, Colonial Life, Sterling (FSA and HSA)

In this webinar, we will discuss benefit offerings: Building Blocks for Business, our Agent-Assisted Virtual Enrollment Service, Colonial Life Voluntary Benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts with our new Cafeteria 125 vendor Sterling.

Session Outcomes

• Learn about the 2nd year for enrolling in the Colonial Supplemental Benefits.  Many plans have GUARANTEED ISSUE that will not be available for existing employees after this year's enrollment
• Meet our new Cafeteria 125 vendor Sterling and learn about enrolling in Flexible Spending Accounts, as well as Health Savings Accounts

Ron Owen
COM Senior Benefits Analyst

Lorin Westlund
Director of Partner Acquisitions

Lynn DeMaria
Municipality Practice Leader

Jeffrey Mizokawa
Tiffany Garcia
Sterling Administration

WED, AUG 11
9 am - 10 am

EE

Your Retirement Plan at Work

In this workshop, you will learn about how your CalSTRS or CalPERS pension, Social Security Benefits, and individual retirement savings complement employer pensions and help you maintain your lifestyle well into retirement. In addition, the presenters will discuss the reasons people delay saving for retirement, how much you should save for retirement, the benefits of participating in your employer-sponsored retirement plan, and planning for your retirement early or mid-career.

Note: Please register at ProLearning and then complete registration through AIG.

Session Outcomes

• Gain a better grasp on how much they need to start saving for retirement based on multiple factors including age, tenure, and cost of living
• Learn the different investment risks and know how these risks will affect their long-term goals
• Have a better understanding of how each retirement benefit works together with the others to provide a comprehensive path to retirement

Dave Creech
District Manager

Jeff Isley
Financial Advisor
VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc.

WED, AUG 11
1 pm – 2 pm

EE

Guided Improvisation for Fun and Laughter

Zoom Fatigue is a real thing, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun on Zoom! In this dynamic presentation, participants will play multiple icebreakers and improv games that will have them laughing, thinking quickly on their feet, and working together as a team to build a scene, an idea, or a reality. Take a break from the mundane and everyday meetings and boost your creativity with this engaging presentation. Fun is guaranteed with this special workshop event!

Please note: This is a high participation workshop, meaning no multi-tasking is allowed. Participants will be asked to turn their audio and video on in order to participate in the activities. Everyone will have a chance and be asked to contribute. However, participants always have the option to just watch and listen if requested.

Session Outcomes

• Engage in team-building exercises that will allow them to work together and interact with each other without having to talk about work-related items
• Build listening skills as they must listen to what each team member is saying in order to make the story and game make sense and flow
• Be challenged to think quickly on their feet and contribute to the stories and games in their own unique way
• Leave the meeting feeling that they contributed, created something together, got to interact with each other, and most importantly, had fun while doing it

Dayna Gowan
Keenan, Health and Wellness Manager, Improv Enthusiast, and Facilitator of Fun

THUR, AUG 12

AC 255 Courtyard area

9 am — noon

EE

CPR/AED Training: Cardiac Life Saving Skills

This CPR training will give you the lifesaving skills you need to help others during breathing and cardiac emergencies. The instructor will teach current CPR methods, and participants will learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) device. Participants will practice on a training mannequin. This session is limited to 25 people. Register in advance via ProLearning to secure a space.  This will be an in-person session. For safety, all participants must be vaccinated.

Session Outcomes

• Learn how to respond to cardiac emergencies
• Practice CPR
• Use an AED device

Paul Stewart
COM Police Officer

THUR, AUG 12
10 am –10:45 am

EE

Virtual Cooking Demo: Mason Jar Lunches

This make-ahead lunch is portable, healthy, and fun to eat, and everything tastes better in a mason jar.  A beautifully layered salad is the perfect vessel to show off your nutritious ingredients and carry it on the go! This recipe is packed with flavor, a blend of produce, carbs, and protein that will fill you up with quality nutrition and keep you full until dinner rolls around.  If you want to pack your lunch in advance, this recipe is for you!  Triple the ingredients and pack them up in three separate mason jars, and lunch is made for the week!

