Center for Learning Excellence Fall 2024 Calendar

Events will be held in the CLE, Phillips (Building 3), room 3-125 or via Microsoft Teams. Select the title to access the Teams link. Each workshop refers to the associated goal in the College's Strategic Plan.

Presentation evaluations are also available during and after the sessions. We strongly encourage your feedback.

September

Durham Tech Professional Learning Presentations

Friday, September 6, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Teams 
ODL Welcome and Updates
Presented by: Dr. Cathy James-Springer, Director, Organizational Development and Learning

As we begin the new academic year we continue to work on new ideas and programming that we can bring to the Durham Tech community. This semester is no different. This year, we aim to diversify our programs and try to touch various areas of the college. This presentation will discuss and share some of the initiatives that we plan to roll out for the coming year. 
 

Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Hybrid CLE Room 3-125/ Teams
Leaders Series
Moderated by: Dr. Cathy James-Springer, Director, Organizational Development and Learning. 
Our Vice President: Roxanne Miller, Vice President for Advancement  

In this podcast-style presentation, we will be getting to know our VP for Advancement Roxanne Miller, and the work that she does.  
 

PELI Leaders Series

As part of the President’s Emerging Leaders Institute (PELI) graduates were required to conduct a capstone project. Over the next few months, our PELI graduates will present their findings. You are invited to join them in the CLE or on Teams. 

Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Hybrid: Phillips (Building 3) Room 3-125/ Teams
Engaging Adult Learners with Support Services at Durham Technical Community College
Presented by: Ulric Hill, Telicia Hunter, Dr. Jen Servi-Roberts, and Shaundria Williams 

This research project’s goal was to examine best practices in engaging adult learners with support services as well as analyze the current successes and challenges at Durham Tech to recommend a course of action to best improve adult learners’ engagement with the support services available to them. 
 

Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Location: Teams
Advising Students Interested in Nursing to Success
Presented by: Lori Heiger, Academic Advising/Instructor, College Success Advising Services

This presentation will focus on how to successfully advise a student when the student states that they want to go into nursing including the various options available in nursing for a student attending Durham Tech, the admissions process for the Durham Tech nursing programs, and the resources that Durham Tech has to offer for students who have difficulties along the way to getting into a nursing program and beyond.

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Participants will be able to help advisors understand the multiple options available to students who are interested in nursing.
2. Participants will be able to help advisors set realistic goals for pre-nursing students while encouraging them toward success. 
    

Central Hub Professional Learning Presentation

More scheduled events coming soon!

October

Durham Tech Professional Learning Presentations

Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Phillips Building CLE Room 3-125 / Teams
Leaders Series
Moderated by: Dr. Cathy James-Springer, Director, Organizational Development and Learning

Join us as we have a conversation with Our Vice President, Chief Campus Operations Officer, Dr. Susan Bowen. In this podcast style presentation, we will be getting to know Dr. Susan Bowen. 
 

Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Teams
How to Have Compassionate Conversations about LGBTQ+ Matters
Presented by: Karin Abell, ESL Director, Center for the Global Learner

Do you worry about saying the wrong thing when talking about issues that impact the LGBTQ community? Do you want to know more about the issues in general? Durham Tech’s LGBTQ+ Advocacy Committee is here to help.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Participants will understand why and how to speak up on LGBTQ+ issues.
2. Participants will have developed strategies for greater inclusiveness and support for our diverse student populations.
    

Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. 
Location: Teams
Gone Phishing: Protecting Yourself from Phishing Scams
Presented by: Derrick Richmond, M365 Systems Administrator; Dr. Susan G. Bowen Vice President, Chief Campus Operations Officer

Learn how to spot, avoid, and respond to phishing scams in this interactive session. We'll cover the different types of phishing attacks, common red flags, and practical tips to protect your personal and professional information. Stay ahead of online threats and gain the tools to safeguard yourself against phishing attempts.
 

Thursday, October 10, 2024 – This presentation will be offered twice. You may choose the one which is most convenient for you.

• 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Location: Teams 
• 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Location: Teams

Travel: Know Before You Go
Presented by: Kenisha Wright, Procurement Specialist

Whether you are traveling locally or far, this Behind the Numbers session will provide you with the pertinent information from processing your initial travel request to submitting your documents for reimbursement. Travelers will be equipped with all they need to know before they go!
 

Thursday, October 17, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 
Location: Teams
Quick Tips for Staying Safe Online: Lightning Round
Presented by: Dr. Susan G. Bowen Vice President, Chief Campus Operations Officer

Join this fast-paced session, where you'll give and get quick, actionable tips for staying safe online. We'll cover essential topics like creating strong passwords, protecting your privacy, and securing your devices—all in just 30 minutes. Perfect for anyone looking to boost their cybersecurity knowledge in a short time!
 

Thursday, October 23, 2024 – This presentation will be offered twice. You may choose the one which is most convenient for you.

• 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Location: Teams
• 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Location: Teams  

PCards - What’s In Your Wallet
Presented by: Tracy P. Dunn, AVP Finance, and Carolyn Henderson, PCard Administrator

So, you need to procure some goods or pay an invoice, but you need to ensure that you adhere to the purchasing guidelines. Join this Behind the Numbers session to learn the essentials behind using your PCard and when you should and should not be swiping or tapping!
 

