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Spring Semester Faculty & Staff Professional Development Day Events:

Learning and the Mind: The Power of Creativity

 

Friday, February 10, 2017

 

The schedule in brief:

  • 8:00 - 9:00 am: Informal Networking & Morning Refreshments
  • 9:00 - 12:00 pm: Breakout Sessions for Faculty & Staff
  • 12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch and Table Topics
  • 1:00 - 2:00 pm: Joint Session for Faculty & Students
  • 2:00 - 3:00 pm: Health & Wellness
  • 3:00 - 4:00 pm: Department Meetings (Watch for details on these activities from your chairs, deans and department heads.)

A wide variety of activities are available to students as well. Please encourage your students to attend! Student Schedule Coming Soon!

About our guest speakers:

Author of “Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music,” Angela Myles Beeching is dedicated to helping musicians live the life they desire. Her experience includes directing the Center for Music Entrepreneurship at Manhattan School of Music as well as directing career programs at New England Conservatory and Indiana University. She maintains a thriving consulting practice, working with individuals, ensembles, and institutions to facilitate change.

Elise Newkirk-Kotfila is the Director of Applied Learning at the State University of New York. Elise joined the State University of New York shortly after receiving her Master of the Arts degree from the University at Albany where she studied Women’s Studies and Public Policy with a research concentration on community-university partnerships. Her current work responsibilities include directing the SUNY Applied Learning Initiative as well as SUNY and the Vibrant Community, one of the 6 Big Ideas put forth in The Power of SUNY: Strategic Plan 2010 & Beyond. Elise is interested in the best practices associated with coalition building and community engagement, especially the formation of reciprocal and sustainable partnerships. She has presented on Applied Learning to state, national, and international audiences.

8:00 am - 12:00 pm:

Coffee, tea, and assorted refreshments will be provided in the Williams Center Multipurpose Room. Feel free to drop in for a cup of coffee and conversation with colleagues from across campus.


Q&A with the Fredonia Foundations Team

Members of The Fredonia Foundations Team will be on hand (9:00 am - 12:00 pm) to provide information about Fredonia's new general education program. Stop by the Multipurpose Room to say hello and have your questions answered. Click here for more info regarding Fredonia Foundations.


9:00 - 9:50 am:


SUNY Applied Learning
Elise Newkirk-Kotfila, Director of Applied Learning, SUNY System Administration
Williams Center, G103B

Real-world, hands-on learning is the hallmark of a SUNY education. These applied and experiential education opportunities prepare students to be life-long learners who are engaged in their communities and more likely to stay and work in New York State. Come learn about the role that Fredonia plays in the SUNY Applied Learning Initiative, the largest initiative of its kind in the world. Elise Newkirk-Kotfila will present on relevant studies, student experiences, and describe the work of New York State Institutions as each SUNY campus decides whether to make applied learning a graduation requirement for all students. This will include examples of the types of Applied Learning campuses are offering as well as some challenges that have been identified.


The Empowerment Triangle: Focus, Grit, and Growth Mindset
presented by Paula Peters, Theatre & Dance
Williams Center, G103C

Fostering student empowerment in higher education leads to creative, open-minded, and inquisitive citizens. In order to facilitate student empowerment, educators need to structure methods of instruction and assessment which help students to develop self-efficacy in school, and beyond. This session will focus on instruction and assessment methods which utilize strategies developed from the books "Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence;" "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance;" and "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success." The aims of these methods is to give students the mindset to self-assess and improve, rather than looking to external sources (professors, coaches, employers) for validation and direction.


Creating a Class Website using Google Sites
presented by Amanda Lohiser, Communication
McEwen Hall, Sheldon Lab

This session will demonstrate the usefulness of Google Sites (and correlated features such as Google Drive and Google Forms) to create a permanent, personalized class website that can be integrated with the OnCourse platform. One of the main benefits of creating a class website using Google Sites is the fact that the site can be stored, edited and re-used from semester to semester or year to year. Other benefits include a user-friendly platform and the potential for student interactivity. Google Forms will be briefly highlighted as a platform for mid-semester feedback, student queries and discussion responses.


