Upcoming Events

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October 2025

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02
Oct

More than Passion: Crafting an Evidence-Based Teaching Statement

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

In this hour-long session, discover how to transform a teaching philosophy into a concise, impactful statement that resonates with committees, colleagues, and students. Learn practical techniques for reflecting on your pedagogical values and using powerful language to craft an evidence-based statement of teaching. Walk away with a strong framework for and fresh confidence in articulating what makes your teaching effective.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm | Online/Virtual |
02
Oct

More than Passion: Crafting an Evidence-Based Teaching Statement

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

In this hour-long session, discover how to transform a teaching philosophy into a concise, impactful statement that resonates with committees, colleagues, and students. Learn practical techniques for reflecting on your pedagogical values and using powerful language to craft an evidence-based statement of teaching. Walk away with a strong framework for and fresh confidence in articulating what makes your teaching effective.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Online/Virtual |
06
Oct

Developing a Sustainable Scholarly Writing Practice

Workshop/Training | Sparkshops

This 45-minute Sparkshop offers practical tips for developing a consistent and sustainable scholarly writing practice. Participants will learn how to establish a writing routine, set achievable goals, and stay motivated throughout the academic year. We’ll also explore strategies for breaking large projects into manageable tasks. Whether you're working on your first publication or juggling multiple projects, this session will provide tools to help make writing a regular and rewarding part of your academic career.

8:30 am - 9:15 am | Online/Virtual |
06
Oct

Mentoring Students with Intention

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

In this hour-long workshop, student mentors will learn about the importance of ground rules in mentoring students – establishing rapport, confidentiality, and professional boundaries. Furthermore, participants will explore how to successfully engage in student mentorship through the lens of the GROW model, a structured approach that guides mentees from goal setting to actionable outcomes. The GROW framework highlights four key stages: identifying the mentee’s Goal, evaluating the current Reality of each goal, generating possible Options (and acknowledging Obstacles), and establishing the Will or Way forward. The session will review evidence-based practices rooted in the literature and incorporated into mentorship programs from around the country. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will gain practical insights into applying the GROW model and forging professional relationships with student mentees both inside and outside the classroom.

8:30 am - 9:30 am | Online/Virtual |
06
Oct

Rubrics and Equity-based Grading

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This hour-long workshop will introduce participants to the principles of equity-based grading and the use of rubrics to promote fair and transparent assessment at the college and university level. Educators will explore how to design rubrics that align with learning goals while reducing bias and promoting student success across diverse backgrounds. Through hands-on activities and discussions, participants will gain practical tools for implementing grading practices that recognize student effort, growth, and diverse ways of demonstrating knowledge.

10:00 am - 11:00 am | Online/Virtual |
06
Oct

Rubrics and Equity-based Grading

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This hour-long workshop will introduce participants to the principles of equity-based grading and the use of rubrics to promote fair and transparent assessment at the college and university level. Educators will explore how to design rubrics that align with learning goals while reducing bias and promoting student success across diverse backgrounds. Through hands-on activities and discussions, participants will gain practical tools for implementing grading practices that recognize student effort, growth, and diverse ways of demonstrating knowledge.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Online/Virtual |
08
Oct

AI in Higher Education

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

In this hour-long workshop, participants will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education. The session will cover the potential of AI tools to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment, as well as the ethical considerations that come with their use. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will gain practical insights into leveraging AI to personalize learning, improve student engagement, and streamline instructional practices while critically assessing its implications for academic integrity and equity.

10:00 am - 11:00 am | Online/Virtual |
08
Oct

AI in Higher Education

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

In this hour-long workshop, participants will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education. The session will cover the potential of AI tools to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment, as well as the ethical considerations that come with their use. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will gain practical insights into leveraging AI to personalize learning, improve student engagement, and streamline instructional practices while critically assessing its implications for academic integrity and equity.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Online/Virtual |
13
Oct

Discovering Your Teaching Philosophy

Workshop/Training | Sparkshops

In this interactive Sparkshop, participants will explore the foundational assumptions that shape their teaching practices. Using a set of cards that pair everyday teaching keywords with key concepts from traditional educational philosophies, instructors will uncover how their values align with long-standing pedagogical traditions. This reflective activity helps participants better understand the “why” behind their instructional decisions. The session also encourages the development of a more intentional, theoretically-informed teaching philosophy.