Session Outcomes

• Learn ways to prepare a healthy lunch for home and for the office
• Learn tips to prepare healthy lunches ahead of time and meal prep for the week

Alisha Auringer
Holistic Wellness, Chef and Coach

THUR, AUG 12
1 pm – 2:30 pm

EE

CalSTRS – My Retirement System and CalSTRS Pension2

CalSTRS will be conducting a webinar, designed specifically for Marin Community College District employees, combining two of our most essential webinars, My Retirement System + Start Saving Now with Pension2, into one.

My Retirement System, designed specifically for new or mid-career employees, will provide you with the foundation you need to know as a CalSTRS member. You will learn important topics that include understanding the CalSTRS hybrid retirement system, contributions, creditable services, and other resources CalSTRS offers based on your career stage.

Session Outcomes

• Understand CalSTRS contributions, creditable service, and retirement formula
• Learn about other CalSTRS resources available

Start Saving Now with Pension2 provides information regarding the one voluntary component of the CalSTRS hybrid retirement system that may seem optional, but for almost all employees, is crucial for ensuring a comfortable retirement. CalSTRS Pension2 is CalSTRS’ voluntary defined contribution plan. Pension2 offers the opportunity to invest through tax-advantaged payroll deductions in low cost, flexible 403(b), Roth 403(b), and 457(b) plans for additional retirement savings. In this portion of the webinar, you’ll understand how valuable saving even a little money today will benefit you hugely by the time you’re ready to retire.

Session Outcomes

• Learn how saving through CalSTRS Pension2, complements your CalSTRS retirement benefit
• Discover how CalSTRS Pension 2 features low fees and tax-advantaged contributions and a variety of investment plans

Marcus Hoey
CalSTRS Defined Contribution Specialist

FRI, AUG 13
1 pm – 1:45 pm

EE

It’s Time to Zoomba! Zumba over Zoom

Zumba takes the "work" out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, you'll see why Zumba® Fitness classes are often called exercise in disguise. Zumba is perfect for everybody and everybody! Each Zumba® class is designed to bring people together to sweat it out and have fun.

Session Outcomes

• Burn lots of calories with 45 minutes of FUN!
• Dance to great music, with great people, and work up a sweat without even realizing it
• Focus on the "here and now" by learning new choreography, cultivating positivity and awareness, which leads to optimum functioning, energy, and health

Susan Wagner
Fitness Instructor

9 am – 10:30 am

EE, IE, TT, SS, TL, OI

Moving Forward Together in a Post-Pandemic World

Building off of the Post-Pandemic Visioning COMmunity Hour held in spring 2021, this session asks participants to think about all the ways, large and small, we have had to adjust during the pandemic and ponder questions related to where we see ourselves heading in the post-COVID years, such as: 

• How might the balance of on-campus and remote work change? 
• What might the lasting effects of the pandemic be on our commitments to equity, access, and accessibility?
•  Has our use of technology during the pandemic changed our thinking on ‘universal design’ related to accessible technology?
• How might online learning strategies and technologies change the way we approach in-person learning into the future?
•  How might the idea and nature of office hours and other ways we provide support to students change in our expanded comfort with virtual meetings? 
•  Will there be a reduced need—or an increased need (or both in some ways)—for the physical college campus for our students?

Session Outcomes

• Apply a framework for thinking about the future for COM and what we want it to look like in a post-pandemic world
• Through analysis of the ways we have had to adjust during the pandemic, conceptualize specific directions and changes that will benefit the College as we head into the post-pandemic years 

Jonathan Eldridge

Cara Kreit

10:40 am – noon

SS, EQ, OI

COM CARE: Supporting Students Remotely and In-Person

In this session, participants will learn about and discuss the best practices for supporting students in crisis, identify red flags and warning signs, and work on student intervention skills. We will also discuss resources at the College and in the community so that you can more effectively provide support for your students.

