Spring 2021

(Pre-Semester) Designing Open Book/Open Note Multiple Choice Exams
Tuesday, January 12  | 1 – 2 p.m.
Presented by: 
Dr. Candace Hastings, Director, Faculty Development
Dr. Paula Williamson, Distinguished Professor, Biology, and Associate Dean of Research, College of Science and Engineering

Looking for alternatives to publishers’ exams but need assessments that can be automatically graded in Canvas? This interactive workshop and idea exchange will focus on the development and delivery of open book/open note multiple choice exams. Dr. Paula Williamson will discuss her use of open book/open note quizzes and exams, and then we will share tips and tricks with each other.
This workshop supports the university’s goal to promote the success of all students and to offer high-quality academic and education programming.

Introduction to Open Educational Resources and the OER Community of Learning
Tuesday, January 26 | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Presented by: 
Jessica McClean, Research, Instruction & Outreach Librarian—Physical Sciences and Engineering, University Libraries
Stephanie Towery, Copyright Officer, University Libraries
Laura Waugh, Digital Collections Librarian, University Libraries

Open Educational Resources (OER) are becoming a hot topic in higher education both as a resource to support textbook affordability practices and as a flexible pedagogical tool to customize and tailor course syllabi. This presentation will introduce core OER concepts by defining key terms and discussing the purpose and value of OER as an educational tool. We will also introduce the University Libraries’ OER Community of Learning, which will launch in Spring 2021. The Community of Learning contains self-paced Canvas modules supplemented by live online webinars and discussion groups and will give participants the knowledge and support they need to pursue their own OER projects. This workshop supports the university’s goal to promote the success of all students and to offer high-quality academic and education programming.

Promotion to Full Professor: Advice for Associate Professors
Friday, February 12  | 10 a.m. – noon
Presented by:  
Dr. Gene Bourgeois, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor, History
Dr. Debbie Thorne, Associate Provost and Professor, Marketing

Associate professors who are seeking promotion to the rank of full professor and academic unit chairs and/or directors are invited to this interactive and informative session. Attendees will learn about the policies, best practices, and procedures for pursuing the next rank, including those related to scholarship, teaching, and service. The session includes ample opportunity for questions on a variety of promotion-related topics. This workshop supports the university’s goal to provide the necessary services, resources, and infrastructure to support the university's strategic direction.

After the Storm—What Students Need Right Now
Monday, February 22  | 2 – 3 p.m.
Presented by:  
Dr. Cynthia Hernandez, Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Andrea Dennison, Assistant Professor of School Psychology

Dr. Cynthia Hernandez, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Dr. Andrea Dennison, Assistant Professor of School Psychology, will discuss the challenges many of our students faced during the storm, what we might expect to see as we resume classes, and ways we can help our students during these difficult times.

Measure Once—Cuss Twice
Tuesday, February 23  | 10 – 11 a.m.
Presented by:  
Dr. Candace Hastings, Director, Faculty Development

Are you looking at your syllabus, trying to figure out how best to adjust your course after missing classes during the storm? This workshop will offer tips and strategies to help you make decisions about course-related changes that cause the least amount of stress for you and your students.

Navigating the External Funding Landscape
Wednesday, February 24  | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
Presented by:  
Evy Gonzales, Director, Strategic Research Initiatives, Research and Sponsored Programs

This hands-on workshop will assist faculty in developing strategies for identifying and vetting funding opportunities and sponsors. Topics include performing live funding searches, deconstructing sample proposal solicitations, and discussing practical tips for uncovering the priorities of the funding organizations. This workshop supports the university’s goal to achieve significant progress in research and creative activity as measured by national standards.

"You've Got a Friend in Me" -- Teaching a University Seminar
Wednesday, March 24 | 11 a.m. – noon
Presented by:  
Dr. Kambra Bolch, Associate Dean, University College
Dr. Victoria Black, Director, Peer Mentoring, University College
Dr. Michael Burns, Senior Lecturer, Department of Communication Studies
Ms. Amanda Scott, Senior Lecturer, Department of English

A student’s first year in college is an important foundational experience, and a student developing a connection to a faculty member has been shown to impact persistence and success (Delaney, 2008). One way faculty can increase their connection with students beyond their traditional disciplinary courses is through teaching University Seminar (US 1100), a one-hour course designed to help first-year students make a smooth transition to Texas State. The small class environment supports meaningful discussions, introduces students to success strategies, and helps students connect to their peers, their community, and their faculty member. This session will provide an overview of University Seminar, benefits of teaching the course, and how to get more involved working with first-year students. Join us as we explore this teaching opportunity and impact you can make on first-year student success.

Helping First Generation College Students Survive and Thrive in Your Class 
Thursday, April 1  | 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Presented by:  
Dr. Victoria Black, Director of Peer Mentoring, University College
Dr. Tozi Gutierrez, Clinical Assistant Professor, Social Work
Dr. Cassandra Johnson, Assistant Professor, Family & Consumer Sciences
Dr. Bob Vásquez, Assistant Dean, Applied Arts and Associate Professor, Criminal Justice and Criminology

This interactive workshop will provide best practices and practical strategies to engage and promote the success of first-generation students in and out of your class. This workshop supports the university's goal to promote the success of all students.