PELI Leaders Series

As part of the President’s Emerging Leaders Institute (PELI) graduates were required to conduct a capstone project. Over the next few months, our PELI graduates will present their findings. You are invited to join them in the CLE or on Teams. 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Hybrid Phillips Building CLE Rm 3-125 / Teams
Strengthening Community Partnerships: Streamlining MOU practices at Durham Technical Community College
Presented by: 
Dr. Oluwunmi Ariyo, Director, College Recruitment and High School Partnerships;
Dr. Al Leaston, Assistant Dean, Business and Entrepreneurship & Information Technologies;
Stésha Little, Director, Gateway to College AHS/HSE;
Marisa Sullivan, Director, Instructional Technologies

Community colleges play a pivotal role in serving local communities through partnerships with organizations and schools, fulfilling educational and labor market needs. Strengthening these partnerships is crucial for the effective functioning of community colleges. This research focuses on Durham Technical Community College (Durham Tech), examining its community partnerships and the processes related to Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). This project explores support and processes for MOU development to address this knowledge gap. Recommendations will be provided to senior leadership at Durham Tech based on the collected data, aiming to streamline MOU practices and enhance community partnerships.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Participants will be able to discuss the processes and practices used for developing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) at Durham Tech.
2. Participants will be able to explore specific challenges or knowledge gaps exist among staff members regarding the creation, submission, and approval of MOUs with community partners.
3. Participants will be able to discuss insights gained from the capstone.
    

Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Teams
Cybersecurity Town Hall: Your Questions, Expert Answers 
Panelists:
O’Dell Hill, Network Administrator;
Brennan Rufa, Information Security Officer, NCCCS;
Lisa Helton, Information Security Officer, NCCCS;
Alan Bowen, CISSP Adjunct Durham Tech IT/Cybersecurity Program

This interactive Cybersecurity Town Hall puts your questions front and center. Participants will have the opportunity to ask cybersecurity experts about staying safe online, protecting personal information, and managing digital threats. Get practical, expert advice on the latest security challenges, and leave with actionable tips to enhance your digital safety.
 

Thursday, October 31, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Location: Hybrid Phillips Building CLE Room 3-125 / Teams 
Balancing your Course: Considering engagement and time
Presented by: Dr. Cathy James-Springer, Director, Organizational Development and Learning.

This presentation will discuss the importance of course balance. Have you ever thought about the number of assignments and activities vs time when you are putting your course together? As we move from 16- to 8-week courses thinking about this becomes even more important. Did you know that scientific estimates exist to help design courses considering the number of hours students should be engaged, both in and out of class, aligned with the time allocated for the course?

The point of this is not to overburden or overwhelm students. Join this session as we discuss balancing your course. 

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Discuss the number of hours related to engagement. 
2. Discuss time allocation in courses related to assigned tasks. 
3. Think about the relationship between achieving learning outcomes, engagement and activities.
4. Examine the difference between in-person and online allocations.
5. Explore strategies for balancing your course.
    

Central Hub Professional Learning Presentations

Thursday, October 31, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Register Here
Insight to Impact Series: From Critique to Change - Transforming Course Evaluation Data into Student Success

This event is the second installment from the North Carolina Central Teaching and Learning Hub's series Insight to Impact. Course evaluations provide instructors with an abundance of data to explore. Join Dr. Joseph Levy, consultant and Associate Vice Provost of Accreditation and Quality Improvement at Excelsior University, for this webinar that explores how instructors can use course evaluations to make data-informed decisions. Participants will learn how to identify key data points from course evaluations, interpret course evaluation data, and develop an action plan that addresses common concerns. A supplemental help guide will be provided after the webinar to assist instructors in implementing what they have learned.

November

Durham Tech Professional Learning Presentations

Friday, November 1, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  AND
Thursday, November 7, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Phillips Building CLE Room 3-125
Staying Safe on Campus - Tips and Techniques
Presented by: Jamaal Walker, Chief / Director Police and Public Safety, Khalil Nasir, Safety Compliance Officer, Campus Operations

Join us for this workshop on campus safety. We'll share vital tips for staying safe at night, entering your car securely, and defending yourself if grabbed. This practical, hands-on session will demonstrate key techniques you can use. Be informed and ready to protect yourself in different situations.
Plan to attend? You will need to wear closed toe shoes.
 

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  
Location: Hybrid Phillips Building CLE Rm 3-125/ Teams
Onboarding New and Returning Students
Presented by: Dr. Holly June, Dean Student Services, Student Services and Enrollment, Donna Alston, Coordinator, Student Records Admissions/Registration/Records, Theresa McLaurin, Assistant Registrar Admissions/Registration/Records

Have you ever wondered how a student goes from being interested in courses to enrolled in courses at Durham Tech? This session is designed to give you a better understanding of the step’s students take to become a Durham Tech Student. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will see the questions asked on the CFNC application and the documents Admissions, Records, and Registration uses to audit students. Describe discussion-based learning in the classroom.
• Participants will gain and understanding of what happens after a student applies to the college.
   