Session Outcomes

• Identify resources, both on-campus and off-campus, that can support students facing a crisis
• Recognize concerning behaviors of students that may require additional support or intervention
• Model intervention strategies to use with students in crisis

Matthew Kent

Sadika Sulaiman Hara

10:40 am – noon

OI, TL, SS, TT, EQ

Faculty Course Design Sharecase

Are you interested in viewing actual Canvas courses and learning about the design choices your colleagues have made? If so, you’ll want to come to this session where faculty are invited to share their courses and discuss the design strategies they have employed to aid students in the course navigation, increase engagement, and strengthen the classroom community. In addition, faculty will share the lessons learned that impacted their design choices and changes over time.

If you are interested in sharing your course, please email Stacey Lince by August 11 to obtain a sandbox for content import. 

Session Outcomes

• Explain how course design strategies increase student engagement
• Assess their Canvas course navigation to strengthen the classroom community and reduce cognitive overload for students
• Identify design strategies that can be implemented to improve student success and retention

Stacy Lince

Kathleen Smyth

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

TL, SS

Library Services and Resources for You and Your Students

Join our librarians for an overview of library services and resources, including basics for instructors, such as requesting library instruction, putting items on reserve, and streaming video. You’ll also learn about how the library supports students, including checking out laptops and hotspots, using the library in Fusselman Hall, and getting research help. In addition, you’ll find out about new resources, such as an online library tutorial, free access to SF Chronicle and Marin IJ, and "Black Life in America."

Session Outcomes

• Apply COM library's resources and services to the needs of your students
• Connect the library's resources and services to your efforts to close equity gaps

David Patterson

Sarah Frye

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

TL, SS, OI

Zooming to Success: Tips and Techniques to Engage Students

A Sharing Event

During the past year, faculty have all learned tips and techniques to increase student engagement in our Zoom classrooms. These ideas have come from focused sessions such as the Raise the Room series, trial and error, and discussions with colleagues as we’ve talked about problems and solutions. In this informal, participant-driven session, attendees can discuss issues related to teaching via Zoom and share ways to increase student engagement, foster learning, and improve classroom management. Perhaps you have found some great ways to use Zoom, Canvas, Google docs, or other tools and want to share. Or perhaps you just want to come and listen to others. Either way, we hope you’ll join this time of collaboration and sharing as we learn from one another.

Session Outcomes

• Identify specific resources to incorporate into their classes
• Apply ideas to increase online engagement
• Collaborate with colleagues to solve online classroom problems

Beth Patel

Audience participation

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm

SS

Supporting Students and Harnessing the Power of ESCOM: A Formula for Success

Would you like to support your students’ academic and career aspirations? ESCOM, one of COM’s treasures, can help! In this session, you will meet members of ESCOM, (Emeritus Students of the College of Marin), and some of the faculty, staff, and students who have already benefitted from collaborations with them. This campus organization of active adults is ready and willing to bring their wealth of professional experience, expertise, and wisdom to support the College and our students through mentoring, intergenerational dialogs, panel discussions, shared programs and lectures, and more. Take this opportunity to get to know ESCOM members and learn how we can harness this resource to support our students.

Session Outcomes

• Learn about the ESCOM program and its members
• Identify specific ways ESCOM members can support student success in and out of the classroom 
• Collaborate on ways to build ESCOM/COM partnerships

Luanne Mullin

Anne Pearson
ESCOM

1:45 pm – 2:45 pm

EQ

Moving North Together: COM Equity Assessment

The equity focus area of the Educational Master Plan defines equity and equity-minded in helping to address racial/ethnic and economic inequality. Equity on a college campus is important and should have a clear process and shared definition. As decisions, processes, and programs are implemented to address equity at COM, how can tools of assessment be used to understand our processes, outcomes, and advance institutional equity?

