Flex Week Fall 2024

MON, AUG 5
10 am - 10:30 am

Zoom

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

General overview of OMNI's administrative services. During this session, we will walk through the OMNI website and review the most used features of Marin Community College District's 403(B) AND 457(B) Page. This will also be a great time for employees to ask any questions that they may have.

Session Outcomes

• Participants will 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.
• Participants will learn where they need to go in order to ask questions or get assistance with their 403(b) account.
• Participants will learn where to go in order to submit transaction requests such as loans, hardships, withdrawals and more.
• Participants will learn some basic financial literacy information.

Ryan Phillips
OMNI Plan Consultant

MON, AUG 5

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Zoom

Note:
Spanish Interpreter available in Zoom Room.

Nota:
Intérprete al español. Sala en español por Zoom.

Your Retirement Plan at Work

Learn the differences between 403(b)s and 457(b)s, 2024 contribution limits, different investment options and how they work, rules and restrictions of the plans, and the process for enrolling. (Repeat on Wednesday, August 7)

Session Outcomes

• Participants will 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.
• Participants will learn the different investment risks and know how these risks will affect their long-term goals.
• Participants will have a better understanding of how each retirement benefit works together with the others to provide a comprehensive path to retirement.

Su Plan de Retiro en El Trabajo

Aprenda las diferencias entre los planes 403(b) y 457(b), los límites de aportación de 2024, diferentes opciones de inversión y cómo funcionan, reglas y restricciones de los planes y el proceso para inscribirse.

Resultados de la sesión

• Los participantes obtendrán una mejor comprensión de cuánto necesitan para empezar a ahorrar para el retiro en base a diferentes factores que incluyen la edad, el tiempo de servicio y el costo de la vida.
• Los participantes conocerán los diferentes riesgos de inversión y sabrán cómo estos riesgos afectarán sus metas a largo plazo.
• Los participantes tendrán una mejor comprensión de cómo cada beneficio de retiro funciona junto con los demás para formar un camino completo hacia el retiro.

Jeff Isley
Financial Advisor,
Retirement Services, VALIC Financial Advisors, Corebridge Financial

TUES, AUG 6
9 am – 11:30 am

Zoom

Note:
Spanish Interpreter available in Zoom Room.

Nota:
Intérprete al español. Sala en español por Zoom.

CalPERS: Planning Your Retirement — For Members within 10 Years of Retirement

This is our most comprehensive class that provides a deeper understanding of your benefits as you begin to prepare for retirement. Learn how your pension is calculated, ways to increase it, and the payment options available upon retirement to provide for a beneficiary. You will also learn about the CalPERS Special Power of Attorney and employer contracted CalPERS health benefits.

What's Covered

• Class Introductions
• Retirement Income Sources
• Retirement Types
• Retirement Calculation
• Ways to Increase Your Retirement Benefit
• Survivor Continuance
• Retirement Benefit Payment Options
• Temporary Annuity
• Post-Retirement Lump Sum Death Benefits
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
• Power of Attorney
• Retirement Process
• Working After Retirement
• Online Resources
• Health Benefits
• Class Closings
• Break Time

  To register for this session:
  1. Login to my|CalPERS account, go to Education Tab, Planning Your Retirement (for members within 10-years of retirement) Sponsored by Marin Community College District.
  2. Register on ProLearning (choose the session in the Workshop Calendar and register by clicking on "Request")

Planificación de su Retiro — Para Miembros que se Retirarán en Los Próximos 10 Años

Esta es nuestra clase más completa que ofrece una comprensión más profunda de sus beneficios a medida que comienza a prepararse para el retiro. Aprenda cómo se calcula su pensión, las maneras de aumentarla y las opciones de pago disponibles al retirarse para transferir fondos a un beneficiario. También aprenderá sobre el poder notarial especial de CalPERS y los beneficios de salud de CalPERS contratados por el empleador.

