Summer 2021

Beg, Borrow or Steal – Why Plagiarism Matters to Students and Faculty

Monday July 19, 5:30 – 7:30 pm Central/5:30 – 8:30 pm Eastern via Zoom

Brought to you by the CELT

During this session we will discuss the common types of plagiarism, and share strategies and activities to help students understand and avoid plagiarism. We will also share best practices for talking to students about plagiarism, discuss the university reporting process and share related resources. Joining the session includes Elizabeth Polzin, Assistant Vice President of Academics Student Success; Elaine Gustafson, Instruction Reference and Research Support Librarian; and other guests.

Two Faculty Development Programs offered during Summer, 2021.

These sessions are required for full and part-time faculty who did not attend the Course Design and Pedagogy session or the Blackboard for Effective Course Delivery session offered during Summer 2020. Faculty who did attend these sessions in Summer 2020 are welcome, but not required to attend.

Both session are 90 minutes and offered via Zoom.

Introduction to Four Instructional Methods at CUWAA

Beginning Spring 2020, Concordia modified course development and instruction to meet the challenges presented by the pandemic. We utilized a variety of instructional delivery methods during the last year. In this session, we will build upon what we learned during COVID to remain resilient, flexible, and prepared for the future.

This session is an overview of four instructional methods used at CUWAA: 100% Virtual, Polysynchronous, Face-to-Face with Occasional Zoom, and Online Asynchronous teaching. The session will focus on how you can most effectively plan and deliver your course in any of these four methods. The goal is to share best practices and resources for teaching and for communication with students. This session is required for full and part-time faculty who did not attend the Course Design and Pedagogy session offered during Summer 2020. Faculty who did attend the session in Summer 2020 are welcome, but not required to attend.

Registration is required for this event. Register for one of the sessions below (each registration link is specific to the session date):

• Wednesday June 16, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Central/Noon – 1:30 pm Eastern
• Thursday July 22, Noon – 1:30 pm Central/1:00 – 2:30 pm Eastern
• Monday August 9, 9:00 – 10:30 am Central/10:00 – 11:30 am Eastern

After submitting your registration, you will receive a registration confirmation, the Zoom meeting link, and the option to add this event to your calendar.

Blackboard for Effective Course Delivery 2021

The focus of this session is using your Blackboard course site as a tool for organizing course content and communicating with students. Topics include faculty expectations for Blackboard, including using assignment “drop boxes” for all students to submit their assignments, using the Content area effectively, and more. We will highlight important features of the Grade Center, share a sample Blackboard course template, explain how to avoid hitting the course size maximum, and provide an effective course review checklist. This session is required for full and part-time faculty who did not attend the Blackboard for Effective Course Design session offered during Summer 2020. Faculty who did attend the session in Summer 2020 are welcome, but not required to attend.

Registration is required for this event. Register for one of the sessions below (each registration link is specific to the session date):

• Wednesday June 16, 2:00 – 3:30 pm Central/3:00 – 4:30 pm Eastern
• Thursday July 22, 9:00 – 10:30 am Central/10:00 – 11:30 am Eastern
• Monday August 9, Noon – 1:30 pm Central/1:00 – 2:30 pm Eastern

After submitting your registration, you will receive a registration confirmation, the Zoom meeting link, and the option to add this event to your calendar.

Christian Vocation and Personal Meaning: Supporting Student Mental Health

Tuesday August 17, 10:00 – 11:30 am Central/11:00 am – 12:30 pm Eastern via Zoom

Facilitator: Rachel Pickett, Professor of Psychology, First Year Experience Director

This session will focus on the concept of Christian Vocation as a way to engage students in exploring meaning and purpose as a tool to foster positive psychological well-being. A brief foundation on the impact of COVID19 and student mental health will be provided along with research supporting the link between meaning, purpose, and well-being. Resources on vocational discernment, campus outlets/referral processes, and discussion techniques grounded in humanism will be presented. Participants will explore ways to incorporate vocation in their interactions with students. This workshop can apply to the NetVUE grant.

Fall 2021

Fall Book Group for Faculty and Staff: Living Vocationally: The Journey of the Called Life

Led by Rachel Pickett on Zoom

All take place Fridays, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 Eastern the following dates:
September 17, October 15, November 12

Book included. Limit 20 persons. Open to Faculty and Staff
Registration Deadline: Tuesday September 7, 2021 5:00pm Central/6:00pm Eastern

As Christians we have a rich history of “vocation” as the way to live out our lives in service. The God who called Israel and sent Jesus has something in mind for us. God’s call challenges us, and opens us to personal and spiritual development throughout our lives. Living Vocationally, by Paul Wadell and Charles Pinches is the NetVUE Big Read; the books have been provided by NetVUE, part of the Council of Independent Colleges.