In this workshop, attendees will engage in small and large-group discussions to determine how we can get on the same page to measure our progress on equity. Through a shared process of measure creation and clear monitoring of indices across programs, this will provide feedback on the effectiveness of teaching, programs, and services. At the end of the session, participants will draft a checklist/rubric for assessing equity in their classroom and work.

Session Outcomes

• Describe how equity is currently measured and share best practice approaches
• Identify opportunities for collaboration in the creation and implementation of monitoring tools to track progress toward equity goals

Umoja Equity Institute

3 pm – 5 pm

EQ

EEO/Diversity, Equity, and Unconscious Bias Training

Before serving on a recruitment and screening committee, Title 5, § 53020 (c) requires all individuals to be trained on the elimination of bias in hiring and employment. When thinking about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, chances are, most individuals tend to see themselves as good-intentioned, equity-minded, and fair-minded people. However, we all have unconscious/implicit biases that affect how we live and work in the world. This presentation will cover:

• Key diversity, equity, and inclusion definitions
• Equal Employment Opportunity laws
• Board policies and procedures
• How diversity, equity, and inclusion make the workplace better
• Understanding our biases
• Types of unconscious/implicit biases in the workplace
• The impact of biases in the workplace and how to interrupt them
• Best practices in serving on a screening committee

Session Outcomes

• Understand principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and identify types of unconscious/implicit biases in the workplace
• Engage in discussions to better understand our biases and how diversity, equity, and inclusion make the workplace better
• Consider the impact of biases in the workplace and how to interrupt them
• Gain tools and strategies for best practices in serving on a screening committee

Nekoda Harris

Eugene Whitlock

Julie Breakstone

Kirsten Gisle

3 pm – 5 pm

EE

New Faculty Orientation

Are you new to teaching at COM? If so, welcome! We’re glad to have you as part of our faculty. We want to give you the support and information you need to be successful, so please join us for this orientation session. You will meet other new faculty and learn important information about COM policies and procedures to help ensure that you are ready for the first day of classes and beyond.

Session Outcomes

• Gain key information about College policies and procedures
• Learn about resources and support services
• Meet new colleagues

Beth Patel

Cari Torres-Benavides

9 am – 9:45 am

EE

Stressful Mind vs. Peaceful Mind: Learning the Basic Tools to Practice Mindfulness

Have people ever told you to “breathe", "be calm", "let it go"? Have you ever wondered, "How do I do that?" or thought, “Easy to say.”

For many people, it can be very intimidating just to hear that. We can get tired and lost in our attempts to "be calm" and eventually moving on with the stress option instead of responding with a balanced and healthy mind and body. This class, led by Maria Gray, who teaches in the adapted physical education program, will assist you in developing basic tools to practice a "peaceful mind" to bring to your life both at home and work. Like most things in life, mindfulness is a practice and the more we practice the easier it becomes to understand the process of choosing the peaceful mind over the stressed or reactionary mind. By practicing breathing techniques, mindful awareness exercises, and some basic yoga stretches, we can help build our mindfulness and learn to settle the anxious and ever-racing mind therefore be ready to deal with stress with less stress.

Session Outcomes

• Identify trigger points that elevate the stress level in their lives
• Establish a connection with the mind and the physical body
• Develop a daily routine, using different techniques, to help reduce anxiety and stress

Clara Gray

9 am – 10:15 am

IE, EE

Department Chairs’ and Coordinators’ Meeting

All chairs/coordinators, deans, and directors should attend.

This meeting will offer a concentrated, dedicated time for chairs and coordinators to
discuss important topics for the semester. The information and discussion will be applicable to share at department meetings.

As part of this meeting, participants will join the Antiracism and Community Building session from 10:30 am – noon with Ali Michael, and then conclude their work with an afternoon session from 1 pm – 3 pm if necessary.