Cuáles son los temas que se tratarán

• Introducciones de la clase
• Fuentes de ingresos de retiro
• Tipos de retiro
• Cálculo de retiro
• Formas de aumentar su beneficio de retiro
• Continuación para supervivientes
• Opciones de pago de beneficios de retiro
• Anualidad temporal
• Beneficios por muerte en pago único posterior al retiro
• Ajuste por el costo de la vida (COLA):
• Poder notarial
• Proceso de retiro
• Trabajar después de retirarse
• Recursos en línea
• Beneficios de la salud
• Cierres de la clase
• Descanso

CalPERS

TUES, AUG 6
1 pm – 2 pm

Student Health Center
Portable, Lot 6

Learn the Basics of First Aid, Bystander CPR, and Narcan Administration

This will be an in-person interactive session with hands-on practice performing basic first aid skills, from the application of slings and bandages to bystander CPR, to Narcan administration, and more. You will receive an emergency CPR facemask and Narcan. Please note that this session does not lead to a certificate for CPR. (12 participants maximum.)

Session Outcomes

• Identify and respond to emergency health situations on campus, home, and in the community.

Lisa Tostenson

Bo Buckley

TUES, AUG 6
2 pm – 3 pm

Zoom

Self-Care Check-In

We’re in the second half of 2024 – can you believe it? In the new year, you may have set some goals for better self-care and well-being this year. Hopefully, you are doing well with your self-care goals and needs this year. If not, no stress, guilt, or shame. This session is a chance to evaluate how your self-care and wellness goals are going so far and how you can realistically focus on self-care for this upcoming school year.

Busy days go by fast, and we’re already starting a new school year. Before you know it, 2024 will be coming to an end. Let’s take a break, take some deep breaths, and focus on the present and what we can do to help our self-care needs for the Fall 2024 semester and beyond. Use this session to check in with yourself about your wellness needs as we guide you through some simple suggestions and strategies to help you discover what will work best for you.

Please note: This is a very interactive session. We will be using breakout rooms for some of the exercises and discussions.

Session Outcomes

• Attendees will participate in self-care exercises to experience different ways of taking care of themselves.
• Attendees will leave with tips and strategies for incorporating self-care practices into their busy days.
• Attendees will discuss and brainstorm with others on how they can overcome barriers to self-care.

Mariah Caracoza

Health and Wellness Manager

WED, AUG 7
1 pm - 2 pm

AC 240

Note:
Spanish Interpreter available in the Classroom.

Note:
Esto es en persona con intérprete al español.

(REPEAT)

Your Retirement Plan at Work

Learn the differences between 403(b)s and 457(b)s, 2024 contribution limits, different investment options and how they work, rules and restrictions of the plans, and the process for enrolling. (Repeat on Wednesday)

Session Outcomes

• Participants will 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.
• Participants will learn the different investment risks and know how these risks will affect their long-term goals.
• Participants will have a better understanding of how each retirement benefit works together with the others to provide a comprehensive path to retirement.

Su Plan de Retiro en El Trabajo

Aprenda las diferencias entre los planes 403(b) y 457(b), los límites de aportación de 2024, diferentes opciones de inversión y cómo funcionan, reglas y restricciones de los planes y el proceso para inscribirse.

Resultados de la sesión

• Los participantes obtendrán una mejor comprensión de cuánto necesitan para empezar a ahorrar para el retiro en base a diferentes factores que incluyen la edad, el tiempo de servicio y el costo de la vida.
• Los participantes conocerán los diferentes riesgos de inversión y sabrán cómo estos riesgos afectarán sus metas a largo plazo.
• Los participantes tendrán una mejor comprensión de cómo cada beneficio de retiro funciona junto con los demás para formar un camino completo hacia el retiro.

Jeff Isley
Financial Advisor,
Retirement Services, VALIC Financial Advisors, Corebridge Financial

THUR, AUG 8
9 am – 10 am

Zoom

Delta Dental 101

Learn how to register and create a login on the Delta Dental Website, as well as a demo to show participants how to search the Delta Dental Website for Delta Dental PPO Providers accepting new patients or other specific search criteria. Delta Dental plan enhancements, strategic initiatives, value added programs and resources will also be discussed.