4:30 pm - 5:15 pm | Online/Virtual |
14
Oct

Contrapower Harassment in Higher Education

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This hour-long workshop will explore the concept of contrapower harassment, where individuals with less institutional power (such as students) harass those with more authority (such as faculty or staff). Participants will learn about the dynamics of contrapower harassment, its impact on college and university environments, and strategies for responding to and preventing these behaviors.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm | Online/Virtual |
14
Oct

Contrapower Harassment in Higher Education

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This hour-long workshop will explore the concept of contrapower harassment, where individuals with less institutional power (such as students) harass those with more authority (such as faculty or staff). Participants will learn about the dynamics of contrapower harassment, its impact on college and university environments, and strategies for responding to and preventing these behaviors.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Online/Virtual |
16
Oct

Universal Design for Learning

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This hour-long interactive workshop introduces Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a framework for creating more inclusive and flexible learning environments at the college and university level. Participants will explore how to design courses that accommodate diverse learning needs by providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression. Through practical examples and discussions, attendees will leave with strategies to make their teaching more accessible, supportive, and effective for all students.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm | Online/Virtual |
16
Oct

Universal Design for Learning

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This hour-long interactive workshop introduces Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a framework for creating more inclusive and flexible learning environments at the college and university level. Participants will explore how to design courses that accommodate diverse learning needs by providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression. Through practical examples and discussions, attendees will leave with strategies to make their teaching more accessible, supportive, and effective for all students.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Online/Virtual |
17
Oct

Inclusive Online Teaching

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

In this hour-long workshop, participants will explore strategies for creating inclusive and engaging online learning environments at the college and university level. The session will focus on practical approaches to designing accessible course materials, fostering an inclusive online community, and promoting equitable student participation. Through interactive discussions and case studies, educators will learn how to address diverse learning needs in virtual spaces, ensuring that all students feel supported and empowered to succeed in online courses.

10:00 am - 11:00 am | Online/Virtual |
17
Oct

Inclusive Online Teaching

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

In this hour-long workshop, participants will explore strategies for creating inclusive and engaging online learning environments at the college and university level. The session will focus on practical approaches to designing accessible course materials, fostering an inclusive online community, and promoting equitable student participation. Through interactive discussions and case studies, educators will learn how to address diverse learning needs in virtual spaces, ensuring that all students feel supported and empowered to succeed in online courses.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Online/Virtual |
20
Oct

On the Record: Media and Messaging for Faculty

Workshop/Training | Sparkshops

While recent state and federal laws make it essential for faculty to use their free speech right and academic freedom thoughtfully, it has never been more critical to tell USU’s story on the transformational impacts of teaching, research, and outreach. We hope to empower faculty in responding to media requests and sharing their research on social media. This session will cover guidance on how to represent your university role, best practices for working with the media, and an open Q&A.

8:30 am - 9:15 am | Online/Virtual |
20
Oct

What Is Excellent Teaching?

Workshop/Training | Sparkshops

What makes teaching "excellent"? In this Sparkshop, we explore how students and educational researchers define and recognize great teaching across disciplines. Participants will engage with research-based characteristics of effective instruction, including pedagogical content knowledge, enthusiasm, inclusivity, and meaningful feedback. We’ll also reflect on how these qualities show up in our own teaching practices and how we might cultivate them further.

4:30 pm - 5:15 pm | Online/Virtual |
22
Oct

Active Learning Strategies for In-Person Courses

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This workshop introduces practical, research-informed techniques to increase student engagement, motivation, and retention during face-to-face class sessions. This workshop explores a range of strategies—from think-pair-share and collaborative problem-solving to structured debates and real-time polling—that can be adapted across disciplines. Participants will reflect on their current teaching practices, identify opportunities for active learning, and leave with ready-to-implement ideas. Whether teaching large lectures or small seminars, instructors will gain tools to foster deeper learning and participation.

10:00 am - 11:00 am | Online/Virtual |
22
Oct

Active Learning Strategies for In-Person Courses

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This workshop introduces practical, research-informed techniques to increase student engagement, motivation, and retention during face-to-face class sessions. This workshop explores a range of strategies—from think-pair-share and collaborative problem-solving to structured debates and real-time polling—that can be adapted across disciplines. Participants will reflect on their current teaching practices, identify opportunities for active learning, and leave with ready-to-implement ideas. Whether teaching large lectures or small seminars, instructors will gain tools to foster deeper learning and participation.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Online/Virtual |
23
Oct

Getting Started with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

Curious about how to turn your classroom into a site for scholarly inquiry? This one-hour introductory workshop will help faculty explore the fundamentals of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), including how to frame meaningful research questions about student learning, identify relevant methods, and begin designing a SoTL project based on their own teaching. Participants will leave with practical resources, sample studies, and guidance for taking their first steps into SoTL.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Online/Virtual |
24
Oct

Inclusive Teaching

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This hour-long workshop focuses on fostering inclusive teaching strategies in face-to-face classroom settings. Participants will explore practical methods for creating an equitable classroom environment that respects and supports students and their learning preferences. Through discussions and activities, attendees will learn to design syllabi, facilitate discussions, and implement assessments that promote belonging and participation for all students.