Jonathon Eldridge

10:30 am – noon

EQ

Antiracism and Community Building: Moving Forward Together

In this special presentation, noted educator and speaker Dr. Ali Michael, author of Raising Race Questions: Whiteness and Inquiry in Education, will address issues of racism and racial competence and offer specific steps faculty and staff can take to promote growth and build community.

At the end of the session, we will have a drawing and give away five copies of Raising Race Questions.

Session Outcomes

• Recognize and honor difference without judgment
• Gain strategies for engaging in challenging racial discussions
• Confront racism at the individual, group, and systems-level
• Apply anti-racist practices in the classroom and the office
• Understand the benefits and power of community building

Ali Michael

12:30 pm – 2 pm

SS, TL

Meeting Students Where They Are: Puente’s Approach to Supporting Students

The Puente Project is an award-winning, interdisciplinary program at COM and locations across the state, designed to improve college success for underrepresented students. In this session, led by Paula Silva and Elsie Rivas Gomez of the Puente Project, you will learn about Puente’s unique approach to working with community college students and leave with ideas and practices that have proven to increase classroom engagement and college completion for the past 40 years.

This session will also serve as an invitation to participate in the Puente Community of Practice and join three additional sessions during the semester.

Session 1: Seeing the Whole Student
Race, identity, intersectionality and the impact of invisibility

Session 2: Being Advocates and Resources for our Students
Wellness, mental health, and basic needs

Session 3: Examining the Changes in Our Policy and Practice
Anti-racist and equitable syllabus, assessment, and grading policies

Session Outcomes

• Identify mindsets and practices that result in improved student outcomes
• Apply one or more Puente practices in their given institutional spaces
• Engage students with a renewed sense of understanding and empathy

Paula Silva

The Puente Project

Elsie Rivas Gomez
The Puente Project & Faculty,
Pasadena City College

1 pm – 3 pm

IE, EE

Department Chairs’ and Coordinators’ Meeting

This is a continuation of the morning meeting if necessary.

Jonathon Eldridge

2:10 pm – 3:30 pm

SS, TL, EQ, OI

Weaving Social-Emotional Learning into the Curriculum during Challenging Times

In collaboration with the Umoja Equity Institute and Equity in Mental Health Initiative, this workshop will cover social-emotional learning activities that foster an equitable and inclusive learning environment. During this workshop, you will collaborate with colleagues, create social-emotional learning (SEL) activities, and develop a semester-long plan to help students to flourish in hybrid, on Zoom, and online.

Session Outcomes

• Receive techniques and tools to incorporate in their class
• Reflect on some of the issues students may be experiencing and how to provide encouragement 
• Discuss other techniques they are using in the class

Windee Cottle

Patricia France

Danila Musante

2:10 pm – 3:30 pm

SS, EQ ROI, TL

Supporting Access and Equity through Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Members of the Student Accessibility Services department will present a short, panel talk on frequently asked questions about access, accessibility, and equity. Attendees will then participate in workshop activities and a Q & A session.

Session Outcomes

• Identify and address common barriers to access and equity that will improve outcomes for all students including student with disabilities
• Discuss and reflect on the principles of universal design and disability justice and how they apply to course design and curriculum
• Increase their understanding of how SAS is a creative partner in addressing barriers to equity and access throughout the campus community

Elle Dimopoulos

4 pm – 5 pm

EQ, TL

Isabel Allende, Love, Democracy, and Sex: Using our COMmon Read in the Class

Learn about COMmon Read 2021-2022, COM's shared reading program. This year we celebrate Isabel Allende and her works, with a special emphasis on her novel, A Long Petal of the Sea. We'll talk about how you and your students might participate in this year-long festival celebrating reading, democracy, refugees, and bilingualism. We'll discuss events on Zoom and in person, the book giveaway, and, of course, Allende's visit to COM!