Session Outcomes

• Learn how to register and create a login on the Delta Dental Website.
• Learn how to find a Delta Dental Provider in your area.
• Learn about Delta Dental plan enhancements, strategic initiatives, value added programs and resources.

Ryan M. Neese
Delta Dental Account Manager

THUR, AUG 8
10 am - 11 am

Zoom

Benefits 101/Open Enrollment 2024 BenefitBridge Employee Benefits Portal

In this educational workshop, SISC will present an overview of the medical benefits and added-value services available to College of Marin employees. Also, Keenan & Associates will give an overview of the College of Marin’s employee benefits portal, BenefitBridge. This platform will host all enrollments, benefit plans and rates, health plan resources, and so much more! This is a perfect time to ask all your benefit-related questions!

Session Outcomes

• Basic Understanding of Plan Terms & Benefits.
• The importance of staying in–network.
• SISC Added Value Services.

Frank Impastato
SISC

Keenan Team

THURS, AUG 8
1 pm – 2:30 pm

Zoom

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 is designed to 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

• Designed specifically for new or mid-career employees to understand CalSTRS contributions, creditable service and retirement formula.
• Educate participants on 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, tax-advantaged contributions, and a variety of investment plans.

CalSTRS

FRI, AUG 9
10 am – 12 pm

IVC – Meet at Organic Farm and Garden

Introduction to Cultivating Compassion Through Nature

Scientific studies show that nature plays an important role in enhancing our creativity, compassion, and joy. In this Half-day workshop, we will explore how the ABCs (Awareness, Belonging, and Caring) have a positive impact on reducing stress and anxiety and lifting our spirits.

As a participant, you will experience ways of slowing down and relaxing through guided meditations and engage in activities that stimulate your awareness, belonging, and caring. You will practice being in the present moment and reducing your stress level by using your five senses in nature.

Optional: Bring a box/bag lunch to stay after the workshop and eat with the other participants.

Note: Please bring appropriate clothing, a hat, and comfortable footwear. This session will include a short walk to the pond above the Organic Farm and Garden. If it's sunny and hot, please bring a water bottle and sunscreen.

Session Outcomes

• Participants will explore the role of the ABC’s (Awareness, Belonging and Caring) in increasing their well-being.
• Participants will use their five senses to become more keenly aware of the present moment.
• Participants will have a better understanding of the role of nature in reducing stress and promoting happiness, creativity, and compassion

Andrés Edwards, Certified Forest Therapy Guide

FRI, AUG 9
1 pm – 2 pm

Zoom

Zoomba with Susan Wagner

Zumba takes the "work" out of workout! This exhilarating, easy-to-follow, calorie-burning dance fitness-party will move YOU! Susan's class mixes low and high intensity moves for an interval-style cardiovascular workout you won't forget.

This session is open to everyone, and while this session does have some physical activity, participants should feel welcome to move at a pace most comfortable to them.

Session Outcomes

• You'll burn lots of calories with 45 minutes of FUN!!
• You'll dance to great music with great people and work up a sweat without even realizing it.
• You'll focus on the "here and now" by learning new dance moves, which leads to optimum functioning, energy and health.

FRI, AUG 9
2 pm – 3 pm

Zoom

Demystifying the New Student Process — For Faculty and Staff

Have you ever been asked how a student enrolls at College of Marin? In this session, the Welcome Center will demystify the new student process for you! We will provide a step-by-step overview of the COM application, admission, and enrollment processes. You will get a glimpse of the new student’s experience, including the challenges, and leave with a better understanding of how a person gets started as a student at COM.

Session Outcomes

• Describe the application and enrollment steps for a new COM student.
• Identify challenges a student may face in getting started as a new COM student.
• Direct a potential student to the COM application web page to get started.
• Connect students to the Welcome Center who need assistance.

