Classified Professional Learning Day

8:30 am–9 am
Jonas Center

9 am–10:30 am
Jonas Center

Opening Session: Welcome and Announcements featuring Classified Leadership Panel

Some of your fellow classified professionals will share their experiences developing leadership skills, building confidence, and pursuing personal and professional growth. Learn how everyday opportunities can create meaningful growth and impact.

Professional Learning Committee

Nikki Harris
Leadership Program Panel

10:40 am–12 pm
BLDG 7 RM 103
(Computer Lab)

Microsoft 365: Start Here, Teams, Outlook & OneDrive Made Simple

Microsoft 365 has a lot to offer, but knowing which tool to use, and when, can be confusing. In this beginner-friendly, interactive session, we'll explore the everyday essentials of Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive and how they work together. You'll learn where your files actually live, when to use Teams instead of email, how to share and collaborate on documents, and some useful features you may not know are already available to you. We'll use real workplace examples and hands-on demonstrations so you leave feeling more confident navigating Microsoft 365 in your daily work. No advanced Microsoft experience required.

Session Outcomes

• Identify when to use Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive for common workplace tasks
• Describe how Teams, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365 work together to store, share, and collaborate on information
• Apply essential features in Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive to communicate and manage files more effectively
• Recognize Microsoft 365 features that can simplify common day-to-day tasks

10:40 am–12 pm
BLDG 5 RM 116

Raising Your Voice: Speaking Past Speech Anxiety

Have you ever experienced anxiety or hesitation about interviews, evaluations, or speaking up at meetings? You are not alone! In this session we'll discuss how to recognize and manage common sources of speech anxiety, whether for a speech address or a work meeting, that may prevent you from speaking up.

Session Outcomes

• Identify strategies for managing and speaking past speech anxiety
• Apply techniques for connecting with and engaging audience members
• Create a speech outline that uses narrative, framing, and audience connection

10:40 am–12 pm
BLDG 5 RM 120

What's Equity Got to Do with It?

This interactive session invites participants to explore equity as both a practice and a shared responsibility. Together, we'll consider how equity shows up in the choices we make, the ways we support one another, and the environments we help create. Participants will also be introduced to Community Care as a tool for recognizing and strengthening the support systems that allow us to show up more fully as ourselves. Whether you are new to equity work or continuing to deepen your practice, this session offers space to reflect, connect, and consider how each of us can contribute to a more supportive College of Marin community.

Session Outcomes

• Describe equity in your own words and connect it to College of Marin's definition
• Identify one way equity can show up in your everyday role, regardless of job title or department
• Reflect on your own support system and name at least one form of Community Care that helps you feel supported and able to show up fully

1 pm–1:30 pm
BLDG 27 RM 129

Mood Board to Big Idea: Building a Brand with AI

Graphic Design is moving beyond software instruction to focus on strategy, creative judgment, and the use of AI as a collaborative partner. Participants will help direct a fictional beverage brand by selecting visual inspiration, watch those choices become a mood board in Miro, and see the concept evaluated by a custom AI critique tool called the Creative Sharpener.

1 pm–1:30 pm
TBA

Welcome to Vitals 101!

In this session, we will check your vital signs and review the basics, including normal values, what they mean for your health, and how they help establish your baseline.

Vital signs are routinely taken in the medical office and usually take about 5 minutes to complete. Understanding your vital signs can help you recognize what is normal for you and identify changes that may be important to your health.

1 pm–1:30 pm
BLDG 27 RM 228

From Blank Project to Playable Game in 30 Minutes using the Unity Game Engine

Watch a game take shape from scratch in this live, 30-minute Unity demonstration. Starting with an empty project, Shawn Nelson will build a simple game environment, add a controllable player, and introduce a goal that turns the scene into a playable experience. Attendees will see how objects, components, physics, and basic scripts work together to create gameplay.

Along the way, participants will see how to test ideas, troubleshoot problems, and make quick adjustments in Unity's Play mode. The session offers an approachable look at the game development process, showing how a few essential tools can turn an idea into something you can play. No previous Unity experience is required.

1 pm–1:30 pm
BLDG 2 RM 210

Car Safety 101

Learn the basics of vehicle safety through a hands-on demonstration of tire and light inspections. Participants will discover how to check tire pressure, tread depth, tire wear, and vehicle lights to help keep their cars safe and road ready. Attendees will receive a tread depth gauge and leave with practical skills they can use to inspect their own vehicles.

1:40 pm–3 pm
BLDG 5 RM 120

Trash Talk: Understanding Our New Waste Disposal Policies – Learn It, Sort It

This session will be an informational interactive session where attendees can learn about the new waste disposal policies being implemented at COM and learn how to dispose of their waste without questions or hesitation.

Session Outcomes

• Identify what waste goes into which waste streams
• Understand the initiatives being implemented at the college
• Connect other COM members with the appropriate educational resources
• Direct other COM members on the appropriate waste disposal practices

1:40 pm–3 pm
BLDG 5 RM 116

Owning Your Value: Communicating Your Skills, Strengths, and Impact

Whether you are pursuing a promotion, applying for a new position, exploring a different career path, or simply looking to grow and make a greater impact in your current role, understanding how to communicate your skills and strengths is essential. This interactive session will help participants identify transferable soft and technical skills, recognize the value of their experiences, and connect their strengths to opportunities for professional growth. Participants will learn how to confidently articulate their contributions and impact in resumes, interviews, networking conversations, performance evaluations, leadership opportunities, and everyday workplace interactions. Participants will leave with practical strategies to showcase their strengths, increase their professional visibility, and position themselves for future success.

Session Outcomes

• Identify and articulate your key strengths, transferable skills, and professional accomplishments
• Connect your current experience and expertise to career growth opportunities, new responsibilities, or future career pathways
• Communicate your value confidently in resumes, interviews, networking conversations, performance discussions, and everyday workplace interactions
• Develop strategies to showcase your skills and contributions in ways that support professional visibility and advancement

1:40 pm–3 pm
BLDG 7 RM 103
(Computer Lab)

Level Up Your Microsoft 365 Productivity: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Ready to go beyond the basics? This interactive session explores practical ways to use Microsoft 365 to reduce repetitive work, stay organized, collaborate more effectively, and get more done. We'll dig into features and workflows across Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and other Microsoft 365 tools that can make everyday work easier. Through demonstrations and real-world examples, you'll discover better ways to manage email and meetings, collaborate on files, organize your work, and connect Microsoft tools into more efficient workflows. Come ready to pick up tips, shortcuts, and ideas you can start using right away.

Session Outcomes

• Apply Microsoft 365 features and shortcuts to streamline common workplace tasks
• Create more efficient workflows using Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and other Microsoft 365 tools
• Identify opportunities to reduce repetitive work and improve personal organization
• Evaluate which Microsoft 365 tools and features are best suited for different workplace needs