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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260204T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260204T110000
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LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T205422Z
UID:10644-1770199200-1770202800@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Fundamentals of Effective Teaching
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitator: Crystal Anderson\nDo you want to be an effective teacher? Do you want to know how to measure your teaching effectiveness? In this workshop\, you will learn about elements of effective teaching\, including engagement\, multiple modalities\, inclusive teaching and assignment design. You will also learn how to set achievable teaching goals and measure them. This workshop is required for the Level 1 Teaching Essentials Credential for the Continuing Professional Development Program. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-fundamentals-of-effective-teaching-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Crystal Anderson":MAILTO:cander8@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260204T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260204T120000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20260110T201646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260110T201646Z
UID:10923-1770202800-1770206400@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:WAC Primer: Teaching Writing across the Curriculum
DESCRIPTION:Wednesdays\, Feb 4 – 25 | Register Here | Facilitator: Thomas Polk\nAre you new to teaching a Writing Intensive course or looking for fresh ways to engage students through writing? WAC Primer is an engaging four session series designed to help faculty build practical\, research informed strategies for teaching with writing and designing assignments that advance meaningful student learning. Participants will explore effective assignment design\, feedback and assessment practices\, and active learning strategies for teaching writing in any discipline. WAC Primer offers a supportive\, collaborative space to discover new approaches\, reflect on your course design\, and connect with colleagues across campus who share a commitment to student learning. \nDates of Sessions:\nFebruary 4\, 2026 11am-12pm\nFebruary 11\, 2026 11am-12pm\nFebruary 18\, 2026 11am-12pm\nFebruary 25\, 2026 11am-12pm \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/wac-primer-teaching-writing-across-the-curriculum/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260206T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260206T110000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20260112T172422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T172422Z
UID:10926-1770372000-1770375600@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Fundamentals of Student Engagement for Graduate Instructors
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitators: Crystal Anderson and Stephanie Bluth\nDo you wonder about the students you will encounter in a college classroom and how best to engage with them as a graduate instructor or teaching assistant? In this workshop\, graduate instructors will learn about the characteristics of today’s students. You will also learn about the different types of student engagement and how to address common issues that may arise in class. You will also apply your newly acquired knowledge to a case study on how to engage an unmotivated student. Open to all graduate students\, this workshop is required for the SkillCraft Level 1 Essentials Credential. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-fundamentals-of-student-engagement-for-graduate-instructors/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Crystal Anderson":MAILTO:cander8@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T140000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20251124T204009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T204028Z
UID:10658-1770901200-1770904800@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Supporting First Generation College Students
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nDid you know that 20-30% of Mason students are considered first generation college students?  These students come from a variety of backgrounds\, identities\, and experiences.  Supporting first generation college students in the classroom is a way to create more inclusive learning spaces and broaden participation – and retention – in higher education.  Integrating these strategies is also an impactful way to support all students\, even if they are not the specific audience of being the first generation to college.  In this workshop\, we will define what it means to be “first gen\,” discuss some common obstacles to success in higher education\, explore approaches that can be used in the classroom and overall course design\, and identify one or more applicable strategies that we might apply in our own teaching. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-supporting-first-generation-college-students-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T103000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20251124T204648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T204648Z
UID:10659-1770975000-1770978600@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: How to Handle Difficult Classroom Discussions and Situations in the Moment
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nAre you prepared to handle difficult discussions and charged situations in the classroom in the moment? Do you usually think of things later that you wish you would have said or done?  In this workshop\, we will prepare and practice how to handle important and potentially tense classroom conversations in the moment.  Our focus will be on how to support everyone in the classroom – including yourself – during tense times.  We will discuss and practice several teaching approaches.  This workshop is applicable to instructors across all disciplines for facilitating important conversations\, whether or not their designed course topics include socially pressing issues (like race\, gender\, religion\, politics).  Please note\, this is the second in a two-part workshop series on important conversations.  However\, participants are welcome and encouraged to attend this session even if they were not able to attend part one.  \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-how-to-handle-difficult-classroom-discussions-and-situations-in-the-moment-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260213T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260213T130000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20260115T192149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T192149Z
UID:10956-1770984000-1770987600@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: To AI or not to AI?: Key Considerations for Your Classroom
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitator: Laina Lockett\n\nIn this session\, we will review the Stearns Center’s AI Quick Start Guide. Topics include discussing the most common questions asked by GMU faculty about AI\, reviewing recommended resources including the GMU Guidelines for Faculty and Students\, demonstrate some of the tools that are available to use\, and consider ethical considerations for tool usage as instructors. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-to-ai-or-not-to-ai-key-considerations-for-your-classroom/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Laina Lockett":MAILTO:llocket@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260219T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260219T120000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20260110T202018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T193032Z
UID:10924-1771498800-1771502400@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Providing effective and sustainable feedback
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitator: Thomas Polk\n\nWant to develop a more sustainable and effective plan for providing feedback? This workshop focuses on key practices for increasing the impact and efficiency of the feedback you offer. We will explore the characteristics of effective feedback and strategies for implementing them.\n\n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-providing-effective-and-sustainable-feedback/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260220T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260220T110000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20260115T204254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T204254Z