Sally Wong

Patrick Garretson

9:30 am – 10:50 am

AC 255

Preventing and Responding to Violence in the Workplace

Join us for a workshop focused on preventing workplace violence. In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies to foster a respectful and safe work environment. This discussion will cover:

What workplace violence is and learn how to identify potential risks and address them proactively. Discover strategies that promote understanding and prevent potential conflicts. During the session, we’ll cover essential steps for responding to an active shooter situation, including Run, Hide, Fight, and Barricade techniques and demonstrate how to use the COM door locking mechanisms. Familiarize yourself with the Districts Workplace Prevention Plan including how to locate a copy, report workplace violence, and more.

Session Outcomes

• Participants will familiarize themselves with the Workplace Prevention Plan, including reporting procedures and appropriate actions.
• Learn how to effectively use door locking mechanisms and take other critical steps to prevent and respond to emergency situations.
• Discover which steps to take in the event of an active shooter, such as the Run, Hide, Fight, and Barricade techniques.
• Build skills and techniques that will enhance prevention ability, promoting understanding and preventing conflicts.

Suad Vila

Dustin Ruiz

9:30 am – 10:50 am

Zoom

Using Turnitin’s AI Indicator in Canvas

Come learn about the AI indicator in Turnitin, which is the tool currently available to all faculty in Canvas to check student work for AI. We will review the Similarity Report and the AI indicator, as well as how assignment settings and assignment types can influence the results. This session will include how the Turnitin Similarity Report and the AI Indicator can be used to start conversations with students about their writing process, and also include a review of demonstration papers using both the Similarity Report and the AI Indicator.

Zoom Recording of the Session

Slide Deck from the Session (note that you'll need to 'request' access)

Session Outcomes

• Set up Turnitin assignments in Canvas.
• Utilize Similarity Report and AI indicator features in Turnitin.
• Engage in discussions with students about their writing process, including review of Turnitin AI indicator and Similarity Reports.

Leann McArthur
Turnitin

10 am – 1 pm

AC 103 & AC 114

New Faculty Orientation

Are you new or new-ish 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.

Cara Kreit

Cari Torres-Benavides

Stacey Lince

11 am – 12:20 pm

Dual Delivery:
AC 245 & Zoom

Inclusive by Design: Creating Accessible Learning Materials

Using accessible design as a foundation, universal design for learning (UDL) can help us create materials and resources that are flexible and adaptable to engage a diverse group of learners. This session will demonstrate how to reduce access barriers, by designing course materials with accessibility in mind including HTML pages, PDF, Word, and PPT files, using alternative media, and existing open educational resources. We will also explore available tools at COM and through the CCC Accessibility Center to assist in identifying and troubleshooting accessibility issues.

Session Outcomes

• Examine alternatives to inaccessible document formats using universal design principles and tools.
• Identify available tools and resources to evaluate and remediate accessibility of websites, course content, and documents.
• Discuss how multi-modal open educational and accessible resources can increase engagement and provide multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of the material.

Stacey Lince

Elle Dimopoulus

11 am - 12:20 pm

AC 240

The Other Story: Navigating Crisis and Conflict Through Inquiry, Empathy, and Care

Communication and relationships are at the heart of our student-centered work. Regardless of position, each individual plays an integral role in creating a welcoming and inclusive campus community with opportunities to transform life experiences for students and employees. Environments and human interaction can also present complexities, making it difficult to know how best to engage, resolve conflict, or manage crisis in the moment. This interactive conversation will provide an opportunity to explore how we can change ourselves, others, and the experience, even in the most difficult of times — through compassion, care, inquiry, and appreciation.

Session Outcomes

• Explore elements of conflict resolution.
• Invite opportunities toward greater compassion for ourselves and others.
• Discuss case examples of conflict in the workplace and scenarios to support growth and resolution.
• Engage in a brief practice of loving-kindness meditation.

Stormy Miller Sabia

1 pm – 2:20 pm

Dual Delivery:
AC 245 & Zoom

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Practices in Action: COM Faculty Share Their Work

Are you curious about how to implement culturally responsive pedagogy and practices (CRPP) in your classroom? Join a panel of COM faculty who completed a pilot of the CRPP Faculty Professional Development Certification Program (FPDCP) as they share the work they have done and are implementing in their courses. This work provides tangible examples of how to take the academic theory of CRPP and turn it into real action. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the CRPP-FPDCP at the College of Marin and how you can join a future community in-practice cohort.