The first meeting focuses on Part I, “Preparing for the Journey,” which considers the benefits of living vocationally, and biblical traditions of call. In October, we will consider Part II, “The Journey of the Called Life” which examines why vocation pertains not only to careers, but indeed touches every dimension of our lives and encompasses our full journey through life. Part III, for the November meeting, considers the virtues we need to live the called life well: attentiveness, humility, gratitude, fidelity, justice, courage, hope and patience.

Fall Book Group for Mequon Faculty: A Guide to Effective Studying and Learning: Practical Strategies from the Science of Learning [CUW only]

Led by Kate Robertson in R006 on the Mequon Campus

All take place Mondays, 2:00 – 3:00 pm Central in R006 on the following dates:
September 20, October 11, October 25, November 15, November 29.

Book included. Limit 20 faculty.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday September 7, 2021 5:00pm Central

Do your students know how to study effectively? Are you looking for strategies to share with your students on studying and learning that actually work? Then join this semester’s CELT book group in which we will explore A guide to effective studying and learning, based on ideas grounded in research on learning. Topics such as metacognition, elaboration, imagery, cues, and spaced practice will be addressed. Each chapter contains a tangible “tips you can use” section, plus many practice activities and demonstrations. Participants will gain knowledge of recommended learning techniques that will help their students and guide their teaching.

Book information: Rhodes, M.G., Cleary, A.M., & DeLosh, E.L. (2020). A guide to effective studying and learning: Practical strategies from the science of learning. Oxford University Press.

Aligning Assignments [CUAA Only]

Tuesday September 14, 3:30 – 4:30 Eastern Time
Location: Zimmerman

Facilitator: Erin Laverick

In this session, we will discuss best practices for aligning assessments in a course syllabus and Blackboard. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops.

Faculty Roundtable: Time Management

Wednesday September 15, 2:00 – 3:00 pm Central/3:00 – 4:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Facilitators: Kate Robertson (CELT) and Julie Dresen (ORSP)

All faculty are welcome to attend; programming is specifically geared toward faculty with 3-5 years of experience at CUWAA. Meant to be a follow up to Year 1 and Year 2 faculty programming, this month’s Faculty Roundtable will explore strategies for effective time management in both grading and scholarship work. Helpful resources will be shared. Bring your own ideas to share and learn additional tips.

Supporting Student Wellness and Mental Health with Steve Gerner and Beth DeJongh [CUW only]

Thursday September 16, 12:15 – 1:00 pm Central via Zoom|

Presenters: Steve Gerner, Beth Dejongh

Attend this Zoom session to learn how the Mequon Campus provides support to students for their wellness and mental health, including our expanded JED Campus efforts. Learn your role as faculty and staff in supporting students and how we reach students through the CU App.

Faith and Learning Lunch ‘n Learn: The Family with Harald Tomesch [CUW only]

Wednesday September 22, 12:10 to 1:00pm in the Lakeshore Room

Luther did not use the two kingdoms doctrine employed by later Orthodox theologians. He rather used the three economies. All these economies are under tremendous stress but none like the Family as God designed it. This session will explore the role of biblical marriage, Christian identity and how family life shapes the larger institutions of church and state. Especially, with the family, according to Scripture, some areas are non-negotiable.

Concordia Faculty Seminar: Michael Toppe and Mike McKinnis – Recent Doctorates

Wednesday September 29, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Please plan to join us on Zoom to learn about the research conducted by two colleagues who recently completed their doctoral degrees: Michael Toppe and Mike McKinnis

• Michael Toppe, of the CUW Physician Assistant Studies program, recently completed his Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg (VA) with a dissertation entitled “Faith Based (FB) Community Health Workers (CHWs): Hidden CHWs, Hidden Outcomes?”.
• Mike McKinnis, of the CUW Occupational Therapy Program, completed his Ph.D. in the Spring of 2021 at Cardinal Stritch University with a dissertation entitled “The Lived Experiences of Acute Care Occupational Therapists When Implementing Fall Prevention Assessments, Interventions, and Documentation.”

Concordia Faculty Seminars are informal interactive presentations and conversations on faculty and staff projects including grants, research, and service designed to promote scholarship, spark new ideas, provide opportunities for meaningful discussion, and increase collaboration. Faculty, staff and students are welcome at attend.

Asset-based Education [CUAA Only]

Monday October 4, 3:30 – 4:30 pm Eastern
Location: Zimmerman

Facilitator: Erin Laverick

Asset-based education calls on teachers to consider students’ individual strengths when lesson planning and creating assessments. Come and learn more about how to better meet your students where they are at.