Thursday, November 14, 2024, 
Times: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (Teams), 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Teams)
Behind the Numbers Series
Invoices: Avoiding Vendor Calls
Presented by: Christian Arestegui Barba, Procurement Specialist and Jimmie Anderson, Accounts Payable Specialists
                    
Whether you are paying with your PCard, ACH or check, the Accounts Payable team aims to ensure that all payments are made accurately and on time. Yet, sometimes we hit potholes in the road with missing invoices and the long wait time on approvals. Join this engaging session to learn how we can all work collaboratively to ensure that we do not receive the dreaded vendor calls.
 

Thursday, November 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  
Location: Teams 
Navigating the Future: Upgrading to New Quizzes in Canvas
Presented by: Marisa Sullivan, Director of Instructional Technologies

Get ready for the future of assessments with Canvas New Quizzes. In this session, we'll explore the upcoming transition from Classic Quizzes to New Quizzes in Canvas. You will learn about the transition plan, including key milestones and important dates, and get your questions answered during our interactive Q&A session.

Learning Outcomes:

• Discuss a detailed plan for transitioning from Classic Quizzes to New Quizzes, including key milestones, important dates, and best practices to ensure a smooth and effective shift to the new system.
• Explain the resources and support available to assist them throughout the transition process, including help documentation, training materials, and support contacts.
   

PELI Leaders Series

As part of the President’s Emerging Leaders Institute (PELI) graduates were required to conduct a capstone project. Over the next few months, our PELI graduates will present their findings. You are invited to join them in the CLE or on Teams. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Location: Hybrid Phillips Building CLE Rm 3-125/ Teams
PELI Leadership Series
Employee Engagement within the Campus Community- Communication
Presented by: Dr. Anna Sanders-Bonelli, Chair, Social Sciences/Instructor, Sociology, Dr. Holly M. June, Dean, Student Services and Enrollment, Joseph Derilus, Administrative Sergeant/ Campus Police and Public Safety, and Maryah Smith-Overman, Assistant Dean of Building, Engineering, & Skilled Trades

Working in a higher education institution involves continuous communication, including emails, messaging, and calls. However, receiving many messages does not necessarily mean that faculty and staff are kept informed about important updates and happenings on campus. Too many messages can lead to fatigue, causing people to miss important information. To that end, it is imperative that higher educational leaders provide employees with an opportunity to provide insight on perceived and preferred methods of communication within the organization.

Learning Outcomes:

• Discuss the current avenues used for communication at the college.
• Present findings related to communication at the college.
• Provide recommendations for improvement of communication.
   

Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: TBD
Watch Party: 10th Annual Dallas Herring Lecture
Lecture Title: “Transforming Higher Education: Loving Our Students to Success Through Intentional, Courageous, and Systemic Leadership”
Presented by: Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, Chancellor of Austin Community College District

Join Durham Tech’s Watch Party!  #DHL2024 Watch Party!
 

Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (Teams), 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Teams)
Behind the Numbers Series
Service Contracts: From Initiation to PO Creation
Presented by: Kenisha Wright, Procurement Specialist
 
Want to know all the ins and outs of when, why and how to create a service contract? Then join this Behind the Numbers session to learn the pertinent information related to service contracts.
 

Thursday, November 21, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Hybrid Phillips Building CLE Room 3-125/ Teams
Leaders Series
Moderated by: Dr. Cathy James-Springer, Director, Organizational Development and Learning. 
Join us as we have a conversation with Our Vice President, Chief Student Services, Dr. Abe Dones. In this podcast style presentation, we will be getting to know Dr. Abe Dones.
 

Central Hub Professional Learning Presentations

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Register Here
Insight to Impact Series: Observation Practices That Lead to Growth and Excellence

The third installment of the North Carolina Central Teaching and Learning Hub's series Insight to Impact. Observations offer instructors the opportunity to grow through peer and supervisor feedback. Join Dr. Connie Richards, a consultant with over 30 years of experience in education, for this webinar that explores how instructors can enhance their teaching skills through the data produced from observations. Participants will learn how to apply constructive feedback to future teaching practices, identify themes in the data to promote growth and integrate observation data into course design and lesson planning. A supplemental help guide will be provided after the webinar to assist instructors in implementing what they have learned.
 

November 25, 2024, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Register Here
Insight to Impact: Enhancing Student Success Through Course Performance Analysis

The fourth installment of the North Carolina Central Teaching and Learning Hub's series Insight to Impact. Through comprehensive course performance analysis, instructors gain powerful insights into the effectiveness of their instruction. Join Dr. Will Miller, Associate Vice President for Continuous Improvement and Institutional Performance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, for this webinar that explores how instructors can use an analysis of their student's course performance to make data-informed decisions. Participants will learn how to analyze student course performance, evaluate instructional changes, and develop data-informed instructional strategies. A supplemental help guide will be provided after the webinar to assist instructors in implementing what they have learned.

December

Durham Tech Professional Learning Presentations

More scheduled events coming soon!

Central Hub Professional Learning Presentations

More scheduled events coming soon!

View the Spring 2024 Calendar