Cultural Competence through Conversation
presented by Khristian King, Intercultural Center
Williams Center, S204D

None of us are defined by a single identity. We owe who we are to multiple identities -- our race, our ethnicity, our gender, our sexual orientation, our religious beliefs, our socioeconomic status, our age, the degree to which we are able-bodied, and countless others. In this session, we will learn about how our identities intersect as well as practice starting and sustaining conversations with students about identity and diversity.


Unlocking Creativity: Turning the key to a creative campus climate
presented by Brandon Williamson, Creativity Consultant, Admissions
Williams Center, S204E

“It is the beginning of wisdom to call things by their proper name." This saying, made famous by Confucius stands true when it comes to many aspects of the world. Knowing and understanding what you're dealing with would often give the ability to call it by its proper name. When working and dealing with children, you understand everything that makes up a child from appearance, to behavior, to core development. So what can we say about a creative atmosphere? If we were to encounter creative people, what characteristics, what behaviors, what core ingredients make up the creative mind? What patterns of creativity are prevalent throughout history? And how did we get to these days where creativity is something often desired but seldom understood. In this session, we will discuss the habits that inhibit creativity and how to break them in order to build a creative campus climate.


The Rise of the "Fake News" Phenomenon
panel discussion with Scott S. Richmond (moderator), Reed Library; Lara Herzellah, Reed Library; Mike Igoe, Communication; Elmer Ploetz, Communication; and John Staples, History
Williams Center, S204C

Join us for a panel discussion on the cultural shifts that gave rise to the fake news phenomenon.


Grant Writing Basics
presented by Paul Benson, Office of Sponsored Programs
Williams Center, G103A

Grant Writing Basics will cover grant fundamentals: finding grants, determining eligibility, talking to agency officials (big plus), application components, budgets (easier than you might think) and applying through OSP. The Office of Sponsored Programs offer services that range from grant development to award closeout. Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of the grant process and resources available to them.


Introduction to LehrerDance technique
taught by Jon Lehrer & company
Merrins Dance Theatre, Rockefeller Arts Center


(Open to all! Session runs from 9:00 - 10:20)


10:00 - 10:50 am:

Featured Breakout:


The 5 Clues to Boosting Creativity in Teaching & Learning
with guest speaker Angela Beeching
Williams Center, S204A&B

In this interactive session, we'll examine the obstacles that hinder creativity in the classroom. We'll try out practical tools for increasing imaginative and inventive teaching and learning.


Q&A Session: SUNY Applied Learning
Elise Newkirk-Kotfila, Director of Applied Learning, SUNY System Administration
Williams Center, G103B

Real-world, hands-on learning is the hallmark of a SUNY education. These applied and experiential education opportunities prepare students to be life-long learners who are engaged in their communities and more likely to stay and work in New York State. This session will offer the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight regarding SUNY applied learning initiatives. Join Elise for this informal Q&A and brainstorming session.


Teaching Democracy
facilitated by Terry Brown, Provost
Williams Center S204C

What can we do in our classrooms and outside our classrooms to engage students in the pressing issues of today? How do we provide the necessary historical, political, social, and cultural context to help them understand the changes we are experiencing in our country? What is our responsibility as a public university to provide a forum for informed discussion and debate about these contentious issues that have gone from theory to policy over the last ten days? What basic, essential knowledge about our government and political system do we need in order to make sense of the news? Faculty and staff are invited to join Provost Brown in a discussion of these issues.


A Brief Primer on COACHE and the COACHE Survey
presented by Judy Horowitz, Associate Provost; Rajeev Indiranagaraju, Institutional Research, Planning & Assessment; and Brian Masciadrelli, Sociocultural & Justice Sciences
Williams Center, S222

In February, Fredonia's full-time pre-tenure, tenured and full-time contingent faculty will have the opportunity to participate in a survey of job satisfaction. This session will provide information about the survey and will provide faculty with deeper understanding of how the results can be used to strengthen the institution and make Fredonia an even better place to work.