The Concordia Writing Collaborative: Coming Soon to A Classroom Near You with Stephanie Guedet, Writing Collaborative Coordinator

Wednesday October 6, 12:15 – 1:00 pm Central/1:15 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Presenter: Stephanie Guedet

This program is for faculty. Our efforts to improve student writing are taking a step forward this year with the establishment of the CU Writing Collaborative. Learn what this new approach means and how you can participate in helping students be “attentive” to their writing in your classes.

Practices & Processes: Syllabus Submission to Provost and Banner Course Information Form

With Elizabeth Evans and Allison Wolf.
Friday October 8, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

This session introduces the new process and materials for submitting the official course syllabus to the Provost Office, where to find information about the syllabus format and effective course descriptions, and when to complete the Banner Course Information (BCI) form. The audience for this program is department chairs, program directors, academic support staff, and deans.

Meet the New Methodologist: Wayne Thompson

Monday October 11, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Meet and greet our new methodologist supporting faculty in research: Dr. Wayne Thompson. Previously a faculty member at Carthage and Concordia Chicago, Dr. Thompson is available to meet with faculty to support them in their research, including developing research questions, identifying proper methodologies, sampling and data collection, using SPSS, and writing for publication. Dr. Thompson works for the Office of Sponsored Research; Julie Dresen will also be present for this meet and greet.

Concordia Faculty Seminar: Launch MKE and COVID-19 Ambassadors: The Work of Dr. Kenneth Harris

Brought to you by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP)
Thursday October 14, 12:15 – 1:00 pm Central/1:15 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Presenter: Dr. Kenneth Harris

Dr. Harris will discuss his two projects with the campus community. The first, Launch MKE, is focused on creating an online course for new, underrepresented entrepreneurs. Dr. Harris will also discuss the COVID-19 Ambassadors project, which is creating a program to train community workers to become vaccine ambassadors.

Concordia Faculty Seminars are informal interactive presentations and conversations on faculty and staff projects including grants, research, and service designed to promote scholarship, spark new ideas, provide opportunities for meaningful discussion, and increase collaboration. Faculty, staff and students are welcome at attend.

Faculty Roundtable: “Challenging” Students

Monday October 18, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Facilitator: Kate Robertson (CELT)

All faculty are welcome to attend; programming is specifically geared toward faculty with 3-5 years of experience at CUWAA. Meant to be a follow up to Year 1 and Year 2 faculty programming, this month’s Faculty Roundtable will explore strategies for dealing with “challenging” students. Various meanings of “challenging” will be identified and discussed. Helpful resources and strategies will be shared. Bring your own ideas to share and learn additional tips.

Faith and Learning Lunch ‘n Learn: Forgiveness and Vocation with Aaron Moldenhauer [CUW only]

Monday October 25, 12:10 – 1:00 pm in the Lakeshore Room
Lunch included: maximum is 15 paid lunches, through the cafeteria line

How do people live together when those people are sinners and do things that hurt one another? Scripture holds forth forgiveness as the answer, and calls people in all vocations to forgive one another. Yet we live in an age where forgiveness is becoming increasingly rare. This presentation will look at how we might practice forgiveness with others in our vocations here at Concordia and beyond. We will consider what forgiveness is, the reasons Scripture gives to forgive others, and why forgiveness is becoming increasingly rare.

Academic Advising Training [CUAA Only]

Tuesday October 26, 3:30 – 4:30 pm Eastern
Location: DMC

Facilitator: Kate (Katherine) Robbins

Come and learn about best practices for advising undergraduate students.

QPR Training for CUW Faculty [CUW only]

Thursday October 28, Noon – 1:00 pm Central Time

Presenter: Laura Acompanado, MSSW, LCSW

This is part of how the Mequon Campus provides support to students for their wellness and mental health, including our expanded JED Campus efforts. For this session, Concordia has partnered with the QPR Institute to teach the faculty of Concordia University Wisconsin—i.e. the lay and professional “gatekeepers” of students’ mental and emotional well-being—about the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond.

Gatekeepers can include anyone who is strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide (e.g. parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, police officers). The process follows three steps:

1. Question the individual’s desire or intent regarding suicide
2. Persuade the person to seek and accept help, and
3. Refer the person to appropriate resources.

Attendees will learn how to recognize someone at risk for suicide, intervene with those at risk, and refer them to the appropriate resource.

Practices & Processes: Classroom Observation of Faculty

Friday October 29, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Presenter: Susan Gallanis

During this session, we will explore and discuss the teaching observation process and form used for summative faculty observations. We will also share effective strategies observers can use while observing and during the post-observation discussion. The audience for this program is department chairs, program directors and deans.