Session Outcomes

• Receive resources about our COMmon Read, Isabel Allende, and her works
• Review a sample assignment and student responses to short stories by Isabel Allende
• Consider ways to incorporate works by and about Isabel Allende into your curriculum
• Connect the themes of this year's COMmon Read to themes in courses you teach 

David Patterson

Beth Patel

4 pm – 5 pm

SS, EE, EQ

Brave Spaces: A Proactive Approach to Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students

This presentation covers foundational information about sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Participants have the opportunity to examine their knowledge and beliefs and critique paradigms that are harmful to LGBTQIA people and gain practices that can help cultivate affirming spaces at College of Marin and our larger communities.

Session Outcomes

• Learn foundational terminologies of the expansive LGBTQ+ community
• Practice using inclusive and affirming language
• Take away tips and tools about how to cultivate brave spaces in their classrooms and communities

Teresa Perales

9 am – 11 am

Convocation

Welcome Back!

Join your friends and colleagues as we prepare for the new year and hear important updates and information about the College.

Join Webinar Here

David Wain Coon
Superintendent/President

Keynote Presentation
Building Belonging in a Time of Othering

john a. powell is Director of the Othering and Belonging Institute and Professor of Law, African American, and Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. He was previously the Executive Director at the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at the Ohio State University, and prior to that, the founder and director of the Institute for Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota. john formerly served as the National Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He is a co-founder of the Poverty & Race Research Action Council and serves on the boards of several national and international organizations. john led the development of an “opportunity-based” model that connects affordable housing to education, health, health care, and employment and is well-known for his work developing the frameworks of “targeted universalism” and “othering and belonging” to effect equity-based interventions. john has taught at numerous law schools including Harvard and Columbia University. His latest book is Racing to Justice: Transforming our Concepts of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society.

john a. powell
Director, Othering and Belonging Institute Professor of Law, African American, and Ethnic Studies University of California at Berkeley

11 am - noon

Post-Convocation Breakout Sessions
Keynote Presentation Reflection and Action: Connecting the Pieces and Moving Forward Together

Faculty from psychological services and the Umoja Equity Institute will guide this discussion as we reflect on John A Powell’s keynote presentation and strategize about how we can build connections and foster belonging at COM and beyond.

Aneissa Rosas-Sanchez

Danila Musante

Yashica Crawford

Patricia France

12:15 pm – 1:45

UPM Meeting

Faculty are encouraged to attend this meeting to hear the latest on the UPM activities.

Patrick Kelly

2 pm — 4 pm

Department Meetings 

Join your department meeting for updates and planning.

9 am — 10:30 am

IE, EQ

Organizational Culture: Using Trauma Transformative Principles to Understand and Improve the Campus Community

In this encore presentation, Larry Woodland, from Side by Side (formerly known as Sunny Hills Services), will provide an overview of trauma transformative principles and describe how to use these principles to improve organizational culture. There will be concrete examples of what individuals can do to create the work culture each person needs for success.

Session Outcomes

• Identify key transformative principles
• Identify problem issues in organizational culture
• Apply these principles for success in the classroom, the office, and beyond

Larry Woodland
Side by Side

9 am – 10:30 am

SS, TL

Academic Integrity:  Responding to and Preventing Academic Dishonesty in the Classroom

As we moved to a remote setting, we saw more reported instances of academic integrity violations, which prompted us to re-examine how the College responds to academic dishonesty. This session will discuss what constitutes an academic integrity violation, what the College's response is, and what you can do proactively to create a culture of academic integrity in your classroom.

Session Outcomes

• Identify different forms of academic dishonesty
• Develop assignments and assessments that discourage academic dishonesty
• Model ways of informing students of the College’s academic integrity policy
• Demonstrate how to address academic dishonesty with their students.

Matthew Kent

11 am – 12:30 pm

TL, SS, EE, EQ

Understanding White Supremacy: What Does it Have to Do with Me?

White supremacy is often discussed as a "thing of the past" or a “taboo topic.”  With the pandemic came the stark understanding of how deeply rooted systemic racism, classism, and oppression is for marginalized communities, which stems from practices and policies steeped in White supremacy.  Join us in a conversation about how institutions of higher education are rooted in White supremacy and how we can individually and collectively work to counter and dismantle racist systems to create equitable access and support for students who historically and currently experience the most impact.