Release Your Visual Voice with Adobe Editing
presented by Roslin Smith, Communication
McEwen Hall, Sheldon Lab (1st floor)
This two hour session runs from 10:00 - 12:00 pm

Make yourself proud, have fun and discover your creativity by creating a 30 second poetic documentary. During this crash course in video editing, Faculty and staff will choose images, cut them together and add music. If there is time simple titles and end credits will also be added. The finished film can be shown at your department meetings, friends and family gatherings.


The Juggling Act of Academic Advising
presented by Amy Leclair, Academic Advising, and Andrea Zevenbergen, Psychology
Williams Center, S204D

This roundtable discussion will focus on effective advising strategies and tips. Please come share your ideas with us and learn about the recent initiatives of the Academic Advising Council. All participants will receive a variety of helpful resources to help you juggle academic advising with other professional responsibilities.


Reed Library: Your First Line of Defense Against Fake News
presented by Kerrie Fergen Wilkes, Associate Director for Research, Outreach and Assessment; Scott S. Richmond, Coordinator of Instructional Initiatives; Lara Herzellah, Research and Information Literacy Librarian; and Sophie M. Forrester, Digital Services Librarian
Williams Center, G103C

Join us for an interactive discussion about how information literacy instruction services can help your students learn the skills they need to evaluate sources and identify fake news.


7 Habits of Highly Effective Instructors
presented by Susan Spangler, English
Williams Center, S204E

No matter what level, no matter what subject, no matter culture, implementing these 7 factors will improve teaching and learning in your courses.


11:00 am - 11:50 am:

Featured Breakout:


Teaching Entrepreneurship: Art of the Startup
with guest speaker Angela Beeching
Williams Center, S204A&B

No matter what the discipline, entrepreneurial thinking can enhance student motivation and leadership skills. Find simple and effective ways to help students take ownership of their own learning to boost morale in the classroom.


Face 2 Face in the Workplace
with guest speaker Jessica Hutchings
Williams Center, S204D

This is a proactive, educational program establishes a convenient and stigma proof way to educate college personnel about the trends and consequences of adolescent substance use and addiction. A proactive panel which includes an addiction counselor as well as a relatable parent and/or adolescent in recovery (when available) to deliver this strong message. Additionally, this program provides information about treatment resources available in the WNY community. "Our employees were educated, inspired, shocked, and ultimately, grateful for the interactive dialogue....We viewed this training opportunity as a benefit designed not just for the employee, but their family as well.” – Pat Greco, Managing Supervisor, Buffalo Coca-Cola


Starfish Early Alert Tool
presented by Erin Mrozcka, First-Year and Transition Programs
Williams Center, S204C

Starting fall 2017 Fredonia will be using a new student success software to help us better intervene with students at risk of persistence. Starfish is mobile and user friendly early alert tool designed to help faculty, staff, and advisors: Identify students exhibiting academically risky behaviors (poor attendance, missing assignments, low test scores) Send students automated feedback encouraging them to take action or connect them to campus resources Create a communication loop with members of a student's a support team Come learn more about the tool and personalized training opportunities for your department.


A Few of our Favorite Things for Teaching Statistics
presented by Nancy Boynton and Amber Powell, Mathematical Sciences; Darrin Rogers and Dani McMay, Psychology; and Rebha Sabharwal, Sociocultural & Justice Sciences
Williams Center, S204E

There are many resources to help promote student understanding of statistics. These include applets, websites and activities. We will present a few of our favorites. (You may find a laptop helpful.)