Meet and Greet: Diana Belscamper, Online Teaching and Learning Specialist in CELT [CUW Only]

Wednesday November 3, Noon – 1:00 pm Central on Zoom

Faculty development and encouragement of faculty teaching fully online courses is now housed in the CELT. Meet Diana Belscamper, formerly post-traditional advisor and center director, who is now an instructional development specialist working to communicate with faculty about their work with students and plan faculty development for teaching online. Audience: Program Directors/Department Chairs and Faculty in Fully Online or Blended Online Programs.

Concordia Faculty Seminar: Cindy Lund and Brenda Jobe – Recent Doctorates

Thursday November 4, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Please plan to join us on Zoom to learn about the research conducted by two colleagues who recently completed their doctoral degrees: Cindy Lund and Brenda Jobe.

• Cindy Lund, of the Speech and Language Pathology Department at the Mequon Campus, recently completed her Ph.D.in Health Sciences from Northern Illinois University. The title of her dissertation is “Physiological Stability during Oral Feeding in Preterm Infants: Associations with Feeding Behaviors and Cues”.
• Brenda Jobe, from our School of Nursing at CUW, completed her DNP from Marquette University. Her final project was titled “Improving Blood Pressure Accuracy in Pediatric Primary Care: A Quality Improvement Project.”

Concordia Faculty Seminars are informal interactive presentations and conversations on faculty and staff projects including grants, research, and service designed to promote scholarship, spark new ideas, provide opportunities for meaningful discussion, and increase collaboration. Faculty, staff and students are welcome at attend.

Practices & Processes: Approval Frameworks and Forms for Academic Program Change

Tuesday November 9, 3:00 – 4:00 pm Central/4:00 – 5:00pm Eastern via Zoom

With Tammy Ferry and Andy Dunn from the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, and Tom Davila, Director of Continuing Education

As Concordia continues to review and revise academic programs to maintain relevant curriculum and offerings for today’s learners, all Program Directors and Department Chairs should be aware of our internal change processes for new programs, revising programs, and establishing new professional development programs. The role of the Academic Program Support Team (APST) will be included. Please register to attend if you are new to your role, or want an update on the most recent improvements to our processes.
This program is for Program Directors, Department Chairs, and Faculty from Mequon and Ann Arbor.

Eight Habits of Mind for Successful College Writers

With Stephanie Guedet, Writing Collaborative Coordinator
Wednesday November 10, 3:00 – 4:00 pm Central/4:00 – 5:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Join this session to learn and share how to support your students’ attention to effective writing in any course. What practices have you already incorporated to install habits of mind that make writing a learning experience for students? This program is for faculty at both campuses.

Faith and Learning Lunch ‘n Learn: Living in the Two Kingdoms with Jason Lane [CUW only]

Thursday November 11, 12:10 – 1:00 pm in the Lakeshore Room
Lunch included: maximum is 15 paid lunches, through the cafeteria line.

The Bible teaches that God operates in the world through two powers or two kingdoms: the kingdom of the law and the kingdom of His grace. In this Lunch and Learn we will explore what it means to be subjects of God in these two kingdoms and how we are called as Christian scholars and teachers to live in these realms with faith toward God and love toward our neighbor.

Campus Connections: Familiarizing Faculty with Resources to Facilitate Student Success

Monday November 15, 5:30 – 7:00 pm Central/6:30 – 8:00 pm Eastern via Zoom
Presented by the CELT and Student Support Leaders

During this presentation, faculty will learn about student support services provided by Academic Advising, the Academic Resource Center (including Tutoring), and Library. We will discuss the important role of faculty as a primary connection to Concordia for students, especially for students who may never physically visit the Mequon or Ann Arbor campuses. This session is primarily for faculty teaching classes fully online or through the Centers (face-to-face or virtually). However, all faculty are welcome to attend.

Faculty Roundtable: Working Toward Your Next Promotion

Tuesday November 16, 8:00 – 9:00 am Central/9:00 – 10:00 am Eastern via Zoom
Facilitators: Kate Robertson and Elizabeth Evans (CELT)

Representatives of the faculty committees who manage the faculty promotion process will share the requirements for promotion. Includes: What you should be thinking about to document your success in teaching, scholarship and service in the important years leading up to your next opportunity to apply for promotion; tips from some colleagues who have navigated this process. Bring questions and ideas. All faculty are welcome to attend; programming is specifically geared toward faculty with 3-5 years of experience at CUWAA. Meant to be a follow up to Year 1 and Year 2 faculty programming.

CU Ventures Lunch n’ Learn [CUW only]

With Dan Sem, Curt Gielow, and Joe McGraw
Thursday November 18, Noon – 1:00 pm Central in the Lake Shore Room
Up to 20 free lunches through the cafeteria line.