This session will build on some of the topics introduced by Dr. Ali Michael in Tuesday’s session, Antiracism and Community Building: Moving Forward Together.

Session Outcomes

• Learn about the historical and current context of White supremacy in the U.S. higher education system
• Reflect on current practices in their teaching and/or position at the college
• Take away tips and tools to actively dismantle oppressive practices in their teaching and/or professional positions

Teresa Perales

Sadika Sulaiman Hara

Patty France

1 pm – 2 pm

TL, SS, EQ

What’s Working with Assessment

How do we make SLO assessment more meaningful?  How can SLO assessment better inform our equity-minded practices?   Come join us to learn about what's working with SLO assessment across the College, what's next, and contribute your ideas and questions.  We will highlight examples from English, Math, Fine Art, Business, and CTE about how SLO assessment, along with other student success data, can be used to explore thorny questions about student learning, measure impacts of curriculum change, and help us identify lessons learned during the pandemic.  Interested in assessing SLOs directly through Canvas?  We'll be demonstrating that too!

Session Outcomes

• Identify and describe new practices and assessment tools for course-level assessment.
• Apply equity-minded assessment strategies to own department or discipline

Cara Kreit

Nancy Willet

Farhad Zabihi

Logan Wood

B. Lee Federle

1 pm – 2 pm

TL, SS

Personalizing Democracy: How Your Curriculum Can Help Students Value Democracy

How can democracy impact students' lives in the long run? We will discuss ways to include democracy-related themes in your curriculum no matter what you teach. We will explore ways to make democracy relevant for your students across all disciplines. Join us as we join forces with the League of Women Voters - Marin in a non-partisan effort to address authoritarian trends in our nation's politics.

Session Outcomes

• Explain ways that Marin's League of Women Voters might support your curriculum 
• Connect themes such as democracy, voting, and anti-authoritarianism to your courses' themes

Dave Patterson

Ann Wakeley
Lynn Dooley
League of Women Voters

2 pm – 3 pm

TL, SS, EQ, OI

Readings, Documents, PDFs, and You

Struggling with the amount of file formats, documents, attachments, and assignment types in your online or hybrid course? This session will demonstrate how to effectively use universal design methods to increase engagement and make file management less of a headache. It will focus heavily on accessibility, leveraging existing OER resources, and getting the most out of your PDFs.

Session Outcomes

• Examine alternatives to inaccessible document formats using universal design principles and tools
• Discuss how multi-modal open educational resources can increase engagement and provide multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of the material

Elle Dimopolous

2 pm – 3 pm

EE

Get Grounded as We Gear Up for Fall

Join Psychological Services in centering yourself as we begin the year.  We will engage in guided mindful self-compassion practice together to help us relax and ground ourselves.

Session Outcomes

• Learn about the value of relaxation practice for self-care and professional effectiveness
• Learn tools to engage in independent relaxation practice
• Practice mindful self-compassion techniques

Danila Musante

3 pm – 4 pm

TT

Canvas Updates and New Releases

Stay current with upcoming changes to Canvas. In this session, we will introduce and demonstrate Canvas new releases and updates pertaining to: 

• Discussions
• Assignments
• Speedgrader
• Canvas Support and Tech Help navigation
• And more!

To learn more about these features and future updates, visit the Canvas Release Notes.

Session Outcomes

• Apply new Canvas features to their course Assignments, Discussions, and Speedgrader
• Identify and navigate Canvas Support options, guides, and menus
• Import content pages from Canvas Commons to their courses

Stacy Lince

9 am – 10:30 am

TL, EQ, SS

Using Culturally Responsive and Inclusive Pedagogy to Transform the Classroom

In this workshop, Manny Kang and Ron Palmer from the CTE Department will demonstrate ways to maintain and enhance an equitable environment in the classroom, engage with students, and strengthen communication and collaboration with students and colleagues to create greater student success in college and in professional life. This workshop will include a presentation and hands-on activities.