Session Outcomes

• Identify culturally responsive pedagogy and practices.
• Apply culturally responsive pedagogy and practices to courses at College of Marin.

Emily Fox

Shaquam Edwards

Patricia France

Beth Patel

1 pm – 2:20 pm

AC 245

Accommodations: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The purpose of this session is to provide faculty with information about SAS, connect faculty with SAS support services, and answer questions about SAS.

Session Outcomes

• Describe some of the history behind the creation of the ADA.
• Define what SAS's mission is.
• Recognize the SAS accommodation process.

Luna Finlayson

Carl Freschl

2:30 pm – 3:50 pm

FH 110

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.

Sarah Frye

Dave Patterson

9:30 am – 10:50 am

Zoom

Brave Spaces: A Proactive Approach to Supporting LGBTQ+ Students — Gender 101

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

• Cultivate community affinity spaces.
• Discuss the purpose of Communities in Practice and how they support equity and anti-racism.

Tea Reiko Perales

9:30 am – 10:50 am

Dual-delivery:
AC 245 and Zoom

Balancing Boundaries with Restorative Practices in the Classroom

During this presentation, you will have the opportunity to learn about the resources and tools COM Care offers to help you with classroom management, balancing boundaries, and trauma informed practices. Additionally, you will learn how to effectively use the COM Care intervention system, explore how to manage challenging classroom situations through case studies, and understand expectations and resources to support students with various experiences.

Session Outcomes

• Identify the resources and tools COM Care offers to help you with classroom management, balancing boundaries, and trauma informed practices.
• Gain skills to effectively use the COM Care intervention system and manage challenging classroom situations through case study discussions.
• Identify expectations and resources to support students with various experiences

Marco Cantua-Alvarez

Sadika Sulaiman Hara

11 am – 12:20 pm

Zoom

Meeting Basic Needs and Supporting Student Wellness

Learn about support services on campus and in the community, enabling students to meet basic needs and respond to personal /financial challenges. Understand how students can benefit from financial coaching, housing support, food resources, technology resources, and personal/wellness support and advising. Share strategies to connect students to services that can support their personal and academic success.

Session Outcomes

• Center student wellness with safety net resources that are partnered with COM.
• Create an equitable campus that address basic needs along with bridging students to direct support.

Lia Lara

Sadika Sulaiman Hara

Partnerships

1 pm – 2:20 pm

AC 255

Screening Committee Training: Elimination of Bias

Prior to serving on a recruitment and screening committee, all individuals must receive training on the elimination of bias in hiring and employment from the Human Resources Department on the following requirements and topics:

• Title 5 regulations on Equal Employment Opportunity (Title 5, section 53000 et. seq.)
• Federal and state non-discrimination laws.
• The District Equal Employment Opportunity Plan and related District policies on nondiscrimination, recruitment, and hiring.
• Principles of diversity and cultural proficiency.
• The value of a diverse workforce.
• Recognizing and eliminating bias in hiring decisions.
• Best practices in serving on a screening committee.

Session Outcomes

• Understand diversity and equity at MCCD.
• Describe equal employment opportunity laws & policies and screening committee charge.
• Identify unconscious bias and microaggressions.
• Promote diversity and equity in the hiring process.

Nikki Harris

Mia Robertshaw

1 pm – 2:20 pm

Zoom

Encouraging Students’ Voices — and Using AI Feedback — in the Age of AI

Join the English Department for a discussion on writing in all college courses in this new world of AI. We’ll be discussing the role of AI in the writing process and the central importance of authentic student voice in writing. In the first part of this session, we will share examples of syllabus language, classroom activities, rubrics, and strategies for talking with students about voice, AI, and writing, including connections to linguistic justice. In the second half, we'll explore various forms of AI writing feedback using free custom chatbots, including feedback focused on encouragement, development, and clarification of student ideas. We'll also explore student comments on using AI feedback from recent pilots of the teacher-created app MyEssayFeedback.ai.