The program is for CUW Faculty. What is CU Ventures? How can you get involved? When a university employee or student develops a marketable idea using university resources, the idea—the “intellectual property”—belongs to the university. At Concordia, CU Ventures has been formed to create opportunities to access financial resources and expertise to help get such businesses going. At this meeting, faculty will learn about CU ventures and how to find investor funding for their inventions or start-up ideas. Sponsored by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Practices & Processes: Hiring Full-time Faculty

With Leah Dvorak and Kim Masenthin
Monday November 22, Noon – 1:00pm Central/1:00 – 2:00pm Eastern via Zoom

This session covers how to request a position, develop the job description, the position posting and screening, the interview and vetting process, and negotiating the hire. Audience: Department Chairs, Program Directors, Deans

January 2022

Practices and Processes: The Successful Department Chair/Academic Program Director

Friday January 7, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern
Presenter: Leah Dvorak

Audience: Department Chairs, Program Directors

What are the expectations for the role of Department Chair or Academic Program Director? An effective chair or academic program director manages faculty, staff, programs, courses, and processes vital to student success. The effective chair also fosters a healthy departmental culture and establishes efficient, collaborative decision-making processes. A strong department chair or program director uses both management skills and leadership skills to create and sustain a successful department in which faculty and staff feel engaged and energized.

New and Returning Faculty Development Day

Tuesday January 11, 8:15 – 4:00 Central/9:15 – 5:00 Eastern
All sessions are via Zoom

Schedule

Designing Your Course and Syllabus – Kate Robertson, Joanna Pheifer, and Elizabeth Evans
8:15 – 9:45 am Central/9:15 – 10:45 am Eastern

• Learn about and incorporate best practices in syllabus development and course design. Discussion will include the Concordia University syllabus template, including the latest revision for this fall, how to demonstrate connection to Global Learning Outcomes and what is required to document the credit hour policy.

Blackboard Basics – Susan Gallanis, Justin Frisque
10:00 – 11:30 am Central/11:00 am – 12:30 pm Eastern

• Learn how to add content, Blackboard Assignments (“dropboxes”) and set up the gradebook for a Spring course! This is an ideal session for faculty new to using Blackboard.

Engaging Your Learner – Susan Gallanis, Kate Robertson, and Diana Belscamper
11:45 am – 12:45 pm Central/12:45 – 1:45 pm Eastern

• Effective teaching fosters learning; students need to be engaged for learning to happen. This session introduces strategies to engage students in multiple instructional modes.

Blackboard Tests and Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor with Susan Gallanis and Justin Frisque
1:00 – 2:30 pm Central/2:00 – 3:30 pm Eastern

• The first half of this session will show how faculty can create Blackboard Tests using three commonly used question types. The second half of the session will cover Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor. Faculty will learn the difference between LockDown Browser and Monitor, and how to enable the appropriate settings based on where students take the test.

Faculty Resources – Elizabeth Evans, Susan Gallanis, and Wayne Thompson
3:00 – 4:00 pm Central/4:00 – 5:00 pm Eastern

• Learn what resources are available to you as faculty, including research/scholarship support, where to find them, and who to contact if you need more help.

After submitting your registration, the CELT Student Worker will send you an Outlook invitation for each session you registered for and it will include the Zoom link. Please accept the invitation(s) as you will not receive a separate email confirmation.

SoTL Workshop with Erin Laverick [CUAA only]

Wednesday January 12, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Eastern
In person on the Ann Arbor campus

This session is for Ann Arbor faculty. During this workshop, we will define and discuss SoTL (scholarship of teaching and learning) and share ideas for designing SoTL projects. There will also be time devoted to writing research questions and planning a study. Morning refreshments and lunch is included. Participants will also receive a copy of Bishop-Clark and Dietz-Uhler’s book Engaging in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.

Tentative Schedule:

9:00-9:30 Coffee and Pastries
9:30-10:00 Freewrite & Discussion about SoTL in general
10:00-11:30 Defining and Designing SoTL Projects
11:30-12:30 Lunch
12:30-2:00 Workshop time -writing research questions and planning a study

Workshop for CIRG Applicants

Wednesday January 12, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Central/2:00 – 3:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Presenters: Natasha Irish, Rachel Heil

Note: First-time CIRG applicants must attend this workshop to be eligible for grant funding.

This workshop is to help faculty with the CIRG grants application process. The workshop will focus on the following:

1. Budget Development (Ensuring that your budget is appropriate, addresses necessary resources, and is justified)
2. Objectives and Outcomes (Developing goals, objectives, and outcomes)
3. Efficient and professional writing (Ensuring that your proposal is concise, specific, and clearly communicates your intent)

The purpose of these grants is to support scholarly activity among interested full-time Concordia University faculty. These grants are intended to function as seed money in obtaining additional funding from outside sources. If you are unsure if your idea is eligible, please review the definition of scholarship described in the CU Faculty handbook, or review the application for further information. CIRG is a faculty committee, and full-time faculty in all disciplines are encouraged to apply for a grant. Examples of past successfully funded proposals can be found in the portal link faculty page under the “research and scholarship” tab, along with the application.

