Sparkshops
Sparkshops “spark” new ideas for instructors. Each session, with different topics every semester, lasts about 45 minutes.
Saying No with Grace and Strategy: Protecting Your Time While Being Collegial
4:30 PM | Virtual Event | Christy Glass
Faculty are often asked to take on service opportunities, but knowing when to say yes or no can be challenging. This Sparkshop will explore strategies for evaluating opportunities based on your priorities, workload, and professional goals while setting healthy boundaries and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues.
Fostering Student Well-Being: Strategies for Mental Health Support
4:30 PM | Virtual Event | Marlene Graf & Alyssa Reidhead
Mental health conditions among students in higher education – including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges – are on the rise. Today’s student population also includes neurodiverse individuals who report higher levels of loneliness, stress, and mental health concerns compared to their peers. This session will provide practical strategies and resources for proactively creating a learning environment that supports student learning and well-being – particularly among students who are experiencing (or at risk for) mental health challenges. Attendees will explore appropriate ways to adapt teaching methods to foster inclusion, encourage resilience, and support academic success.