Teaching with Your Mouth Shut: The Inquiry-Centered Teaching of Donald L. Finkel
Jonathan Cox, Mathematical Sciences
Williams Center, G103B

Donald L. Finkel wrote the book "Teaching with your mouth shut" to describe his personal approach to teaching developed over the course of his career, an approach which differs drastically from societal expectations of what teachers do. By engaging in an activity, contemplating deep questions, and summarizing some key ideas of the book, we will wrestle with the practicality and meaning of teaching by means other than telling. Although developed after and seemingly separate from the Moore Method (Inquiry-Based Learning - IBL) in mathematics, Finkel's work could be considered a theoretical foundation for its modern form. But I believe Finkel reveals possibilities that reach a scope far beyond how IBL is currently employed, both in subject and in pedagogy. Although content is secondary from his perspective, most of Finkel's examples are drawn from literature and philosophy.


Moving Beyond Awareness: Developing Cross-Cultural Skills
presented by Bill Boerner, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Williams Center, G103C

Many individuals are aware of cultural and other differences, yet they have not necessarily moved beyond celebratory recognition. This session will outline a model for developing cultural competence, including cross-cultural skills. Case studies will be utilized to support participant's development of skills sets towards an inclusive mindset. Attendees can apply these skills to engage as leaders, teachers, and peers in the work environment.


Data Practices - Managing Advisors in Banner
presented by Amy Leclair, Academic Advising, and Scott Saunders, Registrar
Williams Center, G103A

Fredonia would like to start managing advisor information in Banner in a meaningful way. This is a call out to all academic department secretaries to please join us for this training session. We will discuss the new advisor types that have been created and how we will all maintain advisor information in a consistent manner to help eliminate confusion and bad data.


Lunch with Table Topics from 12:00 - 12:50 pm:

Pizza, salad and drinks will be available to registered faculty & staff in the Williams Center Multipurpose Room. Please join us!


12:00 - 12:50

Audition Tips 101, lecture with Q & A
taught by Jon Lehrer & company
(Open to the entire campus!)
Merrins Dance Theatre, Rockefeller Arts Center


1:00 - 2:00 pm

The Entrepreneurial Mindset: You, Inc.
with guest speaker Angela Beeching
Williams Center, S204 AB&C

How do achievers deal with setting goals, overcoming challenges, and getting things done? We'll unpack the seven keys to eliminating self-sabotaging behavior as we explore the psychology of success.


Ballroom Dance
taught by Jon Lehrer & company
(Open to the entire campus!)
Merrins Dance Theatre, Rockefeller Arts Center


2:00 - 3:00: Health & Wellness

Work and Play
with guest speaker Jane Fischer, MA, CAS
Williams Center, G103B

Work and play are complements, not opposites! This interactive and FUN “playshop” will help you unlock creativity, improve communication, and encourage collaboration. What’s the business side? Empathy, teamwork, and morale boosting. What’s the play side? Laughter, imagination, and creation. Participants will engage in exercises that explore play as a way to reinvigorate, inspire, and reconnect individuals and teams.


Express Yourself - The Fredonia Diversity Quilt Project
presented by members of the Diversity Quilt Project Committee: Sandra Lewis, Professional Development Center; Liza Smith, Learning Center; and Kathy Forester, Residence Life
Williams Center, S226

Come join us and tell your own story through art by creating a quilt block. The only skills needed are, trace a design and use crayons to color the design. Materials will be provided. Need design ideas to jump start your creativity, click here.


Zumba! The fun dance party with Paul Mockovak, Dods Dance Studio (class will begin at 2:10 and end at 2:45)
Enjoy a dance session that is all about having fun with Latin American dance flavor with the hidden added perk of getting a great workout. Come and see why Zumba is so popular. We have all levels- it's all about have a great time.


Yoga with Susan Murphy, Dods Hall Gymnasium (class will begin at 2:10 and end at 2:50)
An ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practiced for health and relaxation.

3:00 - 4:00 pm: Department Meetings

Watch for details on these activities from your chairs, deans and department heads.


4:00 - 5:30 pm: Informal Showing of the LehrerDance company, followed by a Q&A with the artists (open to the entire campus)

Merrins Dance Theatre, Rockefeller Arts Center

Professional Development Center (PDC)

  • 126 Reed Library State University of New York at Fredonia Fredonia, NY 14063