Traditional Adjunct Orientation [CUW Only]

Thursday January 13, 5:00 – 7:00 pm Central time over Zoom
Presenters: Elizabeth Evans, Dan Paavola, Elizabeth Polzin, Susan Gallanis, Andrew Wahl, Jan Chapman

This orientation session is for new and returning traditional adjuncts teaching in-person at the Mequon campus.

Faculty Discussion of Academic Freedom

Three options, choose one:

• In-person at Ann Arbor – Thursday January 13, 1:00 – 2:30 pm Eastern time in the Music Lecture Hall, Kreft Arts Center. Leader: Charles Schulz.
• In-person Mequon – Tuesday January 18, 2:00 – 3:30 pm Central time in the Friends of Concordia Room. Leaders: Jordan Beck and Dan Sem.
• Zoom for both campuses – Thursday January 20, 2:00 – 3:30 pm Central/3:00 – 4:30 Eastern. Leaders: Jordan Beck and Dan Sem.

Sponsored by the Academic Freedom Task Force (Jordan Beck, Dan Sem, Arletta Frazier, Charles Schulz, Mikaely Schmitz, Angus Menuge)

Academic freedom, indicating the unfettered pursuit of truth through research and the exchange of ideas, is a cherished value on American university campuses. At the same time, Concordia University has always understood the exercise of academic freedom within the context of its commitments as a Lutheran University. Moreover, political and social discourse raise questions about, if not challenges to, the limits of academic freedom.

The Academic Freedom Task Force has produced a document in an effort to articulate what academic freedom means for us at Concordia University. We desire to trace the foundation of our understanding and exercise of this freedom to our commitment as Christian educators to pursue truth in teaching and learning. Our goal is to arrive at a consensus about the content of this document, which can then be used to evaluate or further develop our policies and procedures around academic freedom. We also hope to generate discussions and promote insights which lead us all to greater clarity and confidence in the exercise of academic freedom at Concordia.

In this session, faculty will gather to discuss academic freedom generally, respond to the task force document, and highlight discipline-specific issues related to the topic.

Blackboard Tests: Beyond the Basics

Friday January 14, 10:00 – 11:00 am Central/11:00 am – 12:00 pm Eastern

Presenter: Justin Frisque

This session is for faculty who are responsible for setting up their own course in Blackboard and are familiar with setting up a Blackboard test. During this session participants will learn how to set up tests using pools of questions using random blocks and question sets, how to use the “categories and keywords” section of a test question, and how to copy a test to another course.

Practices & Processes: Academic Program Assessment of Student Learning

Friday January 14, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Presenters: Elizabeth Evans, Tammy Ferry and Susan Gallanis

Audience: Department Chairs, Program Directors, Program Coordinators, Assessment Coordinators, and Supporting Staff

This session highlights the support available for curriculum mapping, the academic cycle of continuous improvement and assessment reporting processes, alignment of Program Learning Outcomes and Global Learning Outcomes, Focus GLOs each year, the EAC tool in Blackboard, how to find resources in the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes portal channel, and quality indicators of effective academic program assessment process at Concordia.

Comprehensive Budget Management

Two sessions, choose one:
Wednesday January 19, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Central/2:00 – 3:00 pm Eastern via Zoom
Thursday January 20, 10:00 – 11:00 am Central/11:00 am – Noon Eastern via Zoom

Presenter: Andy Dunn

Audience: All budget managers and administrative assistants who are responsible for entering and/or overseeing the budget of an academic program or administrative area.

This presentation will cover:

• The FY23 budget process
• Budgeting tips
• 2 types of analysis that budget managers can use as they prepare their budgets:
  • Using the budget dashboard tool in Pyramid
  • Using our Banner system

Christian Vocation and Personal Meaning: Supporting Student Mental Health

Thursday January 20, 11:30 – 1:00 Central/12:30 – 2:00 Eastern via Zoom

Presenter: Rachel Pickett, Professor of Psychology, Department Chair

This session will focus on the concept of Christian Vocation as a way to engage students in exploring meaning and purpose as a tool to foster positive psychological well-being. A brief foundation on the impact of COVID19 and student mental health will be provided along with research supporting the link between meaning, purpose, and well-being. Resources on vocational discernment, campus outlets/referral processes, and discussion techniques grounded in humanism will be presented. Participants will explore ways to incorporate vocation in their interactions with students. This workshop can apply to the NetVUE grant.