UID:10962-1771581600-1771585200@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Solving the Puzzle: Engaging Non-Majors in Mason Core Courses
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitator: Laura Poms\n\nHow could teaching a Mason Core course possibly be any different from teaching a major course? There are an array of reasons\, resulting in some interesting instructional challenges. By definition\, the majority of students in Mason Core courses are non-majors. What does this mean for student engagement\, course content coverage\, scaffolding\, assignment design and even student support? This workshop focuses on the differences between teaching a major course and one with the broader learning outcomes associated with a Mason Core course. Whether this is your first time teaching a Mason Core course or you are a seasoned veteran\, this workshop will help you develop new strategies for increasing student engagement and success while better managing the additional workload that often comes with teaching a general education course. By completing this workshop in addition to other faculty development programming from the Stearns Center\, you can earn the Level 1: Certified Mason Core Instructor Certification. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-solving-the-puzzle-engaging-non-majors-in-mason-core-courses-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Laura Poms":MAILTO:lpoms@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260220T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260220T130000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20260129T163851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T163919Z
UID:11003-1771588800-1771592400@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Communicating with Students About Ethical AI Use
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Breana Bayraktar\nThis hands-on session will guide you in creating course policies that promote an ethical AI culture. Through engaging discussions\, case studies\, and individual work\, you will develop a coherent AI policy tailored to your courses and gain practical strategies for guiding your students in responsible AI use. \nAudience: all instructors/graduate students. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-communicating-with-students-about-ethical-ai-use/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Breana Bayraktar":MAILTO:bbayrakt@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260225T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260225T140000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20260203T203655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T203655Z
UID:11029-1772024400-1772028000@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Designing effective peer review
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitator: Joan Hwang\n\nWant to facilitate better peer review activities? This workshop introduces participants to designing effective\, outcome-aligned peer review activities that support students learning and disciplinary writing goals. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can readily adapt to their own courses. \n* Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-designing-effective-peer-review/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T140000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20251120T221921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T203314Z
UID:10646-1772110800-1772114400@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Feel Better\, Teach Better: Strategies for Supporting Faculty Mental Health
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\n*This event was rescheduled from its original date (Feb. 5). \nTeaching is difficult and often an isolating experience.  There are many mental health issues in academia\, particularly related to the situation and the work.  Yet\, only student mental health is well studied and discussed.  In this workshop\, we explore faculty mental health\, strategies for improving the environment\, and address barriers to addressing concerns.  Please note that this is not a self-help or “yoga your way out of stress” workshop and does have discussions of mental health issues and self-harm.  While university resources are shared\, this is an academic and professional development workshop\, not medical or mental health advice.  Join us to create community and talk about one of the most prevalent\, but under-discussed\, issues in academia! \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-feel-better-teach-better-strategies-for-supporting-faculty-mental-health-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T153000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20251201T212617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T212617Z
UID:10666-1772116200-1772119800@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Surviving to Thriving: Incorporating Trauma-Informed Instructional Practices
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nWhether individual or collective\, trauma can have a significant impact on lives and how students (and instructors) show up and are able to engage in the classroom.  In this workshop\, we will explore the concept of trauma and how it applies to the classroom\, recognize a few common trauma responses\, investigate several educational best practices\, expand our thinking with resilient pedagogy\, and begin to apply these concepts to our own teaching.  Together we will move beyond minimum legal requirements or accommodations to design and implement evidence-based instructional strategies in university education. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-surviving-to-thriving-incorporating-trauma-informed-instructional-practices-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T103000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20251201T213355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T195244Z
UID:10667-1772184600-1772188200@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: AI Tools and...Inclusive Teaching?
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nFormerly called “ChatGPT\, AI Text Generator Tools\, and…Inclusive Teaching?” \nAccess to artificial intelligence (AI) text generators has upended education – and many other sectors – as much or more than past technology advancements and innovations. Join us in this workshop as we discuss how we continue teaching with impact and to support all students in this new reality. We explore instructional approaches\, considerations\, and methods to help us teach with less stress and more strategy. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-chatgpt-ai-text-generator-tools-and-inclusive-teaching-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260227T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260227T120000
DTSTAMP:20260508T205417
CREATED:20260206T141855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T141855Z
UID:11036-1772190000-1772193600@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Teaching Reading in Mason Core: Strategies to Increase Engagement
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitator: Tricia Wilson\n\nStruggling to engage students in your Mason Core course reading assignments? In this interactive workshop\, we’ll explore practical\, research-informed strategies to help students re-engage with reading in meaningful ways. We will discuss common challenges students face around reading and how to build supportive\, scaffolded reading practices that address students’ discomfort with challenging texts\, demystify unfamiliar formats and jargon\, and encourage active reading as a shared classroom experience. No matter your discipline\, you’ll walk away with adaptable approaches for strengthening students’ persistence and skill with academic reading\, both in Mason Core courses and beyond. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-teaching-reading-in-mason-core-strategies-to-increase-engagement/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
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