10:00 am - 11:00 am | Online/Virtual |
24
Oct

Mentoring Students with Intention

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

In this hour-long workshop, student mentors will learn about the importance of ground rules in mentoring students – establishing rapport, confidentiality, and professional boundaries. Furthermore, participants will explore how to successfully engage in student mentorship through the lens of the GROW model, a structured approach that guides mentees from goal setting to actionable outcomes. The GROW framework highlights four key stages: identifying the mentee’s Goal, evaluating the current Reality of each goal, generating possible Options (and acknowledging Obstacles), and establishing the Will or Way forward. The session will review evidence-based practices rooted in the literature and incorporated into mentorship programs from around the country. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will gain practical insights into applying the GROW model and forging professional relationships with student mentees both inside and outside the classroom.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Online/Virtual |
24
Oct

Inclusive Teaching

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This hour-long workshop focuses on fostering inclusive teaching strategies in face-to-face classroom settings. Participants will explore practical methods for creating an equitable classroom environment that respects and supports students and their learning preferences. Through discussions and activities, attendees will learn to design syllabi, facilitate discussions, and implement assessments that promote belonging and participation for all students.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Online/Virtual |
27
Oct

Teaching Controversial Issues in the College Classroom

Workshop/Training | Sparkshops

This Sparkshop equips instructors with strategies for effectively and respectfully teaching controversial issues in the college classroom. Participants will explore techniques for fostering open dialogue, establishing ground rules for discussion, and creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel heard. The session will also address how to navigate student resistance, manage emotional responses, and connect difficult conversations to course content. Instructors will leave this Sparkshop with practical tips and tools to encourage critical thinking and maintain classroom trust and academic rigor while teaching controversial issues in the college classroom.

4:30 pm - 5:15 pm | Online/Virtual |
28
Oct

Inclusive Online Teaching

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

In this hour-long workshop, participants will explore strategies for creating inclusive and engaging online learning environments at the college and university level. The session will focus on practical approaches to designing accessible course materials, fostering an inclusive online community, and promoting equitable student participation. Through interactive discussions and case studies, educators will learn how to address diverse learning needs in virtual spaces, ensuring that all students feel supported and empowered to succeed in online courses.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm | Online/Virtual |
28
Oct

Inclusive Online Teaching

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

In this hour-long workshop, participants will explore strategies for creating inclusive and engaging online learning environments at the college and university level. The session will focus on practical approaches to designing accessible course materials, fostering an inclusive online community, and promoting equitable student participation. Through interactive discussions and case studies, educators will learn how to address diverse learning needs in virtual spaces, ensuring that all students feel supported and empowered to succeed in online courses.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Online/Virtual |
30
Oct

Active Learning Strategies for Online Courses

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This workshop equips instructors with effective methods to foster student engagement and interaction in online learning environments without real-time meetings. The workshop highlights approaches such as discussion board redesign, multimedia annotations, interactive case studies, and scaffolded peer feedback to promote critical thinking and collaboration. Participants will explore how to create meaningful learning experiences that encourage active participation, even across time zones and schedules. By the end of the session, faculty will have additional strategies to make their asynchronous courses more dynamic, inclusive, and learner-centered.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm | Online/Virtual |
30
Oct

Active Learning Strategies for Online Courses

Workshop/Training | EmpowerED Series

This workshop equips instructors with effective methods to foster student engagement and interaction in online learning environments without real-time meetings. The workshop highlights approaches such as discussion board redesign, multimedia annotations, interactive case studies, and scaffolded peer feedback to promote critical thinking and collaboration. Participants will explore how to create meaningful learning experiences that encourage active participation, even across time zones and schedules. By the end of the session, faculty will have additional strategies to make their asynchronous courses more dynamic, inclusive, and learner-centered.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Online/Virtual |