Session Outcomes

• Understand how the dominant culture and climate of the traditional classroom forces students to detach from learning and omits their identities
• Acknowledge culture and identify differences between instructors and students, while understanding the impact this has on the classroom
• Gain a foundational understanding of inclusive pedagogy and explore empowering teaching practices for multiple of identities 
• Explore ways to structurally transform the classroom and understand how creativity and innovation play a critical role in transforming the learning environment for students and instructors

Manjit Kang

Ron Palmer

9 am – 10:30 am

EQ, SS

Leveraging Our Partnerships: Meeting Students’ Basic Needs

Participants will learn about the various experiences students have faced over the past year, learn about ways the College and community partners in Marin County have provided services and resources to meet day-to-day needs, and what support will look like as we return in fall 2021.

Session Outcomes

• Learn about the current basic needs landscape.
• Learn about community partners and their services.
• Leave with information about how to support students’ basic needs for fall 2021

Sadika Sulaiman Hara

11 am – noon

EQ

Showing Up for Community: Equity in Marin County

During spring convocation, members of Trap the Vote from Marin City shared insights about their efforts toward equity and how COM can form authentic relationships in support of unified efforts. Community leaders highlighted the problems and struggle with racial equity in Marin schools and the county. As a follow-up discussion, we will be joined by Paul Austin, Founder of Play Marin, who will provide the perspective of the successes, opportunities, and challenges in implementing equity-minded youth programs in Marin County.

Session Outcomes

• Identify opportunities for engagement of COM community members in equity programs in Marin County
  Describe examples of equity strategies that can be used in learning environments

Paul Austin

Umoja Equity Institute

11 am – noon

IE, EE, EQ, SS

Developing and Administering a Successful Survey with PRIE

The Office of Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness (PRIE) is now offering assistance in developing and administering surveys of students, faculty, and staff. In this session, we will offer helpful tips on planning ahead and working with PRIE to ensure a successful survey project and ensure you get the data you need.

Session Outcomes

• Understand the timeline and processes involved to request, plan, develop and administer a survey through PRIE

Holley Shafer

Noon – 1 pm

IE

Curriculum Committee Training

This is required training for Curriculum Committee members.

Session Outcomes

• Receive required training to serve on the Curriculum Committee

Cari Torres-Benavides

Gina Cullen

Grace Yuan

noon – 1 pm

TL

Microscopy Accessibility Project: Content Creation

This meeting is open to any faculty or staff that are interested in content creation for the Microscopy Accessibility Project, which aims to create an OER digital microscopy library for use during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The agenda will include coordination of library content creation, training in technological tools for library creation, and planning for the semester ahead.

Session Outcomes

• Access equipment to acquire microscope images and videos
• Consistently annotate content for accessibility
• Upload content to hosting website
• Coordinate content acquisition with colleagues

Emily Fox

1 pm – 2 pm

EE, EQ

Community in Practice: Engaging in Antiracism at COM & Beyond

College of Marin's IDEA Committee launched the Antiracism Community in Practice (CIP) series in Summer 2020. This CIP cultivates community affinity spaces for COM faculty and staff to support, engage, and heal with each other around anti-racist reflection, dialogue, and practice.

Session Outcomes

• Learn about the mission and practices of COM's monthly affinity spaces
• Connect and support one another around antiracism
• Learn how to engage with the Community in Practice monthly series in the fall

Teresa Perales

1 pm - 2 pm

IE

eLumen Basics for Course Outlines

Curriculum Committee members will be available to help faculty complete and submit course outlines, and SLOAC members will be available to help update SLOs using eLumen.

Session Outcomes

• Learn new and updated eLumen features in the curriculum management system

Cari Torres-Benavides

Gina Cullen

Grace Yuan