Session Outcomes

• Describe strategies for encouraging and centering student voice in writing assignments.
• Connect the importance of student voice to discussions of A.I.
• Identify opportunities (and challenges) of incorporating A.I. into the writing process.
• Describe the quality and specificity of current AI writing feedback.
• List benefits and risks of introducing students to AI feedback on their writing, including benefits and risks related to linguistic justice.

Cara Kreit

David King

Ingrid Kelly

Anna Mills

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

FA 214

Learning to See

This workshop is a hands-on activity that encourages participants to trust the relationship between looking and drawing. This process reveals the universal relationship between visual skills and their application to other subjects. No prior experience with drawing or charcoal is necessary. Tip: Some mess will be created. Don't wear clothes that shouldn't get dirty. (20 participants maximum.)

Session Outcomes

• Experience a process-oriented lesson helping to build trust in what is seen as a mode of learning something new.
• Practice essential modes of building trust between students and teachers

Carol Lefkowitz;

2:30 pm – 3:50 pm

AC 245 & Zoom

Five Ways to Promote Equity in Canvas

Is your course ready for the first day of the semester? In this session, we will review course design strategies and tips to help students easily access your course materials from day one. Topics will include importing content from prior terms, module organization, communication, new Canvas features, and updates.

We will also discuss new educational technologies accessed through Canvas, such as Pronto, NameCoach, and more!

Session Outcomes

• Apply new Canvas features to course Discussions, Quizzes, Assignments, and Gradebook.
• Review and modify existing content pages for improved course accessibility.
• Explore educational technology tools that enhance student communication and engagement.

Stacey Lince

9:30 am – 10:50 am

AC 240

AI? AÏE, AÏE, AÏE!: Impact of AI for Workers and for Society

Join this discussion to explore both the advancements and the potential pitfalls and ethical dilemmas of AI. Become familiar with what ChatGPT is and what it can do. Appreciate achievements and milestones that AI has reached already and develop an awareness of the potential impact of AI for workers and for society

Session Outcomes

• Become familiar with what ChatGPT is and what it can do.

• Appreciate achievements and milestones that AI has reached already.

• Develop awareness of the potential impact of AI for workers, and for society.

Dan Zaffran

9:30 am – 10:50 am

AC 245

Is It Worth It? Making Equity in Curriculum

This session will be a workshop on weaving diversity into curriculum. How will you do it?

Each semester, Craig Coss and I, as Fine Arts faculty, work to source artworks of real substance for our students. Who is the artist, and what drives them? How is this relevant to our students? It's easy AND it's uneasy. Who do we cover? Who isn't covered and why? We have each made our modifications with specific focus on diversity and equity. Some changes are obvious, some subtle, and some have a ripple effect. It's effort. Is it worth it?

We will briefly describe our scenarios, and next steps, what gets flipped or reversed. The rest of the time will be spent as a discussion with participants to talk through areas of possible change in course content or job area where diversity can be incorporated and next steps.

Session Outcomes

• Identity course content or job area where diversity can be incorporated.
• Come up with an action plan to change at least one area.
• Connect with one other for a regular check-in on progress.

Barbara Obata Gloistein

Craig Coss

11 am – 12:20 pm

AC 246

Fostering STEM Student Learning: Explore Opportunities and Challenges through Case Studies

Come learn interdisciplinary approaches for STEM teaching by discussing case studies of practices for STEM teaching. Apply critical thinking to approaches to STEM-related disciplines.

Session Outcomes

Create innovative, equitable learning environments that address the diverse needs of learners in STEM classes.

Fernando Agudelo-Silva

George Rothbart

11 am - 12:20 pm

AC 245 & Zoom

COMmon Read Call to Poetry: You Are Here With Ada Limón

Ada Limón is the 24th Poet Laureate of The United States, and she’s coming to COM on March 13, 2025! As the poet laureate, her signature project, You Are Here, focuses on how poetry can help connect us to the natural world: “Never has it been more urgent to feel a sense of reciprocity with our environment, and poetry’s alchemical mix of attention, silence, and rhythm gives us a reciprocal way of experiencing nature—of communing with the natural world through breath and presence.”