Blackboard Discussion Boards

Friday January 21, 10:00 – 11:00 am Central/11:00 am – 12:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Presenter: Susan Gallanis

This session is for faculty who are responsible for setting up their own course in Blackboard. Learn how to set up two different types of discussion boards: one where the entire class participates on a discussion board and another where the class is split into groups and each group has its own discussion board.

Spring 2022

Faith and Learning Faculty Book Group: Spirituality of the Cross

Three Mondays on Zoom: February 14, March 7, April 25, 2022
2:00 – 3:00 pm Central/3:00 – 4:00 Eastern

Book: Gene Edward Veith’s Spirituality of the Cross, 3rd edition (2021)
Led by Jim Pingel, Dean of the School of Education

Audience: Faculty on either campus, or teaching online, virtually, or at centers

Join with faculty to discuss Lutheran theology and how it might be used in your teaching.
Books are included. Deadline to register: Friday Feb 4, 2022

Prior to each session, please read the following chapters

• Session 1: Introduction through Chapter 2 (pp. 17-80), Introduction, Justification, Means of Grace)
• Session 2: Chapters 3-4 (pp. 81-122) Theology of the Cross, Christology
• Session 3: Chapters 5-7 (pp. 123-204) Vocation, Living in Two Kingdoms

Concordia Faculty Seminar: Jennifer Thorpe and Kemery Sigmund – Recent Doctorates

Wednesday February 2, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Please plan to join us on Zoom to learn about the research conducted by two colleagues who recently completed their doctoral degrees: Jennifer Thorpe and Kemery Sigmund

• Jennifer Thorpe, Assistant Professor in our CUW Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program, has recently defended her dissertation for a PhD in Health Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her dissertation title is “The Use of a Biopsychosocial Framework in Evaluating and Treating Patellofemoral Pain.”
• Kemery Sigmund, Assistant Professor in the Health and Human Performance (HHP) department at the Mequon campus, has recently defended her dissertation for her Ph.D. in Biomechanics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her dissertation title is “Central Sensitization, Muscle Function, and Knee Kinematics in Females with Patellofemoral Pain.”

Concordia Faculty Seminars are informal interactive presentations and conversations on faculty and staff projects including grants, research, and service designed to promote scholarship, spark new ideas, provide opportunities for meaningful discussion, and increase collaboration. Faculty, staff and students are welcome at attend.

QPR Training for CUW Faculty [CUW Only]

Wednesday February 9, Noon – 1:00 pm Central Time
Presenters: Vaynesia Kendrick, PSGM and Jeremy Triblett, PSGM

This is part of how the Mequon Campus provides support to students for their wellness and mental health, including our expanded JED Campus efforts. For this session, Concordia has partnered with the QPR Institute to teach the faculty of Concordia University Wisconsin—i.e. the lay and professional “gatekeepers” of students’ mental and emotional well-being—about the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond.

Gatekeepers can include anyone who is strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide (e.g. parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, police officers). The process follows three steps:

1. Question the individual’s desire or intent regarding suicide
2. Persuade the person to seek and accept help, and
3. Refer the person to appropriate resources.

Attendees will learn how to recognize someone at risk for suicide, intervene with those at risk, and refer them to the appropriate resource.

Practices and Processes: Updating the Catalog

Friday February 11, Noon – 1:00 pm Central, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Presenter: Karen Ruona and Erik Halling, Registrar’s Office

This session describes the types of information updated by departmental representatives in the next catalog and how to use the CourseLeaf application, including Deans, Department Chairs, Program Directors, Academic Administrative Assistants or others supporting this work. The 2022-2023 catalog opens for changes March 7, and all updates must be completed by June 6, 2022.

Best Practices for Rubric Design

Wednesday February 16, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern

Presenter: Susan Gallanis

This session is for faculty. During this session, we will explore the four main features of a rubric, look at two basic rubric types, and discuss how to approach rubric development. This session will not cover how to build an electronic rubric in Blackboard. Rather, the goal is to share best practices for developing a quality rubric used for grading student work.

Practices and Processes: Difficult Conversations and Faculty Challenges

Friday February 25, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Presenter: Leah Dvorak

Audience: Department Chairs and Program Directors

All organizations have some people who are difficult to work with, are poor performers, or who cause dissention and discord. If these behaviors are not addressed, there are often negative repercussions for the entire team. This session provides department chairs and program directors with specific strategies for managing challenging faculty.

Concordia Faculty Seminar: Amber Gray and Tom Scholz – Recent Doctorates

Wednesday March 2, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Please plan to join us on Zoom to learn about the research conducted by two colleagues who recently completed their doctoral degrees: Amber Gray and Tom Scholz.