Join us to discuss events we are planning (and events you might want to lead!), brainstorm ways you and your students can participate, and connect through poetry—in our curriculum and hearts. Join us whether you’re a poetry lover— or whether you’re just diving in!

Session Outcomes

• Identify how you and your students can access the book and attend events.
• Consider ways to easily include poetry and nature into your curriculum or work at COM!
• Express major themes in Ada Limón’s poetry to engage with students and colleagues throughout the year!

Sarah Frye

Dave Patterson

1 pm - 2:30 pm

AC 255 & Zoom

Engaging Native American Perspectives: Bridging College of Marin Faculty and Native Voices for an Inclusive Education

View the recorded session on YouTube

Most COM employees couldn't name a Miwok or Pomo person and probably think they have vanished. Members of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Nations will come to campus for a conversation with our COM community. Local Native Americans have over 10,000 years of experience living in Marin County. They should be considered experts on how to live here. It’s time to learn about their experience and history and to ask for lessons, stories, and insights on sustainable life here. This is the beginning of an engagement with the local Native American community.

Session Outcomes

• Learn about the history and experience of local Native Americans.
• Investigate mutually beneficial ways of engagement with local Native Americans and the COM community.

Duane BigEagle

Lawrence Stafford, FIGR Council Member

Buffy McQuillen, Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer

Lorelle Ross, Vice Chair Emeritus & Tribal Consultant

2:45 pm – 4:15 pm

Black & African American Affinity Space
AC 245

White Antiracist Affinity Space
AC 240

Non-Black People of Color Affinity Space
AC 246

COM's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action (IDEA) Committee Presents:
Community in Practice: Reflecting on Race and Engaging in Anti-Racism

Following the model of College of Marin’s monthly Community in Practice, we will convene in our affinity groups to strengthen our diverse community as we reflect, engage, and strategize on how to deepen our equity practices and solidarity in the classroom, our departments, on campus, and in our greater community.

This FLEX session brings COM faculty and staff together to follow up on themes that emerge from the prior session, “Conversation with Our Miwok and Pomo Neighbors,” and to support and engage in collective learning that centers anti-racist practices rooted in Black healing and solidarity. Learn more about Affinity Spaces for anti-racist learning.

We encourage you to attend the group you feel most connected to:

• Black & African American Affinity Space: AC 245
• White Antiracist Affinity Space: AC 240
• Non-Black People of Color Affinity Space: AC 246

Session Outcomes

• Cultivate community affinity spaces.
• Discuss the purpose of Communities in Practice and how they support equity and anti-racism.

Tea Reiko Perales

Sadika Sulaiman Hara

Hugo Guillen

Yashica Crawford

Patricia France, Coleen Mihal, Craig Coss

4:30 pm – 6 pm

Performing Arts
Lobby and Patio

President’s Reception

All College of Marin employees are invited to join Superintendent/President Dr. Jonathan Eldridge to kick off the new academic year, reconnect, and celebrate the College’s reaccreditation and commendation from ACCJC.

Jonathan Eldridge
Superintendent/President

8 am — 8:45 am

Jonas Center

Meet and Greet – Coffee, tea, and light refreshments

9 am – 11 am

Jonas Center

Convocation

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

Featuring keynote speaker: Chancellor Sonya Christian

Jonathan Eldridge
Superintendent/President

11 am - 1 pm

Jonas Center
Parking Lot

Health and Wellness Fair

Come enjoy live music, art, and activities as you learn about the health and wellness programs available to COM employees.

Ron Owen, COM Wellness Committee and Community Programs

12 pm — 1:30 pm

Jonas Center

UPM Meeting

UPM members are encouraged to attend this meeting to hear the latest on UPM activities. Lunch provided.

Patrick Kelly

1:40 pm — 3:30 pm

Various Locations

Academic Department Meetings

Join your academic department meeting for updates and planning information. Check the ProLearning Workshop Calendar for room locations.