• Amber Gray, MBA program director and faculty member in the School of Business at the CUAA campus, has recently defended her dissertation, “Accounting Students and Practicing Auditors: Differences in Emotional Intelligence.” She received her Ed.D. – Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement from Concordia University Wisconsin-Ann Arbor in December.
• Tom Scholz, faculty member in the School of Business at the Mequon Campus, completed his PhD in International Development at the University of Southern Mississippi with a dissertation entitled “Improving the Measurement of Economic Freedom” in December.

Concordia Faculty Seminars are informal interactive presentations and conversations on faculty and staff projects including grants, research, and service designed to promote scholarship, spark new ideas, provide opportunities for meaningful discussion, and increase collaboration. Faculty, staff and students are welcome at attend.

Stewardship and Citizenship: Service and Global Citizenship (GLO #2)

With Charles Schulz (Theology, Ann Arbor) and Jeff Walz (Political Science, Mequon)
Tuesday March 8, 3:00 – 4:00 pm Central/4:00 – 5:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Listen to faculty colleagues share their classroom strategies for teaching stewardship and citizenship as part of the curriculum that addresses Global Learning Outcome #2 Service and Global Citizenship “Our graduates are globally-minded citizens.” Also learn about the framework for assessing GLO #2 through the following types of student work.

• Service: Demonstrate Christ-like care, help, respect when providing service, or knowledge of how to serve others.
• Engagement with Diverse People: Recognize the diversity of God’s creation through cultural understanding of others and knowledge of self. (includes ULAO 2b)
• Stewardship: Recognize the free and joyous activity of managing life’s resources for God’s purposes. (includes ULAO 2c)
• Citizenship: Use political and non-political processes to promote quality of life in the community. (includes ULAO 2a/2d)

How Faculty Can Impact Student Success Using Blackboard Reports

Thursday March 10, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom
Presenter: Susan Gallanis

One way faculty can help students succeed is by learning how frequently students interact with their Blackboard course content. In this session faculty will learn how to access this information from their Blackboard course. We will also take a closer look at Blackboard rubric and test question data with a Blackboard tool called EAC and how it can be used to improve student learning.

Part I CUAA Peer Classroom Observations [CUAA only]

Wednesday March 23, 3:30 – 4:30 pm Eastern in the Manor Ballroom
Facilitator: Erin Laverick

In this session, faculty will learn how to observe a peer’s teaching, using the CUWAA observation form. They will also find a partner and plan for days/times to collaborate on the peer observation process.

Faculty Roundtable: Work-Life Integration

Tuesday March 29, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom

Does it seem like your personal life gets in the way of your job life? Are you rushing from thing to thing without a moment to take a breath? Join faculty Beth DeJongh (Pharmacy) Beth Buckley (Pharmacy) and Natalie Ross (Nursing) for this conversation about strategies for making our work-life integration as faculty more manageable. Prior to this session, you will be asked to rate the influence of your own challenges in faculty work-life integration.

Practices and Processes: Hiring Adjunct Faculty

Thursday March 31, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern via Zoom
Presenters: Eric Schulz (HR), Laurie Doty (Provost Office), Sandy Hannemann (HR), Erin Laverick (VPAA – Ann Arbor)

Audience: Deans, Department Chairs/Program Directors, Academic Administrative Assistants
Join your colleagues to learn about the hiring process for Adjunct Faculty in three phases: 1) Job Posting & Applications; 2) Screening, Interviewing & Selection; and 3) Candidate Approval, Hiring and Onboarding. This session includes updated work flow and instructions document, how to find the paperwork, roles played by Deans, Department Chairs/Program Directors or Designee, Academic Administrative Assistants, and HR.

Faculty Roundtable: Teaching + Studying = Learning: Tips to Help Our Students Learn Inside and Outside the Classroom

Thursday April 7, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm via Zoom
Presenters: Kate Robertson and Nicole Muth

Finals are approaching! This session will share best practices for classroom instruction, as well as effective study strategies for faculty to recommend to students, that can lead to optimum student learning and performance.

Part II CUAA Peer Classroom Observations [CUAA Only]

Wednesday April 20, 3:30 – 4:30 pm Eastern in the Manor Ballroom
Facilitator: Erin Laverick

Prior this meeting, faculty will complete the peer observation so they can come together and discuss what they learned/gained from the peer observation process. They will also reflect on how they will apply what they learned in their future teaching.

Organic Chemistry, Indiana Jones and Ragdolls with 2021 – 2022 Faculty Laureate Scott Van Ornum

Thursday April 21, Noon – 1:00 pm Central/1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern

Scott Van Ornum will share strategies for teaching his organic chemistry course that have been developed over the past ten years at CUW. He will address faith and learning concepts and how his hobby of Indiana Jones plays a role in his curriculum in keeping students engaged.