9:30 am- 10:50 am

Zoom

Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Classroom and Beyond

This presentation will provide strategies for faculty and staff to engage and support students with ASD in the classroom and college environment. California Community College faculty, staff, and disability services professionals have indicated they have observed an increase of students with disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) attending college and seeking accommodations and access support. Surveys of disability support and community college professionals indicate that training on strategies for supporting students with ASD is needed. Join us as we discuss the experiences and needs of students with ASD in college and how as COM educators, we can be proactive, responsive, and equity-active in our approach.
This training will be provided in partnership with Student Accessibility Services.

Session Outcomes

Identify and describe strategies to engage and support COM students with ASD and other students who identify as having a disability.

Stormy Miller Sabia

Community Partners

Amy Rutherford
LPC-MHSP
College Autism Spectrum

11 am - 12:20 pm

Zoom

Using SLO Reporting to Identify Equity Gaps

This workshop will cover how Student Learning Outcomes are measured and reported in eLumen, why we assess SLOs and how data from outcomes can lead to innovative teaching.  We will discuss how the assessment of our learning outcomes and mapping of learning outcomes can provide us with information on the disproportionate impact on student groups. 

Session Outcomes

• Describe what makes a good student learning outcome.
• Identify how CLOs, PLOs and ILOs are mapped.
• Describe how assessing outcomes can help faculty identify areas in learning where student subpopulations are not meeting success rates.

11 am - 12:20 pm

FH 110

Collection Development at the Library

Find out how you can ensure the Kentfield Library’s physical collections provide access to anti-racist materials to support teaching and learning in your discipline as we prepare to move to the new LRC in fall 2025. 

Session Outcomes

Ensure access to anti-racist materials in your subject area within the Kentfield Library's physical collection.

Sarah Frye

Dave Patterson

12:30 pm - 1 pm

Zoom

Turning Out the Student Vote at College of Marin

During this 30-minute session, Canal Alliance will review the upcoming election calendar and registration deadlines, provide brief voter registration training for educators, and share links to voter education resources designed for use in college courses. We will also share messaging guidance that is inclusive of undocumented students, offering ways that they, too, can exercise their voice in the political process.

"Now is the time for college leaders to inspire hope and encourage engagement. We have the power to help our students develop a passion for community connections, civil debate and voting in every election — and hopefully set into motion a lifetime of meaningful service" — Kathleen Harring, President of Muhlenberg College

Session Outcomes

• Identify and describe opportunities for COM students, including undocumented students, to exercise their voice in the political process.
• Utilize voter education resources in college courses.

Canal Alliance

1 pm – 2:20 pm

Zoom

Mandatory Revision in eLUMEN

This workshop will provide step-by-step instructions about how to complete mandatory revision in eLumen for faculty who need a refresher or are new to eLumen.  We will also review criteria for revisions that require a presentation to the Curriculum Committee when there are substantive changes to a course outline of record. 

Session Outcomes

• Refresh your knowledge of or learn to use eLumen.
• Understand when changes require presentations to the Curriculum Committee.

Cari Torres-Benavides

Gina Cullen

Grace Mengqi Yuan

1 pm – 2:20 pm

AC 240

Teaching Inner Resources to Students

This event demonstrates activities for teachers to use with students to foster self-awareness. Short classroom activities to activate inner awareness include The Language of Responsibility, Wise Choices, Silent Socratic Dialogue, and The Inner Critic, as time allows. All material is adapted from On Course Workshop I.

Session Outcomes

Implement short teaching practices to activate inner awareness in students to increase engagement and empowerment.

Win Cottle

2:30 pm – 3:50 pm

Zoom

UndocuAlly Training: Supporting Undocumented Students

This presentation will provide participants with knowledge, tools, and resources to support undocumented students at COM. We will cover common terms, state and federal laws affecting undocumented students, resources available on and off-campus, and share best practices.

Session Outcomes

• Identify state and federal laws that impact undocumented students.
• Learn mindful ways of connecting with undocumented students.
• Connect undocumented students to resources on and off campus.

Hugo Guillen